Off-the-beaten-track summer adventures to enjoy Vietnam as locals
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's mountains like a child
Northern mountains are home to hidden gems still untouched by mass tourism, where local life still close to wilderness of nature. What’s awaiting you there? – Swim in natural streams, jump off waterfalls into cool waters from rocks, trek through trails of jungles, or join families in harvesting for leaves, bamboo shoots, and wild vegetables to use in daily life. That’s exactly what a mountainous local summer in Vietnam is all about!
With our long-established connections with local communities, we will connect you with diverse ethnic groups: Flower H’Mong and Black Thai people in Mù Cang Chải; Tay and Dzao people in Lâm Thượng; Lo Lo, Pa Then and H’Mong people in Hà Giang; Tay, Nung and H’Mong in Bắc Hà, Sapa. Through close connection, your journey also support sustainable tourism and create unforgettable friendships with local families and kids!
Escape to countryside for rural tourism in Vietnam
With nearly 70% of Vietnam’s population engaged in agriculture (according to the 2020 General Statistics Office of Vietnam), you can’t miss rural experiences for a fully local summer! Go to countryside is the best way for you to immerse in our rich wet-rice civilization. The colorful life of rice can be seen throughout summer:
• From March to June: weather is warmer and slightly rainy create ideal conditions for farmers to start new crops. This time, you’ll see farmers and their buffaloes plowing and planting rice in endless fields.
• May and June: locals harvest the first crop of the year (spring-summer rice) and start the next rice crop. During this time, you’ll see a blend of green and golden rice. In some mountains like Mu Cang Chai, your eyes will be feasted with sparkling scene we call “mùa nước đổ”(water-pouring season).
• 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. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more off-the-beaten-track summer with farmers!
Immerse in vibrant life of fishing villages
Traditional fishing villages are unmissable experiences with all travelers when they come to coastal attractions, to admire tons of seafood or hunt colorful photos. Especially, summer is the busiest fishing season for coastal communities when rains make water levels rise, bringing lots of seafood.
Let’s challenge yourself to wake up very early to live as a fisherman! 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 and 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, paddles, and fishing nets, among the rhythmic sound of boat engines and the lively calls of fishermen. Free to pick your favorite fresh seafood to enjoy right by the shore with our local friends and “bia hơi” (fresh beer)!
If you miss the “golden time”, have a tip for you: come to fish market where all freshest catches are gathered! Let’s save sime suggestions: 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
Farmers in rice terraces often celebrate festivals when they almost completed their work in fields and are waiting for harvesting (from July to September). This is a way for them to express their gratitude to their ancestors and the Gods for a bountiful season. In our agricultural country, locals even show appreciation for their tools and buffaloes as companion. Plus, festivals are also chances fpr families to reunite and express gratitude to parents.
How about in coastal lands? – Fishermen also celebrate festivals to honor the Sea God (Cá Ông), to give thanks for the past fishing season and pray for safety and prosperity in the upcoming stormy months (September and October).
Now, save the calendar of festivals and contact us for more information:
• Mid-Autumn Festival on October 6
• Pay Tái festival of the Tay (in Lam Thuong, on September)
• Xíp Xí festival of the Thai (in Mu Cang Chai, on September)
• Pay Tái festival of the Tay (in Cao Bang, on September)
• New Rice festival of the Dzao (in Hoang Su Phi, from September – October)
• Cầu Trăng festival of the Tay (in Ha Giang, on October)
• Cầu Ngư Festival in Cần Giờ, Phú Quốc, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu on around August
Feel free to 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 indulge in regional specialties – will be once-in-lifetime experience!
Taste tropical fruits featured Vietnam summer
The hot and humid summer makes Vietnam a paradise for tropical fruits – seen in everywhere – markets, vendors, local houses and gardens.
A tip for you to taste seasonal fruits: go around local markets and see what they sell and buy. And let’s save must-try fruits this summer – maybe you never heard of them, such as: 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!
More than off-the-beaten-track summer, it's responsible!
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.
