4 Off-Beat Things to Do in Vietnam

Drift Travel stated that Vietnam is a dream place of a tropical paradise in every sense of the word, embracing dramatic landscape, beautiful beaches, the mesmerizing Mekong Delta, and unique culture.

This charming country also offers an abundance of exciting off-beat experiences that go beyond the usual mundane touch-and-go kind of travel. Below are best off-beat travel experiences that you must try when in Vietnam.

1. Do a Bike Tour in Vietnam

Bike tour in Ninh Binh (Photo: Collection)

Vietnam is one of the countries that favor cycling. From North to South, travelers can enjoy many amazing cycling routes, with a variety of terrains. In the North, do a bike tour on dramatic hills, through the mountains to refresh the minds, or cycling along the Central coastal cities, admiring amazing scenery and some of the prettiest beaches in Hue and Hoi An. Heading to Mekong delta, in southern Vietnam, you can create your own itinerary combining a bike tour and a tryst into nearby Cambodia.

2. Go Hiking in the Sa Pa Valley

Fan Si Pan (Photo: Collection)

With mountain terrains spreading across the country, Vietnam is an excellent place to go hiking. Located high up in the mountains of northwest Vietnam, Sapa is a paradise for adventure lovers. Conquering the Fan Si Pan should be included in the must-to do list of any adventure travelers. Standing at an altitude of 3,143 meters above the sea level, Fan Si Pan is worth the try. Along the hike, free your soul and vision to the beautiful, gorgeous terraced rice fields and interact with ethnic minorities such as Hmong people and learn about their tribal culture.

The climate in Sapa is pleasant, and occasionally, it even snows in the winter. Incredible hiking routes in Sapa include: Binh Lu Valley to Pa Pe village; Muong Hoa to Lao Chai to Ta Van; and Ca Nhay waterfalls and Ban Ho village.

3. Go Kayaking in the Lan Ha Bay

Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay (Photo: Collection)

If Ha Long Bay is too famous to travel, nearby lies the Lan Ha Bay, a spectacular and less crowded bay to enjoy. Located in northeast Vietnam, Lan Ha Bay has sparkling emerald waters, and numerous limestone karst mountains topped with tropical rainforests, offering a truly mesmerising experience.

Cat Ba Island – a UNESCO World Heritage Site located here. Let’s explore the unique ecology in several islands, as well as Cat Ba National Park, where the critically endangered Cat Ba Langur. Numerous kayaking tour operators are waiting to serve you by the bay.

4. Do a Luxury Cruise in the Ha Long Bay

Cruising on Ha Long Bay (Photo: Vinpearl)

Don’t leave Vietnam without taking a cruise tour on Ha Long Bay. The image of boats serenely floating in the Ha Long Bay while the sun goes down behind stunning limestone mountains might perhaps stay in visitors’ heads for a long time.

Hop on a 2-3 day luxury cruise and explore a prehistoric cave, a floating fishing village, visiting a pearl farm and a small island where you swim along the beach. Kayaking, snorkelling, and scuba diving are all available in the bay.