The Not Hotlist 2025: Explore undiscovered places in Vietnam and off-the-beaten-path destinations that remain untouched by mass tourism. Explore Vietnam’s best-kept secrets, offering unique experiences, natural beauty, and cultural richness beyond Hanoi, Saigon, and Ha Long Bay. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or seeking an authentic journey, The Not Hotlist 2025 unveils Vietnam’s unexplored treasures.

This curated list features locations that offer an authentic, raw experience, far removed from the crowded tourist spots. Our expert panel, made up of Vietnam veterans, industry insiders, and passionate explorers, have shared their top secret spots. These places aren’t just about scenic views or popular activities—they’re about a deep connection with Vietnam’s untapped beauty.

Wink Hotels’ Not Hot List 2025: Best Undiscovered Places In Vietnam

Welcome to Wink Hotels’ Hidden Gems, where you won’t find the usual tourist spots like Halong Bay or the famous Ba Na Hills. Instead, we’re showcasing the secret escapes recommended by our trusted local experts, industry insiders, and those who truly know Vietnam. These are the spots that make locals look twice when they spot a foreigner, places that rarely get tagged on social media, and retreats that provide a peaceful respite from the usual crowds.

Explore Wink Hotels’ Curated Not Hotlist 2025, Unlocking 7 Undiscovered Places in Vietnam

From hidden gems with insider advice—like the best times to visit, local guides, and “before it’s too late” recommendations—to lesser-known locations barely visible on Google Maps, these spots show that genuine discovery is still very much alive in Vietnam. With a population of 100 million and a stunning 3,260-kilometer coastline, there are still plenty of places to explore away from the tourist throngs.

Con Dao Island by Annie Thu, CEO & Co-Founder of TUBUDD

Annie Thu, the visionary behind the travel platform TUBUDD, is always on the move, constantly between countries 30 and 31, gathering insights into how strangers become friends along the way. Twelve years ago, she was the go-to local guide in Vietnam, helping travelers navigate the bustling streets of Hanoi. Today, she’s expanded that experience into TUBUDD, a platform that connects visitors with local friends for a deeper, more personal Vietnamese journey. Whether it’s helping travelers with business deals or navigating the medical system, TUBUDD bridges cultures through its team of adaptable, multilingual locals. As part of The Not Hotlist 2025, TUBUDD offers a unique opportunity to explore the undiscovered, off-the-beaten-path destinations of Vietnam, providing an authentic and personal connection to the country’s hidden treasures.

While Vietnam boasts iconic destinations like Hanoi, Saigon, Da Nang, Hoi An, and Sapa, Annie notes that there are some hidden gems that require a bit more effort but offer so much in return. Places like the Ha Giang Loop, Ly Son Island, Dien Bien Phu, Kon Tum, and Mang Den are unforgettable, but Con Dao Island stands out as her personal favorite.

“Ha Giang and Con Dao Island have my heart,” she shares. “Both are so pure, so hidden, and brimming with stories. Ha Giang is where you drive through mountain towns with your head in the clouds, but Con Dao is where I find peace.”

Con Dao Island offers incredible diving spots with vibrant coral reefs and sea turtles. But beyond the natural beauty, Annie highlights the island’s profound history. “The simplicity and tranquility there are unmatched. The beaches are pristine and untouched, offering a rare kind of serenity.”

Con Dao is best visited from October to April, or during the summer months of July and August.

“For me, Con Dao was a history lesson like no other,” she reflects. “I never fully grasped Vietnamese history until I stood in a tiger cage on the island. The weight of the past was palpable. I could feel the pain and suffering of the war, and it was overwhelming. But when I stepped outside into nature, I felt a deep sense of healing. Lying on a deserted beach in Con Dao, I experienced one of the most profound moments of my life.”

