Step into a world of unparalleled luxury with Designer Journeys as we unveil the secrets of Vietnam, Southeast Asia’s crown jewel. From the electrifying energy of Ho Chi Minh City to the ethereal landscapes of Ha Long Bay, we curate bespoke Vietnam tours for discerning travellers. Imagine personalized itineraries, private guides, and exclusive experiences, all meticulously crafted by Designer Journeys to create your most cherished memories.
Post Contents
- Why Choose a Luxury Tour of Vietnam?
- The Perfect Time to Visit
- Essential Destinations on a Luxury Vietnam Tour
- The Luxury Difference: What to Expect
- Sustainable Luxury
- Planning Your Luxury Vietnam Journey
- Specific Luxury Vietnam Tours
- 1. “Heritage & Serenity: Northern Vietnam Exploration” (10 days)
- 2. “Cultural Immersion: Central Vietnam Journey” (8 days)
- 3. “Mekong & Islands: Southern Vietnam Discovery” (12 days)
- 4. “Vietnam Grand Tour: North to South” (15 days)
- 5. “Wellness & Rejuvenation: Vietnam Retreat” (11 days)
- 6. “Photography Expedition: Vietnam’s Most Picturesque Locations” (14 days)
- 7. “Culinary Journey: Vietnam’s Gastronomic Heritage” (10 days)
- 8. “Family Adventure: Multi-Generational Vietnam” (12 days)
- 9. “Art & Architecture: Vietnam’s Creative Heritage” (13 days)
- 10. “Vietnam for Connoisseurs: Hidden Gems & Exclusive Access” (15 days)
Why Choose a Luxury Tour of Vietnam?
Vietnam has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, with world-class luxury hotels, gourmet restaurants, and bespoke experiences now available nationwide. A luxury tour allows you to experience the authentic heart of Vietnam while enjoying comfortable accommodations, seamless transfers, and expert guides who provide deep cultural insights. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or prefer to travel in style, a luxury Vietnam trip offers exceptional value and unforgettable memories.
Are you planning a trip to Vietnam?
Browse our gallery of fully customisable Vietnam itineraries and connect with one of our expert Local Designers to get you started! Designer Journeys can design your ultimate experience and offers hand-crafted itineraries built by experienced Local Designers who have first-hand knowledge of the destination.
The Perfect Time to Visit
Vietnam’s climate varies significantly from north to south, making it a year-round destination. The dry season (November to April) is generally considered the best time to visit, particularly for exploring Ha Long Bay and the northern highlands. However, luxury tours can be tailored to make the most of any season, with indoor activities and spa retreats perfectly scheduled during occasional rain showers.
Essential Destinations on a Luxury Vietnam Tour
Hanoi: The Elegant Capital
Begin your luxury journey in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, where French colonial architecture meets ancient Asian traditions. Your private guide will lead you through the narrow streets of the Old Quarter, where you can sample exquisite street food prepared by generations of local families.
Hanoi souvenirs, hanging crafts.
Luxury experiences in Hanoi might include:
- A private after-hours tour of the Temple of Literature
- Exclusive cooking classes with renowned local chefs
- Bespoke shopping experiences with access to high-end boutiques and artisan workshops
Accommodations in Hanoi have reached new heights of luxury, with historic properties like the Sofitel Legend Metropole offering an elegant blend of colonial charm and modern amenities.
Ha Long Bay: Cruising in Style
No luxury tour of Vietnam would be complete without experiencing the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay. Rather than joining a group tour, your personalised journey might include a private luxury cruise aboard a traditional junk boat, reimagined with spacious suites and gourmet dining.
Many of the islands contain caves and grottoes, some of which are accessible to tourists.
As you sail among the thousands of limestone karsts rising dramatically from the emerald waters of the South China Sea, you’ll enjoy exclusive experiences such as:
- Private dining on secluded beaches
- Sunrise tai chi on your own deck
- Kayaking to hidden lagoons inaccessible to larger groups
- Spa treatments with panoramic bay views
For the ultimate luxury experience, consider extending your cruise to include the less-visited Bai Tu Long Bay or Cat Ba Island, where pristine beaches and lush landscapes await.
Mai Chau and the Northern Highlands
Venturing into Vietnam’s northern highlands reveals a world of terraced rice fields, ethnic minority villages, and spectacular mountain scenery. A luxury tour allows you to explore these remote regions while enjoying comfortable accommodations and expert cultural interpretation.
It’s home to several ethnic minority groups, primarily the White Thai people.
