15 Underrated Towns in Vietnam

2026-01-20

Hanoi has history. Saigon has the energy. But where do you go when you just need to... breathe?

Beyond the tourist trail lies a collection of hidden towns that guidebooks often overlook. These aren't primitive treks into the jungle; they are comfortable sanctuaries located just a few hours from the major hubs.

Imagine waking up to the sound of pine forests instead of motorbikes, and sipping local coffee in a town where no one is in a rush. If you crave a middle ground between adventure and relaxation, these 15 towns are your perfect weekend escape.

I. Northern Vietnam: Misty Mountain Towns & Cloud Hunting

Best for: Travelers in Hanoi looking to escape the summer heat or find winter romance.

1. Tam Dao – The "Town in the Clouds"

• Location: Vinh Phuc Province (~75km from Hanoi).
• Best for: Couples, families, and those who miss the winter cold.

If Da Lat is the romantic muse of the South, Tam Dao is its misty twin in the North. Built by the French in the early 20th century as a hill station resort, Tam Dao sits 900 meters above sea level. The road up is a winding snake through the jungle, and as you ascend, you can literally feel the temperature drop by 5-7 degrees Celsius.

The experience: Tam Dao is a town of moods. In the morning, it might be sunny and crisp. By noon, a thick blanket of fog rolls in, swallowing the stone castle-like hotels and creating a mysterious, cinematic atmosphere. It feels less like Vietnam and more like a European hamlet lost in time.

What to do:

• The Stone Church: an ancient gothic masterpiece built in 1906. It’s the only structure that survived the wars intact. Standing under its stone arches while the mist swirls around is a hauntingly beautiful experience.
• The night market: as night falls, the cold sets in, making the market the heart of the town. Unlike souvenir-heavy markets elsewhere, this one is all about warmth and food. You must try the grilled skewers and the local specialty: Su Su (Chayote). The locals grow chayote all over the mountain slopes, and the sautéed tops (ngọn su su xào tỏi) are sweet, crunchy, and unforgettable.
• Summit the TV tower: challenge yourself with 1,400 stone steps up through the forest. The reward is a panoramic view of the Red River Delta - if the clouds decide to part.

2. Ta Xua – The Dinosaur Spine

• Location: Son La Province (~200km from Hanoi).
• Best for: Adventurers, photographers, and early risers.

Technically a highland commune, Ta Xua has rapidly developed into a "cloud hunting town." It is rugged, raw, and breathtaking. This isn't a place for luxury resorts; it's a place for wooden bungalows perched on cliffs and waking up at 5 AM with a purpose.

The experience: Ta Xua offers one of the most surreal landscapes in Southeast Asia: the Sea of Clouds. It’s not guaranteed every day (best from October to April), but when it happens, it feels like standing on the edge of the world, with mountain peaks poking out of a fluffy white ocean like islands.

What to do:

• Conquer the Dinosaur Spine (Sống Khủng Long): This is the highlight - a narrow ridge of a mountain jutting out into the void with steep drops on both sides. Walking on it gives you an adrenaline rush and views that defy logic.
• Sunset at the Lonely Tree: A solitary tree standing against the vast backdrop of mountains and sky. It’s the most iconic photo spot in the Northwest.
• Café Hopping: The town is dotted with rustic cafes like Thao Coffee. Order a hot ginger tea, sit on a wooden stool, and watch the clouds flow like a slow-motion waterfall over the ridges.

3. Pu Luong – The "Bali" of Vietnam

• Location: Thanh Hoa Province (~160km from Hanoi).
• Best for: Wellness seekers, eco-tourists, and book lovers.

Pu Luong is not a single dense town but a nature reserve dotted with high-end eco-retreats. It balances the line between wild nature and high-end comfort perfectly.

The Experience: think of Sapa, but remove the cable cars, the aggressive street vendors, and the noise. Pu Luong is pure silence. It is famous for its "infinity pools" that overlook cascading rice terraces. It’s the kind of place where you go to read a book by the pool while watching farmers work in the valley below.

