When we planned our two weeks in Vietnam, we were looking for cultural and natural experiences – not crowds, Instagram hotspots or beach-focused destinations. If, like us, you’re after authenticity, connection and landscapes more than ticking off selfie spots, you can learn from our research and experience. Here are 10 places to avoid in Vietnam (from north to south). These are popular but may not be worth your time, or at least, worth thinking twice about and looking at alternatives.
Of course, many of these spots are popular for good reasons, especially if you’re into history or beach holidays. But if you travel for landscapes, countryside life, or a deeper cultural connection and want to avoid staged or overly busy attractions, you might want to skip these or approach them differently.
1. Sapa Town
Sapa is known for its breathtaking mountains and ethnic minority villages, but Sapa Town itself felt like a tourism hub rather than an authentic destination. We were warned it was overly touristy and lacking charm. From our research, the main attractions like the Fansipan cable car seemed crowded (and I couldn’t hike for a more nature-focused experience due to my knee injury), Cat Cat Village was described as fake and we weren’t interested in Insta-shots at Moana Cafe.
What to do instead: Skip the town and explore the surrounding countryside. We stayed in Ta Van and did a cultural trek with a local guide, which felt far more genuine and peaceful. Sapa Plum Eco House was a lovely base, but we wished we had known before about our guide’s homestay – basic but authentic – which sounded like a great way to connect with the region.
Sustainable travel tip: Joining activities run by local communities (like the H’Mong Batik workshop, but there are other traditional craft workshops) helps preserve cultural heritage in the region and creates direct income for families. We always learn a lot from experiences with locals; they make our trips more special.
2. Mua Cave (at peak times) | Ninh Binh
The view from the top of Mua Cave is one of the most iconic in Vietnam and it’s worth the climb. But the experience is seriously diminished if you go during the day tour peak. We visited at the end of the afternoon, and it was very busy. It’s not a place to avoid entirely, but timing is everything.
Tip: Stay nearby to go early – ideally before 8 am – so you can beat the day trip crowds. The view is worth it when it’s quiet.
3. Tam Coc boat rides | Ninh Binh
We didn’t do the Tam Coc boat ride, but we did walk along the river and saw the boats in action, including the unique foot-rowing technique. So why is it on this list of places to avoid in Vietnam? Mainly because I think you can have a much better boat experience just nearby.
Tam Coc’s river is quite wide, which means the cliffs can feel a bit distant. You can also explore some of the scenery on foot, which takes away from the novelty of doing it by boat. Plus, it can get very busy as many hotels are within walking distance. But the main reason is that I read several reviews mentioning very pushy (even aggressive) local vendors approaching boats mid-ride to sell souvenirs, which is the kind of interruption that ruins the moment.
Instead, we picked nearby Trang An and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our Vietnam trip. The karst scenery was spectacular, the cave system added an adventurous touch, and it felt much more peaceful. The different routes are spread out, so you rarely see other boats around you, which really helps you connect with the surroundings.
Tip: Boats at Trang An take four passengers, so if you’re travelling as a couple, try to pair up with like-minded travellers or negotiate to pay extra for a private boat. It makes a real difference when you’re with people who are also there to appreciate the experience and not just to fill their camera roll.
4. Hanoi Train Street
We did go here, and it wasn’t bad, but it really felt more like a photo op than a real experience. If you want to see the train, you’ll have to time your visit to arrive early, grab a café seat, and wait for it. The train was surprisingly fast, which feels even dangerous considering how close people are standing or sitting. For something so brief, it can be more hassle than it’s worth. While the street is photogenic with the lights and the railway, we don’t understand the hype about seeing the train itself.
Tip: Consider doing it as part of a guided food tour, so it’s easier to find a good spot and time it well if you want to see the train.
5. Halong Bay
It’s hard to talk about Vietnam without mentioning Halong Bay – a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the country’s most photographed destinations. But with that popularity comes heavy tourism. We read about overcrowded boats, queues, and rubbish in the water, which made us hesitate about visiting this iconic spot.
What to do instead: Bai Tu Long Bay is part of the same area but sees far fewer boats. Our guide said there were forty times more boats in Halong Bay. We still had the iconic limestone karst views, but without the chaos. Just a few boats around us, enough to feel the beauty of the place without being overwhelmed.
6. Hoi An ancient town (after sunset)
We actually loved Hoi An… during the day. But after sunset, it becomes overwhelmingly crowded. The lanterns are beautiful, but we were shoulder to shoulder with tourists on the bridges, and it totally lost the peaceful, romantic atmosphere I was hoping for. Also, I’m not a fan of the tradition of releasing lanterns on the water.
What to do instead: We much preferred Hoa Lu in Ninh Binh, which also had beautiful lanterns, boat tours on the river, lovely temples and no crowds!
7. Hoi An basket boat tour
This felt more like a staged tourist activity than a genuine cultural or nature experience, and we wouldn’t recommend it. We visited during a quiet time slot, so it wasn’t the crowds that put us off – it was the forced atmosphere. Our boat driver kept singing a Bruno Mars song (APT), trying a little too hard to make the ride “fun”, but it all felt awkward and inauthentic.
The basket boat spinning and fisherman net throwing tricks were undeniably impressive, but the pressure to participate was uncomfortable, especially as I physically couldn’t even join in due to an injury. The karaoke sessions turned us into passive spectators, disconnected from any real cultural exchange. It’s a shame, because we had many genuine, beautiful interactions throughout Vietnam, but this wasn’t one of them.
What to do instead: If you’re interested in coconut groves and a more authentic boat experience, head to Ben Tre as part of a Mekong Delta tour. It felt more natural, peaceful and connected to local life.
8. Danang
Danang is a beach city with modern buildings and resort-style development. Driving through it reminded me of Australia’s Gold Coast – but without the striking skyline. It lacked charm and didn’t match the kind of places we would hope to experience when visiting a country like Vietnam. But there’s nothing wrong with it. We talked to visitors who were spending a week in a villa on the beach there, and they loved it; it all depends on what kind of holidays you’re looking for!
What to do instead: Use Danang as a quick transit hub if needed, but base yourself in Hoi An or Hue if you’re looking for history, culture or atmosphere.
9. Ba Na Hills & the Golden Bridge
It was an easy decision not to visit this one. The Golden Bridge looks impressive in photos, but it’s part of a mountaintop theme park with fake European architecture, crowds, and little cultural value. It’s built for Instagram, not for those seeking connection with Vietnamese landscapes or heritage.
What to do instead: If you want mountain views and authentic rural life, go north to Sapa or Ha Giang.
10. South of Vietnam
This one might come as a surprise, but if you’re a nature lover looking for scenic landscapes and authentic countryside experiences, the south of Vietnam may not be your best bet. But if you’re interested in the history of the country, it’s a must-do.
We travelled from north to south, and while the southern region offered valuable historical insights, especially around the Vietnam War (with the Cu Chi Tunnels and War Remnants Museum), we felt the natural attractions were far less compelling than what we experienced elsewhere.
We also visited the Mekong Delta on a day trip. It was nice, and the coconut groves were lush, but they didn’t leave a strong impression compared to the stunning natural experiences we had in the north and centre.
What to do instead: If nature is your priority, allocate more time to northern and central Vietnam. Regions like Ha Giang Loop, Ninh Binh, and Phong Nha near Hue offer incredible scenery, cultural moments, and a slower pace, which is perfect for travellers seeking authentic, outdoor experiences.
What did you think of these places? Or do you know other places to avoid in Vietnam? Share your experience in the comments below!
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