17-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in Vietnam
Embark on a breathtaking 17-day odyssey through Vietnam, where ancient traditions meet modern opulence. This itinerary is meticulously crafted for the discerning traveler, blending high-end heritage experiences with the country's most spectacular natural wonders.
From the colonial charm of Hanoi and the limestone karsts of Lan Ha Bay to the imperial grandeur of Hue and the white sands of Phu Quoc, you will traverse the length of the S-shaped land in absolute comfort. Expect private transfers, domestic business-class flights, and stays at the world's most prestigious boutique hotels.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi - Arrival & Colonial Elegance
Private VIP Arrival
Touch down at Noi Bai International Airport and breeze through customs with a fast-track arrival service before being whisked away in a luxury sedan.
Check-in at Sofitel Legend Metropole
Settle into one of Asia’s most iconic hotels. Take a guided 'Path of History' tour of the hotel’s private bunker used during the war.
Gourmet Dinner at Le Beaulieu
Enjoy award-winning French fine dining at this historic venue, overlooking the bustling streets of Hanoi’s French Quarter.
Nightcap at Angelinas
Sip bespoke cocktails in a sophisticated lounge atmosphere before retiring to your luxury suite.
Day 2: Hanoi - Deep Dive into the Old Quarter
Private Heritage Walk
Explore the 36 streets of the Old Quarter with a private historian, visiting hidden communal houses and ancient merchant homes.
Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien
Visit the famous spot where Obama and Bourdain dined, but with a reserved VIP table to skip the crowds.
Temple of Literature Private Tour
Explore Vietnam's first university, a masterpiece of traditional architecture, with a guide explaining the Confucian influence.
Water Puppet Show - Private Box
Experience this traditional art form from a private balcony box at the Thang Long Theatre for the best views.
Day 3: Halong Bay - Setting Sail in Style
Limousine Transfer to Hai Phong
Travel in a high-end luxury van equipped with Wi-Fi and massage seats to reach the coast for your cruise.
Board the Heritage Line Cruise
Step onto a boutique 1930s-style vessel. Enjoy a welcome drink and a multi-course lunch as you sail into Lan Ha Bay.
Kayaking the Dark & Bright Cave
Paddle through stunning sea caves into hidden lagoons, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.
Fine Dining on Deck
A sumptuous seafood dinner served under the stars while the boat anchors in a quiet, secluded cove.
Day 4: Lan Ha Bay - Serenity and Sunsets
Tai Chi on the Sundeck
Begin your day with a peaceful Tai Chi session as the sun rises over the emerald waters of the bay.
Viet Hai Village Cycling
Take a tender boat to Cat Ba Island and cycle through the lush jungle to a remote ethnic village.
Lunch at a Floating Farm
Enjoy ultra-fresh seafood harvested directly from a local sustainable fish farm in the middle of the bay.
Sunset Cocktails & Cooking Class
Learn to make traditional spring rolls while watching the sky turn purple behind the karst formations.
Day 5: Ninh Binh - Inland Halong Bay
Transfer to Ninh Binh
Disembark your cruise and take a private car to the stunning landscapes of Ninh Binh, the 'Halong Bay on land'.
Trang An Boat Complex
Enjoy a private sampan boat ride through the UNESCO-listed Trang An scenic landscape and its limestone caves.
Check-in at Emeralda Resort
Experience Tonkin-style luxury in this expansive resort set against a backdrop of dramatic mountains.
Traditional Vietnamese Feast
Dine at the resort's Organic Restaurant, focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients from the Ninh Binh countryside.
Day 6: Ninh Binh to Hue - Flying South
Mua Caves Ascent
Climb the 500 steps to the top of Lying Dragon Mountain for the most famous panoramic view in Northern Vietnam.
Drive to Hanoi Airport
A comfortable private transfer takes you back to Hanoi for your flight to central Vietnam.
Flight to Hue
Take a short domestic flight to the former imperial capital. Look for business class for extra baggage allowance.
Royal Banquet Dinner
Experience a 'King's Dinner' where you dress in royal silk robes and enjoy dishes once served to the Nguyen Emperors.
Day 7: Hue - The Imperial Legacy
The Imperial City Exploration
Enter the Forbidden Purple City with a specialist guide who brings the history of the Nguyen Dynasty to life.
Garden House Lunch
Dine in a traditional 'nha vuon' (garden house), a unique architectural feature of Hue's elite history.
Royal Tombs Tour
Visit the artistic tomb of Khai Dinh and the serene resting place of Tu Duc by private car.
Perfume River Sunset Cruise
Enjoy a private dragon boat ride as the sun sets over the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda.
Day 8: Hue to Hoi An - The Scenic Hai Van Pass
Hai Van Pass Drive
Experience one of the world’s most beautiful coastal roads in a private SUV, stopping at the peak for photos.
Seafood Lunch at Lang Co
Stop at a luxury resort in Lang Co Bay for a fresh seafood lunch overlooking the lagoon.
Marble Mountains Discovery
Explore the caves and pagodas carved into marble hills on the outskirts of Da Nang.
Check-in at Four Seasons The Nam Hai
Arrive at one of the world's best beach resorts, located on a pristine stretch of Ha My Beach.
Day 9: Hoi An - Ancient Town Charm
Private Tailoring Session
Visit Hoi An’s top-tier tailors for a bespoke suit or dress, with private fittings scheduled at your resort.
