Off the Beaten Track in Vietnam

Michael T. Jackson is a former Belvedere, California, resident who served as the CEO and chairman of Emerging Growth Management. After leaving Belvedere, he relocated to Florida and founded SFG Asset Advisors. Recreationally, Michael T. Jackson enjoys traveling and has visited a number of countries around the world, including Vietnam.

In Vietnam, Mui Ne, Hoi An, Halong Bay, and other areas are slowly becoming tailored to the Western tourist experience. To experience the true Vietnam, travelers have to go off the beaten path. One great destination is Bai Tu Long, which has beautiful limestone karsts without the tourist boats that crowd Halong Bay. You may see a dugong, or sea cow, and can go looking for other rare species in the forest reserves of the larger islands in the area. 

You may also want to explore Tram Ton Pass, the highest mountain pass in the country, which offers stunning views of mountains and rice fields. It also boasts a large waterfall. Many people choose to explore the pass on motorbike. 

Tourists often overlook Da Nang, a gorgeous beach with excellent seafood. The area is currently in transition as tourist resorts are constructed, but you can still enjoy a traditional Vietnamese experience. Monkey Mountain on Son Tra Peninsula makes a great day trip from Da Nang.