Since the first tourists stumbled on Vietnam at the begining of 1990s, Vietnam has changed into a popular destination for budget visitors, especially adventurous travelers who are looking for from the beaten track destinations, enjoy the wild appeal of nature and authentic cultural value or local people. Within the frame informed I would like to provide you with guys some personal experience and information in regards to the cheapest and worth visiting places in Vietnam where backpackers should explore. Just avoid touristy and sites for example Halong bay, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh city, Sapa or Hanoi where filled with tourists with expensive hotels, restaurants and professional services. Come and find out.
1 - Yen Bai In the map of Vietnam travel, Yen Bai is a less known destination for international tourists in comparison with Sapa or Ha Giang, however as Sapa and Ha Giang have become more and more touristy in recent times, Yen Bai is emerging as an attractive area for travelers, especially travelers who wish to discover the over beaten track locations that still retain the authentic characteristics along with the untouched charming attractiveness of a mountainous region. I would definitely recommend Yen Bai since the top destination for budget travelers, there is no high end 4-5 star hotels or resorts as well as other money consuming facilities. Travel to Yen Bai you stay in basic guesthouses or homestay in the villages, eat local food served by local friendly people. Some attractions in Yen Bai - Paddy terraces in Mu Cang Chai - Thac Ba lake, one of the greatest reservoirs in Vietnam - Suoi Giang village, famous for ancient Tea trees - Luc Yen precious stone mines - Dangerous mountain passes and delightful H'mong villages of Ta Xi Lang, Lim Mong, Phinh Ho...
Lai Chau: My most favourite place inside northwest, Lai Chau is an ideal destination for adventurous travelers. I have been to Lai Chau two times in late 1990s if this province had not been divided into 2 provinces Dien Bien and Lai Chau. The feeling of riding a motorbike on winding passes or cross the Nam Na river in flood season, watching sunset from the Hang Tom bridge was unforgettable. I still remember the time when our car was broken on how, it took us half day to solve it and that we had to go Pha Din pass inside the middle of the evening in heavy rain as a way to arrive in Son La promptly the next morning. Now portion of Lai Chau may be under water with the completion of Son La hydro power plan. What impress travelers probably the most in Lai Chau could be the bridges hanging precariously in the rivers, on the other side of the bridges are poor and stilt houses of Mang ethnic people. There are not many landscapes in Lai Chau however this region has it's own attractions, the tranquil space of mountain and forests, magnificent nature with wild villages hidden about the hill side. With over 20 ethnic minority groups Lai Chau can be a hideaway from bustling cities Some attractions in Lai Chau: - O Quy Ho and Pha Din passes, considered essentially the most spectacular passes in north Vietnam - Sin Ho and Muong Te districts, observe that you must have permit to see these places - Pu Sam Cap, a complicated of caves and grotto system with an elevation that has reached over 1300 m - Dao San market - Hill tribe villages Na Luong, Pu Dao and Vang Pheo - Herbal bath in Sin Ho - Ma Ly Pho commune in Phong Tho district - Tea plantations in Tam Duong
Nam Dinh: Nam Dinh province is approximately 90km from Hanoi. Nam Dinh is not famous like a tourist destination like the touristy neighbor Ninh Binh nevertheless this is just what help it become more attractive for spiritual visitors who want to have some comfort on an excursion beyond Hanoi. Actually Nam Dinh is incredibly busy during the early Lunar New Year with many different cultural and spiritual festivals such Phu Giay festival, be sure to take part inside the human chess if you come here, Tran temple festival, famous like a secret place in order to be successful in your career, Vieng market festival in order to buy good luck for the new year...Not only that, it is possible to relax on the white sand beaches of Thinh Long, Hai Hau and particularly Quat Lam, considered as being a "Red Light" beach break spot for men ;) Ah, the Xuan Thuy national park is also a nice-looking place for nature lovers. Some attractions in Nam Dinh: - La Xuyen wood sculpture village, Tong Xa bronze casting village - Phu Day temple festival, Tran temple festival, Vieng market festival - Thinh Long, Hai Hau and Quat Lam beaches - Xuan Thuy national park - Co Le pagoda, Pho Minh pagoda and Bui Chu cathedral
Ha Tinh: Ha Tinh is really a small province inside the narrow central a part of Vietnam. On the map of Vietnam travel Ha Tinh isn't a prominent destination however travelers will discover it a nice surprise as this land has best attractions that are still untouched by tourism. Most famous is Thien Cam beach however Ha Tinh has more than this. I stumbled on Ha Tinh two years ago on a survey trip and was really impressed using this type of land, what I liked probably the most about Ha Tinh may be the friendliness of people and food in Ha Tinh is indeed special that you simply cannot find elsewhere in Vietnam. If you want to arrange an affordable tour to Vietnam then Ha Tinh has to be a candidate. Delicious food, decent accommodation, beautiful nature, friendly people, costs are very reasonable, what else is it possible to expect? Some attractions in Ha Tinh: - Ngang pass: Located between Ha Tinh and Quang Binh provinces, the pass just isn't long with 6 km and 250m high nevertheless this is one of one of the most spectacular passes in Vietnam. - Ke Go lake: An artificial lake in Cam Xuyen district, the lake likes between hill sides - Thien Cam and Thach Hai beaches - Hong Linh mountain - Huong Tich and Thien Tuong pagodas - Son Kim hot spring