In Mai Chau, exclusive experiences might include:
- Helicopter transfers offering breathtaking aerial views
- Private homestays in traditional stilt houses, enhanced with luxury amenities
- Guided treks with local experts through lush jungles and hidden valleys
- Exclusive cultural performances by local ethnic groups
Hoi An: Ancient Charm and Modern Luxury
The UNESCO-protected town of Hoi An offers a perfect blend of historical immersion and luxury indulgence. Your own private guide will reveal the fascinating stories behind this former trading port as you wander its lantern-lit streets.
The ancient town is largely pedestrian-friendly, making it a pleasant place to explore on foot.
Luxury experiences in Hoi An might include:
- Private fittings with the town’s most skilled tailors
- Exclusive cooking classes focusing on Central Vietnamese cuisine
- Sunset cruises along the Thu Bon River with champagne and canapés
- Private access to historical sites before they open to the general public
The surrounding area offers luxury beach resorts where you can relax between cultural explorations.
Ho Chi Minh City: Contemporary Luxury
Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City pulses with energy and ambition. Your luxury tour will provide a perfect balance of historical insights and contemporary experiences in Vietnam’s commercial capital.
Ho Chi Minh City is famous for its delicious and diverse street food.
Exclusive experiences might include:
- After-hours tours of the War Remnants Museum
- Helicopter tours offer a unique perspective of the city
- Private dining experiences in colonial-era mansions
- Expert-guided explorations of the city’s emerging art scene
Luxury accommodations range from historic properties like the Hotel Continental to sleek skyscraper hotels with infinity pools overlooking the bustling city.
Mekong Delta: Tranquil Waterways
The Mekong Delta offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s agricultural heartland, where life revolves around the mighty river. Rather than a standard day trip, a luxury tour might include a multi-day Mekong cruise on a private vessel, allowing you to explore remote villages and floating markets at your own pace.
The region is known for its numerous fruit orchards, producing a variety of tropical fruits.
Exclusive experiences in the Mekong Delta might include:
- Private cooking classes featuring delta specialities
- Exclusive visits to fruit orchards and cottage industries
- Luxury sampan cruises through narrow canals
- Champagne sundowners amidst rice fields
Phu Quoc Island: Exclusive Beach Retreats
Complete your luxury Vietnam tour with a stay on Phu Quoc Island, where pristine beaches and luxury resorts provide the perfect finale to your journey. Your personalised itinerary might include:
- Private villa accommodations with plunge pools
- Exclusive island-hopping expeditions
- Gourmet dining experiences featuring freshly caught seafood
- Bespoke spa treatments incorporating local ingredients
Sunset pier in Ham Ninh, Phu Quoc.
The Luxury Difference: What to Expect
Personalised Itineraries
The hallmark of a luxury Vietnam tour is customisation. Travel specialists work with you to create an itinerary that perfectly matches your interests, pace, and preferred style of travel. Whether you’re passionate about photography, cuisine, history, or adventure, your journey will be tailored accordingly.
Expert Guides and Local Knowledge
Luxury tours provide access to Vietnam’s most knowledgeable guides—historians, chefs, artists, and cultural experts who offer insights unavailable to the average traveller. Many speak multiple languages and can adjust their commentary to match your specific interests.
Seamless Logistics
From the moment you arrive in Vietnam until your departure, every detail is managed flawlessly. Private transfers, VIP airport assistance, and carefully planned connections ensure that you focus on experiences rather than logistics.
Exclusive Access
Perhaps the greatest advantage of a luxury tour is the access it provides to experiences unavailable to most visitors—private museum viewings, meetings with local dignitaries, entry to historic homes, and participation in cultural ceremonies normally closed to outsiders.
Exceptional Accommodations
Vietnam now boasts some of Asia’s most remarkable luxury properties, from restored colonial mansions to sophisticated beach resorts. Your luxury tour will include carefully selected accommodations that enhance your understanding of each destination.
Sustainable Luxury
The best luxury tour operators in Vietnam are deeply committed to sustainability, ensuring that your high-end experience contributes positively to local communities and environments. This might include:
- Supporting conservation initiatives in places like Cat Ba Island
- Partnering with social enterprises that provide training to disadvantaged youth
- Incorporating visits to community projects within your itinerary
- Using suppliers with strong environmental practices
Planning Your Luxury Vietnam Journey
When selecting a luxury tour provider for Vietnam, look for companies with:
- Deep local knowledge and connections
- A track record of creating truly personalised experiences
- Transparent pricing and value
- Commitment to responsible travel practices
- Attention to detail and responsiveness
The most exclusive luxury tours of Vietnam are typically arranged by destination experts who specialise in Southeast Asia and maintain offices within the country. These experts ensure up-to-date local knowledge and immediate support if needed.
