Vietnam is a tropical land of outgoing people, bustling capitalist-oriented cities, heavenly beaches, brilliant green rice paddies and lush emerald rainforests. Like the rest of Indochina (including Laos and Cambodia), Vietnam is a former French colony and has been independent since 1954 – when the French Foreign Legion suffered a telling blow at Dien Bien Phu. Vietnam still retains a strong French cultural influence, with wide boulevards, magnificent Belle Époque architecture, fresh baguettes sold on every corner, good espresso and fine Bordeaux at open air cafes widely available.

The Vietnamese are much closer culturally to China, with Confucian ethics valuing age, education and hard work. The Vietnam War has long since been forgotten and the people are exceedingly warm and hospitable. The nation shares temples, historic ports, a bevy of unspoiled tropical islands, museums, art, and over 50 hill tribes. From the big cities to the rice bowl of the south, Vietnam has it all.

With several ‘regions’ Northern, Central and Southern and the Mekong Delta, travelers can spend weeks exploring each unique destination. Classic Vietnam, for the first time visitor, would consist of 12 nights and 13 days. Verdant fields worked by yoked oxen and children splashing in the paddies. Wide tree-lined boulevards with grand state buildings from the French colonial period. A ceaseless tsunami of motorbikes in the thoroughfare and sandwich, noodles, and coffee hawkers crowd the pavement. A cruise down a sleepy river past golden yellow buildings with Chinese-tiled roofs and colorful lanterns. These are but a few of the vignettes that make up this 13-day classic journey through Vietnam, a country made up of dramatic landscapes, sublime cuisine, complex cultures, and diverse people. Travel Vietnam from north to south and experience for yourself the allure of this southeast Asian gem.

Highlights – City & Country: See all of Vietnam’s past and present, from the bustling metropolises of Hanoi and Saigon which anchor the north and south respectively, to countryside villages and hamlets, ancient cities and ruins, and colonial remnants.

Floating Market: Visit the Cai Rang Floating Market, the country’s most active floating market which has thrived on the currents of the Mekong for hundreds of years and join residents purchasing local produce directly from the farmers who grow it.

Hyper-localized Cuisine: Get a taste of the distinct and different regional cuisines as you travel from the north to central and then south Vietnam. Try the quintessential bowl of pho and banh mi, along with very local treats such as Hoi An’s traditional cao lau noodles and rose dumplings.

War Remnants: The Vietnam War, known as the American War in Vietnam, was an intense conflict that reshaped the country. Though the country has moved on, remnants of this turbulent time can be seen at museums, landmarks, and on-site. Get a first-hand recount of the Vietnamese side when you meet a veteran at the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Day 1 Hanoi Arrive in the capital city of Hanoi. This northern city was settled in prehistoric times, was once the capital of French Indochina, and became the capital of unified Vietnam after the northern forces won the war. Today it is a largely modern and compact city that still retains its idyllic charm. You will be met off the plane and escorted to receive your visa on arrival and through immigration. A private vehicle awaits curbside to take you to your hotel. Settle in and freshen up before this evening’s exciting introduction to the city – a street food tour on the back of a scooter, if inclined! Do as the locals do: pull up a plastic chair and tuck into savory and fresh dishes before zipping off to the next restaurant.

Day 2 Hanoi.  Many of Hanoi’s centuries-old monuments and palaces have been destroyed but there remain several historical and scenic points such as the peaceful Ngoc Son Temple in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake and the ancient Tran Quoc pagoda. Take a cyclo ride around the Old Quarter in the heart of the city, evocative of its French-colonial past, and explore a fresh market by foot. Next up, see what life would have been like for prisoners of war at the Hoa Lo Prison Museum which exhibits former US Senator John McCain’s parachute from when he landed in the lake as a soldier. Wrap up the day with a visit to Uncle Ho’s Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and nearby Temple of Literature.

