Vietnam’s Most Beautiful Small Towns You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

There’s always something about Vietnam that surprises you. Everyone seems to know about Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An. I’m not suggesting they aren’t incredible.  

The true essence of Vietnam, I found, can be found in the smaller towns you happen upon or learn about from a fellow traveler in a hostel. 

One thing that I want to share is that before starting my trip, I booked the meet and greet at Luton that set the pace for a stress-free trip.  

As I explored for a month, I was most interested in the quiet moments between the hustle. The spots where life seems to be a bit more relaxed.  

There are still plenty of scooters, but everyone seems to be in no hurry. Check out these small towns that truly surprised me. 

Tam Coc 

Tam Coc wasn’t on my original list of places to stop. On my way from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, someone else traveling said, “Forget about Ninh Binh city.” You should book your room in Tam Coc.” 

The best advice I was given. 

Tam Coc’s area is filled with huge limestone karsts, picturesque rice fields and small rivers winding among the cliffs. A bike can be rented for just a few dollars and you can enjoy hours of peace without meeting any other tourists.  

People greet you with waves and water buffalo are found relaxing as if the area belongs to them. 

Ha Giang: The North with a Special Feel 

Ha Giang is more than a town; it’s a province, but the little mountain town by the same name is where you start your adventure. 

It’s quite different from the well-known, neatly organized tourist attractions. I got here on a night bus with no plans and realized right away that this was the true, unfiltered Vietnam.  

Impressive cliffs, turning roads and little villages where children play with chickens while families sell hot drinks from their front porches. 

Quy Nhon: The Beautiful Beach You Didn’t Know About 

Should you want to escape dense places and crowded cities, Quy Nhon could be what you’re looking for. The town’s a little sleepy and I ended there by chance after my bus broke down and I spent the night. 

That was easily the worst case I’ve ever had with transportation. 

Quy Nhon’s beaches are what you might picture in your dreams — pristine, noisy and bordered by rocky cliffs. You can get seafood for a little money and it comes directly off the boats.  

One time, I had grilled scallops on the sand as I watched the fishermen release their round wooden boats into the surf. No frills. No crowds. Just plain, coastal beauty. 

I wound up staying for three additional days. 

Note: Always check meet and greet at Heathrow and book accordingly.  

Kon Tum: Life in the Highland Land 

Most people skip the Central Highlands which is a mistake, because Kon Tum had a lot to offer culturally. 

Even though the town is modest, it’s situated near hill tribe villages where daily life has hardly shifted for many years.  

I went to a wooden cathedral that fit right in with a fairytale, spent time with Bahnar villagers in their raised houses and was given rice wine that took the paint right off. 

Bac Ha is a town famous for its market in the mountains. 

Sitting up in the mountains above Sapa, Bac Ha is far less modern and still quite genuine. 

I did the Sunday market, where I saw locals selling everything from buffalo to colorfully crafted hill tribe clothes. There was a morning haze when people began to trade and have fun on the streets. 

With sunset, Tofino’s streets calm down once more.