Design your perfect Vietnam trip today!
Work with your expert local travel designer to customise your itinerary so it is exactly what you want from a Vietnam trip. Get exclusive experiences, top-rated restaurants, and hotels that fit your interests.
Specific Luxury Vietnam Tours
1. “Heritage & Serenity: Northern Vietnam Exploration” (10 days)
- Days 1-3: Hanoi – Stay at the Sofitel Legend Metropole with private tours of the Old Quarter, Temple of Literature, and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Enjoy an exclusive water puppet performance and dining experience at Cha Ca La Vong.
- Days 4-5: Ha Long Bay – Board the Heritage Line Ylang luxury cruise for a 2-night journey through less-visited areas with private kayaking excursions and cave explorations.
- Days 6-7: Ninh Binh – Transfer to Tam Coc Garden Resort for sampan cruises through the “Inland Ha Long Bay” and cycling tours through rice paddies.
- Days 8-10: Mai Chau – Helicopter transfer to Mai Chau Hideaway with guided hikes to hill tribe villages and private traditional dance performances.
Ninh Binh retains much of its rural charm and traditional way of life.
Extended Option: Add three days exploring the remote Ha Giang region, known for its dramatic mountain passes and ethnic diversity. Stay at Auberge de Meo Vac with private treks to local markets and exclusive home visits with Hmong families.
2. “Cultural Immersion: Central Vietnam Journey” (8 days)
- Days 1-3: Hue – Stay at Azerai La Residence with private tours of the Imperial Citadel, a Perfume River cruise, and an exclusive cooking class in a former royal residence.
- Days 4-6: Hoi An – Transfer to Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai. Enjoy private lantern-making workshops, custom tailoring experiences, and guided photography tours of the Ancient Town.
- Days 7-8: My Son & Danang – Private sunrise tour of My Son Sanctuary, followed by a beachfront villa stay at InterContinental Danang with spa treatments and private dining on the beach.
Da Nang has seen rapid development in recent years, becoming a modern and vibrant city.
Extended Option: Continue to Bach Ma National Park for two nights at Laguna Lang Co resort with naturalist-guided treks through primary rainforest and private waterfall picnics.
3. “Mekong & Islands: Southern Vietnam Discovery” (12 days)
- Days 1-3: Ho Chi Minh City – Stay at Park Hyatt Saigon with after-hours tours of the War Remnants Museum, a vintage Vespa street food tour, and a custom shopping excursion.
- Days 4-6: Mekong Delta – Board the Aqua Mekong luxury cruise vessel for an in-depth exploration of Cai Be, Sa Dec, and Chau Doc with private shore excursions.
- Days 7-9: Con Dao Islands – Fly to Six Senses Con Dao for marine conservation experiences, private island tours, and beach relaxation.
- Days 10-12: Phu Quoc – Helicopter transfer to JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay for spa treatments, private sunset cruises, and exclusive dining experiences.
Grand World is a major tourist attraction in Phu Quoc, offering shopping, dining, and entertainment options
Extended Option: Add a 3-day extension to Cambodia’s Kep and Kampot region with luxury villa accommodations, pepper plantation tours, and private crab feasts on the beach.
4. “Vietnam Grand Tour: North to South” (15 days)
- Days 1-3: Hanoi & Halong Bay – Sofitel Metropole stay with the private culinary tour, followed by an overnight Paradise Peak cruise.
- Days 4-5: Sapa – Overnight Victoria Express Train to Sapa, staying at Hotel de la Coupole with private guide to hill tribe villages.
- Days 6-8: Hue & Hoi An – Fly to Hue for Imperial tours, then transfer to Hoi An for Ancient Town exploration and beach time at Four Seasons.
- Days 9-10: Nha Trang – Fly to Nha Trang for Amanoi resort stay with private boat excursions and spa treatments.
- Days 11-13: Ho Chi Minh City – City exploration with a private War History expert and exclusive dining.
- Days 14-15: Mekong Delta – Private sampan cruise with overnight at luxury Mekong lodge.
Fansipan, the highest mountain in Vietnam, is located near Sapa.
Extended Option: Complete your Indochina experience with a 5-day extension to Cambodia’s Siem Reap for private Angkor Wat exploration and Phnom Penh’s historical sites with accommodations at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor and Rosewood Phnom Penh.
5. “Wellness & Rejuvenation: Vietnam Retreat” (11 days)
- Days 1-3: Hanoi – Meditation sessions at West Lake, traditional medicine consultations, and tai chi in parks.
