19-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in Vietnam
Vietnam is a land of breathtaking contrasts, where ancient traditions meet modern sophistication. This 19-day itinerary is meticulously designed for those who seek the 'Epic Journey' experience without compromising on comfort, focusing on premium accommodations, private transfers, and exclusive culinary experiences.
From the misty peaks of the north to the vibrant pulse of the southern delta, you will traverse the country via first-class domestic flights and private chauffeured vehicles, staying in world-renowned heritage hotels and secluded beach resorts along the way.
Day 1: Hanoi - Arrival & French Quarter Elegance
Private Transfer to the Sofitel Legend Metropole
Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport and meet your private chauffeur for a luxury transfer to the historic heart of Hanoi. Settle into your Grand Luxury Room in the historical wing of Vietnam's most iconic hotel.
Cyclo Tour of the French Quarter
Enjoy a relaxed, private cyclo ride through the wide boulevards of the French Quarter, passing the Hanoi Opera House and the State Bank of Vietnam.
Welcome Dinner at Le Beaulieu
Indulge in award-winning French cuisine at the oldest restaurant in Hanoi, located within your hotel, featuring a world-class wine cellar.
Cocktails at Angelina
End your first night with bespoke cocktails at Hanoi's premier cigar lounge and whisky bar.
Day 2: Hanoi - The Soul of the Capital
Private Heritage Walk
Explore the Temple of Literature and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex with a private historian to understand the deep roots of Vietnamese identity.
Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien
Visit the famous spot where Anthony Bourdain and Barack Obama shared a meal, but with a reserved table and premium service.
Private Water Puppet Performance
Experience a private showing of this traditional art form, away from the crowded public theaters, including a meeting with the puppet masters.
Fine Dining at TUNG Dining
Enjoy a modern 18-course tasting menu that is revolutionizing the culinary scene in Northern Vietnam.
Day 3: Hanoi - Gastronomy & Arts
Vietnamese Art Gallery Tour
Visit private galleries in the Old Quarter with an art consultant to view and potentially purchase contemporary Vietnamese masterpieces.
Secret Garden Lunch
Dine at a hidden courtyard restaurant serving refined Northern Vietnamese family-style dishes.
Metropole Bunker Tour
Take an exclusive tour of the recently rediscovered wartime bunker located beneath the Metropole hotel.
Dinner at Gia
Experience Michelin-starred Vietnamese cuisine that celebrates seasonal ingredients and traditional storytelling.
Day 4: Ha Long Bay - Seaplane & Private Cruise
Seaplane Flight to Ha Long Bay
Take a 45-minute scenic flight from Hanoi, offering bird's-eye views of the limestone karsts before landing on the water at Tuan Chau Marina.
Board the Heritage Line Ginger
Check into your luxury suite on a boutique junk boat designed with Indochine flair. Set sail into the less-crowded Lan Ha Bay.
Kayaking & Cave Exploration
Explore hidden lagoons and limestone sea caves via private kayak or a bamboo boat rowed by locals.
Sunset Dinner on Deck
Enjoy a multi-course seafood feast served under the stars as the boat anchors in a quiet cove.
Day 5: Lan Ha Bay to Ninh Binh - Limestone Peaks
Tai Chi on the Sundeck
Start your day with a guided Tai Chi session as the sun rises over the karst landscape.
Transfer to Ninh Binh
Disembark and meet your private driver for a 3-hour journey to the 'Ha Long Bay on Land'—Ninh Binh province.
Tam Coc Luxury Sampan Ride
Glide down the Ngo Dong River on a private sampan, passing through three natural caves amidst towering limestone cliffs.
Stay at Tam Coc Garden
Check into your private villa at this boutique eco-resort nestled between rice paddies and mountains.
Day 6: Ninh Binh to Hue - The Imperial Journey
Trang An UNESCO Site Tour
Explore the Trang An Grottoes, a spectacular complex of caves and ancient temples accessible only by boat.
Drive to Hanoi Airport
A private transfer takes you back toward Hanoi for your afternoon flight south.