Day 3 Hanoi. This morning take a short trip to one of Vietnam’s local communities just outside of the city. Bat Trang village is located on the left bank of the Red River and is known for its ceramics. It is tradition for small villages in the area like Bat Trang to have a specialty such as silk, water puppets, bronze casting, fans, and hats. In this way, generations of artisans hone their crafts to create high quality products that are circulated all over the country. At Bat Trang village, which was formed over 500 years ago, meet the community and witness their expertise in molding clay bricks into cups, plates, and decorative items. In the afternoon, return to the city for lunch and more insight into Vietnam’s arts at the National Museum of Fine Arts, followed by a traditional water puppet show at the local theatre. Those interested in this unique variation of the ancient Asian puppet tradition can opt to meet a top artist and be welcomed to his home for a private show.

Day 4 Ninh Binh. Take a small private rowing boat along the meandering river through the iconic landscape of Ninh Binh, a region often referred to as “Halong Bay on Land” for its limestone karsts jutting out from verdant green rice fields. Today you will visit the ancient caves of Tam Coc, a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. Tam Coc, literally “three grottoes”, and refers to the 3 caves: Ca Cave, Hai Cave, and Ba Cave. Each of these caves were created by the erosion of cliffs over millions of years by rain, waves, and geological changes and offers their own unique impressions.

Day 5 Ninh Binh. Today, hop on a bike and ride through tiny paths in rice fields and dirt roads that lead to local villages. Pass by villagers and children who will wave and say “hello” to you. See where people live, how they work in the fields, and how they spend their day. Make your way up to Hang Mua Temple, which sits on top of a hill. While a challenge to get to, its views that overlook the Tam Coc Caves and the paddy fields below are worthwhile. Explore the legendary Hoa Lu, the old capital of Vietnam. Over one thousand years old, the town houses a number of edifices, pagodas, walls, and relics that still exist in this abandoned fortification. Do not miss the La Dai Hanh Emperor Temple, the Phat Kim Princess Temple, or the One-Pillar Pagoda (similar, but not the same as Hanoi’s famous structure).

Day 6 Hoi An and Danang. This morning take a private transfer (2.5 hours) to Hanoi for a flight to Danang. You are now in central Vietnam; Danang is a large coastal city known for its sandy beaches. Have a quaint seaside lunch before continuing along the coastal road to your hotel. After checking in and freshening up, head out again to explore the Marble Mountains. This cluster of marble and limestone hills are home to numerous caves and tunnels, many which were converted into Buddhist grottoes containing carvings, statues, and rockface reliefs.

Day 7 Hoi An and Danang. Take in the central region’s serene vibe as you start the day relaxing on the expansive China Beach, just outside your resort. After breakfast, it is time to head to nearby Hoi An, a charming historical city. Explore its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site with exceptionally preserved architecture and street planning that reflects the foreign and indigenous influences that together create its unique identity. Admire the charming pale-yellow buildings that house restaurants, art galleries, cafes, and particularly tailor shops which is a specialty of the town. Have a special visit to a local family that is famed for their cao lau noodles, the specialty dish of Hoi An. It is said the noodles are best made in Hoi An due to the local water source which gives them a finer texture. In the afternoon, wind down with a relaxing cruise on the Thu Bon River. Disembark at a local village before heading back to your hotel. We recommend returning to town in the evening when its famous colorful lanterns are lit and the night market comes to life.

Day 8 Hoi An and Danang. Go for a peaceful bicycle ride through the charming countryside, past bucolic villages and farmlands. Stop at a village where you can get hands-on experience of a farmer’s life by helping water crops, plant rice, and if you’re adventurous, drive a water buffalo. Share a meal with a local family and enjoy the garden-fresh vegetables and herbs. After lunch, set off for the jungles to explore My Son temple and the surrounding ancient ruins from the Cham empire dating back to the 4th century. These mystical Hindu grounds were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 9 Saigon. Head south to Saigon via flight from Danang in the morning. In the afternoon, experience the bustle of this exciting city which used to be the capital of the south. While Hanoi feels more quintessentially Vietnam with tradition dictating the way of life, Saigon more eagerly embraces modernity, innovation, and foreign influence, making it a dynamic international metropolis. Take a stroll around a downtown boulevard lined with impressive and historically significant French colonial buildings including the Opera House, the Continental Hotel, General Post Office, and City Hall. Then head to Cholon, the city’s Chinatown, which dates to 1778 and is home to a few temples, pagodas, a mosque, and a small Catholic cathedral. While in Chinatown, explore the main market, Binh Tay, which is fringed by an outer wet market and a food court near the back where shoppers stop for snacks and buy takeout meals.

