Luxury Tour of Vietnam
Trip highlights
- Learn about the wonders of Vietnamese cuisine with a chef in Hanoi
- Visit a floating village in Lan Ha Bay
- Spend time exploring Ho Chi Minh's Chinatown area
- Take an interesting walking tour through the historic streets of Hoi An
- Watch traditional artisans at work, weaving, carving and working with ceramics
- Explore the beautiful waterways around Can Tho
Bespoke trips with Jacada
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
- Days 1–3 Hanoi
- Days 3–5 Halong Bay
- Days 5–7 The Northern Highlands
- Days 7–10 Hoi An
- Days 10–12 Hue
- Days 12–14 Ho Chi Minh
- Days 14–15 Can Tho
- Days 1–3 Hanoi
- Days 3–5 Halong Bay
- Days 5–7 The Northern Highlands
- Days 7–10 Hoi An
- Days 10–12 Hue
- Days 12–14 Ho Chi Minh
- Days 14–15 Can Tho
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Colourful Hanoi
Hanoi is a bustling and fascinating place – a whirlwind of colours, smells and sounds and a wonderful place to get a real flavour of life in Vietnam. It is unmissable in terms of its pretty pagodas, ancient temples, enchanting French colonial quarter and cultural institutions. Just as fun, however, is darting down its winding lanes and discovering your own favourite hidden corners. The hustle and bustle of Hanoi is contagious and it is also one of the best places to sample the mouthwatering array of street food that Vietnam is famous for.
Where you could stay
Hanoi
Highlights
- Spa
- Wellness area with sauna, steam room and gym
- Indoor swimming pool
- Three restaurants
- Hotel Bar
Overview
Nestled on a peaceful boulevard along Hoàn Kiếm Lake, Capella Hanoi is an ode to the opera artists, designers and composers. Uncover unexpected moments of delightful retrospection in this palace of artistry highlighted by resplendent suites, enthralling dining experiences and the award-winning Auriga Spa.
This ultra-luxury masterpiece is designed by celebrated architect Bill Bensley, with hopes to revive the spirit of the Roaring Twenties in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Under Bill Bensley’s meticulous eye, the property was infused with early 20th-century details, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the spirit of the decade as part of a transformative travel experience.
As for the hotel itself, it houses 47 rooms and suites, each of which are individually styled with operatic memorabilia that pay tribute to Opera’s legendary artists, composers, designers and performances.
Discover a symphony of flavours at their dining venues – inspired by quintessential Northern Vietnamese dishes, Backstage elevates the region’s authentic flavours to new heights with modern touches, with lavish Hanoi luxury dining settings offering you the perfect restaurant near Hoan Kiem to wine and dine in. While at the heart of the hotel is their Diva’s Lounge, serving bohemian cocktails and ambrosial sweets in celebration of famous female artists who dared revolutionise their craft.
After a hard day’s exploring, sign yourself up at Auriga Spa – this wellness destination adopts a unique philosophy that taps on the celestial rhythms of the moon and fuses it with ancient Vietnamese traditions and nature’s finest ingredients. In the surroundings, guests can find a plethora of eclectic restaurants, bars, shops and markets.
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Like a local
Savour the flavour
Explore the city like a local
Your local tour of Hanoi begins at the ‘standing newspaper’ where you’ll hear about a time when newspapers were considered a luxury in Hanoi. After a stop at a local coffee shop you’ll head to Gioi Market where thousands of trade goods are sold. Drive to a local rail station and catch a train back to the city centre, crossing the first French bridge built on the Red River, and then enjoy lunch at a vintage Vietnamese restaurant decked out in 1970s decor.
Market visit and cooking class
Spend an evening at the home of a local chef who will guide you through the wonders of Vietnamese cuisine. You’ll start with a stroll through a nearby culinary market, exploring a variety of diverse products and learning about their traditional use in Vietnamese cooking. Back at the chef’s house, you’ll get to see the three-generation family whip up a delicious meal for you all to enjoy together.
Wonders of Halong Bay
Over 2,000 limestone islets and plinths rise out from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin to make up the exquisite Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over time, wind and waves have eroded the islands creating caves, grottos and the occasional sandy cove which can be seen from the deck of a junk. You can also enjoy swimming, kayaking and excursions to floating villages that call this slice of heaven home. For the next few days you’ll explore the waters of Lan Ha Bay and its main island of Cat Ba, with a tender available for short excursions.
