In the bustling rhythm and noise of modern urban life, a trip to the countryside feels like a soothing remedy for the soul, easing stress and fatigue. Returning to the countryside allows us to immerse ourselves in peaceful, rustic nature — where vast rice fields stretch endlessly, gentle rivers flow quietly, fruit-laden orchards thrive, and the cheerful chirping of birds at dawn paints a beautiful and serene rural landscape.
But the charm of Vietnam’s countryside goes beyond its natural scenery. It holds a wealth of cultural heritage — from traditional customs and unique architectural styles to a distinct, flavorful cuisine that reflects the authentic taste of the homeland, unmatched by any other place.
The Charm of the Countryside Through Must-Visit Destinations
1. Bat Trang Pottery Village (Hanoi) – The Soul of Vietnam in Every Clay Layer
Nestled along the poetic Red River, Bat Trang Pottery Village is a treasured destination that preserves over 700 years of traditional craftsmanship. Renowned for its exquisite ceramic products such as flower vases, teapots, and feng shui figurines, Bat Trang offers more than just artistry—it invites visitors to immerse themselves in the heartbeat of an ancient craft village.
Here, you can directly experience the entire handmade pottery process: from selecting clay, shaping and molding, to firing in the kiln—each step requiring patience and skill. As you stroll through narrow, brick-paved alleys and admire the moss-covered tiled roofs, it feels like stepping into a serene, nostalgic past.
Don’t forget to try the local specialty Bat Trang rice crackers—crispy, fragrant, and humble yet deeply appealing—a rustic delight that captures the essence of the Vietnamese countryside.
2. Cua Lo Fishing Village (Nghe An) – The Salty Taste of the Sea in the Heart of the Countryside
More than just one of Central Vietnam’s most beautiful beaches, Cua Lo captivates visitors with the distinct charm of its traditional fishing villages. Here, the image of humble fishermen working with round bamboo boats and fishing nets has become a symbol of life deeply connected to the sea.
Visitors can enjoy unique experiences such as night squid fishing out at sea, diving for oysters, or rowing a boat to watch the fiery sunrise over the horizon. Cua Lo’s seafood is not only diverse but also incredibly fresh, often prepared simply—steamed or grilled—to retain its natural sweetness. From fragrant sun-dried squid and freshly steamed crabs to charcoal-grilled fish, every bite invites you to keep coming back for more.
Don’t miss the bustling early morning seafood market, where the vibrant atmosphere and abundance of fresh delicacies make it the perfect place to shop for tasty souvenirs from the sea.
3. Lac Village – Mai Chau (Hoa Binh) – Serenity Amid the Mountain Mist
Nestled in a lush green valley caressed by the mountain breeze of Vietnam’s Northwest, Lac Village paints a vivid picture of Thai ethnic identity. Rows of rustic stilt houses with thatched roofs line the rice fields and mountains, creating a landscape that is both simple and deeply inviting.
A visit to Lac Village offers more than just the charm of traditional architecture—it immerses you in the vibrant spirit of local festivals, where graceful Xoe dances blend with the melodies of traditional flutes and pipes echoing through the forested hills. Meals here are humble yet rich in warmth: bamboo-tube grilled sticky rice, charcoal-grilled hill pork, and the mildly sweet taste of local fermented rice wine (“ruou can”) come together to form an unforgettable flavor of the countryside.
On a misty, chilly morning, wandering the village paths, hearing the rooster crow and children’s laughter echoing in the valley, you’ll feel a peacefulness that’s hard to find in the hustle and bustle of urban life.
4. Cai Mon Fruit Garden (Ben Tre) – The Colorful Charm of Southern Orchards
In the heart of Ben Tre—the land of coconuts—lies Cai Mon, fondly known as the “fruit kingdom” of Southern Vietnam. This lush orchard haven overflows with sweet, tropical treasures such as golden-fleshed seedless durians, plump purple mangosteens, fiery red rambutans, and fragrant green-skinned pomelos.
Visitors to Cai Mon can enjoy the delight of hand-picking ripe fruits and savoring them fresh under the cool shade of fruit-laden trees, accompanied by a cup of soothing honey tea. Beyond the fruit, the garden offers a deeply relaxing experience: gliding on a traditional ba la boat through quiet, green canals, listening to birdsong and the gentle lapping of water along the boat’s sides.
What makes Cai Mon truly unforgettable is its deep connection to local culture. Traditional craft villages here still preserve age-old methods of making bánh tét, bánh ít lá gai, and bánh phu thê—delicacies passed down through generations that speak to the soulful essence of the Mekong Delta. Swaying monkey bridges, modest thatched homes, and red dirt paths bearing the footprints of daily life complete this endearing, poetic countryside portrait.
