Private Luxury Journey Through Vietnam's Highlights 10 days

Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be greeted by a private driver and escorted to your luxury hotel in Hanoi. Take some time to relax and settle in your new accommodation. 

Later in the day, you will delve into the sights and sounds of Hanoi by a cyclo. The man will drive you through bustling streets lined with colonial buildings, traditional shophouses, and old temples. Feel the soulful pulse of the city as you pass by local vendors, silk boutiques, and lively markets.

When night falls, you will get on a private street food tour led by a local expert. This is a perfect opportunity to figure out the flavors that define this culinary scene. You will be introduced to must-try delicacies such as pho, banh mi, egg coffee, and many others. This gastronomic journey not only satisfies your taste buds but also carries fascinating insights into the city's food culture.

Morning

Gather in the hotel lobby to meet your local guide and receive an introduction to the day's journey. Begin your exploration with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where you will gain insights into the life and legacy of Vietnam's beloved leader.

Continue to the One Pillar Pagoda, one of Vietnam's most iconic landmarks. Built atop a single wooden pillar, this centuries-old structure is a striking example of traditional Vietnamese architecture, rich with cultural symbolism expressed through woodcarving and design.

Your next stop is the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university. Founded during the Ly dynasty, this historic site honors Confucius and generations of scholars. Its elegant courtyards and pavilions make it a perfect place to reflect and capture memorable photos.

Wrap up your cultural morning at the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, which beautifully showcases the resilience, roles, and contributions of Vietnamese women throughout history.

After the tour, unwind at a local restaurant where you will enjoy a delicious lunch featuring authentic Vietnamese cuisine, served with hospitality that reflects the warmth of the culture.

Afternoon

Leave the city behind and journey to Bat Trang, one of Vietnam's oldest and most renowned ceramic villages, located along the Red River. 

Upon arrival in Bat Trang, wander through narrow, centuries-old alleys lined with traditional workshops and artisan stores. Discover the intricate techniques passed down through generations as you observe skilled craftsmen shaping and decorating delicate pottery.

Evening

As the sun sets, it is time to indulge in an exclusive fine-dining experience at one of the top restaurants in Hanoi. You will enjoy a carefully curated menu featuring exquisite Vietnamese flavors prepared by skilled chefs in a sophisticated setting. This private dining experience is the perfect way to end your day, savoring the elegance and rich culinary heritage of the capital.

Morning

After a delightful breakfast at your hotel, you will get to embark on a private transfer to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for turquoise waters and towering limestone karst cliffs. It takes you 2.5 hours to get there. En route, do not forget to feast your eyes on expansive rice fields and traditional villages dotting the landscape.

Once arriving, you will board your luxury 5-star cruise and get a warm welcome from crew members with special tea at the lounge. After that, you will check in your cabin before setting sail across the striking bay. The journey takes you past plenty of magnificent natural limestone formations that rise up from the waters, creating a picture that seems almost surreal. Be sure to bring along your camera to capture this amazing moment.

Afternoon

After enjoying a delicious lunch, the afternoon is filled with many exciting activities. You can venture into mystical caves adorned with stalactites and stalagmites or choose to go kayaking and glide via hidden lagoons. If you prefer a more relaxing experience, taking a swim is recommended. 

By the time when the sun starts to set, you will return to the cruise and unwind with sunset cocktails on the deck, watching the sky transform into hues of orange and pink. Later, you will relish a sumptuous seafood dinner cooked by expert chefs from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The rest of the day will be used to enjoy the peaceful night on board.

NOTE: The itinerary may change depending on the specific cruise you book

Morning

You will get up early to embrace the meditative flow of Tai Chi on the sundeck. It is a good way to kick off the day in harmony with nature. Afterward, you will set out to witness one last attraction up close before going back to the boat for brunch.

Afternoon

Having finished eating, you will disembark at the pier and have a following transfer to Ninh Binh, a year-round destination. Upon reaching, you navigate to a scenic eco-lodge, where you will spend the night. To get yourself familiar with the place, you can start by wandering around and soaking in the tranquil atmosphere here.

Morning

Begin your day with a serene boat trip through Galaxy Grotto, a hidden gem nestled in the Trang An limestone complex. Glide along a peaceful river that winds through majestic karst formations and into a stunning cave adorned with sparkling stalactites and stalagmites. As you float through the cave’s dimly lit chambers, marvel at the natural beauty shaped by millions of years of geological history.

Next, continue to Thung Nham Bird Park, a tranquil ecological site surrounded by lush mountains and rich wetlands. Enjoy a scenic boat ride through the peaceful landscape and spot native bird species - especially vibrant flocks of storks and herons nesting in the trees. The area offers a unique chance to witness local biodiversity and immerse yourself in the unspoiled nature of Ninh Binh.

