Vietnam Ultimate Luxury Escape - 14 Days

Highlights

• Dine at Hanoi's best restaurants and visit quirky enclaves
• Enjoy a two-night luxury cruise on the jade waters of Ha Long Bay
• Stroll the riverfront in ancient Hoi An and take a cooking class
• Jet off to Con Dao for diving, beach time, and yacht tours
• Experience impeccable service at 5-star hotels and resorts 

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi, Fine Dining at Cloud Nine

Welcome to Hanoi! The capital of Vietnam has a long and storied history dating back to its founding in the third century BCE. In the millennia since then, the city (and indeed the country) has seen the rise and fall of imperial dynasties, colonialism, a communist revolution, wars, and much more. The fascinating thing about Hanoi is that many remnants of this unique heritage remain, and they're represented in its historic landmarks and neighborhoods.

Upon arrival at the airport, you'll meet your personal driver at the terminal and drive into the city and your hotel: the Sofitel Legend Metropole. Located in the heart of Vietnam's Old Quarter, near historic Hoan Kiem Lake, the Metropole is set in a luxurious French colonial estate dating to 1901. It's the perfect place to relax and unwind after a long flight. Soothe your muscles with a relaxing massage at Le Spa, or perhaps enjoy a cocktail on the patio next to the heated pool.

Later, change into your evening wear and head over to Cloud Nine for a night of fine dining. Sitting on the ninth floor of the Sheraton Hanoi, this restaurant is renowned for its stunning views looking out over Hanoi landmarks like Tay Ho (West Lake). Cloud Nine is equally famous for its mix of traditional Indochinese dishes and elevated international cuisine. Signature menu items include salmon with passionfruit sauce, tom yung goon soup, and a rack of lamb in red wine sauce. At the end of the dinner, you'll return to the hotel.

Day 2: Hanoi Markets & Trains Tour

Wake early and indulge in the Metropole's breakfast buffet, which includes a dizzying array of both Western and Asian dishes. Then around 8 am, you'll leave with a local guide on a private half-day tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter. The first stop is at a local market on Kham Thien Street, where you can mix with locals and browse fresh produce and other items.

Then, continue down Le Duan Alley to the famous Train Street, lined with shops, houses, and cafés/restaurants. About twice daily, full-size trains pass down this impossibly narrow road (about 11.5 ft/ 3.5 m). Before each passing, vendors and patrons move their things inside before returning right after the train has passed. Other tour highlights include landmarks like the Hanoi Railway Station, known for its unique blend of colonial and communist architecture, and Long Bien Bridge. This French relic played a crucial role in the Vietnam War (known locally as the American War).

Day 3: Transfer to Ha Long Bay, Two-Night Luxury Cruise

In the morning, you'll check out of the Metropole and hop in a comfortable car for the three-hour ride north to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a natural wonder of the world. In this sweet spot on the Gulf of Tonkin, over 1,000 karst islets rise above emerald waters, resembling the spine of a giant reptile (Ha Long translates to "Descending Dragon"). Here you'll board one of Heritage Cruises' fleet of luxury ships for a two-night adventure on the bay.

The attentive staff will welcome you with a complimentary drink when you board the ship. After checking into your suite, you'll receive an introductory briefing followed by a gourmet lunch in the restaurant as the ship gets underway. You'll pass several islets before arriving at a secluded lagoon in Lan Ha Bay, part of the Cat Ba World Biosphere Reserve archipelago. Then the boat will drop anchor, and you can enjoy kayaking and/or swimming right off the boat. 

Later, return to the vessel and relax in your suite or on deck. After enjoying afternoon tea, savor a cocktail while watching the sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin. Then take part in a cooking class on board the ship, during which the expert chef will teach your group how to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes. Later, you can opt for activities like games and movies or go squid fishing. Also, there's no need to hit the sack early, as the bars remain open until late.

Day 4: Cycling at Viet Hai Village & Swimming

Get up early and head to the sundeck, where you'll start the day with a tai chi session. Then enjoy a light breakfast amid views of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Feel free to spend the next couple of hours at leisure as you enjoy the ship's many amenities. At 11:30, a more substantial brunch will be served.

Afterward, hop on a speed boat to explore some unique areas around Lan Ha Bay. The first stop is back on dry land at the village of Viet Hai. Here, you'll hop on a bicycle for a leisurely ride through the village and surrounding forest. One highlight is visiting a local family's house, where you'll enjoy a brief chat and a cultural exchange. Then return to the speedboat and continue cruising the bay.

The route will take you past a fish farm (fishing is the principal trade in this region) and one of the area's famous floating villages. Then you'll arrive at a secluded beach where you can relax and do a bit of swimming and sunbathing. You'll be back on the main boat in the early evening when you can freshen up, enjoy a massage at the spa, or do some putting at the onboard golf course. After a formal dinner in the dining hall, head to the bar for a nightcap or browse the offerings at the boat's wine and cigar cellar. There are also onboard activities like squid fishing or watching a movie.

