Staying Local

Fancy an encounter with remote Vietnamese hill tribes but feel unable to drag yourself away from the hotel poolside for too long? The aptly named Between Luxury and Authenticity package at the comfy Victoria Sapa Resort in Vietnam's Hoang Lien Mountains may be the perfect compromise. This five-night break features an overnight journey on a luxury train from Hanoi, two nights at the resort itself, and one night in the tribal village of Muong Hum. Don't expect 900-thread-count linen at the latter, but think of the photo opportunities. Visits to local markets and most meals are included in the package price...