Flight to Hue
Take a short domestic flight to the former imperial capital of Vietnam.
Check-in at Azerai La Residence
Arrive at your Art Deco mansion overlooking the Perfume River.
Day 7: Hue - Imperial Splendor
The Imperial City Private Tour
Enter the Forbidden Purple City through the Royal Gate for an exclusive tour of the Nguyen Dynasty's former seat of power.
Royal Hue Cuisine Lunch
Experience 'Com Vua' (Royal Meal) where dishes are intricately carved and served in the style of the emperors.
Tomb of Khai Dinh
Visit the most architecturally unique imperial tomb, blending European influences with traditional Vietnamese design.
Perfume River Sunset Cruise
Board a private traditional dragon boat for a sunset cruise with live folk music performances.
Day 8: Hue - Wellness & Royal Tombs
Thien Mu Pagoda Visit
Explore the iconic seven-story pagoda, the unofficial symbol of the city, during the quiet morning hours.
Vegetarian Lunch at a Pagoda
Enjoy a refined Zen-style vegetarian meal prepared by local practitioners in a peaceful garden setting.
Spa Ritual at Azerai
Indulge in a traditional Vietnamese massage using local herbs and techniques.
Dinner at Ancient Hue Garden Houses
Dine in a restored royal residence that showcases the traditional 'Nha Ruong' architecture of Central Vietnam.
Day 9: Hue to Hoi An - The Hai Van Pass
Scenic Drive via Hai Van Pass
Travel by private car over the famous 'Ocean Cloud Pass,' stopping at the summit for panoramic views of the coast.
Lunch in Da Nang
Stop for fresh seafood at a premium restaurant along My Khe Beach.
Arrival in Hoi An
Check into the Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, located on a pristine stretch of Ha My Beach.
An Hoi Lantern Night
Witness the ancient town transform as thousands of colorful silk lanterns are lit at dusk.
Day 10: Hoi An - Ancient Town Charm
Private Walking Tour
Discover the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Heritage House, and the Fujian Assembly Hall with a private guide.
Banh Mi Queen Tasting
Try the legendary Banh Mi Phuong, with a VIP skip-the-line arrangement for your group.
Bespoke Tailoring Session
Visit a high-end tailor like A Dong Silk for a private consultation and custom-made garments.
Riverside Dining at Mango Mango
Enjoy fusion cuisine and creative cocktails with a perfect view of the Thu Bon River.
Day 11: Hoi An - My Son Sanctuary
My Son Sunrise Tour
Visit the UNESCO-listed Champa ruins at sunrise to avoid the heat and the crowds, accompanied by a private archaeologist.
Organic Farm Lunch
Visit Tra Que Vegetable Village for a farm-to-table lunch in a tranquil garden.
Lantern Making Workshop
Learn the delicate art of silk lantern making from a master craftsman in their private studio.
Memories Show
Watch the massive outdoor spectacle 'Hoi An Memories,' depicting the 400-year history of the port town.
Day 12: Da Nang - Luxury Leisure
Transfer to InterContinental Danang
Move to the award-winning Bill Bensley-designed resort tucked into the lush hills of Son Tra Peninsula.
Lunch at Citron
Dine in private booths shaped like traditional non la (conical hats) suspended over the hillside.
Lady Buddha & Monkey Mountain
Visit the tallest Lady Buddha statue in Vietnam and enjoy views of the entire Da Nang bay.
Dinner at La Maison 1888
Experience the first restaurant in Vietnam to feature a Michelin-starred chef, set in a stunning colonial-style mansion.
Day 13: Da Nang to Nha Trang - Coastal Paradise
Morning Flight to Cam Ranh
Fly south to Cam Ranh airport, the gateway to the luxury resorts of Nha Trang.
Boat Transfer to Six Senses Ninh Van Bay
Arrive at the resort by private speedboat—this exclusive sanctuary is accessible only by water.
Private Beach Sundowners
Enjoy cocktails and canapés on your private deck as the sun sets over the East Vietnam Sea.
Wine Cave Dinner
Dine in a natural rock cave transformed into a luxury wine cellar and dining room.
