The Hidden Treasures of Vietnam’s Roads Less Travelled

I don’t think Robert Frost ever visited <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/asia/vietnam">Vietnam</a>, but if he had, I suspect he would have found a lot to his liking.In this country, more than any other on earth, the road less travelled has led me – and those travellers daring enough to follow me – to some of the most incredible experiences I’ve ever encountered. Below, are just&nbsp;a few of my favourites.<h3>Seldom Visited Villages</h3><h4>Dalat</h4>My favourite seldom-visited small town (that still happens to have a luxury hotel) is Dalat.It’s up in the southern highlands, so the temperature is great. It’s basically the Niagara Falls of Vietnam — that is to say, everyone wants to spend their honeymoon here.If approached with a good sense of humour, you can have tons of fun on the romantic carriage ride through the Valley of Love, and Dalat is also the number one producer of flowers in Vietnam, so you can be sure that your loved one will receive roses every day.<h4>Cat Ba</h4>Cat Ba is the name of a large island and town in Ha Long Bay. Most tourists just head to the bay and spend the night on a boat visiting alleged pearl farms and floating villages – not bad, but pretty standard.However, I think it’s amazing to get off the boat and onto the island. Not only does the interior offer one of the most scenic and least trafficked bike rides in Vietnam, but the little fishing village of Cat Ba is cute, and fresh seafood for lunch is the icing on the cake.<h4>Phan Rang</h4>Now, if we really want to talk about “off the beaten track,” there is Phan Rang.Partway through the long drive between Dalat and Nha Trang lies a random little place. It’s one of my favourites because I’m totally fascinated by visiting Cham sites in Vietnam and comparing them to Siem Reap in Cambodia.Almost no one gets to the site in Phan Rang called <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Po_Klong_Garai">Po Klong Garai.</a> It’s a Cham temple with a fabulous setting on a hill, and sweeping views of the surrounding area.Surprisingly, this town is also known for growing the grapes that go into the small&nbsp;amount of wine produced in Vietnam. While&nbsp;the wine&nbsp;is pretty horrible (no point sugarcoating it), it’s nice to walk through the vineyards for something a bit different.

<h3>Specialty Markets</h3><h4>Flower Markets</h4>Maybe I’m a hopeless romantic, but I love flower markets. (Or maybe I’d just rather look at flowers than raw chickens.)The all-day and often visited flower market in Ho Chi Minh City remains wonderful, but my favourite is the 4 a.m. market in Hanoi. It’s at the terminus of the bike bridge over the Red River and is a wholesale market with local villagers coming in and selling to vendors that will re-sell around the city. It’s fantastic.<h4>Votive Markets</h4>I also like the votive offering markets. These are the paper displays of money, clothes and other items that are burned as an offering to ancestors that they can use in the afterlife.In the weeks leading up to Tet (more on that below), these markets triple in size, and it’s fascinating and fun to walk through them and appreciate the scale, taking in paper versions of cars, mopeds, cigarettes and more.<h3>Spontaneous Stops</h3><h4>A Random River Float</h4>One of my favourite spontaneous stops on a trip was on a bike ride in Ninh Binh, in northern Vietnam.&nbsp;I was biking with six travellers and we were having a good time riding along a river. We stopped to drink water and there were some bamboo rafts parked in front of us on the river bank. One of the travellers jokingly said, “wouldn’t it be fun to ride those rafts?”After some quick negotiating, we were each onboard a raft and floating down the river, with our bikes floating on a separate raft beside us. We floated to the next bridge, where we continued our ride, and this became the running joke for the rest of the week.

<h4>A Quick Dip</h4>I'm also a big fan of swimming if the water looks good. I always have a good supply of towels in the van and if it’s hot, the biking clothes dry fast.Biking along a great coastal road on the far side of Hai Van Pass was a place I often swam when I was on my research trips. On this one trip, the waves were good and I convinced 18 fully-clothed travellers to body surf in the waves of Lang Co Beach (pictured below). The body surfing was followed by a great lunch, and lots of wet clothes that dried during our bike ride.

