Arrival in Hanoi, Vietnam’s thousand-year-old capital. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by your English-speaking guide and transferred to your hotel in the city center (check-in available from 2:00 p.m.). The day’s activities will be adapted based on your arrival time.

Begin your Luxury Vietnam Tour in Two Weeks with a gentle introduction to Hanoi’s rich heritage:

• King Ly Thai To Square: Learn about the founding of the Vietnamese capital in 1010 and its millennia of history.

• Hoan Kiem Lake: Visit the Temple of the Jade Mountain and Turtle Islet—icons at the heart of the city.

• The Old Quarter of 36 Streets: Wander through Hanoi’s bustling historic district, where streets are named after the traditional crafts once practiced there. Stop by Ma May Street to tour a typical “tube house,” showcasing traditional urban architecture.

• Colonial Heritage: Enjoy a cyclo (pedicab) ride through Hanoi’s French Quarter, passing landmarks such as the Grand Opera House, the legendary Hotel Métropole, the State Bank, and the Central Post Office.

• Relaxation: Unwind with a rejuvenating body massage at a local wellness institute.

Overnight at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, a symbol of timeless elegance and heritage.

Explore Hanoi’s most iconic cultural and historical landmarks:

• The Temple of Literature: A revered symbol of Vietnam’s Confucian heritage and one of Hanoi’s most treasured sites.

• Ba Dinh Square: Visit this historic square, home to the former Governor of Indochina’s palace, the solemn Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the late president’s modest stilt house.

• Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: Discover a rich collection of over 25,000 objects offering deep insight into the traditions, daily life, and craftsmanship of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.

In the evening, attend a performance at the Water Puppet Theater, an enchanting traditional art form unique to Vietnam.

Overnight at your hotel in Hanoi.

Departure for Ninh Binh, a region famed for its dramatic limestone cliffs, karst landscapes, and lush rice fields nourished by rivers and lakes throughout the year.

Upon arrival in Ninh Xuan, begin your visit with Mua Mountain. Ascend the striking white stone staircase of 486 steps to the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over the Tam Coc valley and its surrounding rice paddies and rock formations.

Continue to Tam Coc for a leisurely bike ride through the picturesque countryside—an ideal way to take in the peaceful beauty of the region.

In the afternoon, embark on a sampan boat ride along the Ngo Dong River, gently winding through rice fields and limestone karsts. Pass through three natural caves carved into the base of the cliffs, offering a serene and unforgettable perspective on the landscape.

Overnight stay in Ninh Binh.

Depart for Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most breathtaking seascapes in Asia.

Upon arrival, board your private traditional junk boat. After a warm welcome from the crew, set sail on an unforgettable cruise through the enchanting waters of Bai Tu Long Bay, the quieter and more pristine northern section of Halong.

• Marvel at the countless limestone islets, each with its own unique shape—resembling sails, dogs, roosters, incense burners, and more.

• Visit the stunning Thien Canh Son Cave, a hidden gem adorned with ancient stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years.

• Continue your journey to Cap La, where you can enjoy kayaking through emerald waters and take a refreshing swim, weather permitting.

• As the sun begins to set, unwind on the upper deck with panoramic views of the bay.

• Join a cooking demonstration on board and learn how to make traditional Vietnamese spring rolls.

• Savor a delicious seafood lunch and dinner prepared by the onboard chef.

Enjoy a peaceful evening at your leisure—try night fishing, play board games, or simply relax under the stars.

Overnight on board your private junk.

Wake early to witness a breathtaking scene—the soft glow of dawn rising over the thousands of limestone karsts scattered across the bay. Begin your day with a gentle Tai Chi session on the deck, surrounded by the peaceful waters of Halong.

Later in the morning, take a boat or kayak excursion to visit Vung Vieng fishing village, a traditional floating community nestled among the cliffs. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with local residents and gain insight into their way of life.

Return to the junk for a final lunch on board as the cruise makes its way back to the port.

Disembark and transfer to Hanoi for your evening flight to Hue, the former imperial capital located in central Vietnam.

Overnight at Ancient Hue Garden House, an elegant and atmospheric retreat blending history, charm, and poetic tranquility.

Set off for a guided tour of Hue, Vietnam’s final imperial capital (1802–1945), steeped in regal history and cultural depth:

• The Imperial City: Step into the former royal residence and administrative center of the 13 Nguyen emperors, who ruled for 143 years. Wander through ornate gates, courtyards, and palaces steeped in dynastic heritage.

• Minh Mang’s Mausoleum: Explore the elegant and harmonious tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, known for fathering 142 children with 43 concubines—a reflection of the emperor’s grandeur and legacy.

• Phu Mong Village: Visit this serene neighborhood, home to traditional garden houses—an iconic symbol of Hue’s refined imperial lifestyle, blending architecture and nature.

• Thien Mu Pagoda: Admire Hue’s most revered and picturesque pagoda perched by the Perfume River, or alternatively, visit the peaceful Tu Hieu Pagoda, the resting place of Nguyen Dynasty eunuchs. If time allows, observe a tranquil monks’ prayer session.

• Dong Ba Market: Dive into the local culture at Hue’s largest and oldest marketplace, where you’ll find regional specialties, conical hats, and the traditional Ao Dai dress.

In the evening, enjoy an immersive royal dinner in costume—a one-of-a-kind cultural experience. Dress in traditional imperial attire, feast on authentic royal recipes, and be entertained with classical music and traditional dances that revive the elegance of Vietnam’s imperial past.

Overnight at Ancient Hue Garden House, a refined and poetic retreat rich in charm and heritage.