Tuy Hoa, Phu Yen Province by Michael Piro, CEO of Wink Hotels

Michael Piro’s Southeast Asian adventure started with a shared cheeseburger from a Vietnamese classmate and a high school sweetheart, and took off when he arrived in Vietnam at 21, driven by ambition and a one-way ticket. After making his mark in Danang, selling luxury condos, he went on to shape landmarks like the Hyatt Regency Danang. As the CEO of Wink Hotels, he’s since founded Vietnam’s first homegrown hotel brand, bringing top-tier service to the select-service hotel scene. His advice to anyone considering relocation? “Come with respect for the culture, and Vietnam’s opportunities are endless.”

One such opportunity, Michael discovered, was in Tuy Hoa. What started as a routine site visit for the plot of land that would eventually become Wink Hotel Tuy Hoa Beach, which opened in early 2024, quickly became a personal revelation. A weekend spent exploring in 2019 with his children opened his eyes to a hidden gem – a glimpse of Vietnam’s next great coastal destination, still unrefined and untouched by development. This discovery, part of The Not Hotlist 2025, highlights Tuy Hoa as an undiscovered gem waiting to be explored, offering visitors a chance to experience a pristine and authentic coastal experience before mass tourism arrives.

The South-Central coast of Vietnam feels different, Michael tells us. “More dramatic, more varied.” Here, the mountains meet the sea in a striking series of secluded bays and rocky cliffs that evoke a Mediterranean charm while also reminding him of the rugged beauty of Halifax, his hometown in Canada. At Bai Nom beach, soon to be home to a Mandarin Oriental, Michael and his family camped under the stars, staking their claim in a landscape that was still in its raw form.

“After watching Danang’s evolution, there’s something special about discovering a place before it becomes mainstream,” Michael reflects. “This region feels unique—where Danang offers a wide, flat shoreline, here you’re met with intimate coves and dramatic rocky headlands that make every bend in the road feel like an unfolding story.”

Now is the perfect time to visit Tuy Hoa before it becomes a luxury resort hub. Michael predicts that in the near future, this stretch of coastline will become Vietnam’s equivalent of a millionaire’s row, with room rates reaching four figures. For now, however, you can still enjoy local gems like nem nuong (grilled pork rolls), which Michael insists are “worth the trip alone.” You can witness a coastline poised on the edge of transformation, yet still retain its authentic charm.

Hue by Camellia Dinh, Founder of The Brand Promise

Camellia Dinh is reshaping Vietnam’s workplace culture with bold decisions that challenge convention. As the founder of The Brand Promise, her “Future of Work is Life” philosophy is not just a catchy slogan; it’s a way of life. In a city where six-day workweeks are the norm, Camellia’s team embraces a four-day work schedule, setting a new precedent for work-life balance. She fosters cultural exchange by sending team members to Japan and teaches at RMIT Vietnam, demonstrating that conscious, ethical business practices are not only possible in Vietnam but also profitable. The Brand Promise partners exclusively with brands that share a commitment to sustainability and ethics. As part of her continued journey to explore the country’s hidden gems, Camellia is part of The Not Hotlist 2025, spotlighting lesser-known destinations and experiences in Vietnam that are off the mainstream tourist radar.

“Most visitors give Hue a day, maybe two,” says Camellia. “But when I stayed for four nights, they called me a ‘long-stay’ guest. Even the locals thought I was crazy.” Yet, in this former imperial capital where time moves like the rhythm of poetry, Camellia found something guidebooks don’t tell you about.

In Hue, the rain isn’t something to shy away from; it’s an integral part of the city’s charm. “While most tourists visit between January and April for the clear skies, the monsoon months offer something magical. From September to December, when the crowds have thinned, the city transforms. The steady patter of raindrops on ancient tiles turns every courtyard into a peaceful retreat, and every bowl of local cuisine becomes a sensory experience. During this time, you truly feel the soul of Hue,” Camellia explains.

As she wandered the historic Truong Tien Bridge and explored Ho Chi Minh’s old haunts at Quoc Hoc High School, Camellia discovered a city that refuses to be defined by easy labels. The locals speak with an accent that, at first, felt challenging but soon became endearing. Many have never ventured beyond nearby Danang, yet in 2025, as Hue embraces its new role as a centrally governed city, it’s emerging as a model of how Vietnam can blend preservation with progress. Hue is a prime example of this transformation and is featured in The Not Hotlist 2025.