Rich Cultural and Culinary Experiences
A trip to the countryside is not just about sightseeing — it’s a meaningful opportunity to explore the depth of traditional culture through regional festivals, customs, and everyday life. Locals are often warm and welcoming, readily inviting you to join in authentic rural activities such as harvesting rice, catching fish, making traditional cakes, or celebrating harvest festivals and village fairs together.
Countryside cuisine is also a highlight not to be missed, featuring humble yet delicious dishes that capture the spirit of the land:
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Palm Leaf Rice Balls and Vu Dai Braised Fish (Ha Nam): Sticky rice balls are wrapped neatly in dark green palm leaves, preserving their warmth and aroma. They are paired with Vu Dai-style braised fish — slow-cooked for hours in clay pots with coconut water, galangal, ginger, and fish sauce — creating a rich, savory flavor that evokes memories of family meals in the old days.
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Thanh Tri Steamed Rice Rolls (Hanoi): Thin, white, silk-like rice rolls filled with sautéed minced pork and wood ear mushrooms. These delicate rolls are steamed and served with sweet-and-sour dipping sauce, fried shallots, and cinnamon pork sausage — a refined yet simple dish rooted in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
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Cháo Cá Bống Đục – Goby Fish Rice Porridge (Hung Yen): A bowl of hot, fragrant porridge made from small but firm and sweet goby fish, simmered with white rice until tender, then topped with fresh herbs and crispy fried shallots. Each spoonful offers a comforting blend of natural sweetness and warmth — a rustic yet captivating dish.
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Thanh Hoa Fermented Pork Roll (Nem Chua): Made from finely ground raw pork mixed with roasted rice powder, garlic, chili, and herbs, then wrapped in banana leaves and naturally fermented. When eaten, it delivers a delightful harmony of sourness and spiciness, especially when paired with fig or guava leaves — a flavorful snack that lingers in memory.
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Western-Style Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Sizzling Crepes): These golden, crispy crepes are filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. The proper way to enjoy them is by wrapping them in rice paper with fresh herbs and dipping into a tangy sweet-and-sour fish sauce — a perfect fusion of crunch, savoriness, sourness, and freshness.
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Sour Fish Soup with Linh Fish and Sesbania Flowers (Dong Thap): A refreshing soup made with linh fish — a seasonal specialty during the Mekong Delta’s flood season — and bright yellow sesbania flowers. The soup features a gentle sourness from tamarind, natural sweetness from the fish, and the delicate fragrance of wildflowers, delivering a rustic yet sophisticated flavor that embodies the charm of Vietnam’s river regions.
Suggested Itinerary for a Countryside Getaway
Day 1: A Journey to Traditional Craft Villages – Experiencing Handicrafts Firsthand
Begin your trip with a visit to age-old craft villages – where the essence of cultural heritage is preserved through the skillful hands of local artisans:
- Northern Vietnam: Explore Bát Tràng Ceramic Village (Hanoi), where you can observe the entire process of pottery making – from shaping and trimming to firing – and even try your hand at crafting your own ceramic item, whether it’s a small cup or a decorative vase.
- Northwest Highlands: Visit ethnic villages of the Thai or Hmong people to discover the traditional art of brocade weaving. Listen to the stories behind each pattern and motif, and experience the rhythm of weaving – spinning yarns and guiding the loom – just like the elder women do.
- Mekong Delta: Head to villages in Bến Tre or Cần Thơ known for bamboo weaving and traditional cake making. Watch in awe as nimble hands transform bamboo and rattan into baskets, sieves, and trays, showcasing the creativity and precision of rural artisans.
End your first day with a rustic meal of local specialties, and enjoy warm conversations with the artisans, feeling the heartfelt hospitality of the countryside.
Day 2: A Day in the Life of a Farmer – Embracing Every Rural Moment
Dedicate your second day to immersing yourself in nature and joining locals in their daily agricultural activities:
- Morning: Head to the fields to harvest rice, learn how to thresh by hand, and grind grains using traditional stone mills. If you’re in the Mekong Delta during the flood season, try paddling a sampan through narrow canals, picking sesbania flowers, or catching fish using traditional basket traps – all simple yet joyful activities.
- Lunch: Rest under the shade of coconut trees and enjoy a home-cooked meal of grilled snakehead fish, sour soup, boiled vegetables with fish sauce – all prepared by locals using a wood-fired stove.
- Afternoon: Join in gardening, picking vegetables, feeding chickens, or cycle through tree-lined village roads, stop by the local market, and soak in the familiar street cries and the gentle rhythm of rural life.
This day offers not just hands-on experience, but also a newfound appreciation for the beauty and value of simple labor and countryside living.
Day 3: Discovering Culinary Culture and Festive Traditions
The third day is a wonderful blend of local cuisine and intangible cultural heritage:
- Morning: Take a cooking class hosted by local families – from picking fresh herbs in the garden to making specialties like savory pancakes, sticky rice cakes, braised fish, or five-colored sticky rice. You’ll realize that rural cuisine is not only delicious but also deeply connected to memories, rituals, and long-standing customs.
