Luxury Vietnam Travel

A narrow street lit by colorful lanterns, a trek through misty green hills, a silent pagoda, a buzzing megacity: Vietnam is a feast for the senses and a tonic for the soul. Stretching down the eastern edge of mainland Southeast Asia, travel to Vietnam offers an incredible diversity of landscapes and experiences. Whether you’re seeking a rugged and remote mountain journey, a refined coastal escape, or a modern urban adventure—or a bit of all three—Vietnam delivers. 

Explore tranquil waterways in Ha Long Bay and the Mekong Delta’s floating markets, head to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi for a taste of modern life and art, or spend time in Hue to take a trip back in time to Vietnam’s imperial past. In the north of the country, trekking and cultural encounters with hill-tribe communities await, and in Phong Nha, adventure seekers can travel on foot though a network of awe-inspiring, mystical caves.  

Wherever your thoughtfully curated journey takes you, you can count on an immersion in Vietnam’s fascinating history, contemporary culture, and the regional flavors of its celebrated cuisine. Just like a steaming bowl of aromatic bún chả served at the country’s many hole-in-the-wall streetside eateries, a trip here is meant to be savored long after it’s over. 

What Is Vietnam Best Known For?

Vietnam has a complex history and cultural diversity that makes for a rich and meaningful travel experience. This multifaceted past and present is perhaps most evident in the country’s architecture, from the exquisite ancient tombs and pagodas of Hue to the colonial-era buildings of Hanoi, and the romantic streets of Hoi An.  

You will also discover spiritual traditions dating back thousands of years, including Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. These religions manifest in daily life through ancestor worship, colorful festivals, and the beautiful temples and pagodas that enliven the landscape. 

The nation’s recent history, marked by war and reunification, continues to influence its collective consciousness, yet Vietnam has emerged vibrant and resilient, with a progressive spirit. This is reflected in its street art and contemporary galleries, as well as its food. From riotous street markets offering fresh banh mi sandwiches to the sophisticated flavors of imperial cuisine in Hue, Vietnamese food is renowned for a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors that you’ll relish throughout your trip. 

Vietnam Travel Highlights

  • Lose yourself on the French colonial streets of Hanoi, enjoying a cup of rich, sweet Vietnamese coffee, savoring bún chả at a hidden local spot, and touring the city’s heritage highlights with an art historian.
  • Cruise the waters of iconic Ha Long Bay on board a traditional, romantic private charter junk. 
  • Trek through the lush, mountainous Sapa or Mai Chau regions, visiting remote hill-tribe villages, winding your way through wildflower meadows and along rice terraces and red dirt roads, imbibing the peaceful rhythms of rural life.
  • Learn the art of lantern making alongside a local family in Hoi An, then wander the enchanting streets of the Old Town.
  • Weave through the waterways of the Mekong Delta’s technicolor floating markets in a traditional sampan boat.
  • Zip through the frenetic streets of Ho Chi Minh City on the back of a scooter, stopping at art galleries and live music venues.
  • Embark on an awe-inspiring caving expedition in Phong Nha.
  • Slow down along the Vietnam Coast, whiling away the day on the pristine, sun-drenched beaches of Quy Nhon or Vinh Hy.

What to Expect on a Luxury Trip to Vietnam

  • Memorable Accommodations: From the rustic elegance of mountaintop hideaways to ultra-luxurious beachside retreats, Vietnam luxury hotels and lodges are destinations unto themselves. Get cozy in the mist-wreathed hilltops of Sapa at Topas Ecolodge, channel the elegance and opulence of opera culture at Capella Hanoi, and check in to a private villa overlooking the sea at Amanoi. 
  • Expert Guides: Whatever you’re seeking from your time in Vietnam, you’ll have friendly and knowledgeable, English-speaking guides connecting you to the destination in a meaningful way, whether you’re on an art tour, cycling and hiking, island hopping, or visiting local villages. 
  • Exclusive Experiences: Every trip we design is bespoke, and we pride ourselves on giving you access to exclusive experiences tailored to the type of travel that resonates with you. Expect private tours, classes, or workshops, and excursions led by expert guides and knowledgeable locals. Explore the vibrant streets of Hanoi or Hoi An, trek through green terraced rice fields in Sapa, or navigate the mystical caves of Phong Nha—all with insider info at your fingertips. 
  • Seamless, Worry-Free Travel: Journeying from the modern metropolises of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Vietnam’s coastal beach retreats or northern trekking destinations often requires expert logistics and scheduling. Your Vietnam specialist will weave your trip together seamlessly, arranging all transfers, private drivers, and connections so you can simply enjoy the journey. 
  • 24/7 In-Destination Support: Our job doesn’t end when your boarding pass is printed. Extraordinary Journeys is always by your side while you’re traveling. We have reliable on-the-ground support, and a 24/7 concierge is just a phone call away.  

