In the previous article, we explored some unique places, mostly in Northern Vietnam. Today, let’s explore Central and Southern Vietnam to see that the country has much more to offer.  For first-timers to Vietnam, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, and Da Nang can be must-see tourist attractions. But from your second trip, you are encouraged to explore lesser-known destinations. They are just as wonderful as hot spots that remain undiscovered.  Visiting these unique places may help reduce the income gap between famous and infamous destinations. You can also contribute to sustainability and get a deeper connection with the local community.   Last time, we mentioned unique places in Northern Vietnam, which feature breathtaking views of rice fields, high mountains, terraced fields, and more. Towards the South, the weather, scene, and terrain are different. If you are seeking something extraordinary here, look at the following list.  Mang Lang Church and Nhan Tower: The introduction of cultures These two masterpieces are in Phu Yen, one of Vietnam’s recently emerging tourist attractions.  Mang Lang Church  Mang Lang Church is among the oldest churches in Vietnam. It is known for its unique architecture and preservation of cultural values. Mang Lang Church was built in 1892 and designed in a Gothic style. It has two steeples and an impressive pyramid-shaped lobby. Its basement is home to sculptures of the blessed Andrew of Phu Yen, the first Christian martyr of Vietnam.  In particular, Mang Lang Church keeps the first book written in the Vietnamese national language. It was compiled by cleric Alexandre de Rhodes and published in Italy in 1651.  So, if you want to learn more about the history of Catholics in Vietnam, Mang Lang Church is a must-see. The church is open daily from 7 AM to 9 PM without an entrance charge.  Nhan Tower Nhan Tower is a unique place with ancient Cham architecture dating back to the late 11th century. It was once a worshipping space for the ancient Cham people. Standing at 64 meters on Nhan mountain peak, it offers a panoramic view of Tuy Hoa City, Da Rang River, and bridges.  In 1988, Nhan Tower was honored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism as a National Architectural - Art Relic. 30 years later, in 2018, it was officially recognized as a special national relic.  Visitors can see the art performance in the tower’s yard at 7:30 PM every Saturday. On January 15 of the lunar calendar, the Nguyen Tieu Poetry Festival is organized, attracting many poets and tourists.   La Gi - Ideal beach hideaway  La Gi, a small town in Binh Thuan Province, could be a unique place for your summer vacation by the beach. In a pristine destination like this, you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere that is hard to find on other beaches such as Mui Ne, Nha Trang, or Vung Tau.  Currently, La Gi has no high-end hotels or resorts, so it is perfect for those who want to get far away from crowded attractions. Just walking along the seashore is enough for these travelers to complete their relaxing moments. Besides, you can meet and talk to local people in La Gi to learn how they earn a living by fishing.  In this coastal town, remember to try fresh and affordable seafood, especially grilled gudgeon, a fish specialty of La Gi.  You can also visit other places near La Gi, such as Ta Cu Mountain, Ke Ga Cape, Doi Duong Beach, etc.   D’ran - The old town in the mountain pass  Nearly 40km from the famous Dalat city, the ancient town of D'ran is located between the two passes Ngoan Muc and D'ran in Don Duong District, Lam Dong Province.  The charming beauty of this unique place is made of all-year-round cool weather, majestic scenes, and long-standing constructions. The French built and named it D’ran around the beginning of the 20th century. Many tourists to D’ran thought they were lost in a European town when the trees turned red. Here, you can see the green Da Nhim Lake and visit a range of ancient landmarks such as Thap Cham - Da Lat railway station, Ka Don Church, Cang Rang Temple, King Duy Tan’s autograph, and more.  If you are looking for a place like Dalat or B’lao that is less crowded, D’ran will definitely be a great choice. Tourism hasn’t been invested and developed much in D’ran, so why don’t you plan a trip to this unique place? Con Dao: From a haunting former prison to a tourist attraction  Con Dao is an archipelago off the coast of Ba Ria—Vung Tau. It consists of 16 islands, the largest one being Con Son Island. Previously, it took a lot of work to reach this unique place in Vietnam. However, direct flights are now operated from Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho, making it more convenient for tourists to visit the Con Dao Islands.   Before 1975, Con Dao was known as the largest prison in Indochina. Today, the island attracts increasing numbers of travelers for leisure and spiritual tourism.  The crystal sea, marine life, and wild jungle await you to discover. March to September is the best time to visit the Con Dao Islands. July to September is the breeding season for sea turtles in this unique place. Whether what you see or where you go, experiences here are worth every penny, even though they are pretty expensive.   An Binh Islet: An enjoyable place in the Mekong Delta  If you are a fruit lover looking for a simple, close-to-nature destination, welcome to An Binh Islet. This unique place in Vinh Long Province offers a slice of life in Western Vietnam.  Riding a bicycle on the dirt paths crossing lush gardens and rivers would be an exciting experience for travelers. You can stop by a garden, pick fruits, and buy them right there, then enjoy super fresh “awards” from nature.  In addition, you can participate in many fun activities such as fishing, making traditional cakes, or listening to folklore music. Moreover, you might be surprised by the people’s hospitality and friendliness and the low prices in An Binh Islet.   So far, we’ve listed 10 unique places in Vietnam, from the North to the South. We hope you can find a suitable off-the-beaten-path destination for your next journey. Remember that Vietnam still has many other hidden gems for adventurous types like you!