Travel Differently in Vietnam in 2025: Immersion, Authenticity, and Sustainable Tourism

🌿 1. Encounters with Artisans or Local Families

🔍 Introduction

Traveling differently means slowing down, observing, and understanding. In Vietnam, each region preserves a unique cultural heritage passed down by its people. These encounters are the key to a transformative journey, far from impersonal tourism.

🛖 Development

The Mekong Delta
Families welcome visitors into their traditional wooden or coconut leaf homes. Life follows the rhythm of the river: early mornings, floating markets, and meal preparation with homegrown produce.
Possible activities include:

• Making rice noodles in Cai Be or coconut candies in Ben Tre.

• Sampan rides along the arroyos.

• Cooking workshops with tastings of canh chua (sweet and sour soup) or bánh xèo.

Central Vietnam
In the provinces of Quang Nam or Thua Thien Hue:

• Learning bamboo weaving, natural dyeing, or lantern making.

• Visiting craft cooperatives or family-run workshops.

• Taking part in religious rituals or village festivals (Tet Trung Thu, Buddhist celebrations).

The Role of NGOs and Local Associations
They ensure fair connections between visitors and communities. Examples include Sapa O’Chau, Hoi An Handicraft Tour, and ETHOS – Spirit of the Community.

✅ Conclusion

These exchanges go far beyond tourism: they open doors to humanity, strengthen the local economy, and help preserve rare skills threatened by globalization.

🌍 2. Eco-Responsible Travel: Ecolodges and Green Initiatives

🔍 Introduction

Vietnam, facing the effects of climate change and mass tourism, is seeing the rise of a new generation committed to sustainable travel. Nature becomes not just a backdrop, but a partner to protect.

🏡 Development

Ecolodges: Comfort Meets Ecological Awareness

• Mai Chau Ecolodge, in the heart of rice fields, built with local materials and its own recycling system.

• Topas Ecolodge in Sapa, recognized by National Geographic as one of the world’s best ecolodges.

• Chau Ma Ecohouse in Buon Ma Thuot: a community house run by the Êđê minority.

Concrete Sustainable Practices:

• Solar energy, composting, dry toilets.

• Organic meals with garden or local farm produce.

• Low-impact activities: hiking, cycling, wildlife watching.

Growing Ecological Initiatives:

• Community beach clean-ups on Phu Quoc or Con Dao.

• Participatory reforestation in national parks (Bach Ma, Cat Tien).

• “Plastic-free” tours with reusable bottles, fabric bags, and recycling systems.

✅ Conclusion

Eco-responsible travel sacrifices neither comfort nor experience. It deepens your connection to the land while leaving a positive impact.

🧭 3. Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations

🔍 Introduction

Far from well-trodden routes, a secret Vietnam reveals itself to those who venture off the postcard path. These places preserve their soul, traditions, and authentic hospitality.

🗺️ Development

Pu Luong (Thanh Hoa Province)

• Spectacular terraced rice fields, limestone caves, hidden waterfalls.

• White Thai villages where you sleep on mats in stilt houses.

• Treks through rice paddies with local guides.

Central Highlands

• Kon Tum, Pleiku, Buon Ma Thuot: less-visited regions rich in mountain culture.

• Animist ceremonies, gongs, communal houses (nha rong).

• Coffee plantations, volcanic lakes, dense forests.

Lesser-Known Islands

• Ly Son (Quang Ngai Province): volcanic island, coastal hikes, whale temple.

• Con Dao: former prison, wild beaches, marine turtle reserve.

• Nam Du: a rustic, preserved alternative to Phu Quoc.

✅ Conclusion

These destinations offer travelers a true, less scripted, and often more moving adventure. It’s also a way to support more equitable tourism development.

🧘 4. Wellness and Health: Yoga Retreats, Traditional Medicine, Digital Detox

🔍 Introduction

Tired of the frantic pace and digital stress, more and more travelers are seeking spaces for reconnection. Vietnam offers a balance of spirituality, nature, and ancient healing.

🧘 Development

Yoga and Meditation Retreats

• Sapa, with its misty mountains, hosts yoga and mindfulness retreats.

• Da Nang, Hoi An, or Phong Nha: seaside or jungle locations for meditation, breathing, and recentring.

Vietnamese Traditional Medicine

• Inherited from Chinese medicine, it relies on herbs, massages, and bodily balance.

• Cupping massages, acupuncture, herbal baths (bain dao do) in the north.

• Renowned centers: Tue Tinh, Institute of Traditional Medicine.

Digital Detox

• Stays in ecolodges without Wi-Fi (e.g., Bai Xep, Lak Tented Camp).

