Vietnam beyond the guidebook: 5 unique things to try

Vietnam is way more than pho, and postcard-perfect bays. Beneath the well-trodden tourist spots, there are endless surprises for anyone curious enough to go off-beat and try things that are unique. Things like sipping coffee in a café hidden up a rickety staircase, or wandering into caves, or stumbling upon festivals that many are not aware of, are some of the things that make off-beat itineraries worthy to say the least. It’s the kind of place that rewards wandering off the beaten path, where every island, and mountain has a story that’s part weird, part wonderful, and entirely unforgettable. So, ready to see a side of Vietnam most guidebooks don’t even mention? Find out more.

A natural limestone cave located on Cat Ba Island, which was converted into a secret, bomb-proof hospital during the Vietnam War. This cave consists of an operating theatre, recovery rooms, living quarters, a cinema, and recreation areas. This cave, hidden in dense forests, was accessed by wooden stairs that could be removed in case of any military attacks. Visitors will definitely be mesmerised by the cave’s preservation and the way the people of Vietnam survived during the war. The cave also has a pristine, majestic natural landscape with steep cliffs and dense vegetation. One can also enjoy the breathtaking view of Lan Ha Bay.

This place is also known as Hằng Nga Guesthouse. The Crazy House is considered an architectural marvel designed by the Vietnamese architect Đặng Việt Nga. It has a unique design that resembles a giant tree with elements that represent natural forms such as animals, mushrooms, spiders, and caves. This house has also been described as a fairytale house. This building has been recognized for having a unique architecture. It is influenced by Antoni Gaudí’s works and aims to blend nature with imagination, featuring tunnels, spirals, bridges, and treehouse-like rooms. Guests can stay overnight to experience its fantasy-like quality or visit during the day to explore its whimsical grounds and unique design.

A unique tradition of boating that takes place here is that local boatmen use their feet to pedal and row the boats, which gives them freedom to move their hands and navigate through narrow waterways. The boats mostly go on the Hoang Long River, where visitors will witness scenic limestone formations and caves. Visitors will definitely be mesmerised by the beauty of lush green surroundings. The tour is quite relaxing and immersive and lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Visit Mai Chau, which is a remote valley that houses the White Thai ethnic group, which preserves traditional stilt houses, crafts, music, and dance. This valley is the ideal escape for nature lovers. The valley consists of small villages surrounded by paddy fields and green mountains. Visitors can spend some days in the Vietnamese rural culture here and also try the delicious home-cooked traditional cuisine and immerse themselves in a new culture. The Mai Chau valley has two excellent homestay villages, namely Lac and Pom Coong, where the White Thai families offer accommodation in stilt houses. This is a very refreshing and tranquil experience for visitors.

The location of Hội An works in its favour, as now it has a diverse culinary tradition with influences from Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and Western cultures. Mainly seafood is consumed here in the daily diet, outselling meat items. Cao lầu is a signature dish of the town, consisting of rice noodles, meat, greens, bean sprouts, and herbs. Hội An also has dishes like wonton and white rose dumplings, alongside a variety of rustic specialties such as steamed rice cakes, mussels, and pancakes. One should try all these delicacies, which are mouthwatering and a must-try at the restaurants located here, which also have a unique ambiance.