For destinations across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, shoulder season is emerging as one of the smartest times to travel. Offering a balance between favorable weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds, it allows visitors to experience destinations in a more relaxed and authentic way.

The Benefits of Traveling During Shoulder Season

Fewer Crowds

One of the most obvious advantages is the reduction in visitor numbers.

Popular destinations such as Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Angkor Wat, Luang Prabang, and the Mekong Delta can feel very different when visited outside the busiest months. Travelers can enjoy iconic sites with more space, better photo opportunities, and a calmer overall experience.

Better Value

Shoulder season frequently offers attractive pricing across accommodations, transportation, and selected travel services.

While luxury properties maintain high service standards year-round, travelers may find better availability and increased flexibility during these periods. This allows them to maximize their travel budget without compromising on quality.

More Authentic Experiences

When destinations are less crowded, travelers often have more opportunities to connect with local communities and everyday life.

Conversations with artisans, farmers, chefs, and guides become more natural. Cultural encounters feel less staged and more personal, creating memories that extend beyond sightseeing.

Beautiful Seasonal Landscapes

Many travelers assume peak season automatically offers the best scenery, but shoulder season can be equally rewarding.

In Vietnam, rice terraces may appear vibrant and green after seasonal rains. River landscapes throughout the Mekong Delta become particularly lush. In Laos and Cambodia, the countryside often reveals rich colors and dramatic skies that photographers appreciate.

Things to Consider Before Booking

While shoulder season offers many advantages, travelers should remain flexible.

Weather conditions can be more variable than during peak periods. Occasional rainfall or changing temperatures are normal in transitional months. However, these conditions rarely prevent meaningful travel experiences and often contribute to the beauty of the landscape.

The key is thoughtful planning.

Rather than focusing on a single destination, experienced travel designers often create itineraries that balance different regions and activities. A well-designed journey can adapt to seasonal conditions while maximizing comfort and enjoyment.

Travel insurance, flexible schedules, and guidance from local experts can further enhance the experience.

Shoulder Season in Indochina: A Hidden Opportunity

For travelers exploring Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos together, shoulder season may be one of the most rewarding times to visit.

The combination of fewer crowds, competitive value, and authentic cultural experiences creates a journey that feels both comfortable and meaningful. Whether cruising through the Mekong Delta, exploring ancient temples, discovering local cuisine, or enjoying quiet moments in nature, travelers often find that the destinations reveal a more personal side of themselves during these months.

As global travel continues to evolve, shoulder season is no longer simply an alternative to peak season. For many experienced travelers, it has become the preferred way to explore the world—offering the perfect balance between comfort, discovery, and authenticity.

<p>The post Shoulder Season Travel: Why More Travelers Are Choosing the In-Between Months first appeared on Lux Travel DMC's Blog.</p>

Designed as more than a transportation service, the new seven-carriage train will offer an immersive cultural journey through one of Vietnam’s most fascinating regions. The route spans approximately 190 kilometers and takes around 4.5 hours, with stops in Hue, Dong Ha, Dong Hoi, and the Phong Nha area.

Travelers will enjoy convenient access to some of Central Vietnam’s most important cultural, historical, and natural attractions, including UNESCO-recognized heritage sites and remarkable landscapes.

What makes this new rail experience particularly unique is its focus on local culture. Onboard experiences are expected to feature regional cuisine, OCOP-certified products, cultural exhibitions, and traditional performances, allowing guests to discover the heritage of Central Vietnam throughout the journey.

For travelers seeking a deeper connection with the destination, the Hue–Phong Nha train creates exciting opportunities to combine imperial heritage, authentic local culture, spectacular cave systems, and nature-based experiences within a single itinerary.

As Vietnam continues to diversify its tourism offerings, this new rail product represents another step toward more sustainable and immersive travel experiences.

Lux Travel DMC looks forward to incorporating this exciting new journey into tailor-made Central Vietnam programs, offering travelers a seamless way to discover the region’s rich heritage and natural beauty.