Depart by road to Hoi An, a charming ancient town located 150 km south of Hue, renowned for its well-preserved architecture and cultural heritage. En route, enjoy several scenic and cultural stops:

• Thuan An and Lang Co Beaches: Admire the unspoiled beauty of these tranquil stretches of coastline, far from the usual tourist paths. Nearby, observe expansive coastal lagoons dotted with traditional fish farms, offering a glimpse into local livelihoods.

• Hai Van Pass (Cloud Pass): Cross the highest mountain pass in Central Vietnam, a dramatic route winding between lush peaks and the sea, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Lang Co Bay and Da Nang’s coastline.

• “Ghost Town” Cemeteries: Pass by unique roadside graveyards, featuring elaborately carved tombs in the form of temples or miniature castles. These family mausoleums, inspired by a mix of Asian architectural styles, resemble entire luxury cities from afar.

Arrive in Hoi An in the afternoon, check into your hotel, and enjoy a restful evening.

Overnight stay in Hoi An.

Spend the morning in a cooking class at a charming restaurant in the Old Quarter. Visit the local market with the chef to select ingredients, then join him in the kitchen to discover and learn traditional Vietnamese recipes such as spring rolls and grilled fish in banana leaves. The class will end around noon, followed by a tasting of the dishes you’ve prepared.

In the afternoon, enjoy a free walking tour to explore the old port city of Hoi An – “the most charming city in Vietnam”:

• Fujian Temple, dedicated to the goddess who protects fishermen and sailors;
• Phuc Thanh Pagoda, the oldest in Hoi An (1454);
• Tan Ky House, one of the oldest houses in Hoi An;
• The Japanese Bridge, built in 1593, connecting the Chinese and Japanese Quarters;
• The old alleys, ancient wooden houses, and numerous shops, as well as silk and lantern workshops.

Overnight at the hotel.

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s vibrant southern metropolis (formerly known as Saigon). Upon arrival, begin your discovery of this dynamic city with visits to the following highlights:

• Ben Thanh Market: A bustling marketplace and enduring symbol of Saigon, offering everything from local delicacies to handcrafted souvenirs.

• Notre Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office: Admire two architectural icons of French colonial heritage, with the post office famously designed by Gustave Eiffel.

• Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Building: Formerly the Central Mary, this elegant structure is widely considered the most beautiful colonial-era building in the city.

• Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine (FITO Museum): Explore a fascinating collection chronicling over 3,000 years of Vietnam’s traditional healing practices, complete with tools, manuscripts, and recreated pharmacies.

• Cho Lon (Chinatown): Discover the city’s largest and oldest Chinese district, home to the atmospheric Thien Hau Temple, dedicated to the Celestial Lady, protector of sailors and merchants.

Overnight at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Depart by road to the Mekong Delta, a captivating region in Vietnam’s far south where land and water intertwine to create a lush, ever-changing landscape.

Arrive in Cai Be, a small riverside town along the northern branch of the Mekong River, before continuing to Ben Tre, located in the heart of the delta’s vast network of waterways.

Begin a scenic boat trip to reach Nhon Thanh, a tranquil rural area less frequented by tourists. Known for its thriving coconut industry, this village specializes in products like coconut oil, fiber, and activated charcoal. Along the way, visit local brick factories to observe the traditional brick-making process, and pause in a garden for a tasting of fresh tropical fruits and honey-infused tea.

Next, hop aboard a Xe Lôi—a motorized rickshaw—for a leisurely ride through the lush countryside, where coconut palms stretch as far as the eye can see. This off-the-beaten-path route winds through peaceful backroads shaded by palm fronds, offering poetic views of the delta. Visit family-run workshops producing coconut candy and handwoven mats, two of the region’s longstanding artisanal crafts.

Continue your journey aboard a small rowing boat, gently navigating the narrow arroyos framed by swaying water coconut trees, immersing yourself in the quiet rhythm of delta life.

In the afternoon, drive through scenic coconut groves and canal networks to reach Giong Trom, a peaceful area nestled along the Ham Luong River. Check in at a charming lodge set on the riverbank.

Enjoy free time to relax in the serene setting, with an option to watch the sunset over the river. In the evening, take part in a hands-on Banh Xeo cooking session, followed by a cozy dinner featuring your homemade creations.

Overnight at the lodge.

After breakfast in the serene riverside setting, set off on a bike ride through the heart of Vietnam’s coconut country, following quiet, shaded paths that lead to Oc Island. As the largest island on the Ham Luong River, Oc Island is known for its scenic beauty—lush fruit orchards, endless rows of coconut palms, and the peaceful rhythms of rural life.

This immersive tour offers a close-up look at local daily life and traditional crafts, with stops at a small village market and a coconut shelling workshop, where you’ll observe the skillful processing of coconuts—central to the local economy.

Return to the lodge and enjoy some leisure time by the pool, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere before checking out at noon.

In the afternoon, transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City to catch your flight to Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam’s premier beach destination.

Overnight on Phu Quoc Island.

Enjoy two full days at leisure on the idyllic island of Phu Quoc, a true paradise for those seeking serenity, soft white sand, and complete rejuvenation.

Unwind on quiet, secluded beaches fringed with tall tropical trees and lapped by the calm waters of the Gulf of Thailand. Take leisurely strolls along the pristine coastline, explore untouched natural landscapes, or venture into the lush Phu Quoc National Park, home to ancient forests, rare wildlife, and scenic hiking trails.

These days are yours to spend as you wish—relaxing, exploring, or simply soaking in the peaceful rhythm of island life.

Overnight at your hotel on Phu Quoc.

Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Ho Chi Minh City, where you’ll connect to your international departure flight.

This marks the end of your unforgettable Two-Week Luxury Journey through Vietnam.