Day 5: Morning Cruise, Fly to Da Nang, Transfer to Hoi An

If you like, begin the day once again with a relaxing tai chi session on the deck surrounded by beautiful bay scenery. After a light breakfast, the ship will cruise to the Dark and Light Cave. You'll then board a traditional bamboo boat and enter this system of two sea caverns. The "dark" cave stretches over 328 feet (100 m), and you'll explore the interior with a flashlight. The "light" cave is shorter and is filled with natural light, illuminating the white limestone karst walls and emerald waters of the cave. Its cathedral-like interior is a great place to snap photos.

Afterward, you'll return to the ship and cruise to the Ha Long Bay pier, enjoying a late brunch as you go. Then hop in a vehicle for the 3.5-hour ride back to Hanoi, arriving around 3 pm. Once back in the city, you'll transfer to the airport by private vehicle and catch a 1.5-hour flight south to Da Nang, located on Vietnam's central coast.

At the airport, another driver will pick you up for the one-hour ride south to the colorful and romantic river city of Hoi An. Just north of the city, you'll check into your 5-star hotel, The Nam Hai. This Four Seasons luxury resort sits on its own private beach and features villas with private pools. As if that's not enough, The Nam Hai boasts three infinity pools right along the sand. After checking in, feel free to head to Lá Sen for dinner. The hotel's upscale beachside restaurant serves a contemporary take on pan-Asian classics ranging from sashimi to kung pao chicken to savory Vietnamese crepes.

Day 6: Hoi An Walking Tour, Romance on the River

You're in for a treat as today you'll get to the heart of Hoi An's rich history and fascinating cultural legacy. This city was a major trading port with the West from the 15th through the 19th centuries, attracting merchants from around the globe. Its international legacy is represented in the assortment of architectural styles in Hoi An's Ancient Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). After breakfast at the hotel, head into the heart of Ancient Town to begin the day's private tour and discover Hoi An's illustrious past.

Throughout the morning, you'll explore the old merchant houses on and around the waterfront. These historic buildings combine elements of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese architecture. Another highlight landmark in Ancient Town is the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, built in the 1590s by the Japanese community as a link to the Chinese quarter located right across a small stream. Nearby is the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation, which dates to 1845 and is famous for its intricate woodcarvings. The tour ends at the colorful outdoor market on the riverfront.

After the tour, you'll return to the hotel. Then, when the sun goes down, you'll enjoy the famous Romance by the Sea dinner at The Nam Hai. Arrive at your private table on the sand, where a full beach barbecue dinner awaits. The dishes reflect Vietnam's distinctive flavors, including shrimp ceviche with papaya salad and clay pot pork belly. Yet the meal is also tailored to your personal tastes. Even better is the view—you'll enjoy the meal with that special someone as the sun sets over the South China Sea.

Day 7: Jeep Countryside Tour, Optional Activities

In the morning, your driver will meet you at the hotel in an open-topped Jeep for a private tour of Hoi An's beautiful countryside. During this six-hour excursion, you'll travel around the river, beaches, lagoons, and verdant rice fields that make up the region around Hoi An.

A real treat is a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage My Son Sanctuary. This archaeological site consists of the ruins of Hindu tower temples built between the fourth and 13th centuries in honor of the god Shiva. They represent what was once the spiritual and political capital of Champa, an ancient Indochinese kingdom. After touring the site, you'll drive north up the famous Hai Van Pass, a scenic road along coastal mountains. During the ride, you'll stop at hidden beaches for a swim.

Upon returning to Hoi An, you can spend the rest of the day however you like. Take a leisurely walk or rent a bicycle for a ride along the quiet streets and scenic waterfront. Perhaps get measured for a custom-made outfit (Hoi An is famous for its expert tailors) or head to one of the white-sand beaches just north of the city. For dinner, try local dishes such as com hen (sauteed clams), nem lui (ground pork), and cao lau (pork and greens).

Day 8: Hoi An Market Visit & Cooking Class

Meet your guide at the hotel around 8:15 am and begin the day with a strong Vietnamese coffee at Hai Cafe in Ancient Town. Then head over to the bustling Central Market. There, you'll browse traditional Vietnamese ingredients and meet the vendors. There's a specific reason for your visit here, as you will purchase ingredients for a cooking class.

After grabbing your supplies, you'll board a boat for a leisurely cruise along the Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Cooking School. During the scenic ride, you'll get a front-row seat to traditional river life on the banks of the Thu Bon (keep your camera ready!). Upon arrival, you'll tour the school's herb garden as your instructor offers an overview of the region's most popular dishes.

Then you'll begin the private two-hour cooking class. First, Red Bridge chefs will demonstrate the techniques to preparing each dish, and then you'll prepare the same dish by yourself. When the dishes are ready, and after a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving (artistic plate presentation), you'll sit down for a delicious lunch. Afterward, you'll return to your hotel.