- Days 4-6: Yen Tu Mountain – Legacy Yen Tu resort stay with guided meditation at ancient pagodas and forest bathing experiences.
- Days 7-9: Hoi An – Transfer to Anantara Hoi An for yoga retreats, organic cooking classes, and spa treatments.
- Days 10-11: Phu Quoc – Fusion Resort with unlimited spa services and private wellness consultations.
Majestic beauty of sacred Yen Tu Mountain.
Extended Option: Complete your wellness journey with 4 days at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, focusing on sleep enhancement programs, detox regimens, and marine-based treatments.
6. “Photography Expedition: Vietnam’s Most Picturesque Locations” (14 days)
- Designed for photography enthusiasts with pre-dawn access to key sites.
- Professional photography guide throughout.
- Locations include Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Ha Long Bay Sunrise, Sapa terraced fields, Hoi An Lantern Festival, and Mekong Delta floating markets.
- Luxury accommodations were selected for optimal shooting locations.
The lake is considered the heart of Hanoi and a central gathering point for locals and tourists.
Extended Option: Add a 4-day helicopter photography tour of Central Highlands coffee plantations and minority villages with luxury tented accommodations.
7. “Culinary Journey: Vietnam’s Gastronomic Heritage” (10 days)
- Private cooking classes in each region
- Exclusive market tours with renowned chefs
- Street food explorations with culinary historians
- Wine pairing dinners featuring Vietnamese fusion cuisine
- Behind-the-scenes access to the country’s finest restaurants
- Accommodations at Metropole Hanoi, Anantara Hoi An, and Park Hyatt Saigon
Vietnamese cuisine is known for its balance of sweet, sour, salty, and bitter flavors.
Extended Option: Extend with 3 days in Phu Quoc, focusing on seafood traditions, including private fishing expeditions, beach barbecues, and pepper farm visits.
8. “Family Adventure: Multi-Generational Vietnam” (12 days)
- Child-friendly cultural activities and specialized family guides
- Private sampan building workshop in Hoi An
- Jungle Adventure in Cat Tien National Park
- Water puppet-making class in Hanoi
- Family cooking competitions and market scavenger hunts
- Accommodations in connecting rooms or family villas at luxury properties
Cat Tien National Park is a biodiversity hotspot, home to rare primates, birds, and rich tropical flora.
Extended Option: Add 4 days at Ninh Binh’s newly opened Zannier Hotel with private cycling adventures, kayaking expeditions, and rice farming experiences suitable for all generations.
9. “Art & Architecture: Vietnam’s Creative Heritage” (13 days)
- Private tours of colonial architecture in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
- Exclusive meetings with contemporary Vietnamese artists in their studios
- Behind-the-scenes access to restoration projects at historical sites
- Private workshops with master artisans in ceramics, lacquerware, and silk painting
- Curated shopping experiences focused on high-end Vietnamese design
- Accommodations in heritage properties and designed hotels
The Perfume River flows through Hue, adding to its scenic beauty and cultural importance.
Extended Option: Add a 3-day exploration of Hue’s imperial architecture with exclusive access to restoration projects and private dinners in historical buildings not open to the public.
10. “Vietnam for Connoisseurs: Hidden Gems & Exclusive Access” (15 days)
- Designed for repeat visitors seeking deeper experiences
- Access to private homes, invitation-only events, and collector-level shopping
- Focus on emerging destinations like Quy Nhon, Dalat, and Pu Luong Nature Reserve
- Helicopter transfers to remote locations
- Exclusive cultural performances and ceremonies
- Ultra-luxury accommodations, including Zannier Hotels, Aman properties, and private villas
Da Lat is surrounded by waterfalls, including Datanla Falls, Pongour Falls, and Elephant Falls.
Extended Option: Extend with a 5-day journey through Laos’s Luang Prabang and the emerging luxury destination of Champasak with private temple blessings and Mekong cruising.
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Vietnam offers the luxury traveller something increasingly rare in our globalised world—authentic experiences that connect you with a destination’s true essence while enjoying comfort, security, and exceptional service. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the tranquil waters of Ha Long Bay, from historic Hoi An to the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City, a luxury tour of Vietnam promises memories that will endure long after you return home.
The mark of a truly successful luxury journey is not just the thread count of your sheets or the vintage of your champagne but the depth of your connection to a place and its people. By this measure, a well-crafted luxury tour of Vietnam ranks among the world’s most rewarding travel experiences—a perfect blend of cultural immersion and refined indulgence in one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating destinations.