<p>The post New Heritage Rail Journey Coming to Central Vietnam first appeared on Lux Travel DMC's Blog.</p>

Operating four round-trip flights per week, the new route offers travelers a convenient gateway to one of Thailand’s most popular beach destinations while enhancing regional connectivity across Southeast Asia. The launch also increases Vietnam Airlines’ total frequency between Vietnam and Thailand to nearly 70 flights per week.

Introduced during the year marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Thailand, the route is expected to support growing tourism, business, and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

For international travelers, the new connection also creates additional opportunities to combine Vietnam and Thailand within a single itinerary, with seamless onward connections through Ho Chi Minh City to destinations across Vietnam, Asia, Europe, and Australia.

As Vietnam Airlines continues expanding its international network in 2026, the Ho Chi Minh City–Phuket route represents another positive step in improving accessibility and travel options throughout the region.

<p>The post Vietnam Airlines Launches New Direct Route Between Ho Chi Minh City and Phuket first appeared on Lux Travel DMC's Blog.</p>

ITB Berlin: A Global Travel Industry Hub

ITB Berlin 2025, held from March 4 to March 6 at Messe Berlin, is the world’s leading travel trade show, uniting global industry professionals, exhibitors, and thought leaders. As a regular participant, Lux Travel DMC is proud to attend this prestigious event to strengthen partnerships, explore new opportunities, and showcase its latest innovations in luxury and sustainable travel. The 2025 theme focuses on shaping the future of tourism, with topics such as sustainability, cultural immersion, and personalized travel experiences taking center stage.

Lux Travel DMC attends ITB Berlin to mark two decades of delivering exceptional travel experiences. Visitors are invited to Hall 26c, Stand 314, where the team will highlight its achievements, commitment to sustainable tourism, and exciting new travel programs for 2025. This year, Lux Travel DMC unveils innovative products, including low-carbon tours and immersive cultural journeys across Southeast Asia, designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable and authentic travel. Don’t miss the chance to connect with our experts and discover bespoke solutions tailored to your clients’ needs.

Travel Trends 2025: Shaping the Future of Travel

At ITB Berlin 2025, Lux Travel DMC will spotlight key travel trends shaping the future of the industry. As travelers increasingly prioritize eco-conscious choices, the company continues to lead with sustainable travel solutions that support local communities and reduce environmental impact. The growing demand for authentic experiences has inspired Lux Travel DMC to craft deeper cultural immersions, such as hands-on heritage tours and exclusive culinary journeys. Additionally, with personalization at the forefront, Lux Travel DMC delivers bespoke luxury itineraries tailored to individual traveler preferences, ensuring unforgettable, one-of-a-kind experiences.

Exclusive FAM Trip Invitation

As part of its ITB Berlin 2025 activities, Lux Travel DMC invites travel professionals to join its exclusive FAM trips, designed to showcase its premium services and thoughtfully crafted itineraries. In celebration of its 20th anniversary, Lux Travel DMC is offering a special FAM trip to Vietnam, providing participants with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the country’s stunning landscapes, rich culture, and the sustainable travel experiences that define Lux Travel DMC’s signature style. Visit us at Hall 26c, Stand 314 during ITB Berlin for more details and to secure your spot on this unforgettable journey.

Strengthening Global Partnerships

“ITB Berlin is an important event for Lux Travel DMC to reconnect with our global network of partners, explore new opportunities, and share our passion for crafting extraordinary journeys,” said Mr. Pham Ha, CEO of Lux Travel DMC. “This year is especially meaningful as we celebrate our 20th anniversary and showcase our dedication to sustainability and excellence in travel.”

For more information, to schedule a meeting, or to sign up for the FAM trips, please contact Lux Travel DMC at marketing1@luxtraveldmc.com.

