There’s definitely a popular ‘’route’’ that many travelers and backpackers follow when visiting Vietnam. Most people start in either the north (Hanoi) and make their way south or start in the south (Ho Chi Minh) and make their way north. The most common stops in between include Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Mui Ne. However, if you’re craving something different than the well-beaten tourist track, check out some of our recommendations for cool day trips from Vietnam’s most popular cities:

From Hanoi to Bat Trang – 23 kilometers

Inside a pottery clay production, Bat Trang Pottery Village

Just across the Red River on the eastern banks is the small village of Bat Trang. Don’t let its size fool you – it’s an extremely historically significant place. Renowned for its production of quality ceramics, Bat Trang is a seven-century old village that even provided pottery to the Ming Dynasty. In the 15th – 17th centuries Bat Trang’s ceramics became popular among foreigners who passed through Vietnam via trade boats, further boosting the village’s reputation.

Today, the Bat Trang Pottery Village functions as an attraction for travelers who want to see the ancient art form in action and leave with some authentic goodies from the ceramic shops lining the main drag. Visitors can even try their hand at making their own pottery at the Porcelain and Pottery Market!

From Hoi An to Cham Island – 30 minutes

Cham Island, Hoi An (Photo from Hoabinhtourist.com)

This island is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and is easily accessible from Hoi An via 30-minute boat ride. Cham island is known for producing master woodcarvers, many of whom are responsible for creating the intricately carved details on Hoi An’s historic homes and buildings.

The rural island, loaded with emerald-green rice paddies and water coconut palm trees, is best explored by bicycle. This allows travelers to slow their pace, meander peacefully around the island, and appreciate the simple way of village life. Activities on Cham Island include visiting ancient pagodas and houses, discovering how rice paper is made and learning how to wrap your own spring roll, and witnessing how the beautifully-crafted floor mats are created from brightly-dyed dried grass.

This island is all about authenticity and simplicity, which is a refreshing change from some of the more tourist-y places in Vietnam.

From Ho Chi Minh to Cai Be Floating Market – 106 kilometers

Women cross Mekong river by paddleboat at the famous floating market in Cai Be, Tien Giang province, Vietnam

Two hours south of Ho Chi Minh on the banks of the mighty Mekong River, the Cai Be Floating Market offers visitors a more authentic taste of this Vietnamese tradition. The market is located in the Tien Giang region which is known throughout the country for its fruit production.

Boats of all sizes line the river banks and cruise through the waters with their products – mostly fruits, vegetables, flowers, seafood, and other agricultural products. It’s easy to identify who is selling what – just look for the tall poles on each vessel adorned with that boat’s specialty. The best way to experience the market is to hire a boat and cruise along right next to the all the local buyers and seller.

Prepare yourself for an early morning if you plan to come here; vendors start arriving at 3am, but the market carries on well into the late morning. After the market tour, it’s nice to explore the nearby orchards, gardens and sample the local cuisine.

Nha Trang to Salanganes Island – 17 kilometers

Salanganes Island in Nha Trang (Photo from discover-nhatrang.com)

In need of a slow-paced day of sun and relaxation? Look no further than Salanganes Island, just off the city of Nha Trang in the East Vietnam Sea. The day starts with travel on a glass-bottom boat so travelers can enjoy the crystal-clear waters, corals, and marine life below.

Before sprawling on the white-sand shores, visitors should first experience what the Salanganes Islands are famous for – their swallows. These birds build their nests and lay eggs in the island’s large caves, and locals harvest these nests and eggs to make food that was traditionally only offered to kings. Nowadays, these nests are highly sought after in Vietnam, in addition to being exported throughout Asia where it is considered a delicacy. After seeing the caves, tourists have the chance to feast on sugared swallow eggs and bird nest soup and learn about the history and the dangerous process of nest harvesting.

Other activities on the island include swimming, snorkeling, and hiking up Du Ha to see the mountain top temple. The island is also renowned for its seafood, so a leisurely lunch at one of the beachside restaurants is a must.

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There are plenty of ways to create a unique experience in Vietnam. The best way is to break away from the hordes of other travelers and get to know the country outside of its built-up tourist-catering cities. Embark on any one of these day trips and discover a little more about the real Vietnam.

Vietnam visa on arrival desk in Da Nang city