Where you could stay
Halong Bay
Highlights
- Floor-to-ceiling doors and private balconies in the 10 suites
- Indulgent treatments at the on-board spa
- Relax with a book in the beautiful library salon
- Dining centred around indulgence and wellness
Overview
This luxury vessel is a mix of Asian-Vietnamese design, further influenced by French-colonial touches. Ten suites are situated across two decks, with décor inspired by the different blossom seasons. Floor-to-ceiling doors lead to private balconies, allowing light to fill the interiors.
Guests can indulge in pampering and treatments at the vast spa, which encompasses a sauna and partake in mediation sessions on the upper deck. The beautiful library salon is ideal for relaxing with a book, and the restaurant and bar serve Vietnamese cuisine in a charming space of wood-paneled walls and rattan furniture. An outdoor pool and terrace can also be found on the deck.
When it comes to dining, the menus focus on wellness and feature excellent ingredients and sumptuous spreads. There’s plenty of space on board for private dining with a view.
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Village life
Healing cuppa
All afloat
All afloat
Viet Hai village visit
As you reach the shore of a small lagoon on Cat Ba Island, hop on bicycles and go pedalling along small paved roads towards the Viet Hai village. Little has changed in Viet Hai since the ancestors of the 80 households settled here centuries ago. Situated in a valley within the Cat Ba National Park and surrounded on all sides by thick forest and mountains, the locals are isolated from the island’s other villages and towns. The self-sufficient community provides for itself by cultivating vegetables and fruits, growing rice in the valley and fishing. See how the villagers make medicine from tree bark and try various homemade liquors.
Evening on board
Set sail for an exclusive parking spot in the midst of southern Lan Ha Bay for an overnight mooring. Join a tea tasting lesson to learn about Vietnam’s traditional herbal teas and gain insight into their health benefits. Enjoy a spa treatment or sauna session. After dinner there will be a guided singing bowl meditation in the wellness studio. This is an ancient Tibetan ritual which intends to invoke a deep state of relaxation – it alleviates stress and promotes a better night of sleep.
Floating village and Cat Ba National Park
Sail towards the very southern tip of Cat Ba Island. Here, you’ll take the tender and visit a floating fishing village, not far from the town of Ben Beo on the main island. This fishing village is home to about 300 families making their living from fishing and aquaculture, much like their ancestors did. Get a close view of how the villagers live and work on the water. Continue towards Ben Beo Pier, go ashore and into the Cat Ba National Park. Enjoy a mindful walk through this lush, jungle-like forest. The biosphere reserve has over 1,500 plant species, 78 avian, 20 reptilian and 32 mammalian species including deer, macaques and civets.
Adventure in Mai Chau
After disembarking from Heritage Line – Ylang you’ll drive six hours to Mai Chau in the Northern Highlands. Rarely visited and sometimes not even accessible, Vietnam‘s cool Northern Highlands is a rural medley of diverse hill tribes, deep valleys and soaring mountains. Bordering China to the north and Laos to the west, with tribes descending from Tibet and Myanmar, this region is home to a myriad of unique languages, ancient traditions and colourful dress which promise an entirely authentic experience. Alongside these alluring cultures is a spectacularly beautiful landscape where adventures through untouched rivers, waterfalls, mountains and caves and an altogether different look of Vietnam await.
Where you could stay
The Northern Highlands
Highlights
- Choose from a collection of 36 bungalows, suites and private pool villas
- Indulge in a variety of holistic treatments at the spa
- Set out on exciting adventures to discover the region of Mai Chau
- Savour gourmet meals crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients at the hotel's two restaurants
- Experience dining by a waterfall
- Enjoy a gorgeous three-layer infinity pool with incredible views of the valley
Overview
Avana Retreat is located deep in a tropical rainforest, steeped in indigenous heritage and fascinating culture. The design, construction, decor and location of this retreat create an inseparable connection between nature and people.
There are 36 timeless mountain bungalows, some with private pools and all with lush views and surrounded by green gardens. Each bungalow has been meticulously designed to ensure privacy and comfort. Traditional design has been used throughout using rattan ceilings, earth walls and thatched roofs. The tranquil orchid spa features eight different treatment rooms, offering guests a complete selection of body treatments and facials targeted to individual needs.