What to do:

• Chase the Water Wheels: The Thai ethnic people here have a genius irrigation system using giant bamboo water wheels to scoop water from low streams up to high fields. Seeing them turn slowly in the river is mesmerizing.
• Trekking: Hike to Hieu Waterfall or . The paths are generally less steep than Sapa, making it a "soft trek" suitable for families.
• Stay: Places like Pu Luong Natura or Pu Luong Retreat define the destination - bungalows with open-air bathtubs facing the rice fields.

4. Moc Chau – The High Plateau of Flowers

• Location: Son La Province (~200km from Hanoi).
• Best for: Nature lovers and photographers.

Moc Chau is a massive plateau known for its cool climate (similar to Europe in spring). It is a seasonal paradise that changes colors with every harvest.

The experience: Moc Chau feels pastoral and vast. You’ll see dairy cows grazing on green hills, tea plantations stretching to the horizon, and flower valleys tucked between mountains.

When to go & What to do:

• January - February: The Na Ka Plum Valley turns completely white with plum blossoms. It looks like snow has fallen on the trees.
• March - April: The season of Bauhinia (Ban) flowers.
• All Year Round: Visit the Moc Chau Dairy Farm to drink fresh milk and eat yogurt produced that very morning. Don't forget the Heart-shaped Tea Hill for the classic check-in photo.

5. Cat Ba Town – An Island Life

• Location: Hai Phong City (~150km from Hanoi).
• Best for: Backpackers, seafood lovers, and sunset chasers.

While most tourists only sleep on cruise ships in Halong Bay, Cat Ba Town offers a vibrant, land-based alternative. It is a fun seaside town sandwiched between the ocean and a national park jungle.

The experience: Cat Ba has a backpacker-friendly energy. The promenade is buzzing with floating seafood restaurants, neon lights, and travelers from all over the world.

What to do:

• Cannon fort: hike or take a motorbike taxi up here for the undisputed best sunset view over Lan Ha Bay. You see the limestone karsts silhouette against a purple sky.
• Lan Ha Bay Boat Trip: rent a small boat from the town pier to explore Lan Ha Bay - it’s just as beautiful as Halong Bay but cleaner and quieter.
• Cat Ba National Park: a rigorous trek that rewards you with views of the green jungle meeting the blue sea.

II. Central Vietnam: Heritage Roads & Sunny Coasts

Best for: Travelers in Da Nang/Hue/Hoi An looking for a change of pace.

6. Dong Giang – The Gateway to the Mountains

• Location: Quang Nam Province (~70km from Da Nang).
• Best for: Cultural exploration and day trips.

Located in the mountainous district of Quang Nam, Dong Giang is the home of the Co Tu ethnic minority. It serves as a green lung for the region, offering a stark contrast to the coastal vibes of Da Nang.

The Experience: Cultural and healing. The air here is cleaner, cooler, and smells of fresh tea leaves. You will see the traditional Gươl houses (communal houses) with their distinctive high roofs.

What to do:

• Heaven’s Gate (Cổng Trời Đông Giang): An eco-tourism complex that blends natural waterfalls, limestone caves, and Co Tu architecture.
• Tea Hills: Wander through vast green tea plantations. The tea here is famous for its purity.
• Local Food: Try Cơm Lam (rice cooked in bamboo tubes) and Gà Tre (bamboo chicken).

7. Tuy Hoa – The City of Yellow Flowers

• Location: Phu Yen Province (~3.5 hours train from Da Nang).
• Best for: Beach lovers who hate crowds.

Okay, Tuy Hoa is technically a city, but it retains the soul of a sleepy coastal town. It became famous after the movie "Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass," yet it still feels undiscovered by mass international tourism.

The experience: Sunny, breezy, and slow. Life here revolves around the ocean. The streets are wide, empty, and free of the skyscrapers you see in Nha Trang.