• Manual activities, silent hikes, digital fasting.

✅ Conclusion

These wellness experiences bring gentle inner transformation, rooted in local knowledge and natural beauty.

🍜 5. Cuisine and Culinary Heritage: Food Tours and Local Markets

🔍 Introduction

Vietnamese cuisine is more than just taste: it’s a cultural expression, a way of life, a collective memory. Every bite is a discovery.

🍲 Development

Food Tours

• In Hanoi: tasting bun cha, egg coffee, pho bo in the Old Quarter’s alleys.

• In Saigon: scooter tours to discover com tam, banh trang nuong, hu tieu.

• In Hue: refined imperial specialties like banh beo or nem lui.

Cooking Workshops

• With a chef, travelers learn to prepare typical dishes, visit a local market, and use fresh herbs from the garden.

• Workshops in Hoi An are especially popular.

Local Markets

• Cai Rang floating market in the Mekong Delta.

• Sa Dec spice market, or dried fish stalls in Phan Thiet.

• A feast for the eyes, nose, and ears.

✅ Conclusion

Sharing a meal or learning a recipe means discovering the soul of a people. It’s a warm and universal way to connect.

Vietnam’s Must-Sees: An Authentic Journey
Vietnam, a jewel of Southeast Asia, captivates with its diverse landscapes, rich world heritage, and warm people. Whether you love temples, treks, cruises, or cultural discoveries, the country offers countless itineraries for a tailor-made journey, blending tradition and modernity.

Temples and Pagodas: Exploring Spiritual Heritage
Vietnam is dotted with temples and pagodas, true havens of peace and spirituality. In Hanoi, the One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature invite meditation and contemplation. In the center, Hue’s Imperial City houses majestic shrines, witnesses to Vietnamese history. In the south, Cholon’s pagodas in Ho Chi Minh City reveal architecture influenced by Chinese and Khmer cultures.

Landscapes and National Parks: Grand and Pristine Nature
From the terraced rice fields of northern Vietnam to the Pacific beaches, the country offers breathtaking panoramas. National parks like Phong Nha-Ke Bang or Cuc Phuong are biodiversity havens, perfect for wildlife watching and hiking. Trekking enthusiasts will find happiness in Sapa’s mountains, meeting local ethnic groups amid spectacular scenery.

Halong Bay and Cruises: UNESCO World Heritage Wonder
Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must on any Vietnam tour. Embark on a cruise among limestone karsts rising from turquoise waters, explore hidden caves, and watch the sunrise over this iconic site. For a quieter experience, Lan Ha or Bai Tu Long bays offer peaceful alternatives to famous Halong.

Tailor-Made Itineraries: From North to South, a Journey Your Way
A trip to Vietnam can take a thousand forms. In the north, Hanoi charms with its colonial flair and lively streets. The center reveals Hue, the former imperial capital, and Hoi An, a UNESCO-listed town. The south invites you to explore the Mekong Delta, its floating markets, and Phu Quoc’s beaches. Specialized travel agencies offer circuits for every profile, from cultural excursions to sporting adventures.

Southeast Asia’s Treasures: From Vietnam to Neighboring Asia
Traveling in Vietnam is also a gateway to other Southeast Asian wonders. A tour can include an extension to Angkor in Cambodia, Bali’s beaches, or Sri Lanka’s temples. Thai, Khmer, and Lao influences are felt in Vietnamese cuisine, architecture, and traditions, creating a true cultural crossroads.

Vietnam in the Rain: Unique Season and Atmosphere
Vietnam lives to the rhythm of the seasons, and the rains bring a special atmosphere, especially in the south. Landscapes turn lush green, markets come alive, and rivers swell, offering new excursions. Traveling during the rainy season means discovering an authentic Vietnam, far from the crowds.

Meeting the Ethnic Groups: Diversity and Living Traditions
Northern Vietnam is home to many ethnic groups, each with its own customs, colorful costumes, and traditional festivals. Trekking in the mountains lets you share the daily life of the Hmong, Dao, or Tay, enriching your journey with unforgettable encounters.

Indochina Adventure: A Dream Itinerary Across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos

Introduction

Indochina, a region at the heart of South East Asia, offers a tapestry of experiences for travellers seeking breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultures, and historical depth. From the mountainous north of Vietnam to the tranquil Mekong River, from the mystical temples of Angkor Wat to the colonial streets of Luang Prabang, this journey is a celebration of the region’s diversity. Whether you’re a tourist on a motorbike, a cruise enthusiast, or a history lover, Indochina promises unforgettable adventures.

