Off the beaten path

Despite rapid development, Vietnam manages to retain its rich cultural heritage and sublime natural beauty. Even the big noisy cities such as Hanoi and Saigon, possess undeniable character and charm.

Tourism has undoubtedly affected the mountain towns and ethnic villages in the north; however, they are still worth visiting. Most visitors stick to the main tourist hubs, but straying off the trodden tourist trail can be incredibly rewarding.

The coastal town of Ha Tien is situated on the Gulf of Thailand, just five miles from Vietnam’s border with Cambodia. The town’s cluster of limestone rock formations create a network of caves, which are home to a series of temples. The surrounding region is also incredibly scenic with white sandy beaches, sparkling water and picturesque fishing villages.

The Western Central Highlands are located along the border with Cambodia and Laos, and receives few visitors. The region’s diverse agriculture and multitude of ethnic groups provide a fascinating landscape for exploration.

Dien Bien Phu nestling in Muong Thanh Valley is one of Vietnam’s most remote areas. The landscape features steep mountains covered in thick carpet of vegetation and are inhabited by the famous Tai and Hmong hill tribes. It is also the site of an important battle and a small museum depicts the story of Vietnam’s fight against colonial forces.

Cat Ba Island lies 19 miles east of Haiphong. The island is a tropical wilderness of evergreen forests, mangroves, lakes, waterfalls, caves and secluded beaches. An abundance of wildlife enjoy life on this paradiscial island including monkeys, boars, deer and squirrels, while the clear waters are home to fish, molluscs, seals and dolphins.