<h3>Tet</h3><h4>A New Year I’ll Never Forget</h4>Travelling in Vietnam during Tet (the Vietnamese New Year, which takes place in late January) is a total blast.The whole country is like one big street party. On one of my favourite trips, we were hiking in a remote village on the Ninh Van Peninsula. We stumbled across a travelling troop of performers doing flips and pranks (I think they just roam villages during Tet and collect money from tips). They were dressed up as the Hanuman and his friend, the mischievous monkey who goes on adventures through Nepal, India and China. We watched the random show in this tiny fishing village, hugged the monkey and had a great day.&nbsp;&nbsp;Endless great days await in <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/asia/vietnam">Vietnam</a>, where you can go self-guided or in a small group, <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/small-group/vietnam-laos-cambodia-multi-active">multi-active</a>, <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/self-guided/northern-vietnam-self-guided-walking">walking</a>, <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/small-group/cambodia-vietnam-biking">biking</a>, or completely <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/bespoke/vietnam-bespoke">bespoke</a>. Come discover a land of magic and mystery with Butterfield &amp; Robinson and our local friends.

Discover Vietnam’s hidden treasures—from remote villages and scenic backroads to lesser-known cultural and natural gems beyond the usual trail.

Vietnam’s Best Hidden Treasures | Off-the-Beaten-Path Travel Guide

Vietnam

From north to south, Vietnam is a contrast of distinctly local cultures. Welcome to a land of magic and mystery, whose rich history and fascinating cultural traditions are trumped only by the astonishing variety of its cuisine and unwavering graciousness of our local friends. Even with its vibrant economic growth, the country is as beautiful and enchanting as it was ten years ago.

Explore breathtaking bays and lush rice terraces

Discover Hanoi, cruise Ha Long Bay and explore Hoi An on a luxury Vietnam tour. Extraordinary cuisine, rice terraces and expert guides since 1970.

Luxury Biking & Private Tours in Vietnam | Butterfield & Robinson

If there’s anything better than luxurious hotels, beautiful landscapes and delectable dishes, it’s the ability to appreciate it all at your own pace. We’ve plotted out the quintessential Vietnamese experience, preloaded the routes onto your GPS, and lined up local friends from Hue to Danang to take you in deep. Prefer to go deep into the pool? Take the plunge – it’s your vacation.B&amp;R Experience Designer Nathan Lane&nbsp;was named Vietnam’s Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler.

Incredible Rides

Insider Access

Authentic Food

From rice paddies to pagodas, Vietnam dazzles at every turn—and this self-guided spin lets you savour it your way. Pedal peaceful backroads, feast with a local family, and coast along sandy trails from Hue to Hoi An. Feeling bold? Conquer the legendary Hai Van Pass. This journey’s got it all—except a fixed pace. That’s up to you.

Uncover Vietnam's hidden charms

The itinerary below is a sample and is subject to slight changes in routes, accommodations and activities. Please download the itinerary for your selected departure for precise details.

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Experience Designer

Explore Hué's imperial citadels and Hoi An's ancient town on a tailor-made itinerary. Two of Southeast Asia's most culturally significant cities, privately

Central Vietnam Private Tours: Hué Citadels, Hoi An & Cultural Access

Venture between lands where ancient temples rise from the jungle, rivers carve through timeless landscapes, and the air hums with the echoes of past civilizations. This journey through Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia takes you from misty mountain valleys and emerald rice terraces to sacred caves and golden-spired temples. Ride along the Mekong, walk through hidden villages where time slows, and stand in awe before the stone-carved wonders of Angkor. As you move from one destination to the next, you'll be immersed in the warmth of local traditions, from Buddhist blessings to vibrant market scenes and uncover layers of history, culture, and natural beauty that make this corner of the world truly unforgettable.&nbsp;B&amp;R Experience Designer Nathan Lane has been named a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler.

Active Adventure

Cultural Immersion

Luxurious Stays

Misty mountains, golden temples and ancient stories—this journey through Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia is pure magic. We walk through rice terraces and hidden villages, cruise the Mekong, and stand in awe before Angkor’s stone-carved wonders. Along the way, vibrant markets, sacred rituals and warm welcomes reveal the heart of this unforgettable corner of the world.

