10 days in Vietnam: Best time for Best experiences to explore local culture, Best tours and more

As a destination with beautiful beaches, rich history and attractive cuisine, Vietnam always attracts tourists worldwide. Recently, the Lonelyplanet site suggested three destinations to experience the local life of local people, specifically the lands in the Central Highlands, Mekong Delta, and South Central region.

Best experiences you can get in 10 days in Vietnam

Coffee and waterfalls in the Central Highlands: Buon Ma Thuot

If tourists love Vietnamese coffee, Tay Nguyen is paradise. Buon Ma Thuot, nestled in the central highlands of Vietnam, is famous for its coffee culture. Here, visitors can experience tours of lush coffee plantations, enjoying the aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans.

Visitors can also learn how to make their own Vietnamese-style coffee. Buon Ma Thuot, the country’s largest coffee-producing region, takes great pride in its local coffee export sector, and it even has an annual coffee festival in mid-March.

However, the magic of Buon Ma Thuot goes beyond coffee culture. Dray Nur and Dray Sap are mysterious waterfalls that conjure fairy tales. Although swimming is not allowed, the lush greenery and sounds of flowing water create a breathtaking view when experienced from land.

In particular, to truly immerse yourself in the local culture, visitors must visit Lak Lake. Charming villages surround the peaceful oasis, and it is home to the hospitable M’Nong ethnic group – who live in vibrant settlements of rattan and wooden stilt houses at the water’s edge. Many companies offer canoe tours around the lake, allowing interaction with the M’Nong people and participating in cultural traditions, including folk songs and drumming.

Then, end the day with a great meal at Thanh Loan Nem Nuong Restaurant, where you can enjoy Dak Lak grilled spring rolls, one of Buon Ma Thuot’s signature dishes. This dish features seasoned ground pork mixed with a blend of herbs and spices, all wrapped in fresh rice paper. Then, the spring rolls are grilled over hot coals, creating a rich and slightly smoky flavor.

Read more: Top 15 biggest pagodas in Vietnam that you must visit

New kind of vacation in Chau Doc – the “fish sauce kingdom”

Chau Doc is a Mekong Delta city home to Chinese, Cham, and Khmer communities. The diversity of local culture here is clearly shown through architecture and cuisine. In addition to trips to the Mekong Delta, visitors can visit sacred places such as Hang Pagoda, Ba Chuc Tomb or immerse themselves in nature and wildlife at Tra Su Melaleuca forest.

One thing is for sure: a visit to Chau Doc Floating Market, which promises unique culinary adventures thanks to the incredible variety of fish caught from the river.

Also, check out the local fish sauce and many other types of fish made from many different types of fish, such as snakehead fish, catfish, and anchovies. Bun mam is a must-try dish or a typical regional dish like fish sauce hotpot that also evokes an exceptional flavor, a delicious combination of shrimp, fish, meat and more than 20 different vegetables. During the New Year, the market bustles with activity as people prepare for the festival, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Another must-see destination for tourists is Tra Su Melaleuca Forest, a conservation area and one of the most beautiful places in Vietnam.

The best time to visit this unique ecosystem is from June to November. This is when the floating forest “wakes up” and changes to pearly green colors.

“Continue your trek to Mount Sam for a panoramic view of the enormous rice fields stretching to the border. Before the trip, choose some hot sponge cakes made from palm sugar, a local specialty. Locals can easily buy from local stalls in the village,” the author wrote.

Read more: Bay Mau coconut forest tour: The cruise on a circle boat – the unique boat in Vietnam

Treasure of natural wonders in the South Central region: Lang Co

Away from Vietnam’s bustling tourist destinations, Lang Co is a hidden gem that boasts rich traditions, warm hospitality and diverse landscapes. Located between the ancient capital Hue and Da Nang in Central Vietnam, Lang Co is the ideal destination to explore pristine fishing villages, national parks, white sand beaches and turquoise bays.

“When I arrived, I stayed at Laguna Lang Co, a 280-hectare resort overlooking the beach and surrounded by lush trees and mountains. I experienced a local tour, visiting Canh Duong fishing village. Here, locals practice traditional and sustainable fishing rituals, such as drying fish in natural salt for flavor and preservation. Visitors can take a boat tour to learn more about how it works. Fishing has been going on for a long time in this village,” the author wrote.

Another place not to be missed is Bach Ma National Park, a treasure trove of remarkable natural wonders with awe-inspiring scenery, towering waterfalls nearly 300 meters high, and diverse flora and fauna. With a peak elevation of 1,450m, the park offers breathtaking views of Lang Co Bay. The ideal time to visit the Lang Co area is from March to July when sunny weather prevails and rainfall is low.