4 Destinations Recommended By Your Vietnam Tour Operator If You Need To Avoid The Crowds
Vietnam is quickly becoming a centre for travel in Southeast Asia. Although not as heavily commercialised as Thailand and Malaysia, there isn’t any doubt it’s getting there with the increasing number of tourist arrivals every year. While a number of you might despair at the idea of throngs of people ruining your holidays, it will be good to find out that Vietnam still has lots of places that are away from the beaten path. Likewise there are lots of ways to stay away from the heavy crowd in more popular spots during your vacation. Below are some places you can visit with the help of your Vietnam tour operator,:
Sa Pa:
Located in Vietnam’s remote north-western mountain region, Sa Pa is renowned for its delightful and unrefined scenery, and cultural diversity. The area hosts lots of hill tribes, rice terraces, and thick vegetation. It is quite close to Vietnam’s highest peak, Fan Si Pan, which is 3,142 metres high. While the town itself might get packed at times (especially on weekends) you can avoid this by exploring the countryside areas, which will take you more than a day’s walk to reach..
My Son:
Found 43 miles (69 kilometres) southwest of Da Nang, My Son contains the ruins of the Champa civilisation, that have been recognized to exist between the 4th and 14th centuries. The Hindu-influenced complex was used for religious ceremonies for kings. It was also a burial site for members of Cham royalty along with their national heroes. Beholding the most ancient structures still seen in the country will be a fun trip for history enthusiasts. Keep in mind that the area could get a bit packed so you should try heading there very early in the day (preferably at sunrise) if you want to beat the crowd and heat.
Bai Tu Long National Park:
Found next to its more famous counterpart, Ha Long Bay, the area also has Ha Long’s gorgeous scenery of islands, seas, and rocks. The only difference is, it’s not as crowded. Furthermore, the park houses five distinct ecosystems: Rain Broad Leaves Forest, Limestone Forest, Littoral Ecosystem, Corals, and Shallow Water. Some areas, especially the Shallow Water area, have yet to be totally explored by researchers.
Bach Ma National Park:
If you want a piece of untamed Vietnamese nature, this location is for you. Located some 56 miles (90 kilometres) north of Hoi An, the park is a model for biodiversity with its jungles, vegetation-filled valleys, and breathtaking views of the beaches. Don’t forget to bring plenty of bottled water, a hat, and a rain jacket during the hike as the area is one of the rainiest in Vietnam.
There are many more places you could visit that aren’t very congested, and ways to steer clear of too many tourists in more popular regions. It helps to do some research before your trip, check information on the internet for ideas and travelers’ info. You can also ask your Vietnam tour operator or other people you know who were there, they’ll be the best people to offer you first-hand reports on what you should expect when you arrive in Vietnam.
Final Tips:
Prior to going, pay attention to a few considerations to ensure a smooth holiday. Vietnam visitors need to take care to dress decently, avoid embarrassing your hosts or be overly camera-happy. Avoid discussing political topics, particularly those about the Vietnam War. Finally, remember to avoid showing off your wealth as it is rude to them, and it can make you a hot target for snatchers. Bear in mind these things and you will most likely enjoy your holiday.
Amaury Quirion is a travel agent who has links to various vietnam tour operator. For additional information on how to make the most of your visit to Vietnam, read about holidays vietnam.