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Following on from my Northern Vietnam’s Hidden Gems : 5 awe-inspiring places to visit is my guide to must-visit destinations in the south of this exciting country. This post is for nature lovers, adventurers and beach combers too and like it’s corresponding blog, this also showcases places you’ve probably never even heard of! I have explored big chunks of Vietnam, having lived there for several years and there’s still places I’m yet to delve into. You will feel like you’ve died and gone to heaven on visiting southern Vietnam’s hidden gems. Let’s uncover them right now!
1. Ta Dung Lake, Central Highlands
The Central Highlands of Vietnam has many wonders to explore, two of which I’ll touch upon in this post. Ta Dung Lake is often referred to as the ‘Ha Long Bay of the Central Highlands’ and although not as famous, it is equally spectacular.
The lake is in Dak Nong Province. It contains about 40 small islets which are a real sight to behold and you can even camp on some of these islands! Infact, accommodation wise, camping or homestay are the main options in this area. If you don’t fancy camping, then consider staying at Topview Homestay, which affords great views onto the lake.
To really appreciate the lush nature of Ta Dung, locals advise visiting between September and December when the rains make the island greener than ever. The area where the lake lies stretches over 22,000 hectares, with the vast majority of this area being forest, the rest lakes and mountains.
Ta Dung National Park is part of the UNESCO Dak Nong Global Geopark. Rare animals and plants are protected here. Animals include yellow deer, leopards and orange-cheeked apes. Ta Dung is a fantastic trekking spot, offering peace, fresh air and many paths to explore.
Tips: The Central Highlands is noted for it’s wine and coffee, so be sure to try some during your stay! Also there are many local guides on hand to help when you arrive at the National Park should you need assistance.
Getting There
From Ho Chi Minh City take a bus to Buon Me Thuot, then head to Gia Nghia (the nearest town to Ta Dung) from there use the local bus service or by car is about an hour’s drive.
2. Vinh Hy Bay, Ninh Thuan Province
Vinh Hy Bay is a beautiful spot and one of southern Vietnam’s hidden gems. It’s about 40km from Phan Rang City and not far from the lovely Ninh Chu beach.
The colour of the sea is a deep blue and the many boats sit like sparkling jewels on the water around the bay. Be sure to cover up from the sun, as it gets very hot here. One can explore the local area by motorbike and take a boat tour to see the coral reefs through the glass bottom deck. Scuba diving is another pleasurable activity here.
Tip: From the road winding up and away from the bay you will get the best photos of Vinh Hy Bay.
Be sure to try the fresh seafood here too, which you can purchase straight from the beach in the morning time. There’s crab, lobster and sea urchins, plus more. Try the seabass porridge hotpot or grilled sea urchins during your stay.
Nearby you must also see Hang Rai which is actually an ancient coral reef and a wonder of nature, especially at dawn, when it’s colours are manipulated beautifully by the sun. Go further along the coast to enjoy the really relaxed vibes of Coc beach, an ideal spot for swimming.
Getting There
Bus, taxi or motorbike are available from Phan Rang City. When I visited I rented a motorbike from the city and explored Nui Chua National Park. Many rental services are on offer, at fair prices and the mountain pass on the way to Vinh Hy is extremely memorable.
3. Phu Cuong Waterfall, Central Highlands
This is the second of my southern Vietnam hidden gems located in the Central Highlands. Phu Cuong waterfall is a powerful, dramatic cascade that tumbles over red rocks, at a height of 45 metres. It sits within Gia Lai province, about 44km from Pleiku city.
To reach the foot of the waterfall, you must descend an iron bridge. Entrance fee is only 15,000vnd. This area is actually the site of an inactive volcano, the remnants of which take the form of small, black stones, beneath the falls.
There are plenty of options for visitors here, including exploration of the cave behind the falls, admiring the rich flora all around and even taking an elephant ride.
Refuge from the heat of the sun can be found in the shade of the giant surrounding trees here. Bring your own food and drinks to enjoy a picnic if you like, as services may be few. Indeed, now is the time to visit before mass tourism leaves it’s mark on this beautiful area.