There are two restaurants at Avana Retreat. Green Chilli restaurant is a large area with open walls and ratan ceilings. Spacious dining tables and chairs offer a sense of tranquillity while dining with the sounds of nature all around. Hearty breakfasts of freshly made breads, pastries, jams and in-season local fruits are available followed by lunch and dinner options, all created using the very best ingredients. Local flavours, spices and dishes are served with a modern twist and some international flair.
The Cloud Pool bar is located next to the stunning three-level infinity pool and serves delectable lunches and small plates to satisfy afternoon cravings. At sunset, enjoy magical views from the outdoor terrace as you sip inspired cocktail concoctions.
→ Find out moreThe impact of your stay:
- Avana Retreat spans 10 hectares of reforested land and features sustainable local building methods, including earth walls, woven rattan ceilings and palm leaf roofs, minimising its environmental impact. These ancient techniques were taught to Avana by craftsmen from three minority groups in Mai Chau.
- 90% of Avana’s employees are from ethnic groups who previously relied on rice farming for income. Your stay supports hospitality training programmes that help them succeed.
- As a guest, you help to contribute to Avana’s ambitious reforestation programme, with over 10,000 trees planted. This initiative has significantly boosted local biodiversity, increasing the presence of hummingbirds, squirrels and reptiles.
A day on the water
Head out to the water and soak into the scenic mountain vistas in a top-notch kayak. Departing from a quiet, small local wharf, row your boat into the heart of Ba Khan Lake. Like a clear mirror in the midst of nature, the surreal scenery here is almost too beautiful to be true. Allow yourself to relax, let your senses take over, and feel the essence of nature in every heartbeat. The feeling of freedom is a worthy reward after 120 minutes of rowing.
Beguiling Hoi An
Fly from Hanoi airport to Da Nang. With its pretty architecture and beguiling riverside setting packed into its neat size, Hoi An is small enough to stroll around and soak up its rich wealth of heritage. Once an important port and trading town, Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s greatest cultural relics and a melting pot of Chinese, Japanese and French influences. Visit the atmospheric Old Town to see the Japanese Merchant Houses, the famed Japanese bridge, the Chinese temples, old tea warehouses, temples and traditional pagodas. Motorised traffic is banned from the town centre which has cemented Hoi An’s status as one of Vietnam’s most prized and pleasant towns. It’s especially romantic in the evening when lanterns light up the paved streets.
Where you could stay
Hoi An
Highlights
- A delicious blend of Eastern and Western cuisine
- Inviting private villas with beautiful views
- A spa with eight herbal steam rooms and two traditional apothecaries
Overview
Nestled on the Cồn Ba Xã Islet in Hoi An, Namia River Retreat is thoughtfully crafted with private pool villas, locally inspired dining experiences and stunning pools with Thu Bon River views. Stay in one of the Nipa villas with its Nipa palm views and sunken bath tub, or perhaps the honeymoon villa and its private spa and sauna is what calls to you. A warm and elegant, natural colour palette creates welcoming spaces designed for relaxation and rejuvenation, with plenty of natural lights and beautiful decor touches.
For dining, enjoy Vietnamese and international cuisine at the Mia Merchant restaurant or indulge in seafood dishes at the Nam Eatery. The chef’s teams offer a combination of traditional food and fragrant spices from the merchants of East and West, using carefully-sourced local ingredients.
Rejuvenate yourself during your stay with a visit to the Lumina spa, which features eight herbal steam rooms and two traditional apothecaries.
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Make it mine
Explore on foot
Garden goodness
Walking tour and boat trip
Between the 15th and 19th centuries, Hoi An was a prosperous trading port. Today, this World Heritage town is recognised for its well-preserved architecture, pedestrian-only streets and distinctive local cuisine, allowing visitors a glimpse of its illustrious past. On a walking tour you’ll see old merchant houses, the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation with its intricate woodcarvings; and the colourful market with stalls brimming with local specialties. Enjoy an hour-long boat trip on the Thu Bon River for up close views of fishing boats and country villages.
Medicine and culinary experience
Take a leisurely 5km cycling journey through the charming village landscapes. Enjoy stunning views of the peaceful countryside, including green water coconut forests, prawn and red snapper farms, and rustic rice fields. Immerse yourself in the essence of sustainable Vietnamese farming. Here, you’ll discover how villagers have long used medicinal plants for health and healing, long before the advent of modern pharmacies. Explore the less-travelled rural areas around Hoi An, and dive into a local medicinal garden, learning about the diverse array of plants and their traditional uses in medicine and wellness. Participate in the hands-on harvesting and preparation of these plants, and savour a meal that emphasizes the importance of sustainable eating and the integral role these plants play in the local diet.