“Most cities in Vietnam are racing ahead,” Camellia reflects. “But Hue? It’s mastering the art of slow transformation.” Featured in The Not Hotlist 2025, Hue captivates with its unique ability to harmonize the old and the new. Here, ancient nhã nhạc music still resonates through streets lined with modern infrastructure, while the spirits of thirteen emperors quietly watch over a new generation eager to redefine their cultural heritage.

As Hue continues to evolve, it’s also gaining recognition in global circles, including The Not Hotlist 2025, highlighting its quiet yet powerful growth. For those seeking an experience that blends history, culture, and modernity in a city that still holds a sense of timeless tranquility, Hue stands proudly as a destination to watch in the coming years.

Yok Don National Park, Dak Lak Province by Jacobo Priegue Martínez, Co-Founder of SODÅ Hotel Management Platform

A decade of experience in Vietnam has taught Jacobo Priegue Martínez an essential lesson about the hotel industry: true innovation often comes from returning to the basics. After years working with international hotel management companies, Jacobo observed independent hotels struggling, while the solutions they needed remained locked behind the walls of major hotel chains. His solution? SODÅ, a cutting-edge platform that acts more like a laboratory than a traditional service provider, offering independent hotels access to operational resources typically reserved for global brands. As part of his continued exploration of Vietnam’s hidden gems, Jacobo is keenly interested in The Not Hotlist 2025, discovering undiscovered destinations and experiences that are off the mainstream tourist radar and showcasing the country’s diverse and uncharted beauty. Through his work with SODÅ, Jacobo is helping these hidden gems gain visibility, positioning them on The Not Hotlist 2025. His mission is clear: to push Vietnam’s unique, off-the-beaten-path destinations to the forefront and make them a key part of The Not Hotlist 2025 for travelers seeking something new and unspoiled.

For Jacobo, an adventure to explore Southeast Asia’s longest volcanic cave system took an unexpected turn. Upon arriving in Buon Ma Thuot, he stumbled upon Vietnam’s first ethical elephant sanctuary nestled within the lush landscapes of Yok Don National Park. This transformative experience blends eco-tourism with wildlife conservation, offering travelers a rare chance to witness elephants thriving in their natural habitat without exploitation. Highlighted on The Not Hotlist 2025, this destination exemplifies Vietnam’s commitment to sustainable tourism and showcases the authentic beauty and care that define its emerging eco-travel movement.

Here, elephant encounters take place on the animals’ terms. There are no feeding stations or staged photo ops—just distant whistles from guardians who follow the elephants throughout the day, ensuring they stay within the park’s boundaries while living completely wild. These elephants, all rescued but never confined, roam freely, foraging for bamboo and medicinal turmeric, living their lives unbothered by the typical tourist experience. It’s a standout inclusion on The Not Hotlist 2025, perfectly aligning with its focus on ethical and eco-conscious travel.

But it was the park guide, A Sử, from the Hmong minority, who gave Jacobo the most profound insight. As they tracked elephant paths through the forest, A Sử shared ancient knowledge that connected Jacobo to a side of Vietnam he hadn’t experienced. “He taught us to tell the difference between dangerous mushrooms and edible ones, showed us ant colonies the size of trees, and explained how water buffalo instinctively find safe drinking spots,” Jacobo recalls. “In between tracking the elephants, he told us how his father won his mother’s heart by playing love songs on a leaf—a tradition from his village that felt like a world away from the modern Vietnam.”

