I feel like TripAdvisor and Lonely Planet are becoming too “touristy”. Everything they recommend is packed with people. Does anyone have a secret for finding local spots that aren’t on the main radar yet?
Our Blog
Share your experiences or just ask people a question? Click to see the community
Got a question or an idea you want to discuss? Start a discussion here to get opinions and connect with other members.
Have a story, valuable experience, or a detailed guide to share? Contribute a high-quality article to enrich our community.
To ensure quality, all new posts are not immediately visible on search engines like Google, Bing... Our team prioritizes reviewing high-value, insightful posts to feature publicly. You'll receive a notification when your contribution is selected!
To provide you with brutally honest travel advice without charging a dime, we use cookies. They help us track links and analyze site traffic to improve your experience. Is that cool with you?
Whilst the term “hidden gem” crops up regularly you wont find them in or anywhere near, the standard tourist trail. If you really, seriously are looking for those places they’re there. Start by avoiding anywhere that starts with an H. Its known as the 5H’s tour, look beyond, stop reading about what millions have done before you, start reading about what others haven’t. Talk to locals, not tour companies. The hidden gems are there, lots and lots of them, l see them almost daily. Get off the trail !
I’m sure there is some hidden gems but I’m also sure they’re not as spectacular as the “touristy” spots. Travel during “shoulder” months to avoid the crowds. And locals also contribute to the crowd. For example those Vin parks and Sun World were created for locals who couldn’t afford to travel to Disneyland or Europe.
Long Xuyen is not on the tourist radar, but is nice for a few days. You will either have to travel far or settle for less to avoid tourists at this point. Vietnam is being flooded.
Follow your nose, not the guidebooks. Learn the basics of the lingo and buy a motorbike or take the little local buses that no other tourists take. Pack a tent or a hammock.