What to do:

• Ganh Da Dia: A geological wonder where basalt rock columns are stacked like a giant beehive or a pile of dinner plates.
• Sunrise at Mui Dien: Be the first person in Vietnam to greet the morning sun at the easternmost point of the mainland.
• Foodie Challenge: Try Mắt Cá Ngừ (Ocean Tuna Eye). It’s stewed in a clay pot with traditional herbs. It looks intimidating, but it tastes like a rich, savory fish soup.

8. Mang Den – The "Dalat 2.0"

• Location: Kon Tum Province (~1 hour drive from Pleiku Airport).
• Best for: Solitude seekers and digital nomads.

Mang Den is the rising star of Vietnamese travel. Often called "Dalat of 20 years ago," it is a small town hidden in pine forests at 1,200m altitude.

The Experience: Melancholic and chill. The town is dotted with abandoned French villas and towering pine trees. It is cooler than anywhere else in Central Vietnam and has a quiet, almost spiritual vibe.

What to do:

• Khanh Lam Pagoda: A peaceful spot to hunt for clouds in the early morning.
• Dak Ke Lake: A serene lake surrounded by cherry blossoms (in spring) and pine trees.
• Glamping: Stay at Glamping Lo Ba or similar spots to sleep in luxury tents under the pine canopy and listen to the wind.

9. Phong Nha (Son Trach Town) – The Adventure Capital

• Location: Quang Binh Province.
• Best for: Adventurers and social travelers.

Phong Nha isn't just a national park; the town of Son Trach (the base for exploring) has developed a unique "Jungle Town" vibe. It feels international, filled with cavers, explorers, and nature lovers from around the world.

The experience: The main street is lined with hostels and bars, but just 1km away, you are in the middle of rice paddies and limestone karsts. It’s the gateway to the world’s largest caves.

What to do:

• The Duck Stop: A hilarious, must-try farm experience where you get massaged by ducks (yes, really) and ride water buffaloes.
• Dark Cave (Hang Toi): Zipline into the cave entrance, explore in the dark with a headlamp, and take a natural mud bath inside the mountain.
• Cycling: The roads along the Son River are flat and stunning, winding between limestone mountains and Catholic churches.

10. Lang Co – The Lazy Bay Town

• Location: Thua Thien Hue Province (~30km from Da Nang).
• Best for: Seafood lovers and lazy weekends.

Positioned on a narrow spit of land with the ocean on one side and a lagoon on the other, Lang Co is one of the most beautiful bays in the world.

The experience: Lazy and Salty. Time seems to stop here. It’s not about doing things; it’s about eating oysters and watching trains pass by the mountain backdrop.

What to do:

• Lap An Lagoon: Famous for its "sand path" that appears at low tide. Walking on it feels like walking on water. The sunset here reflects perfectly on the mirror-like surface.
• Eat Oysters: This is the oyster capital of Central Vietnam. They are farmed right in the lagoon, incredibly cheap, and served fresh with lemon and chili.

III. Southern Vietnam: River Towns & Biosphere Retreats

Best for: Saigonese and expats needing a break from the concrete jungle.

11. Vinh Cuu – The Lakeside Camping Capital

• Location: Dong Nai Province (~60km from HCMC).
• Best for: Groups of friends, camping, and stargazing.

Vinh Cuu is home to the massive Tri An Lake and the Ma Da Primeval Forest. For Saigonese youth, this town has become the ultimate destination for nature escapes.

The Experience: It changes your perception of Southern Vietnam. It’s not just rice paddies; it’s vast freshwater lakes and dense forests. It is one of the few places near Saigon dark enough to see the stars clearly.

What to do:

• SUP at Sunset: Rent a Stand-Up Paddleboard and float on Tri An Lake as the sun turns the water golden.
• Group BBQ: The local "Glamping" sites provide tents, lights, and food. Your only job is to light the fire, grill the meat, and enjoy a beer with friends.