Day 10 Saigon. Your day is dedicated to the history of modern Vietnam and the war that formed it. Start with a visit to the famous Cu Chi tunnels, a short speedboat ride away. This network of underground tunnels were once used by Viet Cong soldiers as hiding spots during combat. Here, you will meet a veteran who will take you through the tunnels and tell you his side of the story of the ‘American War.’ In the afternoon, you will visit the War Remnants Museum an emotionally powerful and historically significant site that is a must-see for anyone who visits this country.

Day 11 Can Tho. Depart Saigon and begin your drive to Can Tho, along the way stop at Cai Be, a river-land mixed town in the Mekong Delta. Board a private sampan for a cruise down the Delta. Your exploration begins when the boat crosses the mighty Mekong River to reach one of the region’s most fertile islands, Tan Phong. Here you will temporarily leave your boat for a leisure bicycle ride through small and shady village roads with lush orchards on the way. En-route, you will stop to visit local families making traditional and handicraft products such as a rice wine distillery, bamboo nail files, furniture’s made from water hyacinth, and hammocks made from banana ropes. After the cycling trip, enjoy a local sampan ride through the island’s tiny canals. Your boat journey comes to an end as you arrive at a retro French-Indochinese restaurant for a lunch of Mekong Delta specialty dishes. After lunch, continue your drive along the countryside until reaching Can Tho in the late afternoon. Check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of your afternoon at leisure.

Day 12 Can Tho. Today you will experience a half-day private boat experience on the Mekong Delta, discovering one of Vietnam’s most active floating markets. Depart from your hotel early and board a boat to head into the heart of daily life along the riverbanks. Your journey begins with breakfast as you leisurely cruise towards the vibrant Cai Rang Floating Market. Arriving at the floating market, you’ll find yourself amidst a colorful array of traders’ boats. Leaving the floating market behind, the sampan will take you ashore to gain insights into the local culture and traditions. After this delightful immersion into the heart of the Mekong Delta’s ancient trading culture, the sampan will return to the Ninh Kieu Quay, where you’ll disembark and return to your hotel by car. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon at leisure.

Day 13 Departure. Enjoy your breakfast, whether at the hotel or a last bowl of pho or banh mi on the street, and spend your morning at leisure until your private transfer to the airport for your flight onward.

A few of our favorite hotels: Day 1-3. Capella Hanoi. Designed by “staritect” du jour Bill Bensley and inspired by the Hanoi Opera House, the new Capella Hanoi will incorporate the capital’s historic and opulent colonial-era architecture. Located within Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem district, the property is comprised of 47 palatial-style guest rooms, lavishly decorated in contrasting dark and light tones with lashings of color, signature of Bensley’s aesthetic.

Days 4- 5. Emeralda Three choices: Emeralda Located in the beautiful surroundings of historic Ninh Binh, Vietnam’s ancient capital, the Emeralda is truly a jewel set amidst natural beauty. Just a short 90-minute drive from Hanoi, the hotel is situated on the brink of Van Long Nature Reserve, home to countless species of flora and fauna, making it an unforgettably tranquil retreat. Beautifully designed to capture traditional Vietnamese architecture, the emphasis is on celebrating nature and the environment, from the building itself to the cuisine served across its four restaurants. Indoor and al fresco dining options are available with dishes that nod to Vietnam’s rich heritage – from authentic, traditional favorites, to French-inspired, colonial fare. Guests can choose from the extensive list in the wine bar or relax poolside with a refreshing cocktail before dinner. Superior and deluxe suites offer comfort as well as style, not to mention stunning views of the beautiful scenery. Finally, guests in search of relaxation will find it in the fully equipped spa.

