Typically, travellers approach Southeast Asia as a multi-country destination, including one, two, three, sometimes four countries in one journey. But with so much moving around, there are many wonderful places and experiences that are missed. To truly understand a country, the people and the culture, we recommend taking it slow – making time to discover the little things, immersing yourself in local life, and authentically experiencing a place. Our A&K Vietnam team shows you how to go beyond the ordinary in this captivating country with their favourite slow travel experiences.
Journey through Central Vietnam’s lush landscapes and spectacular coastlines aboard The Vietage, a new luxury rail experience that takes you from the traditional shophouses and meandering streets of Hoi An to the secluded coves and picturesque seaside of Quy Nhon. Savour a curated three-course menu of Vietnamese and French flavours on board while watching the central Vietnamese landscape unfold before your eyes. Seating just 12 passengers in a custom-designed luxury carriage, this six-hour train journey passes rural villages, mountains and rice paddies offering a truly unique and intimate experience of Vietnam’s countryside.
Think scenic drives and ethereal landscapes with limestone peaks and granite outcrops rising above the clouds. This naturally picturesque corner of northern Vietnam is also one of the country’s most ethnically diverse, where villages of several tribes, including the Hmong, Tay and Nung, lie hidden amongst forest-covered hills. Enjoy off-road wanderings in the terraced rice fields and uncover fossils dating back 400 to 600 million years in the Dong Van Karst Plateau, a UNESCO Global Geopark.
Nestled in a small archipelago of 16 islets off the southern coast of Vietnam, Con Dao Island is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy days of tropical bliss. Spend time swimming with green turtles and manta rays, exploring coastal roads and mangrove forests or canoeing to neighbouring islands. Or simply relax by the pool of your private villa, with a selection of stays to suit every type of traveller.
When it comes to the scenes worth slowing down for, it’s hard to beat the misty mountains, waterfalls and pine forest valleys of Vietnam’s Central Highlands. With views reminiscent of the European alps, this otherworldly region near Kontum takes you away from the typical tourist trail and offers a glimpse into the life of the Ede, Jolong and Sodra communities. Visit the village longhouses, where a family’s wealth can be determined by the length of their traditional wood and bamboo home, and explore local coffee farms, rubber plantations and historical battlefields of the Vietnam War.
The perfect starting point for cross-country adventures to rural Cambodia and speedboat journeys to Phnom Penh, Chau Doc is a sleepy border town surrounded by the Mekong Delta’s fruit farms and rice fields. Explore the tranquil canals and mangrove forests by rowboat and meet local families, watching them make rice paper and coconut candy. Don’t miss the floating market in the early morning, when local growers take to the river with their boats piled high with oranges, dragon fruit, bananas and sweet potatoes.
Inspired to plan your own Vietnam adventure? Discover some suggested luxury journeys on our website and reach out to our Journey Designers to craft your perfect bespoke discovery.
