Leaving the city in the morning, we quickly noticed how different the surroundings became. Large buildings gradually disappeared, replaced by small houses, green fields, local markets, and roadside food stalls.
We stopped at a local market where vendors were selling fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood, and traditional snacks. It wasn't a famous tourist attraction, but it ended up being one of our favorite experiences because we could observe everyday life away from the usual tourist routes.
We also stopped at several small restaurants along the way. Instead of choosing places from travel websites, we often followed recommendations from local people. This made the trip feel much more authentic.
Traveling by car worked particularly well for this type of trip. We could explore at our own pace and change our plans whenever we discovered somewhere interesting.
Before leaving, we checked different vehicle options and selected one that provided enough space for our group and luggage:
https://grandtourvn.com/cars/
If you have extra time during your Vietnam vacation, exploring outside the major cities can reveal a completely different side of the country.