Tip: Be very careful not to slip on the rocks next to Phu Cuong Waterfall. It’s best to visit just after the rainy season, when it’s safer, so from October onwards. For more on this hidden gem click here
Getting There
There is a small airport just outside the city centre of Pleiku, so it’s very reachable from major cities by air. An alternative is taking a bus from HCMC to Pleiku. But it is a very long journey, about 15 hours. It is a further hours ride to the waterfall from the city.
The easiest way is to rent a motorbike from Pleiku and ride there or enlist help from a local travel service.
4. Nam Du Islands, Kien Giang Province
Fourth on my list of southern Vietnam’s hidden gems is a truly heavenly location. Nam Du islands are a tropical paradise situated in the Gulf of Thailand, Kien Giang province. If you want to be really adventurous and avoid the flocks of tourists heading to Phu Quoc, then why not come here.
These islands are becoming more and more popular, especially with young Saigonese. It’s best to visit during weekdays, when it isn’t too busy. Also come between November and April (the dry season).
Nam Du archipelago is comprised of around 20 islands, the biggest being Hon Lon (also called Nam Du). You can hire a scooter and explore Hon lon and take a boat trip to the other islands. One circular road will take you around this lush island in only 20 minutes. But park up and take in the scenery of vibrant green palms, banyan trees and the lapping shoreline.
The small hamlet of Bai Tret is where you can base yourself for all local amenities, including a place to stay. Where the fishermen go about their business can be a little shabby, with lots of plastic strewn in the sea. However, once you get beyond this area, you can really appreciate the majestic nature of Nam Du.
Kick back and chill in a hammock on the mini-resort of Humiso and forget all your cares. Go to the south-west side of Hon Lon and find yourself in a heaven on the white sands of the beach called Bai Cay Men. It’s perhaps the finest beach in Vietnam! Free camping is even available here. You can scuba dive, snorkel, sample delicious seafood delights and just enjoy the peace and tranquility. Maybe you want to visit Nam Du lighthouse for great views, so many things to do!
Getting there
To reach the islands from the mainland of Kien Giang, take a local ferry or fast boat at Rach Gia port. Tickets are roughly 200-250,000vnd per person, depending on the company.
5. Ben Tre, Mekong Delta
Finally on my list of southern Vietnam’s hidden gems is the diminutive province of Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta. It’s known as the land of the coconut, due to to the large coconut farms present here. Travel guides often say to just do a day trip here, but I disagree. And here’s why!
It’s a place packed with great things to see and do. One should spend a few days at least to experience the laidback southern charm. If you dream of drifting down the Mekong backwaters, sampling the delights of a floating market or relaxing in a hammock under the palms, this place is for you.
A wealth of activities
You can wander through the orchards here, offering up many tropical fruits, especially durian, mangosteen (my favorite!) and longan during midsummer. Cai Mon orchard is popular with visitors. Fruit tasting and picnics are good activities here, of course you can even buy fruit too.
Con Quy is a wild and peaceful spot, just over 23km from Ben Tre’s centre. Here you can enjoy the outdoors with rowing or going fishing in the canals. Be sure to try the Keo dua (coconut candy) when you come to Tan Vinh island.
From 7pm til midnight Ben Tre market is well worth a visit for an authentic Vietnamese street market experience.
Support eco-tourism by arranging some time in one of the traditional craft villages in Ben Tre.
Van Ho Bird Sanctuary is a must for nature lovers in Ba Tri district.
For a beautiful beach with nearby restaurants serving up seafood at unbeatable prices come to Thua Duc beach.
Getting there
By car from Saigon is 2 hours on average, with picturesque views along the way. Several bus services from Saigon will go to Ben Tre city, with ticket prices between 70,000 – 120,000vnd.
A last word…
And that completes my guide to southern Vietnam’s hidden gems: 5 heavenly places to visit. I really hope I’ve inspired you to go and explore all this exciting country has to offer. Now get out there and don’t regret a moment. Indeed, travel for as long as you wish!