Nham Village Resort Inspired by the ancient villages of Northern Vietnam, the Nham Village Resort offers 13 traditional houses that capture the ambiance of a Vietnamese family home while featuring sophisticated modern twists for absolute comfort. Each accommodation is a soulful celebration of local architecture and craftsmanship that feature rich tones of dark wood paired with exquisite bronze and lacquer ornaments anchor and its own private balcony with stunning views of the valley. For dining, the Com Restaurant celebrates the flavors of Vietnam using fresh ingredients sourced from local producers and including vegetables and herbs from their own garden. While the Gao Bar offers a range of beverages from mocktails to wine and everything in between. Facilities include a large outdoor swimming pool which looks upon the rice fields and mountains of Tom Coc, and the Moc Spa which is in a beautiful 100-year-old house and offers wellness treatments and rituals that leaves guests feeling restored and re-energized.

Tom Coc Garden Resort Hidden away in the green-skirted mountains of Mai Chau, the Tam Coc Garden Resort was developed from the original garden houses along the Red River Delta. The resort offers 8 stone bungalows, each with two rooms decorated in traditional tiles, bamboo furnishings and framed photographs of the flora and village life. The rooms have a large bed on a raised sleeping platform, an outdoor terrace, and an open-air shower in the rustic bathrooms. The gardeners of Tam Coc Garden cultivate a wide variety of plants and vegetables and aromatic herbs which are used in the resort kitchen’s dishes. Just 20 meters away from the garden lies the Citronella Restaurant where the chef experiments with the garden’s bounty to design the menu. The Longani Bar offers delicious timeless classics and innovative creations from their list of signature cocktails. Facilities include a swimming pool, jacuzzi, and spa offering a variety of massage therapies.

Days 6- 8. Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai Stretching along the white sands of China Beach are Four Seasons Resort the Nam Hai’s villas and hotel, with unspoiled views of the South China Sea and the Cham Islands. There are 60 one-bedroom villas, and 40 pool villas with courtyard entrances and private pools. High ceilings and hardwood floors are complemented with lavish hues of brown and gray and softly draping canopies over four-poster beds. The Nam Hai Spa is set around a lagoon just off the beach, where you can have a customized spa treatment. Each of the eight private spa villas has an individual steam room. The gym is equipped with state-of-the-art treadmills and ellipticals. There are three pools on plateaus that lower away from the pool house and flow towards the beach, and the lowest disappears into the horizon that leads into the South China Sea. The business center has up-to-the-minute audio/visual equipment, and there is wi-fi in each of the rooms. The property is located 30 minutes from Da Nang International Airport (DAD).

Days 9 – 10. Park Hyatt Saigon Inspired by the colonial traditions of the French, this stylishly chic 259-room hotel built in 2005 is the premier address in Saigon, centrally located near the Opera House. High standards of service, elegant decor and fine amenities are the trademarks of this hotel. The large and well-equipped fitness center covers 397 square feet and features modern Life Fitness cardio equipment with personal LCD television screens and headphones. A 66-foot outdoor swimming pool with a special water feature is located next to a beautifully landscaped tropical garden. Fitness classes are also available. All public areas have wi-fi, and there are wired Internet connections in the guest rooms.

Days 11- 12. Victoria Can Tho Resort Surrounded by gardens full of vivid flowers, including many indigenous species, the Victoria Can Tho sits right on the banks of the Hau River and is the only luxury resort in the lush heart of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. The colonial-style building has a breezy, open-air lobby and is arranged around a central courtyard with a lovely pool. There are 92 rooms and eight suites, each featuring authentic Vietnamese decor and equipped with a balcony. The hotel’s Spices restaurant is helmed by a French chef and overlooks the river; there is also an open-air bar, and a floating restaurant aboard a converted antique rice barge, the Lady Hau, which is open for special occasions. The Victoria has excellent amenities, with wi-fi in all rooms and public places, a fitness center, and an elegant spa with seven treatment rooms.

Our expert teams, we consider them the VV Best in our portfolio, we’ve worked with them for over 15 years. You’ll travel with a team who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our VIP Client, you’ll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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