Gourmet Street Food Tour
A private guide takes you to the best hidden spots for Cao Lau and White Rose dumplings, away from the tourist traps.
Lantern Making Workshop
Create your own silk lantern in a private session with a master craftsman in the heart of the Old Town.
Dinner at Morning Glory Signature
Enjoy elevated Vietnamese cuisine in a beautifully restored colonial building.
Day 10: Hoi An - My Son Sanctuary
Sunrise at My Son
Visit the ancient Champa ruins before the crowds arrive. This UNESCO site is magical in the early morning light.
Lunch at An Villa
A peaceful lunch in a lush, eco-friendly garden setting just outside the main town area.
Resort Spa Session
Indulge in a signature Vietnamese massage at your resort's world-class spa facility.
Memories Show - VIP Seats
Watch Vietnam's largest outdoor visual arts performance with premium high-angle seating.
Day 11: Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City
Transfer to Da Nang Airport
Enjoy a final beach breakfast before a private car takes you to the airport for your flight south.
Flight to Saigon
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, the energetic heart of modern Vietnam, in business class comfort.
Check-in at The Reverie Saigon
Experience Italian-style opulence at Vietnam's most extravagant hotel located in the Times Square building.
Dinner at Anan Saigon
Dine at the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Saigon, famous for its $100 Ban Mi and creative fusion.
Day 12: Saigon - War History & Modern Heights
War Remnants Private Tour
A somber but essential look at Vietnam's history with a private guide to provide deep context.
Reunification Palace
Explore the preserved 1960s architecture of the former Presidential Palace.
Coffee Culture Experience
Visit a hidden 'apartment cafe' and learn the art of the Vietnamese egg coffee from a local barista.
Saigon River Dinner Cruise
Board the Bonsai Legacy for an elegant dinner cruise featuring traditional music and dance.
Day 13: Saigon - Cu Chi Tunnels by Speedboat
Luxury Speedboat to Cu Chi
Avoid the traffic by taking a private speedboat up the river, arriving at the tunnels before the tour buses.
Lunch at a Riverside Villa
Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a quiet garden villa near the tunnel site.
Ao Show at the Opera House
Witness the 'Vietnamese Bamboo Circus' in the stunning French-built Saigon Opera House.
Rooftop Bar Hopping
Visit the Chill Skybar for a cocktail and the best skyline views in the city.
Day 14: Saigon to Phu Quoc - Island Paradise
Flight to Phu Quoc
A short hop to Vietnam's premier island destination for the final leg of your journey.
Check-in at JW Marriott Emerald Bay
Enter the whimsical world designed by Bill Bensley, themed as a fictional 19th-century university.
Private Beach Relaxation
Unwind on Khem Beach, known for its powder-white sand and calm turquoise waters.
Pink Pearl Fine Dining
Indulge in French haute cuisine in a stunning pink mansion within the resort grounds.
Day 15: Phu Quoc - Island Exploration
Hon Thom Cable Car
Ride the world's longest over-sea cable car for spectacular views of the An Thoi archipelago.
Private Island Picnic
Take a speedboat to a deserted islet for a gourmet picnic lunch and snorkeling in crystal clear waters.
Pepper Farm & Distillery Visit
Discover why Phu Quoc pepper is the world's finest and taste locally made Sim wine.
Sunset Sanato Beach Club
Visit the most Instagrammed spot on the island for a cocktail as the sun dips below the horizon.
Day 16: Phu Quoc - Ultimate Relaxation
Resort Yoga Session
Start your final full day with a guided yoga class overlooking the Gulf of Thailand.
Long Beach Leisure
Spend your afternoon at a high-end beach club like InterContinental’s INK 360 for lunch and vibes.
Spa by JW
Treat yourself to a full-body luxury treatment to rejuvenate before your journey home.
Farewell Beach BBQ
A private candlelit dinner on the sand, featuring the catch of the day and premium wines.
Day 17: Departure
Final Island Breakfast
Enjoy a slow breakfast at Tempus Fugit before a final stroll along the beach.
Check-out & Transfer
A luxury resort vehicle will transfer you to Phu Quoc International Airport.
Connecting Flight to Saigon/Hanoi
Board your domestic flight to connect with your international departure home.
International Departure
Bid farewell to Vietnam as you board your flight home, filled with memories of an epic journey.
Best Time to Visit Vietnam
Vietnam is a long country with three distinct climate zones. For this nationwide luxury itinerary, the best time to visit is from February to April. During these months, the north is cool and dry, the center is warm and sunny, and the south is experiencing its best beach weather. Avoid the typhoon season in Central Vietnam from October to December.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). While luxury hotels and high-end restaurants widely accept Visa and Mastercard, having cash is essential for markets and small boutiques. Tipping is not mandatory but highly appreciated in the luxury sector; 5-10% for excellent service at restaurants and $5-10 per day for private guides is a standard gesture of thanks.
Getting Around Vietnam
For a luxury escape, domestic flights are the preferred method for long distances (Hanoi to Hue, Da Nang to Saigon, Saigon to Phu Quoc). Vietnam Airlines offers a reliable Business Class service. Within cities, private chauffeured cars are the most comfortable option. For a scenic experience, the luxury 'The Vietage' train carriage between Da Nang and Quy Nhon is also a highly recommended addition if your route allows.