Visit Lux Travel DMC at Hall 26c, Stand 314, to explore the future of luxury travel in Southeast Asia. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with us and celebrate two decades of success at ITB Berlin 2025!

About Lux Travel DMC

Founded in 2005, Lux Travel DMC is Southeast Asia’s leading luxury and sustainable travel company, specializing in crafting tailor-made experiences for discerning travelers. With two decades of expertise, we deliver unparalleled journeys that celebrate the region’s rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality. As pioneers in sustainable tourism, we are committed to creating positive impacts for both travelers and the destinations we serve. Our eco-conscious itineraries prioritize local communities, minimize environmental footprints, and promote cultural preservation.

<p>The post Lux Travel DMC Celebrates 20 Years of Excellence at ITB Berlin 2025 first appeared on Lux Travel DMC's Blog.</p>

Known for its historical significance and unique traditions, Hue has now entered an exciting new era as a centrally governed city. This transformation not only signifies administrative progress but also brings fresh opportunities for economic growth, cultural preservation, and tourism development. To celebrate this milestone and mark the 2025 National Tourism Year, Lux Food and Beverage – a member of LuxGroup – is thrilled to introduce Vị Huế as a symbol of sustainability and culinary excellence.

Vietnamese Cuisine – A Living Heritage with Unmatched Allure

Vietnamese cuisine has long been celebrated globally for its diversity, sophistication, and cultural richness. Renowned chef Anthony Bourdain once remarked, “Vietnamese cuisine is one of the most vibrant and sophisticated cuisines in the world.” This recognition highlights Vietnam’s immense potential to become a leading global culinary destination.

However, transforming this potential into a strong international brand requires creativity and sustainable development. With Vị Huế, we aim to pioneer the green gastronomy movement – promoting eco-friendly dining practices while honoring cultural heritage and prioritizing public health.

Vị Huế – Leading the Green Culinary Trend in Vietnam

Vị Huế is more than a restaurant; it is a cultural narrative told through every dish. We use organic, fresh, and locally sourced ingredients combined with sophisticated culinary techniques to create an authentic yet contemporary dining experience. Our zero-waste model, which eliminates plastic waste and focuses on sustainability, reflects our commitment to environmental responsibility.

The architecture of Vị Huế merges traditional elegance with modern design, offering an atmosphere that is both refined and welcoming. Each dish is a work of art, crafted by talented chefs to take guests on a journey through the rich culinary history of Huế, Vietnam’s former imperial capital.

Cuisine – A Bridge Between Culture and Tourism

Studies show that food accounts for 25–30% of tourist spending, underscoring the critical role of gastronomy in tourism success. With Michelin Guide recognizing Vietnam as an emerging culinary destination, we see an incredible opportunity to position Vị Huế as a green dining icon—perfectly aligned with the global trend toward sustainable travel.

Marketing expert Philip Kotler once said, “Vietnam should be the kitchen of the world.” However, achieving this vision requires strategic planning and execution. Vị Huế serves as a starting point, blending tradition with innovation to showcase Vietnamese cuisine’s potential on the world stage.

Elevating Vietnamese Cuisine – A Strategic Vision

To elevate Vietnamese cuisine globally, a coordinated effort among local authorities, businesses, and culinary organizations is essential. Establishing quality standards, strengthening branding efforts, and investing in human resource training are crucial. At Vị Huế, we have implemented these principles, aspiring to earn a Michelin Green Star—a symbol of excellence and environmental sustainability.

Huế’s new status as a centrally governed city provides an excellent platform to promote tourism and build a national brand. Vị Huế aims to be a gateway for introducing Vietnam’s culinary treasures to the world, supporting sustainable economic growth in the region.

Conclusion – Vị Huế, a Symbol of Green Innovation

With Vị Huế, we not only honor cultural heritage but also advocate for a green future, where food connects people to culture and nature. I believe Vị Huế will become a must-visit destination for travelers and a proud representation of Vietnamese gastronomy on the global map.

