Vietnam North-to-South Luxury Tour - 10 Days

Highlights

• See Hanoi's historic landmarks and take a bespoke cooking class
• Cruise the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay in a luxury ship
• Witness the grand history of Hue's Imperial City
• Cycle through peaceful country villages around Hoi An
• Tour the highlights of Ho Chi Minh City, including wartime sites

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi, Optional Activities

Chao Ban! Welcome to Hanoi. This city has been a capital in some form or another, dating back to the third century BCE. In the intervening years, it's seen the rise and fall of dynasties, colonization, revolution, and wars. Even in today's modern age, Hanoi has managed to preserve its history and cultural roots, which you'll see firsthand when you arrive in the city.

Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will pick you up for the ride into Hanoi's historic Old Quarter. During the trip, you'll pass impressive landmarks like the French colonial Opera House and St. Joseph's Cathedral, a 19th-century Gothic Revival masterpiece, and the seat of the Catholic Church in Hanoi. There will also be a short stop at Dong Xuan, Hanoi's largest indoor market, where you can browse goods such as fresh produce, souvenirs, and clothing. Another highlight is a visit to Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, which sits on an islet and is accessible via an arched red bridge.

Eventually, you'll arrive at the Dolce by Wyndham, a shimmering golden tower on Golden Lake. This five-star hotel offers opulent rooms, luxurious spa services, and fine-dining restaurants. A real highlight is the rooftop infinity pool overlooking the lake—the perfect spot for a sundowner. After you've settled in, head over to a local theater where you'll enjoy a traditional water puppetry show. This artistic expression dates back over 1,000 years and has roots in the rice-paddy farms of the Red River Delta. Afterward, you'll enjoy dinner at an upscale Vietnamese restaurant before returning to your hotel.

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour & Cooking Class

In the morning, you're off to discover Hanoi's beauty, history, and cuisine on a private, full-day tour. First, you'll visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to see the final resting place of "Uncle Ho." Adjacent to it is the 11th-century One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist temple regarded as the most unique pagoda in Asia due to its lotus-flower design perched on a stone pillar rising out of a pond.

Another highlight is a visit to the Vietnamese Women's Museum, which occupies four floors and showcases women's role in Vietnamese culture and society. The first part of the day ends with a stop at Thang Long, an imperial citadel dating to the 11th century. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was Vietnam's political and cultural center for several dynasties.

Later, head over to Hoang's, a restaurant in the Old Quarter that doubles as a cooking school. Here, you'll learn to prepare some of the most traditional and delicious Vietnamese dishes. These include green mango salad, fried Hanoi spring rolls, Vietnamese pancakes, and of course, the famous pho (beef noodle soup). It begins with a visit to a nearby market where you'll pick up the requisite ingredients. Then return to the restaurant and begin the two-hour cooking workshop. When the private class is over, you'll sit down and enjoy your culinary creations. At the end of the day, you'll return to the hotel. 

Day 3: Transfer to Ha Long Bay, Luxury Cruise

Meet your driver at the hotel in the morning for the 3.5-hour drive north to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and 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—hence the name Ha Long (Descending Dragon). Here, you'll board the Ambassador, which enjoys the distinction of being Ha Long Bay's largest luxury cruise ship. Once aboard, you'll set off on a two-day cruise you won't soon forget.

After enjoying a welcome drink, you'll sit down for a delicious buffet lunch in the formal dining room and watch through the windows as the stunning Ha Long scenery passes by. This cruise includes a few activities/excursions, and the first is a visit to Tung Sau Pearl Farm, an area dedicated to growing Ha Long's famous pearls. Here, you'll not only learn the handmade techniques of pearl harvesting, but you can also hit the water on a kayak ride. Another option is a hike up a nearby karst mountain to enjoy panoramic views of Ha Long from 328 feet (100 m) up.

Or, should you choose, stay on board the ship and enjoy its various amenities. Opt for an afternoon of pampering at the onboard spa, soak in the outdoor Jacuzzi, or treat yourself to afternoon tea at the Piano Lounge. At sunset, the ship will drop anchor at Coconut Tree Island. At the bar on the sundeck, enjoy a sundowner cocktail, canapés, and live music before returning to the dining room for a multicourse set menu of gourmet cuisine. Afterward, enjoy some live music, sip on different wines from the onboard collection, and perhaps head to the deck for a bit of squid fishing before retiring for the evening.

Day 4: Morning Cruise, Transfer to Hue

Wake up early and start the day strong with a tai chi session on the sundeck. After a light breakfast, the ship will cruise to Sung Sot, the bay's largest and most magnificent cave. On a brief excursion, you'll venture into the cave and marvel at its ancient stalactites and stalagmites.

Later, 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 one-hour flight south to Hue, located on Vietnam's central coast.

At the airport in Hue, your personal driver will pick you up for the ride to your hotel, the Vedana Lagoon Resort & Spa. Located just south of Hue amid green hills on the shores of glassy Cau Hai Lagoon. After settling into your overwater luxury bungalow, perhaps enjoy a few of the hotel's amenities. These include a spa featuring all-natural ingredients in their treatments, which include facials, scrubs, body wraps, and more. For dinner, try Horizon, the hotel's floating restaurant, which offers unparalleled views over the water and a menu that mixes European and local Vietnamese cuisine.

Day 5: Hue City Tour

Meet your guide around 8 am and embark on a private, full-day tour of Hue. This historic city sits on the banks of the Perfume River and is most famous for its Imperial City. This walled citadel was the imperial capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen dynasty from 1802 to 1945. 

Before entering the citadel, however, you'll travel along the Perfume River, stopping to admire its scenery and landmarks. One highlight is a visit to Thien Mu Pagoda. This is one of the city's most famous and oldest religious sites, with a history dating back to the early 17th century.