Vietnam Travel FAQs

To get a sense of the natural and cultural diversity of Vietnam the sweet spot for a trip is 12 to 14 days. Each region is so rich, you could easily spend a week just in the country’s northern reaches, so we would recommend at least 10 days in the destination. 

It’s also easy to extend your stay and explore neighboring countries, including Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. 

Most international flights land in either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, where many people start their Vietnam travel itinerary. There are direct flights between San Francisco and Ho Chi Minh City, with most airlines making connections through Hong Kong, Tokyo, Doha, or Paris, depending on your departure city. 

Vietnam is generally a safe destination. Of course, it’s always good to practice common sense and situational awareness in busy urban centers. We recommend not wearing flashy jewelry or unnecessarily drawing attention to yourself as a traveler.   

American citizens require an E-visa for travel to Vietnam. 

There are no mandatory vaccinations to enter Vietnam, however, we suggest you check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for up-to-date recommendations, and discuss options with your healthcare professional.  

Vietnamese is the country’s official language, but you’ll find many people working in hospitality in popular tourist areas speak some English. We will also arrange English-speaking guides and drivers for the duration of your trip. 

It’s always appreciated if you know some basic Vietnamese phrases, however. For example, “hello” is “xin chào” and “thank you” is “cảm ơn.”

The Vietnamese dong (VND) is the official currency of Vietnam. 10 U.S. dollars is equivalent to roughly 250,000 dong. 

Vietnam: Best Time to Travel

The best time to travel to Vietnam is from November to April in the northern and southern regions, while Central Vietnam is ideal from January to May. During these periods, you’ll enjoy drier weather and mild temperatures. 

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Vietnam’s weather varies across its regions.

  • In Hanoi and northern destinations such as Mai Chau, May to October is marked by hot, humid, and rainy weather, while the cooler, drier season lasts from November to April.
  • In the far north in places such as Sapa, December and January can get quite chilly.  
  • Head to central Vietnam from January to August, when the weather is dry and warm. Temperatures often hit 90 degrees Fahrenheit during this time, however, the rainy season arrives in September lasting through November, bringing the chance of heavy showers.  
  • Southern Vietnam experiences its dry, hot season from November to April. From May to October, the weather turns warm and wet, with the heaviest rainfall typically arriving from June to August.  

Where to Travel in Vietnam 

We recommend spending a couple of weeks in Vietnam to experience the country in all its beauty and complexity. Culture lovers and history buffs will want to linger in modern megacities like Ho Chi Minh City and discover the country’s imperial past in Hue. If you’re seeking outdoor adventure, you won’t want to miss time in Sapa, Vietnam’s trekking epicenter, or off-the-beaten-path Phong Nha, where caving expeditions await. If a slower pace appeals, budget time for romantic Hoi An and coastal destinations, including Vinh Hy Bay and Con Dao Island

Hanoi 

As one of Vietnam’s main transit hubs, there’s a good chance your Vietnam travel adventure will begin in this dynamic city. Linger here for a couple of nights and wander the colonial-era streets, urban parks, hidden cafés and pho restaurants, and historical sites. Capella Hanoi, an exquisite, opera-inspired hotel home to the country’s only Michelin-star hotel, is a sumptuous place to unwind and rejuvenate.  