Take time to breathe in the fresh countryside air, capture beautiful photos, and enjoy the calm pace of rural Vietnam before returning for lunch.

Afternoon

For the upcoming schedule, you will head to the airport for a flight to Danang. On arrival, a private transfer will move you to Hoi An ancient town, where you will check in to a boutique resort. The evening is yours to relax and prepare for the day ahead.

You will take a guided tour into the colorful streets of the beautiful Hoi An town, sometimes referred to as the Venice of the East. Thousands of tourists, both local and international, come here year after year to admire its old-world architecture and distinctive yellow shop. You will walk past centuries-old houses, lantern-lit alleys, and local markets while our guide shares fascinating stories about the town’s history.

The first destination in the plan is the Japanese Covered Bridge, a symbol of cultural connection built in the 16th century. Another highlight among Hoi An historical sites is the Chinese Assembly Halls, where ornate altars, dragon-adorned courtyards, and elaborate woodwork showcase the artistic legacy of Chinese communities once residing there.

In the evening, you will have a private dinner with the riverside as the backdrop. This is the best chance to taste a curated selection of local and international dishes paired with fine wines while noticing the surrounding atmosphere becomes more and more mysterious.

Option: Morning Tour or Sunset Tour

Leave Hoi An behind as you journey to the ancient My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO-listed site nestled in a tranquil valley.

Wander through the centuries-old temple ruins, gain insight into the Champa civilization with your guide, and enjoy a traditional performance that reflects its enduring culture.

Continue with a visit to a local home, where you’ll be introduced to the traditional craft of rice paper making. Try the process yourself and taste your freshly made product.

Afterwards, relax over a home-hosted meal in a peaceful countryside setting, with simple yet flavorful dishes and herbal tea.

Note: With the sunset option, this experience is replaced by a light local snack such as banh mi and fresh coconut.

Conclude the day with a leisurely boat ride along the Thu Bon River, enjoying the quiet scenery as you return to Hoi An.

After the tour, you’re free to enjoy your time at your own pace: take a stroll through the charming old town, relax at a riverside café, or head to Cua Dai beach for a refreshing dip.

Morning

After breakfast, you will head to the airport for a short 1.5-hour flight from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon. On arrival, a guide will greet you and take you on a cultural and historical journey.

Afternoon

Your first stop for today is Reunification Palace, a center of power of the government of the Republic of Vietnam in the past. Spend your time wandering grand halls and war command rooms to get a glimpse of the historical events that shaped present-day Vietnam.

Next, you will pay a visit to Notre Dame Cathedral, a stunning French colonial-era masterpiece standing tall in the heart of the city. Right across the street, you will find Central Post Office, another architectural gem designed by Gustave Eiffel.

Your exploration goes on at the War Remnants Museum, where thought-provoking exhibits carry deep insights into the Vietnam War. The powerful displays of photographs, military equipment, and personal stories provide a moving perspective on the country’s resilience.

After the private tour, you will be transferred to your hotel, where you can relax and absorb the dynamic energy of Saigon. The evening is yours to explore at your leisure - perhaps enjoy delicious cocktails and appetizers in a rooftop bar or take a leisurely stroll via busy streets filled with endless sights and sounds.

The following day, you will embark on a fascinating trip to the Mekong Delta, often called the "rice bowl of Vietnam". A private boat tour to Ben Tre will take you along scenic waterways, where you can take in picturesque landscapes and witness the daily activities of locals.

You will stop at a local coconut workshop first to see the intricate process of transforming coconuts into various handmade products. This is a wonderful chance to observe the craftsmanship behind these traditional goods and meet the warm-hearted people living here.

Later on, you will venture out to a mat-weaving house for insights into a significant part of Southern Vietnamese culture: sleeping mats. Watch as skilled artisans carefully weave each piece and gain a better understanding of this time-honored tradition.

Following that is a very interesting experience. You will hop on a Xe Loi (motorized rickshaw) or a bicycle, moving yourself into the peaceful countryside scenery. As you ride through small villages and colorful fruit orchards, you will witness the simplicity and beauty of local life in the Delta.

After lunch at a riverside restaurant, your adventure happens with a sampan boat ride, navigating the narrow canals of the Mekong. Enjoy the natural beauty before returning to your hotel in Saigon.

Your tour finally comes to an end today. After a delightful breakfast, take some time to relax and reflect on the unforgettable experiences you have had.

At the scheduled time, a private transfer will take you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure. Though you leave Vietnam, memories will stay with you, and the country will always be ready to welcome you back. Goodbye, and have a safe flight!