17 Vietnamese village to visit for a Glimpses into Rural Vietnamese lifestyle

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17 Best Vietnamese Villages to learn about rural culture & lifestyle

While many visitors to Vietnam focus on the beaches, main cities and must-see sites, there are plenty of picturesque villages in Vietnam. Many offer a great window into local rural life as well as interesting attractions and activities. Add some of these Vietnamese villages to your bucket list in 2025.

The timeless charm and rural life in Vietnamese villages remains intact. No matter where you visit, you’ll feel a sense of calm and serenity. Join us as we explore Vietnam’s 17 most beautiful villages, stretching from North to South.

Whatever you’re interested in, we will create your private, perfect trip. Get inspired with our example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure. Check out Vietnam Tours & holidays

17 Non-Touristy Villages in Vietnam to see Vietnamese rural lifestyle

From pottery and silk to lacquerware and fishing villages, these small yet hidden villages in Vietnam highlight the unique and diverse cultural values of Vietnamese lifestyle in the rural areas. Visiting these villages offers the opportunity to observe traditional crafting techniques and even create your own souvenirs to take home. Here are 17 of the non-touristy villages you should visit in Vietnam if you’re interested in local lifestyle. In addition, check out Cities in Vietnam

1. Ban Lac Village, Mai Chau

Ban Lac is nestled in the picturesque Mai Chau Valley, 150 km from Hanoi (3 hours by car).

Mai Chau, including Ban Lac, is home to the White Thai and Hmong hill tribes. In the evening, visitors can enjoy vibrant traditional dance and music by local artists, often held right in the communal stilt where tourist stay overnight.

Many visitors opt for mai Chau and villages around as one or two days trip from Hanoi. If you do so, don’t forget to visit Thai tribes and daily life of the local ethnic minority communities.

Additionally, pack comfortable walking shoes for a soft trek to villages like Pom Com and Na Phon. For those up for a longer trek, destinations like Xom Cum and Mai Hich villages are well worth the try.

2. Pom Coong Village, Mai Chau

Reaching Pom Coong Village in Mai Chau takes about four hours, adding it among the most charming villages in Vietnam. This serene mountain village, is home to the Thai ethnic group. For anyone seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, Pom Coong offers the perfect escape.

Travelers need not worry about accommodations or activities. Many locals offer homestay in their stilt homes, providing an authentic experience and a glimpse into rural life. Additionally, the village is known for its exquisite handmade crafts, including embroidered bags, scarves, purses, and unique souvenirs, making it an excellent destination for both relaxation and cultural discovery.

3. Van Duc Village, near Hanoi

Van Duc, an farming based village located about 30 km (40 minutes by car) from Hanoi, sits along the banks of the Red River. Farmers here grow a wide variety of vegetables to supply Hanoi’s markets. The village temple honors Chu Dong Tu, one of the four most revered saints in local belief.

When visiting the village, you can participate in farming activities like fishing, planting vegetables, or harvesting crops.

4. Bat Trang ceramic Village, Ha Noi

Bat Trang, a century old village located about 25 km from Hanoi along the Red River, has been crafting ceramics for over 100 years. Skilled artisans here masterfully process clay and control kiln fires, creating exquisite ceramic pieces for local use, export, and artistic expression.

A visit to Bat Trang offers the chance to meet local artisans, explore kilns, and observe the intricate ceramic-making process. Visitors can even participate in activities like painting on ceramic pieces or trying their hand at pottery. A trip to Bat Trang typically lasts 2–3 hours and pairs well with visits to nearby Van Duc Village or Van Giang Flower Village.

5. Duong Lam ancient village Hanoi

Duong Lam Ancient Village, located in Duong Lam Commune, Son Tay District, near Hanoi, is a hidden gem that belongs on any Hanoi travel itinerary. Just 44 kilometers from the city center, this village offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich history with its well-preserved architecture, customs, and traditions spanning over a thousand years.

Stroll through the narrow alleyways to admire ancient houses built from laterite and wood, and explore the stunning temples and pagodas scattered throughout the village. Duong Lam is a must-visit destination for history and culture enthusiasts.

6. Mang Den village, Kon Tum, central highlands of Vietnam

Mang Den village, a picturesque town in Kon Tum, Vietnam’s Central Highlands, rests on a plateau at an altitude of 1,200 meters. Accessible via a winding mountain pass, it is surrounded by lush pine forests, creating a serene and idyllic escape.

The beautiful village is home to ethnic minority groups including the Mo Nam, Ca Dong, Xe Dang, and Hre. This beautiful Vietnamese village often compared to Dalat for its mountainous terrain, abundant waterfalls, and cool, sunny weather. if you’re riding the Vietnam’s famous Ho Chi Minh Trail (from Saigon to Hanoi), we advice you to stop an overnight in Mang Den. Check out our Private Guided Motorbike tours in Vietnam

7. Vung Vieng Fishing Village

Vung Vieng Fishing Village, located in Bai Tu Long Bay, Quang Ninh Province, offers breathtaking scenery in a pristine area near the renowned Ha Long Bay in northern Vietnam. Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, emerald waters, and tranquil lagoons, the village provides a serene and picturesque escape.

Visitors can explore the village by kayak or traditional bamboo boat, observing fishermen at work and gaining insight into their daily lives in this unique coastal community.

8. Cat Cat Ethnic Village, Sapa

Nestled in the scenic Sapa region, the name Cat Cat Village tie with trekking and hiking from Sapa as it offers a captivating glimpse into the region’s best trails. This charming village is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, featuring picturesque waterfalls and lush rice terraces that blanket the rolling hills.

