Off peak and off the beaten track in Vietnam

Vietnam is fast becoming the most popular destination in Southeast Asia — at least for Australians — and it offers spectacular, adventurous journeys in the wet season, across wild routes from mountains to coast.

Off-peak travel in Vietnam, and particularly August through October, means fewer tourists at iconic spots, vibrant green landscapes fed by refreshing rains, enticing price reductions and even a little luxury on some trips.

The rainy season varies depending on the region but is generally from about May to October. However, that doesn't mean nonstop downpours; showers usually arrive in the afternoon or evening, dramatic but short-lived. It's an ideal window for travellers seeking both luxury and adventure: you can enjoy exclusive experiences without peak-season bustle, all the while taking advantage of limited-time travel deals. 

By day, adventure travellers set off trekking through hill tribe villages of the Hmong and Dao people, tracing trails along bamboo forests and waterfall-fed valleys. The summer rains leave the landscape stunningly green and the cooler temperatures are ideal for hiking. Luxury seekers can ride Sapa's modern cable car up Mount Fansipan for panoramic views, or indulge in a spa afternoon at a mountainside eco-resort. Getting there is half the experience: as an alternative to the train, some travellers opt for plush "limousine" vans — comfy minibuses with recliner seats — covering the five to six hour road trip from Hanoi in style.

Hanoi to Ha Giang: Into Vietnam's northern frontier

For those drawn to truly wild mountain panoramas, the road from Hanoi to Ha Giang leads to Vietnam's remote frontier, an otherworldly realm of limestone peaks and extreme mountain passes. An overnight sleeper bus or comfortable daytime van brings you 300 kilometres north to Ha Giang City, gateway to the legendary Ha Giang Loop. This four-day road circuit through the UNESCO Geopark, Dong Van Karst Plateau, is adventure travel at its finest. UNESCO Global Geoparks are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed and protected. The narrow road quickly climbs above the tree line. Sheer grey cliffs tower over deep valleys, and roads corkscrew up and down dizzying passes like Heaven's Gate and Ma Pi Lèng. 

Most thrill-seekers choose to tackle the Ha Giang Loop by motorbike, feeling the rush of wind on winding cliffside roads and stopping in rustic villages where life has changed little over centuries. Less experienced riders can hire an easy-rider guide or even a private jeep for a more comfortable yet still adventurous tour. Along the way, you'll encounter colourful minority markets, ancient Hmong king's palaces and the northernmost point of Vietnam at Lung Cu flag tower with unobstructed views into China. Evenings are spent in simple homestays or guesthouses, or opt for one of the few boutique eco-lodges for a touch of luxury under starry mountain skies. Whether you ride by motorbike or relax in a chauffeured van, Ha Giang promises a raw, majestic beauty reserved for those willing to venture to the very edge of Vietnam.

Hanoi to Central Vietnam by Rail: A coastal odyssey on the Reunification Express

For a different kind of journey, consider riding the Reunification Express railway from Hanoi down the coast, a storied route that connects Vietnam's north and south, offering front-row seats to the country's scenery. In central Vietnam especially, the train journey is an immersive adventure into breathtaking landscapes. Picture yourself in a vintage-style sleeper or a cushioned seat in the Violette private train car, watching the world slide by your window. 

The tracks hug pristine coastlines and lush mountainsides, winding over the famous Hải Vân Pass, often cited as one of the most beautiful stretches of railway in South-East Asia. As the locomotive chugs up the pass, dense jungle and ocean vistas trade places in a visual feast at each bend. The leisurely clickety-clack of the train and the occasional whistle echoing in valleys create a nostalgic rhythm that invites relaxation and reflection.

This slow-travel luxury lets you wake up in a new destination refreshed. For instance, depart Hanoi in the evening and by morning you can find yourself stepping off in Huế, the imperial capital, or rolling into Đà Nẵng, gateway to Hoi An's lantern-lit streets. Both cities brim with history and charm, made all the more accessible via rail. During this off-peak season, fewer crowds make exploring Huế's citadel or Hoi An's ancient town especially rewarding. Whether you're a rail enthusiast or just seeking a comfortable adventure, this coastal odyssey by train offers a unique blend of romance and convenience, bridging vibrant Hanoi with Vietnam's central gems in unforgettable fashion.

Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang: From city lights to seaside delights

Trading the urban energy of Ho Chi Minh City for the laid-back mood of Nha Trang makes for a classic south-to-central Vietnam route. It's about 430 km between them, a journey that can be as quick or as leisurely as you choose. Time-pressed travellers may hop on a one-hour flight, but the Reunification Express train from Saigon to Nha Trang is a scenic and relaxing choice, taking around eight hours as it meanders past rice paddies, villages and surf-lapped shores. You can gaze out at water buffalo in lush fields and watch the landscape shift from the bustling Mekong Delta plains to the coastal plains of Khánh Hòa province, all from the comfort of your sleeping pod. By morning, ocean breezes welcome your arrival in Nha Trang. 

Nha Trang is a tropical playground famed for its sweeping crescent beach and vibrant marine life. By day, adventure-seekers can take a boat to the outlying islands for snorkelling or scuba diving among colourful coral reefs teeming with fish. For a dose of culture, visit the ancient Po Nagar Cham Towers, where Hindu-influenced temples from the 8th century overlook the modern skyline. Those in search of luxury and relaxation will find Nha Trang's resort scene second to none: think infinity pools overlooking the sea, fresh seafood lunches on a private beach and therapeutic mud-bath spas famed for their mineral-rich clay. As dusk falls, the city comes alive with a cosmopolitan nightlife — rooftop lounges, beachside bars and a seaside promenade perfect for an evening stroll under swaying palm trees.

Ho Chi Minh City to Mũi Né: Dunes, sea breezes and desert adventure

If you're craving a quick escape from Saigon's bustle, look east to Mũi Né, a beach town unlike any other in Vietnam. In just four to five hours by road you can swap skyscrapers for swaying coconut palms and rolling sand dunes. Mũi Né is celebrated for its surreal landscapes: golden and white sand dunes that sprawl beneath the sun, resembling a slice of desert dropped onto Vietnam's coastline. Standing atop the towering white sand dunes at dawn, the first light paints the undulating sands in hues of gold and pink. At sunrise and sunset, the dunes are at their most enchanting. Long shadows and soft light create a lunar-like beauty, perfect for photography.

Beyond the dunes, Mũi Né offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. For thrill-seekers, sand-boarding or riding an all-terrain vehicle over the sandy hills will get your heart racing, while the steady coastal winds make Mũi Né one of Asia's top spots for kite surfing. If you prefer something calmer, take a walk in the ethereal Fairy Stream, a shallow creek that winds through red-orange rock formations and opens to a small waterfall. It's a short, fun adventure for all ages. 

Don't miss the rustic charm of Mũi Né's fishing village at dawn, where rows of blue fishing boats bob on the water and market women sell the night's catch straight off the docks. After a day of activities, indulge in fresh-grilled seafood at a beachside restaurant or unwind by your resort pool with a view of the South China Sea. Luxury travellers will find boutique resorts and private villas tucked along the coast, offering serenity and spa pampering, while budget backpackers gravitate to friendly guesthouses and hammock bars on the sand. Mũi Né welcomes both in equal measure.

All of the above journeys (and others throughout Asia) can be booked through 12Go, often at discounts of up to 15 per cent during the period specified. 12Go is a leading online travel platform that makes it a breeze to book trains, buses and car transfers throughout Vietnam.

More information:

Visit Vietnam: The Official Tourism Website of Vietnam

Title picture © Judy Barford