The best shoulder season destinations to avoid the crowds
There are so many great reasons to experience certain destinations in the shoulder seasons – that sweet spot between a region’s peak season and off-season.
The must-see sights of Vietnam
Vietnam is a country that leaves no one unmoved or unchanged – we guarantee that this destination will open your eyes and change your perspective. It’s a remarkably diverse country – a kaleidoscope of beaches, markets, mountain tribes, and motorbike rides, along with a rich history that manifests itself everywhere from incense-scented pagodas to touching war sites. As such, it can only be fully appreciated with an immersive tour taking in different places, to ensure you experience all the highlights and fabulous array of activities on offer.
We’ve shared some of our favourite things to see and do in Vietnam. All of which we can combine in a bespoke tour fully tailored to you, and including transport, accommodation, and English-speaking guides who can help you get under the skin of this intoxicating destination.
Tours might be foodie-focused, history-based, remote adventures in search of hill tribes from whom you might learn about traditional ways of life, beach breaks - or a combination of these. We could also include some, or all of them, on an itinerary around Southeast Asia, including a stop-off in Vietnam.
Cruise Halong Bay
The best way of discovering this Northeast Vietnamese UNESCO World Heritage site, with its rainforest-topped, towering limestone islands and wonderful snorkelling, is by small cruise boat, where you can spend a magical night aboard as part of your experience. You can also go kayaking here and visit a fishing farm where you can chat with the fishermen and find out all about their work and daily lives.
Discover the capital, Hanoi
With its hectic Old Quarter, Dong Xuan Market, and lovely temples, this charming North Vietnamese city with its mix of Southeast Asian, Chinese, and French influences begs to be explored in depth. We can set you up with a fascinating city tour taking you to the must-sees of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, Temple of Literature, and Hoa Lo Prison.
Hike the Mai Chau Valley
In the northwest region about 135km from Hanoi, this lush mountainous landscape has trails of varying lengths, routes, and levels, through rice fields, jungle areas, and traditional villages that feel lost in time. We can even fix you up with a guide for a trekking route taking several days, staying in Vietnamese family homes.
Explore Ho Chi Minh City
Formerly Saigon, this southern city is one of the most exciting in all Vietnam, with lovely French Colonial architecture, fantastic street food, and an evolving craft beer scene. Among its top sights are the Jade Emperor Pagoda, the War Remnants Museum, and Binh Tay Market.
Cycle the Mekong Delta
Floating markets and Khmer pagodas dot this region of Southern Vietnam, with its maze of rivers, swamps, and islands, surrounded by rice paddies. Bikes are a great way to see all the fascinating trades and activities underway along its waterways, as is cruising on a hand-rowed sampan beneath the shadow of the water coconut trees lining the natural canals. Tours tend to start from Ho Chi Minh City or bustling Can Tho in the heart of the delta.
Relax in Nha Trang
This is the perfect destination for sun seekers, with around 300 days of sunshine a year. A beautiful coastal resort city in Southern Vietnam, it’s a place to relax, feast on delicious seafood, and snorkel at several sites off its gorgeous beaches or around the 19 surrounding islands with their nature reserves and coral reefs.
To book your bespoke Vietnam tour, call your Travel Counsellor today.
Why Malta is the perfect destination for every type of traveller
Once seen as a place for retirees, today Malta and its sister islands are stylish, lively, and brilliant for every kind of traveller – from romantic weekenders and multi-generational family holidays to solo travellers. The diminutive size of these islands makes them a great choice for those concerned about sustainability, as there is no need to travel vast distances to enjoy a wide range of experiences.
Why Shizuoka, Japan, deserves to be on your bucket list
Shizuoka is one of those places that quietly delivers on everything people love about Japan, without the intensity that often comes with it. Perfectly placed on the Golden Route between Tokyo and Kyoto, it’s easy to reach yet rarely feels overrun. This is a region where everyday life and travel experiences blend naturally, giving you space to explore at your own pace, whether that’s over a long weekend or as part of a wider journey across the country.