A cultural journey through ancient lands

Experience Designer 

In Laos, discover a UNESCO-protected city filled with colonial architecture, a Buddhist legacy, and miles of tranquil Mekong-side riding with thriving landscapes on the horizon. Switch gears and explore Siem Reap’s ancient Khmer temples of Angkor at sunrise and revel in the mystical atmosphere. Across these unique regions, connect with the wilderness and culture through rare intimate experiences.

Spend 5 nights biking, hiking and kayaking around Luang Prabang in a small group. Sacred temples, jungle waterfalls and Southeast Asia's most photogenic city.

Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia Multi-Active Tour: Temples & Luang Prabang

Roll past friendly villagers, rice paddies and cruise up the Perfume River. Feel the rush of our favourite city, Hoi An, and savour the mind-blowing Viet fusion cuisine made by our local friends. Our incredible guides have been working with us for decades and have real chops. What more could you want? How about three nights at the riverside Anantara Hoi An Resort? Sleep on it.&nbsp;(Price is inclusive of $170 internal flights.)

Culturally and naturally diverse, the path less travelled through Northern Vietnam reveals new wonders at every turn. Starting in Hanoi, explore the city on a cyclo ride and indulge your inner foodie alongside expert chefs. Head north and meander through the back roads of Ninh Binh and Mai Chau, where a natural labyrinth of soaring limestone mountains, crystal streams and hidden temples reveal the country's most authentic side. Along the way, our charming friends will open their doors for a glimpse into local life, from members of the Tay community to humble farmers replete with clever techniques.B&amp;R Experience Designer Nathan Lane has been named a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler.

A Stroll For The Senses

Vietnam's beauty knows no bounds. B&amp;R was one of the first travel companies to explore the country on two wheels, and our experience on the ground goes a long way. Over two decades later, we've scoped out more luxurious hotels, curated biking routes and exclusive experiences with our local friends—from historic Hoi An to the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City. You'll roll past friendly villagers, cruise up the Perfume River, and even savour mind-blowing cuisine with relatives of the last Vietnamese dynasty.&nbsp;On this Expedition trip, the rich culture and serene bike routes are only trumped by the unwavering graciousness of our local friends.B&amp;R Experience Designer Nathan Lane has been named a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler.

One-of-a-kind Hotels

After more than two decades in Vietnam, we’re still uncovering gems to share with you. Ride from Ho Chi Minh City’s electric buzz to timeless Hoi An, past rice paddies, rivers, and smiling locals. Dine with a renowned chef, cruise along the coast, and savour every quiet path and warm welcome. This isn’t just a ride—it’s an immersion in a land that never stops giving.

Charming towns & rural beauty

Spend 6 nights biking Vietnam's dramatic central coast in a small group. Fishing villages, empty beaches and mountain passes with guides who know every road.

Vietnam Bike Tour: Coastal Villages, Empty Beaches & Mountain Passes

Roll past rice paddies and cruise up the Perfume River. Feel the rush of our favourite city, Hoi An, and savour the mind-blowing Viet fusion cuisine made by our local friends. Our incredible guides have been working with us for decades and have real chops.&nbsp;Below are a few of our trip highlights in Vietnam to inspire your private, tailor-made journey.

Unique Gastronomy

Vietnam is a sensory adventure—rice paddies, river cruises, imperial tombs and street food that’ll ruin you for takeout forever (in the best possible way, of course). Bike to ancient villages, wander lantern-lit Hoi An and sip pho with our friends who know every shortcut and secret. From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh, this is history, flavour and soul—served B&amp;R-style.

as wondrous as the first time we ventured here more than a decade ago

Venture off the beaten path and fall in love with Vietnam

Bespoke travel lets you to take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to put together your tailor-made trip.

From Hanoi's Old Quarter to Hoi An's tailor shops on a tailor-made Vietnam journey. Decades of insider access, privately guided and built around you.

Vietnam Private Tours: Hanoi's Old Quarter, Hoi An & Insider Access

Pedal from floating markets to Imperial tombs along colourful country and coastal roads.