Charming Hue
Start the day with a drive from Hoi An to Hue via the Hai Van pass. Hue sits on the banks of the Perfume River and is another of Vietnam’s safeguarded heritage sites under UNESCO and an interesting blend of old and new. This was the Imperial City created under the Nguyen Dynasty, and the old citadel, royal tombs, working temples and exquisite pagodas sit right alongside a contrasting present of sleek hotels and modern houses.
Where you could stay
Hue
Overview
It seems only fitting to see the ‘Imperial City’ from the regal splendor of Azerai La Residence Hue; once the French Colonial Governor’s residence, this 122-room boutique hotel has been immaculately restored to its former glory.
Sitting on the banks of the city’s central landmark, the Perfume River, the imperial architecture of the 1930s nods to the history’s past, and many of the rooms have views across to the UNESCO-protected former Imperial Citadel, once home to Vietnam’s most powerful Emperors.
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Fine art
Crafty discovery
Learn about Vietnamese phap lam
Enamel (phap lam) plays a huge part in Vietnamese history, particularly in Hue where enamelware was used for imperial structures and royal families during the Nguyen Dynasty. After nearly 200 years, Hue people are starting to revive this traditional fine art. Meet with the artisan Triet Do, an expert at Enamel Hue and learn about his endeavor to restore this way of art by combining industries of many sectors of handicrafts. Create your own stunning Phap Lam product or buy one.
Weavers and ceramicists
Embark on an enriching 10km journey, beginning with a leisurely bike ride along serene roads, winding through picturesque rice paddies and charming villages. Immerse yourself in the traditions of a weaving village, where locals skillfully weave sedge plants into mats, handbags and hats. Next, visit My Xuyen village, renowned for its centuries-old wood carving artistry. Artisans from this village were instrumental in constructing the Hue Royal Court during the Nguyen dynasty. Try your hand at carpentry, before heading to Phuoc Tich ancient village, dating back to 1470, and the private museum of Le Trong Dien, showcasing a remarkable collection of ancient pottery.
Elegant Ho Chi Minh
Today you will be driven to the airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh. A booming economy has given the city (often still referred to as Saigon) a new energy and lease of life. Socially the city is flourishing with a sophisticated café culture, an exciting dining scene and burgeoning interest in eclectic art. Ho Chi Minh also has the largest remaining assortment of French architecture, most famously the Notre Dame cathedral, which lends the city’s sprawl a unique elegance. Wide boulevards turn to narrow streets and timeless alleys are a delight to explore along with its ancient pagodas and thriving street markets.
Where you could stay
Ho Chi Minh
Overview
With its French, colonial style and wonderful location overlooking the Saigon Opera House, the Park Hyatt is one of the city’s most iconic and elegant hotels.
Its 245 rooms and suites are sophisticated in design with plenty of handcrafted details such as custom designed rugs, fine linens and huge windows with white wooden shutters that fill the space with natural light. Many rooms come with private terraces that look out over the lush gardens and outdoor pool and they all feature mini iPads and Nespresso coffee machines for added comfort.
Square One offers authentic Vietnamese cuisine which you can see being cooking in the integrated show kitchens. On balmy evenings, guests can
choose to dine on the terrace surrounded by twinkling lights. Opera is a more casual trattoria-style restaurant serving a range of mouthwatering pasta dishes and pizza fresh from the wood-fired oven. There is a also a pastry boutique offering delicious home-made delicacies and a bar and lounge serving some of the best cocktails in Ho Chi Minh.
With some of the city’s landmark sights such as the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica and the Reunification Palace just a short stroll away, you’re ideally situated to explore this buzzing capital. Alternatively, relaxing and unwinding has never been easier with a fantastic pool and tranquil spa offering treatments inspired by the herbs, grains and fruits of the Mekong Delta.
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After dark
Chinese flair
Sunset cruising
Sunset cruising
Flavours of Ho Chi Minh via Vespa
The darker the night gets, the more vivid Ho Chi Minh becomes. Get ready for a fascinating ride by vintage Vespa to discover the busy city after dark, together with tasting street food in local restaurants. Stop at a small Vietnamese bread stall, before heading to a local coffee shop. Keep on riding to a hidden boutique seafood restaurant, then continue to an old apartment complex which becomes extremely lively at night with hundreds of food and drinks stalls. End the night at a cozy bar room tucked away in a quiet alley to taste some local beer.