Day 9: Transfer to Con Dao, Optional Activities

It's another early start, as you'll meet your driver at the hotel and transfer back to the airport in Da Nang. There, you'll catch a 1.5-hour direct flight (or a connecting flight via Ho Chi Minh City) south to Con Dao. This archipelago, located 50 miles (80 km) off the southeast coast of Vietnam, comprises 16 islands. It's the quintessential island paradise, famous for its powdery white-sand beaches, crystalline waters, lush hills, and coral reefs perfect for diving/snorkeling.

You'll arrive at the airport in Con Son, the largest island in the archipelago. A driver will meet you for the ride to your hotel, the Six Senses Con Dao. Sitting on a wide and inviting beach, Six Senses delivers all the comforts and amenities expected of a 5-star island resort. These include beachfront villas and suites with private pools, Jacuzzi bathtubs, a world-class spa/wellness center, and more. 

After checking in, you can spend the rest of the day however you wish. To unwind after the flight, take a stroll on the beach or head to the spa for a yoga session or massage. For something more active, the hotel can help organize a snorkeling excursion or hike into the nearby jungles and hills. When you get hungry, pull up a seat on the beachfront terrace and dine al fresco amid stunning sea views. There are two gourmet restaurants at the hotel, one featuring international cuisine and the other serving traditional Vietnamese dishes, like pho (noodle soup) and bun cha (grilled pork and rice noodles).

Day 10: Con Dao Island Tour

Before or after breakfast, you can choose between several morning activities, including yoga on the sand or a sunrise stroll on the beach. Later, you'll meet a local guide and hop in a vehicle for a private three-hour tour around the island. This is a great opportunity to experience Con Dao's local culture plus learn about its rich and complicated history. After all, this island is home to the infamous Con Dao Prison. This penal institution was built during the French colonial era and was later the site of immense suffering by political prisoners during the Vietnam War.

As you travel across the island's backroads, you'll pass small dwellings and local agriculture plot, which offers a glimpse into the humble lives most lead in this region. Along the way, you'll also visit famous landmarks like Ben Dam Harbor, Nhat Beach, Shark Cape, Van Son Tu Pagoda (one of the oldest pagodas on the island), and the Shrine to Lady Phi Yen (a significant figure in local folklore). You'll even stop at a market to mix with locals and browse fresh produce and other goods. The tour ends with a stop for a cup of traditional Vietnamese coffee.

Day 11: Island-Hopping Boat Tour

One of the most popular activities in Con Dao is hopping between its various islands—and that's just what you'll do today. You'll transfer to the harbor in the morning, board a boat for a private charter, and head off on an adventure around the archipelago. During this full-day excursion, you'll visit over a dozen secluded inlets, hidden bays, and unspoiled beaches far off the tourist trail. Because this is a private tour, you can tailor the experience to your specific interests, whether that involves an unforgettable picnic on the beach or hitting the best snorkeling spots—or both.

Day 12: Free Day at Six Senses

Today is yours to relax and partake in the resort's myriad amenities. Head to the spa for a facial and massage, or spend the day relaxing by your private pool with a good book. You can also walk a few steps to the beach for sunbathing and enjoy all your meals overlooking the water. If you like, let the hotel arrange an activity like a motorcycle trip around the island, a cooking class, or a snorkeling tour—you can even go clamming and do some gardening. The options are almost endless.

Day 13: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, Sunset Cruise

Alas, it's time to bid farewell to the islands. In the morning, you'll transfer to the airport for the one-hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Formerly known as Saigon, Vietnam's largest metropolis is fascinating in that it has managed to preserve its cultural roots and traditions in the face of a communist revolution, a devastating war, and ever-encroaching modernity.

Upon arrival, a driver will transfer you to your hotel, the Reverie Saigon, where you can relax in the lap of luxury. After all, this is Vietnam's only 6-star hotel. You can spend the early afternoon on a self-guided tour of the city or enjoy the Reverie's European-inspired opulence. Perhaps grab lunch at one of the hotel's five gourmet restaurants, followed by a homemade gelato and handcrafted cocktail.

Later in the afternoon, you'll return to the water, this time to enjoy a private sunset yacht cruise. It begins with your transfer to the port on the Saigon River, where you'll board a luxury cruiser. Enjoy the two-hour ride as the boat glides along tranquil waters amid the city's stunning skyline, which is filled with skyscrapers. Sip on refreshing drinks and let the dedicated crew attend to your every need as you watch the last light of the day gild the buildings and shimmer on the water's surface. At the end of the cruise, you'll return to your hotel.

Day 14: Depart Ho Chi Minh City

You've reached the last stop on your luxury tour of Vietnam. In the morning, make one more pass at the Reverie's ample breakfast buffet before meeting your driver in the lobby. Then transfer to the airport, where you'll catch your flight home. Until next time!

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