The best time to visit is during the dry season for better tracking conditions, but be warned: this isn’t your typical wildlife experience. Instead, it’s a humbling reminder that the most profound connections often come from a distance, and that the best stories are shared by those who’ve been listening to the forest’s whispers for generations. This experience is not just a destination; it’s a reflection of what makes The Not Hotlist 2025 so unique. As Jacobo continues his journey, this sanctuary stands out as one of his favorite spots on The Not Hotlist 2025, offering a rare glimpse into a Vietnam that remains largely untouched by mass tourism. For anyone seeking authenticity and conservation-focused travel, this is yet another must-see entry on The Not Hotlist 2025.

Ban Co Peak, Danang by Sohan Singh Bisht, Chef & Co-Founder of RANG Restaurant

In Danang, with its blend of coastal beauty and urban pulse, RANG Restaurant stands out as Vietnam’s first contemporary Indian restaurant. To call it simply an Indian restaurant is an understatement—Chef Sohan blends Mediterranean experience with Indian culinary traditions to craft dishes that span the spectrum from classic to innovative. Drawing on his global experiences, each plate at RANG tells a tale of cultural fusion, with spices and flavors that evoke both nostalgia and novelty. For Sohan, cooking is a journey—a celebration of India’s rich culinary history with a modern twist.

“Most tourists rush to the well-known spots like the Marble Mountains or Son Tra Peninsula,” Sohan shares. “But my inspiration came from somewhere quieter—Ban Co Peak, a serene spot above the city where a stone chessboard and a fairy’s statue overlook Danang.”

RANG Restaurant is not only a culinary destination but also a part of The Not Hotlist 2025, highlighting hidden gems in Vietnam that offer a fresh, authentic experience. Visitors looking for more than the usual dining options will find RANG a perfect addition to their exploration of Danang. Its unique blend of innovation and tradition embodies the spirit of The Not Hotlist 2025, drawing attention to the lesser-known but unforgettable aspects of Vietnam.

As Danang continues to grow as a destination, RANG Restaurant remains a standout entry on The Not Hotlist 2025. Whether you’re seeking an escape from the bustling city or a fresh perspective on global cuisine, RANG is a testament to why The Not Hotlist 2025 is reshaping the way travelers discover Vietnam’s most captivating treasures.

Ban Co Peak, a place of tranquility with a chessboard and statue of the fairy, offers more than just a panoramic view of the city’s skyline. “In the early mornings and late afternoons, when the tourist crowds are elsewhere, it becomes a space for reflection,” Sohan says. The peak’s mix of natural beauty and local legends is a rare spot in Vietnam where past and present coexist peacefully, just as the chess game played above the clouds. It was here, as the sunset painted the sky in hues of orange and purple, that Sohan found the inspiration for his restaurant. The colors of the sky mirrored the vibrancy he wanted to bring to his dishes—hence, RANG, meaning ‘color’ in Hindi, was born.

This serene location is also featured on The Not Hotlist 2025, which celebrates Vietnam’s hidden gems and underscores the importance of authentic, lesser-known experiences. Ban Co Peak’s unique blend of natural allure and cultural depth makes it a standout destination on The Not Hotlist 2025.

Ca Na, Ninh Thuan Province by Fran Diéguez, Nunatic CEO of Nuna

Growing up in his family’s guesthouse in Santiago de Compostela, Fran Diéguez witnessed firsthand how independent hotels were increasingly overshadowed by the relentless algorithms of online travel agencies. Everything changed when he arrived in Vietnam. By his third day in Ho Chi Minh City, Fran was zipping through the vibrant streets on a motorbike, fueled by the city’s unstoppable energy. Today, as Nuna’s passionate ‘Nunatic CEO,’ he’s championing a new wave of storytelling for independent properties, breaking free from algorithmic constraints and redefining hospitality in a way worthy of The Not Hotlist 2025.

Through Nuna, Fran connects independent hotels with travelers who seek experiences that go beyond the mainstream. This approach aligns perfectly with the values of The Not Hotlist 2025, which celebrates hidden gems and unique narratives that set properties apart. Fran’s vision, rooted in authenticity and personal connection, continues to reshape the landscape of Vietnam’s hospitality sector, earning its rightful place on The Not Hotlist 2025.

