Imagine surrounded by colourful lanterns lit nights on calm waters overlooking vibrant markets and you sitting in a cafe on the street having vietnamese coffee surrounded by this splendid view.
I love to explore new cafes in town and love to research unique coffee around the world. Sipping coffee with my favourite book is my most loved activity then how can Vietnam get missed, as Vietnam’s is the second largest exporter of coffee in the world. It offers artisanal coffee, cool cafes, rich culture, blended perfectly with majestic landscape.
When I started searching further I encountered, Vietnam is ranked one of the top countries in the world and most loved for its pristine beaches, karst studded landscapes, and cafe culture. I was curious to know what is making the country so trending and was awe-inspired by its magnificent beauty and hidden landscape shared in Vietnam’s Hidden Gems 2025.
The country is working on developing tourism infrastructure by enhancing luxurious stay options, transport facilities, and providing direct flights to the most loved coastal cities of Vietnam which is making it convenient for travellers to explore the place.
They have relaxed their visa policies for easy accessibility and are considered safe destinations, also focus on sustainable tourism protecting their natural beauty while maintaining a healthy and safe environment for travellers.
Cities are full of trendy cafes offering unique aromatic coffees with high speed internet with the scenic view of glittering city are loved among musicians, artists, working nomads and travellers.
Country is the magnificent combination of lively city and the heavenly landscape surrounded by emerald waters, mystical hills, rice paddings, limestone caves, karst towering landscape, pristine beaches, mangroves loaded with rich flora and fauna, beautiful quaint villages, warm people the list is big and you need little more days to explore this majestic beauty.
Vietnam’s Hidden Gems 2025
Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc is ranked one the top cities of Asia Pacific for white powdered beaches, comfortable and luxurious stay options and easy connectivity makes the city trending among the beach lovers and travellers.
Walking on the pearl dusted white sand beaches overlooking crystal turquoise waters surrounded by palm trees offers a heavenly vibe perfect to relax with your loved ones.
Places to explore
- Bai sao (sao beach) offers magnificent views of white sand, clear crystal blue water offering crispy delicious delicacies and coconut coolers to satiate your taste buds.
- Snorkeling in the crystal clear water at An Thoi island witnessing colourful marine life and reefs is the most loved activity in Phu Quoc.
- Ba Keo beach along with Long Beach (Bai Truong) and Ong Lang Beach are known for sky painted sunsets and magnificent sunrises.
- You cannot miss the surreal view of turquoise sea, emerald forest from the large windows of the sun world cable car, one of the longest three rope cable car in the world connecting Hon Thom island to mainland city in Phu quoc.
- Phu Quoc National Park offers stunning views of lush greenery, rich flora and fauna which is the Unesco Biosphere reserves. Hiking and trekking Mount Heaven is a loved activity of Phu Quoc National Park.
- Kayaking on the Cua Can river is a must have experience in Phu Quoc surrounded by pristine mangroves, tranquil waters, emerald wilderness and local riverine villages.
- Sao beach is home to Luxurious resort, also best for scenic sunset, relaxation. Snorkeling, kayaking, and jet skiing are enjoyed here in the crystal clear turquoise waters.
- Vin Pearl safari offers an open zoo and amusement park to add the thrill and adventures to your vacation.
- Visit the Vin Wonder Theme Park ranked one of the best amusement parks in South East Asia exploring vintage express trains, colossal aquariums, viking villages, thrilling rides and activities.
- Exploring pearl farm cultivation and shopping souvenirs from the pearl island are the most unique experiences of Phu Quoc.
- Grand world Phu Quoc is european and asian inspired architecture known for its shopping complex, venice inspired river with gondola ride, lakes, fountains shows and lively night life.
- Phu Quoc night market Duong Dong is best for a lively vibe where you must try their noodles, salads, desserts and shop exquisite souvenirs.
Location
South Vietnam
Hoi An
Hoi An is a picturesque town of ancient architecture, yellow walled buildings and ancient streets looking magnificent overlooking calm Thu Bon river surrounded by colourful lantern lit boats during night.
Hoi An architecture is the unique blend of Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese architecture and is declared a UNESCO world heritage site.
Places to explore
- The town is famous for lantern markets where you will witness beautifully designed colourful lanterns. You can enjoy glowing lanterns boat ride on the calm river overlooking the lively market, colourful light reflecting on waters looks stunning. This place is no less than a dreamy colourful town similar to ones carved in paintings.
- Explore the old town of unique architecture which includes tan ky ancestral house, Phuc Kein assembly hall.
- You can enjoy the whole vibe while walking the streets or sipping coffee in the riverside cafes, trying street food and shopping for souvenirs.
- Spending the mornings sunrise with a golden view on a Japanese covered bridge is an architectural gem and best for photographers.
- Enjoy a lazy afternoon riding a bicycle from coconut groves to pristine shores of An Bang and Cua Dai beaches for relaxing amidst blue waters and soft white sand.
- Snorkeling in the Chams island is one of the best activities in Hoi An Vietnam and it is also recognised as Unesco Biosphere reserve for its untouched reefs, pristine waters and vibrant marine life.
- Booking a sunset cruise on Thu Bon river is the perfect way to relax with your partner and spend the romantic evening in the midst of a picturesque view.
- You can book cooking classes to learn some unique local recipes of Vietnam.
Location
Central Vietnam Quang Nam Province
Phong Nha Ke Bang National park
Phong Nha ke bang National Park is an exquisite combination of massive limestone caves, hiking trails, pristine rivers, floating villages which is one of the unique experiences of Vietnam you can’t ignore.
Phong Nha ke bang National Park is famous for its unique rock formation and pristine limestones and is recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site.
