1 Week in Vietnam - 4 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Luxurious Northern Vietnam

This Northern Vietnam itinerary is suited to travelers interested in combining the highlights of Hanoi with a peaceful stay in Ninh Binh and a luxury cruise in Ha Long Bay. Dive into Vietnamese cuisine with fine dining experiences and a traditional meal with a local family in Hanoi, cycle the countryside and visit ruins on a private tour in Ninh Binh, then enjoy the amenities as well as swimming and kayaking the turquoise waters while staying aboard a ship in Ha Long Bay. 

Kick off your Vietnam journey with a celebratory sunset cocktail at the rooftop bar of the 5-star Pan Pacific Hotel in Hanoi, then rest in comfort at the historic Sofitel Legend Metropole. The next morning, join your guide for a private tour of the markets, including the famous Train Street market, followed by a special treat: a home-cooked meal with a local family. On Day 3, your private driver will chauffeur you to Ninh Binh, a province known for picturesque peaks, rice paddies, and pagodas. Here, you'll visit ancient ruins, cruise along the river in a traditional sampan boat, and cycle around the scenic countryside.

Then, your driver will whisk you away to Ha Long Bay, where you'll board a luxury ship and spend two days exploring karst islets, swimming in secluded lagoons, and partaking in the onboard amenities and wellness activities such as morning tai chi. On your final full day in Vietnam, you'll visit Dark and Light Cave in a traditional bamboo craft with a flashlight in hand, exploring the "dark" cave before entering the naturally lit "light" cave. In the afternoon, you'll return to the pier to meet your driver, who will transfer you back to Hanoi. Enjoy one last night of indulgence with caviar, Champagne, and dinner at the Press Club Restaurant in the French Quarter. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Vietnam Luxury Escape

First-time visitors eager to visit Vietnam's north and south will appreciate this luxury escape. Start in Hanoi with private cultural tours and gourmet dining, then sail the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay on a luxury ship before visiting Ho Chi Minh City for private Jeep and speedboat excursions. With a balance of nature, culture, and history, this trip is an excellent option for travelers with various interests. 

Refresh after your flight with a massage at Sofitel Legend Metropole's Le Spa in Hanoi, then head to Ly Club to dine in style in the ornate turn-of-the-century French villa. Take a private tour of the city that includes a visit to the Opera House and a water puppet workshop. The next day, you'll board a chartered seaplane to Ha Long Bay, where you'll overnight on a luxury ship, kayak in serene lagoons, visit floating villages, and sunbathe on a secluded beach. On Day 4, the ship will return to the pier, where your driver will meet you and transfer you to the Hanoi airport for your flight south to Ho Chi Minh City.

Get pampered upon arrival at your hotel, the Reverie Saigon, Vietnam's only 6-star hotel. Embark on a private tour of Ho Chi Minh City, which includes a stop at Reunification Palace, then experience the city lights and sites on an evening open-top Jeep ride. On your last full day, take a speedboat ride to Cu Chi Tunnels, where you'll step back in time and learn about the history and hardships before returning to Ho Chi Minh City. Finally, recount your Vietnam journey over dinner at one of the city's top restaurants. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Luxury Northern Vietnam for Nature Lovers

Travelers keen on culture and nature will enjoy this northern Vietnam itinerary. After a private tour of Hanoi, your driver will take you to the hills of Sapa to spend two days trekking the ancient terraced rice fields, learn about local life from the villagers, and overnight in a boutique ecolodge, then celebrate your journey with a luxury cruise in Ha Long Bay.

Starting in Hanoi, get your first taste of Vietnam, including tiger prawn salad, at Ly Club before retiring to your luxury accommodations at Sofitel Legend Metropole. Tour Hanoi's historic landmarks and alleyways with a local guide, learn about Vietnam's ethnic groups at the Museum of Ethnology, and then sit down to afternoon tea in a historic French colonial home. After breakfast the next day, your driver will transfer you to Topas Ecolodge in the historic terraced hills of Sapa. Unwind with an herbal bath or a dip in the infinity pool before taking a meditative hike through rice terraces to Lech, where you'll learn about life from the villagers. 

On Day 4, you'll take a private guided hike in Hoang Lien National Park, meet the Red Dao people in Nam Nhiu and Nam Cang, and then refuel with a traditional lunch at a riverside lodge. Your driver will bring you back to Hanoi, where you can wander the Old Quarter or relax with a massage, then dine on haute French cuisine at Le Beaulieu. Cap off your trip with a two-day luxury cruise in Ha Long Bay, complete with dramatic views of karst formations, a kayaking excursion to a quiet lagoon, and an onboard cooking workshop, before returning to Hanoi for your departing flight. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Luxury Getaway to Southern Vietnam

Focusing on southern Vietnam, this trip is best for travelers seeking a beach getaway paired with urban exploration in Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the city sites, tour the Mekong Delta by boat, and reset in style at your 5-star hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Then jet off to Nha Trang for four days of sunbathing, swimming, and dining on fresh seafood at the Six Senses Ninh Van Bay resort. Plus, you'll end on a high note with a five-course meal aboard a sunset cruise.

After checking into the 5-star Park Hyatt, you can indulge in a spa treatment or visit local attractions like the Ben Thanh Market and Bitexco Tower. The next day, a private tour introduces you to city highlights, such as the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum, before an evening out at the Saigon Opera House, followed by fine dining at one of the city's best restaurants. On Day 3, you'll embark on a full-day private excursion to the Mekong Delta, where you'll experience the region's famous floating markets, see traditional rural Vietnamese houses, and sample Mekong whisky.

Then, fly to Nha Trang, known for its beaches and clear turquoise waters. Check into the posh Six Senses Ninh Van Bay resort, where you'll enjoy the amenities and feast on fresh seafood at a beachside gourmet restaurant. Day 5 is free for you to do as you please—lounge by the pool, take a stroll on the beach, or book a spa treatment—then enjoy a sunset cruise, complete with a five-course dinner, wine, and live music. Soak up the leisurely beach vibes on your final full day, or opt for an outdoor activity, such as hiking or paddleboarding, before flying back to Ho Chi Minh City in time for your onward flight. Learn more

More Great 1-Week Vietnam Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Vietnam? Check out these other one-week Vietnam itineraries, with outdoor adventures, luxury trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.

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