Top 5 off-the-beaten-track summer adventures with locals in Vietnam
How to enjoy summer as locals in Vietnam? – Wherever you go, you always find off-the-beaten-track summer adventures, as long as you slow down and dive deeper into the local rhythm. That’s why we’re here to bring Top 5 summer experiences in Vietnam with locals. Let’s enjoy them – rustic yet fascinating!
Embrace wild summer in Vietnam like a child
Vietnam, especially Northern mountains are home to hidden gems still untouched by mass tourism, where local life is deeply intertwined with nature. With desirable temperatures (ranging from 22 – 35°C), these lands also give you great “coolcations” among lush green mountains, crystal-clear streams, and majestic waterfalls.
Come there and enjoy what’s awaiting you: swim in natural streams, jump off waterfalls into cool waters from rocks, trek through ancient forests and trails created by local footsteps over generations, – or join local families in harvesting for medicinal leaves, bamboo shoots, and wild vegetables to use in daily life. That’s exactly what a mountainous local summer in Vietnam is all about!
Here’s some destinations our team recommend for you: Mù Cang Chải, Lâm Thượng, Hà Giang, Bắc Hà, Sapa. With our long-established connections with local communities, your journey won’t just be about exploration – it will also support sustainable tourism and create unforgettable friendships with local families and kids!
Escape to countryside for rural tourism in Vietnam
Rural tourism is the best way to escape the city’s hustle and bustle, embracing the tranquil and its simple way of life. With nearly 70% of Vietnam’s population engaged in agriculture (according to the 2020 General Statistics Office of Vietnam), our country is the perfect place for you to take this off-the-beaten-track summer with farmers!
You can visit, take a bicycle or walk around to explore agricultural work in some villages such as: Na Phon in Mai Chau, It Thai in Khau Pha, Nam Chan in Lam Thuong, A Luoi in Hue, Triem Tay in Hoi An, Kon Sơ Lăl in Gia Lai, Jun in Đak Lak.
With rich wet-rice civilization, rice is considered “nature gift food”. Early summer – from March to June, weather is warmer and slightly rainy create ideal conditions for farmers to start new crops. If you visit Vietnam’s countryside this time, you’ll witness farmers and their buffaloes plowing and planting rice in endless fields.
By May and June, locals harvest the first crop of the year (spring-summer rice) and immediately start planting the summer-autumn rice crop. During this time, you’ll see a mesmerizing blend of vivid green fields, golden patches awaiting harvest, and sparkling rice terraces – a scene we call “mùa nước đổ” (water-pouring season). Later, from September to October is the main harvest season in all lands, lasting until early November.
For years, we’ve been working on community-based tourism projects in Vietnam’s rural areas and we hope your journey also contributes to supporting local livelihoods, besides agricultural income.
An interesting note for you: don’t forget to enrich rural discovery with rice-based food – just can be found in Vietnam such as noodles, glass noodles, cakes like bánh dày, bánh chưng, bánh xíp xí.
Immerse in vibrant life of fishing villages
Summer is the busiest fishing season for coastal communities when rains make water levels rise, bringing lots of seafood. With 3,260 km of coastline, fishing is the main livelihood for generations of Vietnamese people. So, don’t forget to go far from toursist radar and enjoy local way of life in hundred-old fishing villages, beyond fancy beaches like Hạ Long Bay – Lan Hạ Bay, Phan Thiết, Mũi Né, Nha Trang, Đà Nẵng.
You will not want to miss these traditional fishing villages: Vung Vieng (Bai Tu Long), Ca Na (Ninh Thuan), Hoa Thang (Binh Thuan), Cua Khe (Hoi An), Phuoc Hai (Ba Ria – Vung Tau).