Continue to the Imperial City, the citadel where the former kings of Vietnam's last feudal dynasty ruled for nearly 150 years. You'll tour major landmarks inside this 520-acre (210 ha) complex. These include Flag Tower, Noon Gate, Nine Dynasty Urns, Nine Holy Cannons, and Thai Hoa Palace & Khai Dinh Royal Tomb, where the 12th king of the Nguyen Dynasty is interred. Afterward, you'll head over to Dong Ba Market. At Hue's most popular municipal market, you can shop for fresh produce, street food, clothing, bags, souvenirs, and more. Later, you'll return to your hotel.

Day 6: Transfer to Hoi An, Country Cycling Tour

Your driver will pick you up at your hotel in the morning for the three-hour ride down the coast to Hoi An. During this scenic trip, you'll drive over the magnificent Hai Van Pas. Also known as the "Cloudy Pass" due to the great tufts of white that often settle on these coastal mountains, the views here on clear days are incredible. On the ride, you'll make plenty of stops to snap pictures of the coastal vistas.

Then continue to Hoi An. Sitting on the Thu Bon River, this historic city was a major trading port with the West from the 15th-19th centuries. Its international legacy is represented in the assortment of architectural styles in Hoi An's Ancient Town. Upon arrival, you'll transfer to your hotel, the Anantara Hoi An, a sprawling resort in a stately French colonial building overlooking the river. Once you've checked in, you'll hop on a bicycle for a ride down the country lanes outside Hoi An. After cycling along verdant rice paddies, you'll board a boat for a brief trip down waterways amid a coconut palm forest. 

One highlight is a visit to Tra Que. This small village, home to just a few hundred residents, is famous for its organic herbs and vegetables, which farmers grow without pesticides or chemicals. To fertilize their crops, they use a type of river seaweed that they harvest by boat. During your visit, local farmers will teach you about these cultivation methods, and you'll join in gardening activities like watering, transplanting, and tending to the greens. At the end of the day, you'll return to your hotel.

Day 7: Day Trip to Ba Na Hill

Get ready to enjoy some of the most incredible scenery on Vietnam's central coast. After enjoying the ample breakfast buffet at the Anantara Hoi An Resort, your private driver/guide will pick you up at the hotel lobby for the 35-minute drive north from Hoi An to Ba Na Hill. This mountaintop resort/theme park was once a popular vacation spot for the French during the colonial period, and today it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.

You'll arrive at Dream Stream Cable Car Station, where you'll take a car to the famous Golden Bridge, a 492-foot (150 m) long pedestrian bridge with two giant stone hands supporting the structure. Here, at 4,900 feet (1,500 m) in altitude, you'll enjoy panoramic views of Quang Nam province and the city of Da Nang below. You can also visit famous landmarks like Linh Ung Pagoda and the massive 100-foot (30 m) Buddha. Then, explore the charming French village, which boasts a Gothic-style cathedral and French restaurant. After a buffet lunch, you'll return to Da Nang via cable car and transfer back to your hotel.

Day 8: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, Optional Activities

In the morning, you'll transfer to the airport in Da Nang for the one-hour flight south to Ho Chi Minh City. Formerly Saigon, Vietnam's largest city, has seen much history since its founding as a humble fishing village in the late 17th century. In the intervening years, it has seen French conquest, a communist revolution, and a devastating war. Throughout, Ho Chi Minh City has expanded and evolved, retaining its culture and history in the face of ever-encroaching modernity.

You'll immerse yourself in this rich history after transferring from the airport by private vehicle to your hotel, the Hotel Majestic Saigon. This five-star luxury hotel occupies an elegant French colonial building dating to 1925. It's a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern amenities, as evidenced by its luxurious, French-style rooms with marble bathrooms and period furniture. Once you've checked in, feel free to head up to the rooftop pool and bar, where you can relax with a cocktail while enjoying panoramic views of the city and the Saigon River below.

If you want, head out on your own to explore Ho Chi Minh City. Perhaps browse the offerings at Ben Thanh Market, a popular spot for street food and shopping. Later, grab a beer at the 861-foot (262 m) Bitexco Tower and enjoy panoramic views across this sprawling city.

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City Tour

Treat yourself to the globe-spanning offerings at the Hotel Majestic's breakfast buffet. Afterward, your guide/driver will pick you up for a private, half-day tour to learn about Vietnam's wartime history. This immersive (literally) experience takes place about an hour north of Ho Chi Minh City at the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Dating to 1948, this immense 155-mile (250 km) underground tunnel network was built to defend against the French, then used during the Vietnam War (known locally as the American War) as a base of operations for the Viet Cong guerrillas, complete with supply routes, hospitals, and living spaces. Inside the tunnels, you'll get an idea of the harsh conditions faced by over 16,000 Viet Cong who lived here and see innovative booby traps that they left for unlucky enemy soldiers. You can also crawl through a section to experience the tunnels' narrow dimensions. Afterward, you'll return to the hotel.

Later, you'll embark on a highlights tour of the city. Led by an expert private guide, you'll visit historic buildings like Reunification Palace (once the headquarters of the Saigon government), the People's Committee Building, and the 19th-century Notre Dame Cathedral. From there, visit the Central Post Office, completed in 1891, followed by the War Remnants Museum, which offers a vivid and sometimes graphic perspective of the almost 20 years of war through the eyes of the Vietnamese. Afterward, you can stop to experience Saigon's renowned street coffee culture before returning to your hotel.

Day 10: Depart Ho Chi Minh City

You came, you saw, you had experiences to last a lifetime. Now the time has come to bid farewell to Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam. Enjoy one last decadent breakfast before meeting your driver for the ride to the airport, where you'll catch your flight home. Safe travels!

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