Things to do
- Experience the boat journey in the intricate formation of Phong Nha cave, witnessing an impressive entrance, underground river and stunning rock formation.
- This place is home to world largest caves Song Doong Caves known for its extraordinary underground environment, grandeur rock formations, unique self sustaining eco system with its own river and rain forest, is the most unique experience in Vietnam, can be explored by group tour booked in advance.
- You can hire a bike to explore nearby picturesque villages, rice paddies and picturesque landscapes. Surrounded by emerald wilderness, limestone towering cliffs dramatically rising from the Son river is worth exploring.
- You can enjoy kayaking in the majestic serenity of Phong Nha ke bang National park.
Exploring rich flora and fauna on the eco tour of forest, witnessing gorgeous rivers, gardens and valleys in the midst of lush greenery is worth exploring. - You can enjoy local cuisine in a local homestay and learn more about Vietnamese unique local cuisines, village life and their rich culture.
Location
Central Vietnam
Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is the gorgeous jewels of Vietnam, you cannot miss exploring, it looks similar to dreamy watercolor painting of emerald waters with towering limestone karst cliffs and islets and the moment sunlight touches the golden glow makes the bay similar to sparkling paradise.
Ha Long bay is the soul of Vietnam known for its serenity and grandeur, recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site for its splendid landscape.
Sunsets are breathtaking, surrounded by the hues of pink and silver reflecting on emerald waters and the karst landscape looks gorgeous.
Things to do
- Begin your journey by a day cruise, best to explore the majestic karst landscape, stunning beaches and floating villages where both modern yacht and traditional boats are available.
- Booking an overnight cruise under the stars studded shimmering night and having dinner in the midst of majestic beauty is great option to enjoy magical night with your loved ones.
- You can enjoy kayaking in calm narrow lagoons exploring the pristine natural beauty and serenity watching exotic birds, clear sky and floating villages.
- You can explore the Sung Sot caves, which is the largest and most famous cave of Ha Long Bay and also Me Cung Cave, which is illuminated with soft colored light, are worth visiting.
- Witnessing the gorgeous natural beauty from the top by hiking the Titov island .
Location
Northeastern Vietnam
Da Nang
Da Nang is the majestic city, unfolding the live canvas painting of sea and sky carved by nature. You can feel the serenity in the perfect combination of gold sand beaches, crystal blue waters, verdant mountains and sparkling bridges during night.
Places to explore
- My Khe beach is known for its pristine natural beauty of gorgeous beaches and witnessing the rose golden glow during sunset, reflecting on blue waters looks surreal.
- Exploring Golden Bridges in the Ba Na hills consisting of giant stone hands offering panoramic views of emerald wilderness making your way into the clouds is no less than a fantasy world.
- Hiking in the marble mountains is an amazing experience where you can explore caves, pagodas on cliffs and at the top of the mountains you can enjoy a panoramic view of Da Nang city, beaches and lush greenery.
- Driving on the most scenic coastal road in Asia of Hai Van pass is a 21 km mountain pass separating Da Nang from Hue offering stunning views of lush green misty hills.
- Dragon bridge is one of the best places to enjoy night life in Da Nang which sparkles with colorful LED lights. Famous for its dragon shaped architecture which is a symbol of strength and prosperity, offers a stunning view of Han river and coloured lit bridge, a perfect place to enjoy dinner. It is a cultural landmark famous for fire breathing and water spraying performances on weekends.
Location
Central Vietnam
Nha Trang
Nha Trang is ranked one of the top summer destinations for its breathtaking coastal landscape of 19 lush islands and islets, is the perfect blend of pristine golden beaches, azure waters offering picturesque views is heaven for beach lovers.
Nha trang is the coastal jewels of Vietnam where pearl dusted beaches outlined with palm trees, luxury resorts, lively foods stalls and soul enriching experiences in Vietnam.
Things to do
- Exploring the majestic marine life in the Hon Mun Island protected area is no less than a heavenly paradise for divers. Snorkeling and diving are the most loved activities in the crystal clear water, best for exploring untouched coral reefs.
- Explore Tran Phu beach offering gorgeous view of soft golden sand, sparkling blue waters surrounded by pristine palms and you can also enjoy water sports activities like para sailing, jet skiing, paddle boarding and kite surfing.
- If you want to spend a calm evening away from the crowd, Doc Let Beach is one of the most gorgeous beaches in Vietnam.
- You can enjoy a mud bath in the mineral rich clay of Nha Trang and take a dip in a hot mineral pool. Coffee massages are also most loved here.
- Modern amenities, luxury and comfort will enhance your experience in this coastal paradise as it is home to a luxurious stay in Vietnam.
- Vibrant night life and beach parties are the best enjoyed in Nha Trang. You can enjoy the lively party on the beach or party on the roof top deck offering 360° panoramic views of stunning sunset, glittering city with international djs. Both are worth enjoying.
Location
South Central Coast of Vietnam
Final Thoughts
Visiting Vietnam is not just the regular destination, it’s the distinctive blend of pristine karst landscape, UNESCO heritage sites, national parks, gorgeous beaches, lantern lit cities, majestic grandeur bridges making your ways in the cloud will prove to be the unforgettable journey that will remain in your heart forever.
Exploring the magnificent marine life, vibrant corals, pristine mangroves, emerald waters surrounded by verdant mountains, boating in colourful lantern lit glowing in calm river, lively markets offering having authentic coffee, enjoying surreal sunsets on dreamy pearl white beaches, enjoying energetic night life in the sparkling city with irresistibly tempting authentic cuisines are some soul touching experience worth exploring.
I hope my favourite list of Vietnam’s Hidden Gems 2025 is helpful, please share your favourite place in Vietnam and stay tuned for my next gorgeous findings.
