The tourist area is in the center of the city close to the river. VT is a small city with a pop of 700k, which is really small. I would get touristy type advise from other farang (foreigner) guests in any G/H/hotel you stay in or, visit "southeast Asia backpacker community" . As to off the beaten track interest you would like to visit, check out "now in Lao" who is a vlogger who travels around Lao and shows many interesting places to visit. If you have an interest in organic/permaculture" farming you could visit "Tamasard farm" which is 150k along route 13 from VT to Paksa.. It is run by myself and extended Lao family. The real focus of our work is looking at how all aspects of nature are connected and work together in harmony. There are no safety issues outside of what you would normally have where ever you live.