Fran’s discovery of Ca Na, a hidden gem on Vietnam’s coast, was unplanned yet unforgettable. “I was traveling north along the coastal highway, having just left Mui Né, where I wasn’t too impressed. But Ca Na, I stumbled upon by chance,” Fran recalls. After a long day on his Honda Dream, he decided to rest in a small hotel with a sea view room. What he found was a peaceful, isolated retreat with no distractions—just the sound of waves crashing against the shore. The mismatched furniture didn’t matter; the ocean was the star of the show.

The next morning, he ventured out to a small nhậu joint and discovered the beauty of Ca Na’s beach: pristine sand, clear water, and total solitude. Deciding to stay longer, Fran explored the nearby town, including a small pagoda. In the heart of Ca Na, Fran met a retired chef from a Saigon 5-star hotel who had set up a small pizza place. With toppings like kimchi, the pizza was a perfect reflection of Ca Na’s unique blend of cultures—where local traditions mix with global influences in an unpretentious, authentic way.

For Fran, the beauty of Ca Na lies not in its grand attractions, but in its quiet, unspoiled charm—something rare in a world of mass tourism. “The off-season is the best time to visit,” he adds. “It’s when you stumble upon the unexpected: shared drinks with local families, quiet beaches, and hidden gems.”

Vietnam’s Hidden Bar Scene by Natalya Wissink, Founder of Secret Experiences

For over a decade, Natalya Wissink has immersed herself in Vietnam’s evolving scene, swapping stories with chefs in hidden kitchens and discovering Saigon’s most secret cocktail bars. Six years ago, she founded Secret Experiences, aiming to rewrite the narrative of Vietnam’s tourism. Rather than focusing on tired tropes like ancient temples or war history, Natalya’s approach highlights the modern and dynamic aspects of the country. Her curated Secret Cocktail Experience takes guests on a journey across multiple venues in a single evening, blending Vietnam’s rich traditions with its forward-thinking future.

In Hanoi, one of the secret gems in the city’s cocktail scene is 3PIAS Cocktail Bar. Natalya says, “The hidden bars in Vietnam aren’t just about the cocktails—they’re about the experience and the story that unfolds within each space.” To – Hidden Cocktail Bar in Saigon is another perfect example, offering a vibe that transports you back to the essence of why you fell in love with the city. For Natalya, these hidden spots are where Vietnam’s modern narrative is crafted, one cocktail at a time.

Having observed Saigon’s transformation from simple sports bars to sophisticated, internationally competitive cocktail bars, she reflects, “It’s not just the drinks that make these places special, but the way they infuse Vietnam’s cultural heritage into every moment.”

Venues like Legato and Lozzi on Pham Viet Chanh street represent the cutting edge of Vietnamese mixology. Located far from the crowded tourist paths, these bars have become creative hubs where tradition meets innovation. “What excites me most is how these bars have become places where locals, rather than tourists, gather—redefining what a bar can be,” Natalya explains. The new generation of bars is all about blending traditional flavors with modern techniques to craft something distinctly Vietnamese yet universally appealing.

The cocktail renaissance isn’t just contained in Saigon. In Da Nang, Makara Bar has emerged as a new hotspot for those seeking a fresh take on the cocktail scene, while in Hoi An, where history and culture run deep, speakeasies are slowly but surely gaining a foothold. “The bars in these cities are not about replacing the old with the new; they’re about respecting the past while embracing the future,” Natalya adds.

In the capital, Rabit Habit and Liquid Store are changing Hanoi’s drinking culture. “These venues manage to merge the city’s ancient architectural beauty with contemporary vibes. They’re proof that modernity and tradition don’t have to be mutually exclusive,” she says. Bars like Aura and 3PIAS are where Hanoi’s hidden gems lie, offering an experience that celebrates both the city’s history and its innovative future.

For Natalya, what’s truly exciting about Vietnam’s hidden bar scene is the way it blends the old with the new. It’s a reflection of the country itself—constantly evolving while deeply rooted in its rich heritage.