You don’t need to see Vietnam on a shoestring to appreciate the country – these luxury tours are a great way to have authentic experiences without compromising on comfort.
(Photo: Trafalgar.com)
From buzzing, awe-inspiring cities where thousands of mopeds flow like water through the jam-packed streets, to the lush rice terraces of Sapa, dense jungles full of rare species, and long sandy beaches as far as the eye can see, Vietnam is a dream destination for anyone. But whereas the long, slim Southeast Asian country became popular with cash-strapped travellers in the nineties looking for adventure, it is now a country also filled with world-class resorts, golf courses and Michelin-starred restaurants. If you are looking to explore Vietnam with a bit more luxury than a dented bus and a backpack there are plenty of upmarket options that don’t miss out on the authenticity of the country – here are five of the best.
12 Day Vietnam Tour of Hanoi, Hoi An, Hue & Ho Chi Minh City
This comprehensive trip begins in Hanoi and travels the length of Vietnam to finish in Ho Chi Minh City. As you would imagine, there is an opportunity to see many sides of the country, from the head-spinning big cities to local life in the ancient town of Hoi An, with its narrow lanes and beautiful temples. After arriving in Ho Chi Minh City there is also a chance to explore the Mekong Delta, taking a traditional boat down the waterways, as well as the Cu Chi tunnels. To ensure everything goes smoothly you get an expert travel director and professional driver as well as meals (breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals) included. From €3,595.
Book at Trafalgar.com
Spirit of Vietnam
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This is another excellent tour that aims to take in as much of Vietnam as possible over 12 days. There are some engaging, special moments included (as well as seeing the main sights such as Hanoi and Hoi An) such as meeting a Viet Cong veteran who will share the experiences of life in the Cu Chi tunnels. There is also a wonderful opportunity to sail through the mesmerizing waters of Halong Bay on a traditional overnight junk cruise too. This tour starts in Ho Chi Minh and travels north, ending in Hanoi. A great bonus of this tour is it is a small group with 18 guests on average, allowing you to personalise your day and see what you want to see. From €5,895.
Book at Luxurygold.com
Premium Vietnam in Depth
This 15-day small group tour travels from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi by private minibus, featuring good quality hotels and meals (14 breakfasts, six lunches, three dinners). Highlights of the trip include a private boat cruise down the Mekong delta, stopping off at some coconut gardens to visit a local home to try tropical fruits and coconut jams and also a tuk-tuk tour around local villages for a glimpse at rural life. There is also an exclusive experience of regional food with an expert chef in Hue, plus a cooking class showing you how to cook delicious Vietnamese dishes thrown in too. It’s well organised and professional, leaving you to just enjoy the ride and soak up the culture. From €2,907.
Book at Bookmundi.com
Treasures of Vietnam
If time is a little tight, this eight-day luxury trip still manages to take in most of the highlights of Vietnam – Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi – just on a faster schedule. There are some really great moments on the itinerary too, including spending the night on a boat in Halong Bay and indulging in a feast of fresh seafood. In Hoi An you’ll have time to relax in a peaceful off-the-beaten track setting and have a private chef create a spread from what grows right there in his garden. Hotels and the boat accommodation are naturally included as well as seven breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners. Considering what’s included it’s good value too. From €1,238.
Book at Bookmundi.com
18 Day Vietnam and Cambodia Tour from Hanoi to Phnom Penh
This epic voyage begins in Hanoi and travels through Hoi An and on to Ho Chi Minh City, before heading on to neighbouring Cambodia. This is an 18-day trip and feels like a real adventure, taking in the Mekong Delta before heading to Angkor Wat in Cambodia, a 12th century temple complex considered to be the world’s largest religious structure, covering some 400 acres. All the hotels along the way are cherry-picked for their quality and most meals are included. The trip ends in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Pehn. From €5,467.
Book at Trafalgar.com