Every early morning, from 3AM to 6AM is the busiest time in a fishing village, as fishermen return from their overnight trips, bringing various types of fresh seafood. Families gather along the shore to wait for their loved ones, while traders rush to buy the freshest catch to sell at the markets. This time, the entire village is like a colorful tapestry of bamboo boats, wooden paddles, and fishing nets, among the rhythmic sound of boat engines and the lively calls of fishermen. Then, don’t hesitate to immerse yourself in this energetic scene and pick your favorite fresh seafood to enjoy right by the shore with our local friends and “bia hơi” (fresh beer)!
Another must-visit is the local fish markets, where all the day’s freshest catches are gathered, creating a colorful display. We suggest for you local fish markets, let’s save them: Cat Ba market (Cat Ba), Ben Do market (Quang Ninh), Canh Duong market (Binh Thuan), Tam Tien market (Quang Nam), Vinh Tuong (Nha Trang).
Join colorful summer festivals of Vietnamese
If you plan to visit Vietnam at the end of summer (July to September), don’t forget to add some local festivals to your travel list! This time, farmers have almost completed their work in fields and are waiting for harvesting. Hence, they hold festivals to express their gratitude to their ancestors and the Gods for a bountiful season. In our agricultural country, locals even consider their tools and buffaloes as companions, and during these festivals, they also show appreciation for them. In other regions, the summer festivals are opportunities for families to reunite, when children express their gratitude to their parents.
Now, save the date some local festivals and contact us for more information:
• Mid-Autumn Festival on October 6
• Pay Tái festival of Tay community (in Lam Thuong) on September 5-7
• Xíp Xí festival of Thai (in Mu Cang Chai) on September 5-7
• Pay Tái festival of Tay community (in Cao Bang) on September 5-7
• New Rice festival of Dzao community (in Hoang Su Phi) from September – October
• Cầu Trăng festival of Tay community (in Ha Giang) on October 6
In coastal regions, fishermen also celebrate the Cầu Ngư Festival around August to honor the Sea God (Cá Ông). This is a way to give thanks for the past fishing season and pray for safety and prosperity as they prepare for the stormy months of September and October. We suggest some destinations where you can join this festival: Phan Thiết, Cần Giờ, Phú Quốc, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu.
Every year, we set a fixed date to join our local friends in these authentic and colorful festivals. So, if you’re passionate about cultural activities, let us know in advance so we can arrange your visit! Admire unique rituals, learn the meaning behind the celebrations, dance and have fun with locals, and finally – indulge in regional specialties, why not?
Taste tropical fruits featured Vietnam summer
The hot and humid summer makes Vietnam a paradise for tropical fruits that’s an essential part of Vietnamese summer life. We enjoy fresh fruits every day after meals, with many types of fruit-based drinks such as juices and smoothies. Tip for you: to find out seasonal fruits, let’s go around local markets and see what they sell and buy. Let’s save some fruits that you shouldn’t miss this summer in Vietnam: durian, rambutan, mango, star apple, mango, jackfruit, dragon fruit, passion fruit.
Along with enjoying these delicious fruits, there’re many ways to savor sweet taste of orchids – easily but fascinating for everyone, especially kids: visiting floating markets in the Mekong Delta to taste fruits right on the sampan; explore local markets with a local guide, chat with vendors and try fresh fruits; join a special food tour to discover creative fruit-based dishes and desserts; visit fruit gardens or organic farms to pick and eat fruits straight from the trees!
Leave our team a message if you’re looking for these leisure and sweet activities!
Enjoy summer as locals in Vietnam
Ready to dive into the sweet and adventurous flavors of summer? No matter which land you choose – chase waterfalls in the highlands, explore agriculture work in the rice fields, embracing the vibrant rhythms of a fishing village, or indulging in Vietnam’s freshest tropical fruits – every experience can be off beaten paths and bring you close to Vietnamese summer.
=> Learn more where to go for summer and tips for summer trips in Vietnam here!
More than just a vacation, this is about responsible travel – immersing yourself in sustainable experiences, supporting local communities, and making a positive impact while having the time of your life! Now, let’s tell us your desire of summer adventures in Vietnam.