12. Can Gio – The Green Lung of Saigon

• Location: Ho Chi Minh City (~50km from center).
• Best for: Eco-tourism and seafood feasts.

Technically a district of HCMC, Can Gio feels like a different world. It is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the only town near Saigon that has both a forest and a beach.

The experience: To get here, you drive through the Rung Sac road - a beautiful straight road flanked by endless mangrove forests on both sides. The air changes from gasoline fumes to salty sea breeze instantly.

What to do:

• Monkey Island: Meet thousands of long-tailed macaques living in the wild mangrove forest. (Warning: Keep your sunglasses and food hidden!).
• Hang Duong Market: The holy grail of seafood. You buy live crab, shrimp, and clams, and the vendors cook them for you right on the spot for a small fee. You then take your feast to the beach to eat.

13. La Gi – The Glamping Beach Town

• Location: Binh Thuan Province (~150km from HCMC).
• Best for: Gen Z, parties, and vibrant photos.

La Gi is the younger, hipper sibling of Mui Ne. It is not famous for luxury resorts but for colorful beach huts and bean bags on the sand.

The experience: Youthful and Boho. The beaches here are decorated with colorful wooden campers, fairy lights, and acoustic bands playing at night.

What to do:

• Coco Beach Camp: The icon of La Gi. Even if you don't stay, come for the beach bar atmosphere.
• Ox-Cart Fish Market: Wake up early to watch cows pulling carts to bring the catch from the boats to the beach - a unique sight only found in this region.

14. Sa Dec – The Flower Capital

• Location: Dong Thap Province (~140km from HCMC).
• Best for: History buffs and flower lovers.

Sa Dec is a charming riverside town with a deep history. It was the setting for the famous novel/movie "The Lover" (L'Amant). Unlike rural villages, Sa Dec has paved streets, colonial mansions, and a bustling trade atmosphere.

The Experience: Vintage and Colorful. Walking in Sa Dec feels like stepping back into the 1930s Indochina era.

What to do:

• Sa Dec Flower Village: Here, flowers are not grown on the ground but on raised bamboo platforms above water. Farmers wear conical hats and row boats between the rows to care for them.
• The Ancient House of Huynh Thuy Le: Visit the real-life home of the protagonist from "The Lover." You can admire the intricate French-Chinese architecture or even book a room to stay the night.

15. Con Dao Town – The Historic Sanctuary

• Location: Ba Ria - Vung Tau (Accessible by flight or high-speed boat).
• Best for: Luxury travelers and history seekers.

The main town on Con Dao Island is arguably the most beautiful and clean town in Vietnam. With a dark history as a former prison, it is now a sanctuary of peace.

The experience: Sacred, Pristine, and Quiet. There is almost no traffic. The streets are lined with ancient trees and colonial yellow buildings. It feels like a secret paradise that mass tourism hasn't ruined yet.

What to do:

• Dam Trau Beach: Rated as one of the world's best beaches. You can swim in crystal clear water while watching prop planes land right over your head at the nearby airport.
• Turtle Release: If you visit between July and October, take a tour to the islets to watch baby sea turtles hatch and run to the ocean.
• The Prison Museum: A sobering but necessary visit to understand the resilience of the Vietnamese people.

Final Thoughts: Town or Village?

Now that you have the ultimate list, how do you choose?

• Choose a "Town" (from this list) if you want a weekend escape focused on relaxation, comfort (AC, nice beds, Wi-Fi), and good food without too much physical effort.
• Choose a "Village" if you want a cultural deep-dive, to meet artisans, learn a craft, and experience the raw, authentic roots of Vietnam. (Check out our guide to Vietnam’s Villages for this experience).

Pack your bags. Whether you choose the misty mountains of the North, the sunny coasts of the Central, or the river retreats of the South, a hidden side of Vietnam is waiting for you.

 

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