Day 14: Nha Trang - Island Exploration
Private Yacht Charter
Spend the day cruising the turquoise waters of Nha Trang Bay, stopping at secluded islands for snorkeling.
Lobster Lunch on Board
Feast on fresh-caught Nha Trang lobster and chilled champagne while anchored in a quiet bay.
Mud Bath Spa Experience
Visit a luxury spa for a private mineral mud bath, a specialty of the Nha Trang region.
Beach BBQ Dinner
A private chef prepares a seafood barbecue on the sand just for you.
Day 15: Nha Trang - Ancient Cham Culture
Po Nagar Cham Towers
Visit these remarkably preserved 8th-century Hindu temples overlooking the Cai River.
Lunch at Ana Beach House
Enjoy Mediterranean-Asian fusion dishes right on the shoreline.
Long Son Pagoda Visit
Climb the steps to the giant white Buddha statue for a panoramic view of the city and coastline.
Signature Dining at The Dining Room
Savor contemporary Vietnamese flavors at the resort’s flagship restaurant.
Day 16: HCMC - The Southern Metropolis
Flight to Ho Chi Minh City
Travel to the energetic heart of Vietnam, formerly known as Saigon.
Lunch at The Refinery
Dine in a former opium refinery, now a stylish French bistro in the heart of District 1.
Notre Dame & Central Post Office
Explore the city's colonial architecture with a private guide who can share stories of the city's turbulent past.
Dinner at Anan Saigon
Try the world-famous '$100 Banh Mi' at the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 17: HCMC - History & High Views
Reunification Palace Tour
Explore the private chambers and underground command bunkers of the former Presidential Palace.
War Remnants Museum
A somber but essential visit to understand the modern history of Vietnam through a curated private tour.
Bitexco Financial Tower
Head to the Saigon Skydeck for 360-degree views of the rapidly developing skyline.
A O Show Performance
Witness a spectacular blend of acrobatics and traditional music in the historic Saigon Opera House.
Day 18: Mekong Delta - Luxury River Life
Speedboat to the Mekong
Skip the traffic and take a private luxury speedboat from the HCMC pier directly into the heart of the Mekong Delta.
Cai Be Floating Market
Experience the bustling river commerce from your private boat, sampling tropical fruits directly from the vendors.
Lunch at Le Longanier
Dine in an exquisite colonial-style villa set in a lush tropical garden by the river.
Farewell Dinner Cruise
Enjoy a private dinner cruise on the Saigon River, watching the city lights flicker to life.
Day 19: HCMC - Final Discoveries & Departure
Last-Minute Shopping at Dong Khoi
Pick up high-end souvenirs, from Marou Chocolate to luxury silk lacquerware, on the city's premier shopping street.
Dim Sum Lunch at Li Bai
Enjoy a final celebratory lunch featuring Cantonese delicacies at the Sheraton.
Private Transfer to Tan Son Nhat
Your chauffeur will ensure you arrive at the airport with plenty of time for duty-free shopping and lounge relaxation.
Best Time to Visit Vietnam
Vietnam's weather varies significantly by region. For this nationwide luxury route, the best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons of **March to April** or **September to October**, when you can enjoy mild temperatures and clear skies in both the North and the South. Winter (November to February) is excellent for the South and Central regions but can be quite chilly in Hanoi and Ha Long Bay.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the **Vietnamese Dong (VND)**. While luxury hotels, high-end restaurants, and boutiques widely accept international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex), it is useful to carry small amounts of cash for local markets. Tipping is not mandatory but highly appreciated in the luxury service sector—aim for 5-10% in restaurants and a small gratuity for private guides and drivers.
Getting Around Vietnam
This itinerary prioritizes comfort and speed. For intercity travel, **domestic flights** are the standard, with Vietnam Airlines and Bamboo Airways offering reliable business class services. For shorter distances, such as Hue to Hoi An, a **private chauffeured SUV** is the most comfortable option. Within cities, luxury hotels can arrange private cars, though ride-hailing apps like **Grab** offer a premium 'GrabCar Plus' service for quick trips.
