If you want to get off the tourist trail, avoid these villages
Our philosophy: authenticity above all
You may have read in travel guides or heard from influencers that you must visit the villages of Cam Thanh (water coconut village), Tra Que (herb village) or Cam Ha (pottery village), Ba Na Hill (with its "golden bridge" with giant hands emerging from the mountain). These are indeed interesting places, sometimes rich in history and craftsmanship.
Yet we don't include them in our tours. Why?
Because we made a choice: to take you where you'll have an authentic experience, away from the crowds, in villages that have kept their soul.
What we've observed over the years
We've known these villages for a long time. We visited them when they were still peaceful, when artisans worked for themselves and their communities, not for tourist buses.
With the explosion of tourism in Hoi An, these villages have become must-see destinations. The result? Dozens, sometimes hundreds, of visitors every day. Activities created specifically for tourists. Queues to take THE photo that everyone takes.
This is not a judgment. These villages remain interesting in their own way. But it's no longer the Vietnam we want you to discover.
What we offer you instead
We have always created our own itineraries to take you to preserved villages, accessible via beautiful small country paths, far from traffic and crowds.
Real encounters
In the villages where we take you, artisans don't work "for show". They practice their traditional crafts daily. When Mrs. Phuong teaches you how to maneuver a basket boat, it's because it's her skill, not a tourist attraction.
Peace and serenity
You won't be lost among dozens of other groups. You pedal peacefully, you take time to observe, ask questions, breathe. No rush, no stopwatch.
Preserved authenticity
The villages we visit have kept their charm because they're not on the classic circuits. And we do everything to keep it that way: small groups, respect for places, sustainable partnerships with local families.
Our commitment: off the beaten path
We don't want to offer you what everyone else offers. We create our own routes, to offer you unique experiences.
Our promise: To help you discover an authentic Vietnam, one that still beats to the rhythm of seasons and traditions, far from "attractions" formatted for mass tourism.
You won't be a tourist among a hundred others. You'll be a privileged traveler, invited to places few people know.
What if you still want to visit these villages?
We completely understand that some of you want to discover these popular villages or other tourist sites in the region. You don't need us for that, these places are easily accessible on your own.
But if you're looking for a French-speaking guide who can show you these places in an original and cultural way, we warmly recommend Nga (www.hoian-classictours.com), who offers very interesting tours in and around Hoi An.
Similarly, to visit Hoi An's old town, we recommend doing it on foot rather than by bike — you'll be able to better appreciate the architecture and atmosphere of the alleys.
Ready to discover the real Vietnam?
Join us on our off-the-beaten-path tours. We look forward to showing you our Vietnam, the one we've loved for over 30 years.
Thu & Pascal
Heaven and Earth Cycling Tours