Sapa 

The mist-shrouded mountains of Sapa beckon travelers looking to trek through rice terraces and shadowy forests to remote hill-tribe villages. Sapa is an immersion in the landscape and culture of northern Vietnam, and a rustic yet refined home base awaits at Topas Ecolodge. Visit Red Dao and Black Hmong communities, who have called these mountains home for centuries, and learn about their way of life.  

Mai Chau 

Mountainous Mai Chau is a slightly more accessible alternative to Sapa if you want to get active on your trip to Vietnam. Hop on a bicycle or lace up your hiking boots for a guided expedition into the region’s green hills. Then, tap into locally inspired wellness at Avana Retreat, a holistic haven focused on organic food, traditional Vietnamese remedies, and yoga, meditation, and breathwork classes; all ar enjoyed in an Edenic setting where the only noise is murmuring springs and birdsong. 

Ha Long Bay 

Spending the night floating on the waters of Ha Long Bay is an iconic Vietnam travel experience. Book a traditional private charter junk or board the luxurious Elite of the Seas and watch the moon rise over the UNESCO World Heritage site’s towering limestone karst formations and emerald islands. You’ll follow alternative routes through the area, escaping the crowds at this popular destination. 

Ninh Binh  

Embark on a paddle boat tour down a mystical river in Ninh Binh. Dubbed “Ha Long Bay on Land,” Ninh Binh is a less-traveled alternative to the popular bay. From this area, you can also head out on a day trip to Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam’s oldest nature reserve, for hiking, caving, and a look at primate conservation at a refuge.  

Hoi An 

This former trading port has a beautiful architectural legacy that speaks to its storied past. Wooden shophouses and pagodas vie for space with colonial buildings washed in sorbet hues, Japanese bridges arch over canals, and narrow alleyways are cast in the jewel-tone light of delicate lanterns. Just walking around in Hoi An is an enchanting experience, and the city has wonderful cuisine and cultural traditions to discover, too. 

Hue 

A stay in Hue is a journey into Vietnam’s imperial past. Spend your days here on expertly guided tours of the city’s palaces, pagodas, and theaters, with a special private dining experience with a princess from the House of Nguyen. The country’s diverse religious traditions are evident here as well, and you’ll have the chance to learn about these time-honored practices at the city’s monasteries.  

Phong Nha 

Satiate your appetite for adrenaline in Phong Nha. Once a sleepy, small town, this riverside village has become a world-renowned—although not overtouristed—adventure destination thanks to its extensive and awe-inspiring cave system. Led by an expert guide, you’ll cross rivers and walk through sun-dappled jungles to reach the largest caves in the world. 

Ho Chi Minh City 

There is perhaps no other destination that embodies modern Vietnam like Ho Chi Minh City. Embrace the urban cacophony and hop on the back of a Vespa for a tour of local haunts, including street art and galleries, live music venues, and contemporary cuisine. Wind your way through the vibrant streets of Cho Lon, HCMC’s Chinatown, where you’ll visit a secret bunker and the former Revolutionary Headquarters. 

Can Tho (Mekong Delta) 

For many travelers, a visit to the Mekong Delta is a quintessential experience in Vietnam. Soak in life along the waterway from a traditional sampan boat, snaking through the colorful floating markets, or pedal past small villages and orchards on a bike, stopping to have lunch with a local family, and exploring smaller fishing villages. 

The Vietnam Coast 

While beaches may not be the first landscape that comes to mind, if you’re craving some time by the water, the Vietnam Coast has some stunning oceanside escapes. In Vinh Hy Bay, check in at Amanoi, a retreat comprised of private villas overlooking the sea and a private stretch of beach in Nui Chua National Park and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. For an island getaway, fly to Con Dao Island and book a room at the luxurious Six Senses Con Dao, from where you can explore the surrounding islands of this tiny archipelago. 

Explore Vietnam on a Map

Ho Chi Minh City

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Can Tho (Mekong Delta)

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Mai Chau

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Ha Long Bay

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Ninh Binh

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Phong Nha

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Hoi An

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The Vietnam Coast

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