You will be picked up at the airport in Hanoi and transferred to your hotel, Sofitel Metropole

These destinations offer a rich fusion of history, culture and diverse cuisines. Explore the highlights, from lush jungles to scenic coastal roads. In Cambodia, marvel at the ever-changing history of Angkor Wat. Visit Vietnam and discover UNESCO-listed Hoi An, blending preserved history with Chinese temples, Vietnamese tube-houses, the ornate Japanese bridge, and eclectic restaurants. Conclude your week in Hue's Imperial City, where bullfrogs and crickets serenade you as Nguyen Dynasty relatives share grand history over royal cuisine.

Historic Sites

Cultural Immersion 

Pedal through our favourite corner of Southeast Asia, where ancient wonders pair beautifully with vibrant culture and outrageously good cuisine. Tuk-tuk past Angkor’s jungle-clad temples, then savour imperial flavours with Nguyen Dynasty descendants, and float down the utterly magical Perfume River.&nbsp; Cruise over the legendary Hai Van Pass, and spin through Vietnam’s lush countryside and historic Hoi An.&nbsp;

Enchanting Cambodia & Dynamic Vietnam

Venture off the beaten path and fall in love with Cambodia and Vietnam

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Go Bespoke

In a corner of Asia known for its magic, we pull back the curtain on two distinct cultures united in the undeniable warmth of their people—and their delectable cuisine! Soak up quiet rice fields and endless miles of scenic coastal roads as we start in Cambodia for a behind-the-scenes look at Angkor's temples before flying to Vietnam where we'll immerse ourselves in both city and rural life.&nbsp;(Price is inclusive of $390 internal flights.)

Spend 6 nights biking and hiking from Angkor to Hoi An in a small group. Jungle temple routes, imperial citadels and the best of Southeast Asia on two wheels.

Cambodia & Vietnam Bike Tour: Angkor Jungle to Hoi An's Ancient Streets

Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of Northern Vietnam, where lush rice paddies, ancient forests and picturesque villages lie quietly. Your journey begins in Hanoi, where you’ll head to a local cooking school and indulge in your authentic creations. Wander to the ancient capital of Dai Viet and visit centuries-old temples. Take a scenic boat ride into mountain caves in Ninh Binh, then venture to one of the world's most biodiverse regions in the Cuc Phuong National Park. Spend each day exploring at your own pace before unwinding at your stunning hotel for the night.

Great Walks

Northern Vietnam serves up misty peaks, rice paddies, and ancient temples—hold the crowds, add a dash of extra charm. Cook like a local in Hanoi, boat into secret caves in Ninh Binh, and wander through biodiverse wonderlands in Cuc Phuong. This one's self-guided, so stroll at your own pace, snack often, and let Vietnam work its quiet magic.

Wander through ancient forests and rice paddies

$5,700 based on 2 travellers. $4,795 based on 4 travellers. $4,595 based on 6 travellers.

Explore Vietnam's ancient forests and hill tribe villages on a custom itinerary. Beyond the guidebook, privately guided through landscapes most tours never

Northern Vietnam Self-Guided Tours

In Cambodia and Vietnam, every corner turned reveals a unique story woven by ancient histories and vibrant cultures. On this adventure, wander through sacred temples rising from the jungle floor in Cambodia, and experience the vast beauty of Angkor Archaeological Park. A short flight to Vietnam brings you to a different side of Southeast Asia teeming with culture, vibrancy and life. Starting in Hoi An, set out to explore local markets pulsing with energy, and travel under the iconic&nbsp;Hải Vân Pass, or "Pass of the Clouds" to bring us to the Imperial City&nbsp;of Hue. Dine aboard a cruise along the Perfume River, and head to the traditional home of our local friends for a special final night celebration.&nbsp;

We've spent decades wandering these two countries for one simple reason: here, every step reveals a captivating story. We start by strolling through Cambodia’s jungle-cloaked temples, then hop to Vietnam’s energetic markets, take in Hoi An's colourful lanes, then cross beneath the majestic Hải Vân Pass en route to Hue’s Imperial City. And we finish aboard a Perfume River cruise, where our local friends have cooked up something special.

Wander from Siem Reap to Hue 

Featured stays

Journey 5 nights from Angkor's ancient temples to Hoi An in a small group. Guided hikes, cultural immersion and insider access throughout.

The Hidden Treasures of Vietnam’s Roads Less Travelled

By Nathan Lane

Vietnam

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