Suggested Itinerary: Highlights of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos

1. North Vietnam: Mountains, Countryside, and Ha Long Bay

• Hanoi: Begin your Vietnam travel in the bustling capital. Explore the Old Quarter, and enjoy local cuisine with the locals.

• Mountainous North: Take a day-trip to the countryside of North Vietnam, visiting ethnic villages and rice terraces.

• Ha Long Bay & Long Bay: Board a Halong Bay cruise for kayaking among limestone karsts, swimming, and exploring hidden caves. Cruising aboard a traditional junk boat is a must for any itinerary.

2. Central and South Vietnam: History and the Mekong

• Hue and Hoi An: Discover imperial history and ancient towns.

• Ho Chi Minh City (South Vietnam): Dive into the city’s vibrant energy, visit the War Remnants Museum, and learn about the Vietnam War’s impact on the country and its people.

• Mekong River: Depart for a cruise along the Mekong, passing floating markets and lush countryside. Meet locals and sample fresh produce right aboard your boat.

3. Cambodia: Temples, Tonle Sap, and Local Life

• Phnom Penh: Cambodia’s capital offers insight into Khmer history, with sites like the Royal Palace and poignant reminders of the past.

• Siem Reap & Angkor Wat: No visit is complete without exploring the world-famous Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples. Sunrise at Angkor is a bucket-list experience for any traveller. Take a day-trip to Tonle Sap Lake to see floating villages and observe daily Cambodian life.

• Motorbike Adventures: Explore the countryside around Siem Reap or Phnom Penh by motorbike, discovering hidden temples and rural communities.

4. Laos: Luang Prabang and the Mekong

• Luang Prabang: Nestled on the banks of the Mekong River, this UNESCO World Heritage city in Laos is famed for its temples, French colonial architecture, and serene atmosphere. Join the morning alms-giving ritual, explore the night market, and take a kayaking trip on the Mekong.

• Countryside Excursions: Venture into the surrounding mountains for waterfalls, caves, and authentic village life.

Unique Experiences for Travellers

• Halong Bay Kayaking: Paddle through emerald waters surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.

• Vietnam War Sites: Visit historical sites like the Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City or the former DMZ in North Vietnam for a deeper understanding of the region’s past.

• Cruising the Mekong: Experience life on the river, from bustling floating markets to tranquil stilt villages.

• Angkor Wat by Sunrise: Witness the majesty of Angkor Wat as the sun rises, casting golden light on ancient stones.

• Motorbike Journeys: Travel like a local, weaving through the countryside and along the South China Sea coast.

Practical Tips

• Best Time to Visit: The dry season (November to April) is ideal for most of Indochina, but the rainy season brings lush landscapes and fewer tourists.

• Getting Around: Combine flights, trains, cruises, and motorbike rentals for a flexible itinerary.

• Border Crossings: Overland travel between Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos is straightforward, with many agencies offering combined itineraries.

• Local Interactions: Engage with locals for authentic experiences—whether sharing a meal, joining a festival, or learning traditional crafts.

Conclusion

A journey through Indochina is a deep dive into the soul of South East Asia. With its blend of natural wonders, ancient heritage, and vibrant daily life, the region is perfect for travellers seeking both adventure and cultural immersion. Whether cruising Ha Long Bay, exploring the temples of Angkor, or wandering the streets of Luang Prabang, each day brings new discoveries and lasting memories.

General Conclusion

In 2025, traveling differently in Vietnam means:

• Seeking authenticity through human connections.

• Respecting nature by choosing sustainable accommodations and practices.

• Exploring new paths, away from the crowds.

• Reconnecting with your body and mind through ancient healing and silence.

• Discovering culture through food, in a culinary adventure as rich as it is delicious.

These choices are not only good for you—they help build a more responsible, fair, and meaningful kind of tourism.

FAQ

What are the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Vietnam?
Halong Bay, the Imperial City of Hue, Hoi An, My Son Sanctuary, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, among others.

Can you organize a tailor-made trip in Vietnam?
Yes, many travel agencies offer personalized tours based on your interests (culture, nature, adventure, cruises, etc.).

When is the best time to travel to Vietnam?
The climate varies by region. The north is pleasant in spring and autumn, the south can be visited year-round, and the rainy season also has its own charm and authenticity.

How to discover the ethnic groups of northern Vietnam?
Opt for a trek or an excursion with a local guide to respect traditions and encourage meaningful exchanges.

Can you combine a trip to Vietnam with other Southeast Asian destinations?
Absolutely, it’s common to combine Vietnam with stops in Cambodia (Angkor), Thailand, or Bali for a complete regional tour.