Western media points out 'where Vietnamese people actually travel'.

Instead of crowded destinations, the American magazine suggests that the most fulfilling travel experience in Vietnam is visiting places chosen by locals.

Locals travel by boat through the Tra Su Melaleuca forest near Chau Doc. Photo: Tuleyhcm .

Vietnam attracts international tourists with its beautiful beaches, historical sites, hiking trails, and rich cuisine . However, at the most popular destinations, overcrowding means these experiences are no longer a secret reserved for a select few.

Lonely Planet 's travel writers, who live and work in Vietnam, suggest that tourists explore in a different way to fully experience the country and avoid the crowds.

Buon Ma Thuot (Dak Lak)

Christine Van, a longtime lifestyle editor and Vietnamese-American, has chosen Vietnam as her home for the past two decades.

According to her, for coffee lovers, Buon Ma Thuot is considered "paradise". This city, located in the central highlands, is famous for its distinctive coffee culture.

Visitors can participate in plantation tours, experience the aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans, and learn how to brew coffee in the Vietnamese style. As the largest coffee-producing region in the country, Buon Ma Thuot also hosts an annual coffee festival in mid-March.

Dray Nur and Dray Sap waterfalls. Photo: Tieu Bao Truong.

Beyond its coffee, this place is also impressive for its natural scenery. Waterfalls like Dray Nur and Dray Sap possess a mystical beauty, evoking images of fairy tales. Visitors can enjoy the lush greenery and the soothing sound of cascading water.

To learn more about the local culture, Lake Lak is a must-see. This tranquil lake is surrounded by M'Nong villages, with wooden and bamboo stilt houses lining the water's edge.

Many tour operators organize boat trips on the lake, combining interaction with the M'Nong people and experiencing cultural activities such as folk singing and gong playing.

To conclude the day's sightseeing, Christine suggested dinner at a nem nuong restaurant – a local specialty consisting of seasoned minced pork wrapped in rice paper and grilled over charcoal, creating a rich, slightly smoky flavor.

Coffee village in Buon Ma Thuot. Photo: Captain Yuki.

Chau Doc (An Giang)

Phan Các Trúc grew up in Vietnam and currently pursues visual arts, writing, and storytelling, with Châu Đốc as her favorite travel destination.

Located near the Cambodian border, this is a multicultural city in the Mekong Delta, home to Chinese, Cham, and Khmer communities. This diversity is evident in its architecture and cuisine.

Besides river tours, visitors can visit Hang Pagoda, Ba Chuc Mausoleum, or immerse themselves in nature at Tra Su Melaleuca Forest.

People selling goods at Chau Doc floating market. Photo: Tripadvisor.

The destination that keeps Truc coming back to Chau Doc is the Chau Doc floating market – a place that offers unique culinary experiences from the abundant fish resources of the Mekong River.

Visitors are encouraged to try fermented fish paste, various fermented seafood products, and many types of fish sauce made from snakehead fish, catfish, and anchovies. Bun mam (rice noodles with fermented fish paste) is a dish not to be missed. Lau mam (hot pot with fermented fish paste), with its combination of shrimp, fish, meat, and over 20 types of vegetables and herbs, is also a typical specialty of the region.

As Tet approaches, the market becomes bustling as people prepare for the festival, creating a lively atmosphere.

The mangrove forest is picturesque during the flood season. Photo: Phuong Mai Nguyen.

Tra Su Melaleuca Forest is another highlight. It is a nature reserve and considered one of the most beautiful landscapes in Vietnam.

The ideal time to visit is during and immediately after the rainy season, from June to November, when the mangrove forest turns a vibrant green.

Truc also suggested a hike up Mount Sam, about 4 km long, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of rice fields stretching towards the border. Before setting off, visitors can buy hot palm sugar rice cakes – a local specialty – at roadside stalls.

Lang Co (Hue)

Giang Pham, a writer specializing in lifestyle, food, and drinks, currently living in Ho Chi Minh City, calls Lang Co a "natural treasure."

Away from the crowded tourist spots, Lang Co is considered a "hidden gem" with its long-standing traditions, hospitality, and diverse landscapes. Situated between the ancient capital of Hue and Da Nang, it boasts a pristine fishing village, a national park, white sandy beaches, and turquoise bays.