Discover where locals travel in Vietnam

17.11.2023 - 18:27 / lonelyplanet.com

Thanks to its beaches, historic sites, mountain hikes and irresistible food, Vietnam draws travelers from all over the world. 

Yet as you navigate the hordes at the most popular destinations in this stalwart of Southeast Asia, you’ll realize the secret is out. Which is why you might appreciate recommendations from three plugged-in, Vietnam based travel writers for experiencing country’s wonders – without the crowds.

Just promise us you won’t share these picks too widely.

Christine Van is a seasoned magazine lifestyle editor and Viet-Kieu American who, for the past two decades, has made Vietnam her home.

If you love coffee, this is your paradise. Buon Ma Thuot, tucked away in the highlands of Central Vietnam, is famous for its coffee culture. Here, you can enjoy guided tours of lush coffee plantations, taking in the aroma of freshly roasted beans. You can even learn how to make your own cup of joe in the Vietnamese style. As the largest coffee-producing region in the country, Buon Ma Thuot is fiercely proud of its primary export and even hosts an annual coffee festival in mid-March.

Yet the wonders of Buon Ma Thuot extend far beyond its coffee culture. Mystical waterfalls like Dray Nur and Dray Sap evoke fairy tales. While swimming isn’t allowed, the lush greenery and the sound of cascading water create a scenery that’s breathtaking to experience from land. 

After visiting the waterfalls I usually head back to my uncle’s home nearby. Those without local family could do worse than the Dakruco Hotel, which has comfortable rooms plus an outdoor pool and spa where you can relax after a day of exploring.

To truly immerse yourself in the local culture, a visit to Lak Lake is a must. This serene oasis is surrounded by charming villages and inhabited by the welcoming M’Nong ethnic group, who reside in vibrant settlements of rattan and wooden stilt houses by the water’s edge. Many companies offer canoe tours of the lake, allowing you to interact with the M’Nong people and partake in their cultural traditions, including folk songs and drumming.

End your day with a fabulous meal at Quan Nem Nuong Thanh Loan, where you can enjoy nem nuong dak lak, one of Buon Ma Thuot’s signature foods. This dish features seasoned ground pork mixed with a medley of herbs and spices, all wrapped in fresh rice paper. The rolls are then grilled over hot coals, resulting in a flavorful and slightly smoky taste.

Phan Cac Truc grew up in Vietnam and now dedicates her time to the visual arts, writing and storytelling.

Close to the Cambodian border, Chau Doc is a city in the Mekong Delta that’s home to Chinese, Cham and Khmer communities; the diversity of its residents is apparent across its architecture and cuisine. In addition to Mekong Delta