Quang Tri Known because main battlefield inside the war time, Quang Tri could be the where the Vietnamese and American veterans wish to come back and recall the old memories. But Quang Tri also boast other attractive places for example Cua Tung beach, Con Co island and La Vang holyland. If you visit centre Vietnam I recommend a day trip to Quang Tri, not only to learn about the painful past of Vietnam history but also take pleasure in the peaceful landscapes of this land Some attractions in Quang Tri province: - Cua Tung beach - Con Co island - La Vang holyland - Khe Sanh combat base - Ben Hai river and Hien Luong bridge - Vinh Moc tunnels - Ancient citadel Quang Tri
Binh Dinh Binh Dinh can be a coastal province in central Vietnam. In my opinion Binh Dinh is even more appealing than famous Mui Ne, and also the wonderful thing is that Binh Dinh is quite quiet, tranquil and a lot less touristy than Mui Ne. If you need to have a couple of days relax about the beach which has a tight budget I would recommend Binh Dinh. The beach in Quy Nhon town is long with many small bays. Ideal time to see Binh Dinh is in dry season, from May to August, during this time period the weather in Binh Dinh is much more moderate in comparison with neighboring places. The rainy season starts in Binh Dinh from September to December so that you avoid going in this time whenever you plan to book a vacation to Vietnam. Attractions in Binh Dinh province: - Thi Nai lagoon - Quy Nhon beach - Phuong Mai sand dunes (recommend for lovers of sand surfing) - Yen island - Cham twin tower - Cu Lao Xanh or Green island and Hon Kho island - Ghenh Rang beauty spot - Ham Ho tourist site
Kon Tum Kon Tum province is in the north of Central Highlands, inside language of ethnic people Ba Na the name Kon Tum means a village by way of a big lake for the side of Dakla river. Aside from the legendary epics, this land around the central plateau can also be attractive because the junction of Indochina in which a cock crowing could be heard in three countries Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Yeah, in case you want to find the mysterious with the central highlands and learn about the ethnic culture whilst the cost down you can choose Kon Tum. I can say that Kon Tum travel is placed on wildlife due to specific natural characteristics and the impression of gong culture of indigenous peoples. Attractions in Kon Tum province: - Wooden Cathedral, unique architecture, right inside the centre of town - Rong house Kon K'lor - Bo Y border gate, the junction of 3 nations Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia - Mang Den ecotourism area, thought to be another Da Lat - Ngoc Linh mountain, great for climbing and trekking - Chu Mon Ray national park and Dak Bla river
Dong Nai Dong Nai is the largest province in Vietnam, when compared with other provinces inside south, Dong Nai doesn't need magnificent architecture works or seaside beaches however this land is blessed wonderful natural landscapes, well suited for nature explorers. Travelers to Dong Nai will take advantage of the nuances of the southeastern region seen as a rivers, waterfalls and scenery. People can visit Dong Nai on the day trip or weekend holidays, it is possible to choose relaxation, river bathing, fishing, riding ostriches or take pleasure in the delicacies at one of many eco-tourist areas such as Mango Garden, Golden Scorpion, Tri An waterfalls, Dong Nai river resort... One thing you need to know is the fact that tourist sites and spots in Dong Nai are pretty far apart, so you need to create an itinerary so that you can save travel time on your travels. Some attractions in Dong Nai - Long Khanh orchard, packed with tropical fruits - Nam Cat Tien national park - Ba Chong rocks - Giang Dien waterfall - Buu Long eco-park - Mango Garden eco tourism area
Tra Vinh Among provinces of mekong river cruise Delta, Tra Vinh could very well be a less known destination for travelers nonetheless it would be a pity in case you travel the Mekong Delta without setting foot with this land. Tra Mekong River Vinh for me is most diversified in terms of culture and religion. In Tra Vinh it is possible to find the most beautiful pagodas with many different styles of architecture, from Vietnamese, Khmer to Chinese. The temples are scattered during the entire province. In addition to the beaches, islands, large orchards and characteristic ecosystem from the mangroves forests makes Tra Vinh a stylish destination. An ideal choice for those who would like to have a sort of spiritual and cultural tourism combined with ecotourism. And from my adjustment the girls in Tra Vinh are most beautiful in the south ;) If you visit Tra Vinh in Lunar New Year you can attend many festivals of Khmer people like Ok Om Bok, Chol Chnam Thmay... Some attractions in Tra Vinh: - Buddhist pagodas and temples such as Hang, Phno Don, Ang, stork or Nodol pagoda... - Ao Ba Om (Ba Om pond) romantic scenery of nature - Ba Dong beach, you'll be able to enjoy seafood here with affordable prices - Mangrove forest
Ca Mau Ca Mau province marks the finish of Vietnam territory on land with rural scenery and characteristic attractiveness of Mekong river delta. Coming to Ca Mau you will possess a chance to row the boat through the maze of canals inside the mangrove forest, benefit from the fresh air of U Minh Ha forest with immense cajeput forest, setting up a fascinating wild beauty. The combination of forest and sea has produced Ca Mau very attractive. Ca Mau is the only place in Vietnam where it is possible to view sunrise about the east and sunset about the west with the sea. In addition, remember to explore Ca Mau national park and U Minh forest with diversified plants and creatures. Weather in Ca Mau can be separated into 2 distinct seasons: Dry and rainy season. The climate is relatively cool as Ca Mau is in the middle of sea so ideal time to go to Ca Mau comes from April to September. If you visit Ca Mau on this occasion you may encounter an exciting atmosphere of a wet land with human and nature are intertwined creating a warm atmosphere. Some attractions in Ca Mau: - Ca Mau cape - U Minh forest - Ngoc Hien bird yard - Hon Khoai and Da Bac islands - Khai Long beach - Trem river, I recommend a speed boat trip for this river with spectacular snenery around the sides.