Vietnam Isn’t a Checklist — Here’s How to Really Experience It

In a world obsessed with bucket lists and fast-paced itineraries, slow travel in Vietnam is more than just a trend — it's a return to the kind of travel that truly transforms. At Chôm Chôm Travel, we believe that meaningful adventures take time, and that the best memories aren’t made from rushing from place to place, but from connecting with people, with culture, with nature, and even with yourself.

Spend an early morning with a farmer in Tịnh Biên, An Giang, where you'll learn so much about the traditional palmyra palm tree harvesting and his life dedicated to this heritage

What is Slow Travel?

Slow travel is about quality over quantity. It’s about immersing yourself in each destination, staying longer, and engaging deeper. It means wandering through a local market without an agenda, spending the afternoon learning to cook with a local in the mountains, or pausing on a motorbike ride just to soak in the view.

It’s not about doing nothing — it’s about doing what matters, with intention and curiosity.

It’s about creating a real type of authentic fun when travelling.

Take time to interact with the local (ethnic) people despite the language barriers, and be present in the moment to immerse yourself in locals' life (Ethnic fair market in Hoàng Su Phì, Hà Giang)

Why Chôm Chôm Believes in Slow Travel

From the start, Chôm Chôm Travel was built around the idea that adventure should feel personal, not packaged. That’s why we customize every itinerary to fit your interests and pace. Whether you have a handful of days or 20, we won’t pack your schedule with rushed stops and generic attractions. Instead, we’ll design a journey that lets you breathe, explore, and absorb.

Imagine waking up from the most peaceful sleep in your cozy and comfortable lodge, soaking in the views of breathtaking mountains and terraced rice fields right in front of your eyes.

Our Adventure Coordinators work closely with you to understand your travel style. Want to spend two days in a homestay learning ethnic minority recipes from your host family? We’ll make it happen. Prefer cycling through quiet villages or kayaking at sunrise? It’s all possible — without the pressure of checking things off a list.

More than a homestay, staying with an ethnic family in a remote village is a one-in-a-lifetime experience, where you'll live, do, cook, and eat the local way (Homestay of the Bahnar ethnic people in Kon Tum)

At Chôm Chôm, we believe that meaningful travel takes time — and that’s exactly why we don’t advise 1-day trips to the Mekong Delta. While they’re often touted as a must-see, these whirlwind excursions are the epitome of fast tourism: crowded, rushed, and lacking the depth we strive for. Instead of spending four hours (2 ways) in a van, only for a few hours of activities made for tourists, we’d rather guide you toward something richer.

Local people's connection is what makes a journey more memorable and meaningful. This Khmer family's kindness and generosity have truly touched Thảo and Duy's hearts with emotional moments.

The Mekong Delta deserves more than a fleeting visit — spend a night or two there and you’ll uncover layered stories, slow-moving river life, and moments that actually stay with you.

The Benefits of Slow Travel in Vietnam

Vietnam is a dream destination for slow travelers. From the lush Northern highlands of Mai Châu to the cultural richness of Huế, to the serene waterways on a Mekong cruise, the rhythm of local life invites you to take your time. You’ll eat better, meet more locals, discover hidden corners, and leave with a deeper understanding of this beautiful country.

A lot of people would choose the sunny beaches for their vacation, but miss out on this most unique experience - seeing a local fishing village come alive from 5:00 AM (An Hải, Phú Yên)

Slow travel experiences with Chôm Chôm Travel

• Mekong Delta getaways, where you can join local families in cycling, cooking, and living in nature, be it a river in Vĩnh Long or Bến Tre, or further afield in Trà Vinh or An Giang, surrounded by rice fields and rustic villages

  

  Staying with a Khmer family in Trà Vinh is perfect for families of 3 generations, where everyone can explore the culture and enjoy the peaceful countryside life in their own way.

• Culinary adventures that go far beyond just street food, diving into regional traditions and generations-old recipes

  

  

American-Vietnamese chefs Phoebe and Matthew, on their Vietnam culinary research journey, enjoyed foraging in the wild and cooking ethnic dishes with the Red Dao family in Hoàng Su Phì

• Multi-day treks and motorbike adventures in the Northeast mountains that unfold at your pace, letting you fully take in the scenery and culture

  
  
  

  

  

  

  

  

Whether it is a thrilling motorbike or hiking adventure in Hà Giang that takes a full day, it allows you to be present in the breathtaking nature and meaningful moments spent with the ethnic communities.

• Cultural learning with ethnic communities in Hà Giang, Kon Tum, Đắk Lắk, or the Mekong, where immersion is as meaningful as the landscape

H'Muôn is our charming local guide from the Ê Đê ethnic community in Buôn Ma Thuột, from whom we learnt a lot about their beliefs, customs, and ways of living while foraging in the field of the village.

Slow Travel is Sustainable Travel

Going slow doesn’t just feel better — it’s better for the planet and the people you visit. At Chôm Chôm, our slow travel approach helps reduce environmental impact and maximizes positive contributions to local communities. We work directly with small, family-run homestays, local guides who are truly locals, and community-based experiences to make sure your journey leaves something behind — besides footprints. Whenever possible, we also recommend train travel rather than flying around Vietnam. 

From small homestays to hotels/ lodges and boutique resorts, we prioritize working with accommodation partners that respect nature, culture, and the local community, with maximum comfort for our travelers.

Sustainable, slow travel also means returning to locations again to discover more and contribute more to local communities again and again. 

The philosophy of Slow Travel is not about crossing places off a bucket list; it’s about creating the opportunity to better immerse oneself in nature and understand local culture, craft, landscapes, food, people, and general diversity that is impossible to experience in only 48 hours, one time. We continue to return to destinations across Vietnam, and each time in a completely new and enriching experience. 

Returning to Buôn Ma Thuột this year, our team had successfully connected with the Ê Đê ethnic community and our local guides, where slow travel goes hand in hand with supporting the locals.

Why Slow Travel is Perfect for Families

One of the biggest myths about slow travel is that it’s just for solo wanderers or retirees. But at Chôm Chôm Travel, some of our favorite family trips have been the slowest ones. With time to rest, play, and connect, kids and parents alike get more from the journey — and from each other. No screen-time battles, no overstimulated meltdowns — just real connection and discovery.

On a motorbike adventure in Huế, our family travelers spent their best times in the countryside beyond iconic historical architecture, while the kids spent more time on traditional crafts with local artisans.

Slow down with us 

If you're feeling inspired to slow down, dig deeper, and explore Vietnam with curiosity and care, we’d love to plan something just for you. At Chôm Chôm Travel, we don’t just sell tours, we craft journeys that are immersive, personal, and unforgettable. If the Chôm Chôm spirit speaks to you, get in touch and let’s start dreaming up your next great adventure.

Adventures become more meaningful when we slow down, and the surprising moments will add unforgettable stories to our journey. It's never the destination and scenery itself.

Plan your slow travel trip in Vietnam with us