Discover Ho Chi Minh's Chinatown district
Visit Cholon, the vibrant Chinatown district of the city. Your first destination is one of the largest fabric markets, renowned as a vital hub for fabric distribution. Continue your exploration with a visit to a Chinese-style church, an architectural gem dating back to 1900. Next, embark on a traditional rickshaw ride through the enchanting streets adorned with Old Chinese architecture and historic buildings dating from the 19th to the 20th century. Traverse the aromatic herbal street, where you’ll gain insights into a plethora of herbs. Pause at Nghia An Temple, a place of reverence dedicated to Chinese General Quan Cong, celebrated for its exquisite gilded woodwork.
Serene sunset cruise
Experience the magic of Ho Chi Minh at dusk with a sunset tour aboard a wooden boat. Glide along the Saigon River, where the city’s skyline transforms into a breathtaking canvas of shimmering lights. This serene journey offers more than just stunning views; it’s an opportunity to delve into the city’s urban planning and architectural evolution. As the boat gently cruises, your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating insights about the city’s urban development, from its historical roots to modern-day innovations. Marvel at iconic landmarks such as Saigon Harbour, Vinhomes Central Park, and upscale riverside villas, all illuminated by the setting sun.
Buzzing Can Tho
The buzzing cultural and commercial centre of the Mekong Delta, Can Tho sits on the southern bank of the Hua River, one of the Mekong’s main distributaries as it flows out past endless paddy fields into the South China Sea. At the heart of an incredibly fertile region known as the ‘rice basket of Vietnam’, Can Tho is famous for its floating markets where people trade all sorts of fresh produce from traditional sampan boats. A seemingly unchanged aspect of rural life down here, they are a fascinating contrast to the modern development of the city encapsulated by the vast Can Tho cable stay bridge which spans the river.
Where you could stay
Can Tho
Highlights
- 60 rooms
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant, cafe and bar
- Pilates, yoga and meditation studios
- Spa
- Boat cruises and floating market tours
- Biking tours
- Museum and temple visits
Overview
The Azerai Can Tho sits on a on a verdant islet on the Hau River, a tributary to the Mekong, accessible only by boat but within easy reach of the city of Can Tho, the epicentre of the Mekong Delta region.
Contemporary, airy and stylish, 60 rooms look out over the river, lake or gardens, each with open plan bedrooms, large bathrooms and terraces. There are also five pool villas that offer seclusion within the lush greenery.
Two restaurants, including a café which is open all day, serve up fabulous Vietnamese dishes alongside Mediterranean, and Japanese options. There’s also a bar, swimming pool, tennis court and fitness studios. The Azerai spa is nestled beneath the shaded canopy of banyan trees alongside the islet’s canal.
Can Tho’s main attraction is the vibrant Cai Rang Floating Market which can be explored on boat trips from the island’s pier. You can also explore city’s temples, museums and restaurant on foot, head out into the rural areas outside of the city on bike tours, or take longer river cruises on sampan cruises.
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Towards Can Tho
On the water
Discover Ben Tre, gateway to the Mekong Delta
After leaving Ho Chi Minh you’ll drive for an hour and a half to Ben Tre, the gateway to the Mekong Delta. Spend some time exploring sprawling rice paddies and colourful fruit farms. Arrive at the quaint An Khanh hamlet, where you’ll visit a small home factory that makes the traditional dish of sticky rice covered by coconut leaves. Meet with the owner and her team who will teach you about how they use century-old methods to make this tasty cake. You will also meet a local family in Quoi Son village, where you can sample exotic fresh fruits in an orchard. Then take a peaceful thirty-minute boat trip, followed by a bicycle ride along narrow village lanes. Next, board a sampan and cruise along the narrow canals of the Mekong to a farmer’s house where a lunch of Mekong Delta specialties will be served.
Visit Cai Rang floating market
Take a motorboat trip to Cai Rang, the biggest floating market in Can Tho, which is considered a legacy of Mekong Delta. Although it is not as busy as it used to be in the past, at Cai Rang Floating market you can still witness boats laden with vibrant fruits and vegetables.
Went to Vietnam guides were awesome , very flexible and tailored the tour to our needs superbly. Hotels were something to behold. Couldn’t fault the experience and would recommend this tour to anyone.
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.