- Afternoon to Evening: Join in traditional festivals such as harvest prayers, village fairs, buffalo stabbing ceremonies, boat races, or the Thái people’s circle dance. Each celebration vividly portrays the folk beliefs, music, dance, and spiritual connection of the community to nature and the divine.
End the day with a traditional music exchange: listen to quan họ duets, ca trù, cải lương, or đờn ca tài tử – soulful melodies that echo through the peaceful countryside night.
Day 4: Rustic Retreat – Finding Peace in Simplicity
The final day is a time to truly slow down, relax, and soak in the raw beauty of rural life:
- Stay at a homestay or local house, waking up to the sounds of birds chirping and roosters crowing. Sip hot tea on the veranda, admire the vegetable garden, and listen to the gentle flow of village life like drifting clouds overhead.
- Chat with the host by the warm kitchen fire, as they share stories from everyday life and nostalgic tales from the past – perhaps about a bamboo bridge breaking during rainy season, or a village love story by the old bamboo grove.
- If you wish, help prepare a farewell meal together, take a few keepsake photos, and jot down your feelings from this meaningful journey.
Travel Tips:
- Best time to go: From September to April, when the weather is cool and pleasant – perfect for enjoying golden rice harvests in the north and the floating season in the Mekong Delta.
- What to bring: Comfortable sneakers, a hat, long-sleeved clothing, and mosquito repellent are recommended, especially if you plan to join outdoor activities.
- Cultural etiquette: Always respect local customs and traditions, and protect the environment during your visits and hands-on experiences.
Things to Keep in Mind When Traveling to the Countryside
Traveling to the countryside is more than just a vacation—it’s a journey back to traditional values, serene nature, and warm, down-to-earth people. To fully enjoy this unique experience, here are some useful tips before you pack your bags and head toward the peaceful rural lands of Vietnam.
1. Dress Comfortably – Travel Light, Live Slow
Unlike cities with paved sidewalks and modern shopping centers, the countryside is full of winding dirt roads, rice paddies, small canals, and narrow monkey bridges that lead through orchards.
- Comfortable sneakers are ideal for moving easily across uneven terrain.
- Lightweight, breathable clothing will let you freely participate in local activities such as rice harvesting, fishing, or paddling a canoe.
- Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirts, sunscreen, and sunglasses to protect your skin from the sun.
- Basic personal medical supplies like insect repellent, allergy medicine, small bandages, and essential oils (like eucalyptus oil) can be very helpful—especially if you have sensitive skin or are traveling with children.
2. Respect Local Culture and Daily Life
Wherever you go, try to see the world through the eyes of the local people. Cultural differences are beautiful—and deserve our respect.
- Don’t take photos of locals—especially the elderly, children, or religious spaces—without their permission.
- Avoid being too loud, pushing your way into private spaces, or disrupting the normal rhythm of village life.
- If you’re invited to try a dish that’s new to you, accept it with a polite and open attitude—it’s a heartfelt expression of hospitality, a hallmark of rural communities.
3. Cash is King
In many rural areas, electronic payment systems are still not widespread. Small family-run shops, street food stalls, and traditional markets often only accept cash.
- Carry small denominations for easier transactions and everyday purchases.
- A small, secure pouch or crossbody bag is helpful for storing cash and avoiding unnecessary attention in crowded areas.
4. Stay in a Homestay – Live Like a Local
Spending a night at a local homestay not only allows you to experience the authentic rhythms of rural life but also helps support the community financially.
- You can cook meals with your host family, gather around the fire to share stories of village life, or even learn to make traditional treats.
- Kids especially love this style of travel—they get to run around the garden, pick fruits, or plant vegetables—things they rarely experience in city life.
5. Protect the Environment – Travel Sustainably
The countryside’s charm lies in its pristine nature and peaceful simplicity. Let’s do our part to preserve it.
- Don’t litter—bring a reusable bag for your trash and limit the use of plastic items.
- Carry a refillable water bottle instead of buying single-use plastic bottles over and over again.
- Join local clean-up efforts if possible—even just picking up a few pieces of trash along the riverbank can make a meaningful difference.
Conclusion – Touch the Soul of the Countryside with All Your Heart
The countryside may lack the glamour of the city or the sparkle of nightlife, but it captivates the heart with its genuine beauty and calm. Each small house by the levee, each dusty path bearing buffalo footprints, each simple home-cooked meal—is a piece of cherished memory.
Countryside travel is more than a getaway—it’s a chance to rediscover yourself amidst the fast pace of modern life. Let your heart be open, slow down your steps, and feel the breath of your homeland in every breeze and every sunset. Sometimes, true fulfillment comes from the simplest things.
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