Luxury Vietnam
The absolute best hotels in the absolute best destinations, this trip is the gold standard for travel to Vietnam.
Combining four of Vietnam’s most classic destinations with one more unusual pick, this itinerary beautifully balances excitement (Vespa tours! Seaplane flights!) with relaxation (Luxury trains! Beach spas!) for the ultimate experience of Vietnam. If you’re after la crème de la crème, this is it.
Pricing
Key facts
Transport in detail
Most transfers will be by private car with a driver, but you’ll also have two domestic flights (from Hanoi to Danang and from Quy Nhon to Ho Chi Minh City) and a luxury train ride from Danang to Quy Nhon.
What's great
This itinerary includes all of Vietnam’s biggest hitters, including our favourite historical and contemporary destinations
We’ve included a range of immersive experiences with expert guides to help you get under the skin of Vietnamese culture
Experience one of Vietnam’s best up-and-coming beach destinations at Quy Nhon, accessed by luxury train ride
Things to consider
Quy Nhon is best visited from February to August, but if you’re travelling out of season we can recommend a variety of other great destinations
The beach resort is very remote, which means you’ll have to pay resort prices for dining as there are no restaurants nearby
Other than Quy Nhon, the destinations on this itinerary are firmly on the tourist radar
The experience
Day 1-2
Hanoi
With its higgledy-piggledy alleyways stuffed with mouthwatering street food and after-hours fun, Hanoi’s Old Quarter is the beating heart of the city. Head out from here on a tour tailored to your interests — perhaps uncovering local history in the guild streets, visiting the thousand-year-old Temple of Literature, reliving the Vietnam War at former Hoa Lo Prison (AKA the “Hanoi Hilton”) or exploring the role of women in Vietnam’s culture and society at the excellent Women’s Museum. Then, head out with your guide for an education in Hanoian food culture, all washed down with a bia hoi (or several). You’ve only got one full day in the capital, so we thought we’d better make it count!
Highlights
Stay in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter and soak up the atmosphere of old Vietnam
Take a guided tour of one of Hanoi’s museums to learn about Vietnamese history from a new perspective
Get a delicious introduction to northern Vietnamese cuisine on a street-food tour of the capital
Day 3-4
Lan Ha Bay
After an action-packed introduction to Hanoi, your next two days slow the pace right down — but not before an exciting private seaplane flight over Lan Ha Bay: Halong’s more secluded sibling. Most visitors only get to experience this landscape from sea level but it’s a completely different story from above, with thousands of karst islets spread out for miles across the glittering sea. Once you’re back on the ground, it’s time to board your luxurious cruise and head out into Lan Ha Bay. From this perspective those same limestone pinnacles tower over passing boats, offering numerous opportunities for adventures by kayak through floating villages, or on foot or bike on the many islands.
Highlights
See Lan Ha Bay in all its glory as you soar overhead in a seaplane
Indulge your adventurous side with opportunities for hiking, swimming and kayaking
Watch the sunset from the top deck of your overnight cruise
The finer detail
What's included
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Breakfast every day
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Four lunches: two onboard the cruise; one during the Hoi An bicycle tour; one onboard the Vietage train
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Four dinners: one during the street-food tour; two onboard the cruise; one during the craft beer tour
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Seven half-day experiences: a city tour of Hanoi; a bespoke tailoring experience in Hoi An; a tour of Hoi An with a conservation expert; a bicycle tour of the Hoi An countryside; a luxury train from Danang to Quy Nhon; a trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels by private speedboat; a half-day tour of Ho Chi Minh City
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Two evening experiences: a street-food tour of Hanoi and a craft beer tour by Vespa
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A 25-minute seaplane flight over Lan Ha Bay
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A two-night cruise on Lan Ha Bay
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All entrance fees to sites included in guided experiences
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All internal transport & accommodation
Logistics and journey times
Day 1
Car transfer Hanoi Airport to hotel (30 minutes)
Day 3
Car transfer from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay (2 hours)
Day 5
Car transfer from Lan Ha Bay to Hanoi Airport (2 hours)
Flight from Hanoi to Danang (1.5 hours)
Car transfer from Danang to Hoi An (45 minutes)
Day 8
Car transfer from Hoi An to Danang Station (45 minutes)
Train from Danang to Quy Nhon (6.5 hours)
Car transfer from station to hotel (45 minutes)
Day 11
Car transfer from hotel to airport (45 minutes)
Flight Quy Nhon to Ho Chi Minh City (1.5 hours)
Car transfer from airport to hotel (30 minutes)
Day 13
Car transfer from hotel to airport (30 minutes)
What's not included
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International flights
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Meals not mentioned
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Entrance fees to any sites not included in guided experiences
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Tips for guides & porters