Dr. Phạm Hà – Chairman of LuxGroup

<p>The post Vị Huế – Pioneering Vietnam’s Green Gastronomy Movement first appeared on Lux Travel DMC's Blog.</p>

Phu Quoc to welcome foreign visitors with vaccine passports by October

Phu Quoc Island, in Kien Giang province, expects to welcome international visitors with vaccine passports beginning in October.

This program is designed to gradually restore the international tourism market and the local tourism industry while showcasing Vietnam as a safe and attractive destination with effective pandemic prevention and control measures.

We have an interview with Mr. Pham Ha, president and CEO of Lux Group, on how to prepare, what products, and which markets are sourced to put Phu Quoc at the front of the minds of high-end holidaymakers both Vietnamese and foreign.

If the scheme gets the green light, which source markets do you expect to return to Vietnam first and have you started selling/ promoting Phu Quoc to any markets?

Phu Quoc can follow Phu Ket to reopen for tourism for key selected markets. October is the season for European and Russian holidaymakers. We should focus on quality rather than quantity: travelers looking for isolated places, straight-to-the-sun getaways, less visited destinations, or niche tourism products after Covid 19. Phu Quoc is also expected to attract vaccinated travelers from Singapore and South Korea thanks to short and convenient flights.

Do you envisage any challenges with the proposed scheme?

October is approaching very fast and preparations are needed to accelerate the process like clear guidelines, safety regulations, and ensuring locals are vaccinated. This should create the green zone and promote suitable products such as beach holidays, golf tours, cruises, and wellness travel packages. We do not know all the regulations so far and which hotels will be equipped to accommodate guests. Big guys like Vin offer packages of 7-14 nights, however our German guests do not want to stay in these big resorts, but prefer small resorts with few rooms. When we’ve contacted the small resorts, unfortunately they don’t always know how to conform to the regulations.

What does the country’s tourism industry need to do now to prepare to welcome tourists after such a long down time?

We face a shortage of quality tourism workers. We’ve done some research and development of products by ourselves. The government and tourism bodies are involved in telling us the behavior of travelers, which products they prefer, and how to attract them. Positioning and marketing is not as good as expected, almost no marketing activities have taken place since the outbreak of Covid 19. We need to take steps toward opening our market sources so we can advise our agents and b2c clients.

Have you developed any new products/ packages for Phu Quoc to cater to the predicted new demand from tourists (eg nature/ space etc)

Lux Travel DMC will bring 2 brand new Emperor Cruises and Heritage Cruises to Phu Quoc next year. Indeed, Phu Quoc Island is a year-round destination, for both Vietnamese and foreign holidaymakers as a beach and maritime destination. All branded hotels and resorts there are famous. Phu Quoc could compete with Phu Ket for attracting quality travelers. The destination should focus on training quality workers and creating better environmental standards which are cleaner, greener. Free Visas for extended stays, entertainment products, night-life activities, and new creative products should be added or renewed to satisfy travelers. Allow people to come to the island easier and when there, they will have more fun and leave satisfied.

What do you see as being the ideal next steps for Vietnam’s tourism industry after this?

Covid 19 set Vietnam tourism back 5 years and erased our memory as to the best way to attract travelers. The unique difference in Asia is that Vietnam has it all: nature, culture, food and people. Vietnam should position itself as the leading heritage destination in Asia including cultural and natural heritages or maritime destinations. Halong Bay, Lan Ha, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc are the maritime destinations, travelers must go there. We must create more beautiful experiential travel experiences, develop infrastructure every year, facilitate visas, improve service with qualified tourism workers, ensure the destination is sustainable and green. Vietnam should be promoted properly in the world with a clear message, and if so people will come and come again for holiday in Vietnam and Phu Quoc in particular.

<p>The post Phu Quoc to welcome foreign visitors with vaccine passports by October first appeared on Lux Travel DMC's Blog.</p>

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