Visitors can explore traditional stilt houses and learn about Hmong craftsmanship, including intricate embroidery and indigo dyeing. Cultural enthusiasts will enjoy vibrant performances, while food lovers can savor delicious local dishes made with fresh produce from the surrounding hills.

9. Tra Que Vegetable Village, near Hoi An

Tra Que Vegetable Village is a peaceful and charming farming community famous for its organic farming practices, located within 5km from the old town or Hoi An. Here, Vietnamese farmers use natural fertilizers and traditional methods to grow a variety of vegetables, herbs, and spices.

Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the lush gardens, watch farmers at work, and even take part in the farming process with a hands-on experience. Tourists can also join cooking classes to learn how to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes using fresh herbs and vegetables grown right in the village.

10. Ham Ninh fishing village, Phu Quoc island

Ham Ninh Fishing Village is a stunning commune located in Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island, perfect for witnessing the beauty of both sunrise and sunset. The village features a unique 200-meter concrete bridge extending into the sea, linking the land to floating docks.

In addition to outdoor activities like swimming, boat trip off the main coast, visitors can engage with the local community by trying their hand at fishing and net casting, offering an authentic experience of the fishermen’s daily life.

11. My Khanh village, Can Tho, Mekong

My Khanh Tourist Village is a peaceful and idyllic destination where visitors can experience rural life and enjoy the lush greenery of Can Tho, Vietnam. One of the highlights is its fruit gardens, where visitors can stroll through rows of tropical fruit trees, pick fresh fruit, and taste it on the spot.

The village offers various activities that provide a glimpse into rural Mekong Delta’s life, such as fishing, traditional cooking classes, and farming.

Additionally, for entertainment, the village features folk games & performances, and traditional water puppet shows, ensuring a fun and immersive experience for all.

12. Chau Giang Muslim village, An Giang, Southern Vietnam

Chau Giang muslim Village, known for its scenic natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, attracts tourists seeking an authentic and immersive experience in southern Vietnam. One of its main attractions is its lush orchards and fruit gardens, and the local muslim community in Chau Giang village, Vietnam.

Chau Giang Village is also, home to several traditional craft villages specializing in pottery, rice paper making, and conical hats. If you are a muslim traveler, it is probably the best to meet Muslims of Vietnam in this small village.

13. Hoang Su Phi, a mountainous village in northern Vietnam

Hoang Su Phi Village, located in Ha Giang Province, northern Vietnam, borders China to the north and several Vietnamese villages. It sits on the less visited route connecting Lao Cai, Ha Giang, and Cao Bang. This area offers pristine landscapes with terraced fields, ancient Shan tea gardens, rivers, and peaks like Tay Con Linh and Chieu Lau Thi.

The village is home to 12 ethnic groups, including the Nung, Dao, Tay, Mong, and La Chi. Visitors can stay in homestays, explore the rugged terrain, and enjoy trekking. Hoang Su Phi is a hidden gem with rich cultural heritage and great potential for community ecotourism, making it an ideal destination for those exploring Vietnamese villages.

14. Sinh Village, near Hue

Sinh Village, located in central Vietnam, is one of the country’s most famous painting villages. Also known as Lai An Village, it has preserved a unique folk culture for centuries.

The village is renowned for its distinctive painting technique. Artisans press special printing paper against an engraved woodblock, creating a black-and-white print. They then hand-color the paper with vibrant hues and allow it to dry. The entire process is done by hand and takes considerable time. Visitors can try their hand at painting, with guidance from skilled artisans.

Sinh Village is also famous for its traditional wrestling festival, held on January 10th according to the lunar calendar. This vibrant event is one of Vietnam’s most important spring festivals, drawing both local and international visitors.

15. Mui Ne Fishing Village

Mui Ne Fishing Village, in Phan Thiet city, southern Vietnam along the coast, this is a picturesque coastal village with a distinct sea vibe. The village exudes the pristine charm of a traditional fishing community, with stretches of fine white sand and calm blue waters that instantly evoke peace and tranquility.

From above, the coastline stretches out with hundreds of boats anchored, interwoven with basket boats in the green sea. Every morning, the village comes alive as boats rush to dock, and locals trade fresh fish and shrimp.

Mui Ne offers a unique coastal experience throughout the day. The sunrise shines brightly over the sea, while the setting sun casts a dreamy, poetic glow over the village, creating a scene straight out of a fairy tale.

16. Sa Dec Flower Village , southern Vietnam

The best time to visit Sa Dec Flower Village is during the month of December when flowers will be in full bloom, showcasing vibrant colors and fragrances. To experience this, visit the village in early December or before the 23rd of December (lunar calendar), when the flowers are harvested and sent to Saigon to meet New Year’s demand.

The best time to visit Sa Dec Flower Village is during the month of December when flowers will be in full bloom, displaying vibrant colors and fragrances.

At Sa Dec Flower Garden, you’ll be amazed by vast flowerbeds in every color, filled with hundreds of flowers, plants, herbs, and bonsai. After enjoying the flowers and taking photos, explore nearby attractions like the Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House and Kim Hue Pagoda. Don’t forget to try Hu Tieu, a famous Southern Vietnamese dish, to satisfy your hunger.

17. Cam Ne Mat Village, Danang

Cẩm Nê Mat Village is located about 16 km southwest of Da Nang City, just a 40-minute drive away. True to its name, Cam Ne Mat Village is famous for its handmade mats, offering a wide range of sizes.

The village artisans have a unique skill for dyeing mats to meet customers’ needs. They carefully select old, straight, lightweight, and strong palm trees to make the reed and shuttle used in the mat-making process. To preserve the village’s tradition, artisans in Cam Ne work together to produce high-quality products.