13 Days - Five Star Vietnam

Welcome to Vietnam. Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, you will be greeted by a local representative holding a welcome sign with your name at the end of the Skywalk. After completing visa formalities and collecting your luggage, meet your private guide at the arrivals hall. From here, you’ll be transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in the heart of the city. The journey into Hanoi’s Old Quarter takes approximately one hour, passing tree-lined boulevards, bustling neighbourhoods, and quiet lakeside roads.

Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital and one of the oldest cities in Southeast Asia. With a rich blend of French colonial architecture, ancient temples, and vibrant street life, it offers a compelling introduction to the country. It’s a place where tradition and modernity coexist: motorbikes weave between pedestrians, local vendors line the pavements, and ornate colonial buildings house designer boutiques and upscale cafés. The city’s serene lakes, historical landmarks, and distinct culinary culture make it an atmospheric base for the start of your journey.

Upon arrival at your hotel, check in and take time to settle in. You’ll be staying at the Capella Hanoi, one of the city’s finest properties, where each room is designed with theatrical flair and luxury finishes. Located just a short stroll from the Opera House and Hoan Kiem Lake, Capella combines historic charm with world-class service. The rest of your day is free at leisure. You may choose to unwind at the hotel spa, enjoy a drink at the stylish bar, or take a short walk to explore the nearby streets of the Old Quarter.

Today’s experience offers a deeper look into Hanoi’s daily rhythm, revealing both its rich history and contemporary spirit. Designed for those who enjoy connecting with local culture, this immersive city tour blends must-see sights with lesser-known stops, allowing you to experience the capital through the eyes of its residents.

Begin your morning at Hoan Kiem Lake, where Hanoi comes to life with tai chi, aerobics and other morning exercises. This peaceful lake is a gathering point for locals, especially at dawn, and it offers an ideal place to begin understanding the city’s daily rituals. Visit the Ngoc Son Temple, perched on a small island in the lake, then wander to a nearby streetside café to sample Vietnam’s distinctive coffee culture. Choose from a traditional iced coffee or the curious yet beloved egg coffee, and pair it with a freshly made bánh mì.

As you continue walking through the Old Quarter, you’ll pass narrow shopfronts, colonial buildings and buzzing alleys. Stops include the gothic-style St. Joseph’s Cathedral and the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, where stories from the colonial and war eras echo through preserved cells. Move on to Huu Tiep Lake to see the wreckage of an American B-52 bomber still lying in the water, a powerful symbol of the war’s legacy. Then explore the Temple of Literature, a peaceful site that once housed Vietnam’s first university. Lunch today will be at a favourite local eatery, where you’ll enjoy a dish Hanoi is famous for: bun cha, served with grilled pork, herbs and dipping sauce.

To wrap up your day, stroll along the city’s unique railway tracks, which pass just metres from homes and cafés. Here you’ll witness a slower pace of life as residents go about their routines in this unusual yet lively setting. End with a refreshing glass of bia hoi - fresh local beer - at a sidewalk spot popular with locals. This experience offers not just a tour of Hanoi, but a chance to feel its pulse.

Today offers a rich and personal look at Vietnam’s living heritage through two immersive experiences that blend art, tradition and cultural identity. Your day begins with a journey to Dong Ho Folk Village, located about 45 minutes from Hanoi. Nestled along the Duong River, this peaceful village has been home to generations of woodblock printing artists who have shaped one of Vietnam’s most distinctive art forms. Dong Ho folk paintings are celebrated for their bold lines, natural dyes and vivid depictions of everyday life, historical scenes and traditional values. At the heart of this village is the workshop of Mr Nguyen Huu Qua, a master artist whose family has preserved and practised this craft for generations.

Mr Qua welcomes you into his studio, where you will see how each artwork is created using handmade paper and natural pigments derived from local materials such as crushed seashells and tree bark. He shares stories of his grandfather and father, both renowned artists, and explains how the craft is being passed to his own sons. With warmth and quiet pride, he introduces you to rare pieces from his personal collection, including prints from the French colonial era and fragile engraved woodblocks that are no longer in use. This intimate visit offers a window into Vietnam’s cultural identity, preserved not in museums but through daily life and family tradition.

After returning to Hanoi, your cultural journey continues with a unique encounter with tea master Hoang Anh Suong, the sixth generation heir of the Truong Xuan tea lineage. In a calm and elegant setting, you are guided through the philosophy and practice of the Vietnamese tea ceremony. Mr Suong is more than a tea expert. He is a storyteller and passionate advocate for tea as a reflection of Vietnamese values. As he explains, tea is not just a beverage. It is a quiet act of hospitality and a bridge between people. You will be introduced to different tea varieties, including the prized Shan Tuyet tea from the northern highlands.

The session explores the cultural values embedded in Vietnamese tea rituals, from the choice of leaves to the slow and intentional preparation. Each movement invites stillness and thought, offering a deeper connection to the traditions of grace and mindfulness. For many, this experience is a moment of quiet revelation, and a chance to appreciate the enduring significance of ritual and respect in everyday life.

Today offers a luxurious and unforgettable way to explore one of Vietnam’s most iconic landscapes. Begin with a private seaplane flight from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay. After a one-hour drive from Hanoi’s Old Quarter to Noi Bai Airport, take off for a short but stunning flight over the Red River Delta. As the landscape unfolds beneath you, the scene shifts from rural farms and winding rivers to the emerald waters and limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay. A scenic loop above the bay gives you a bird’s-eye view of the towering islands, scattered like jewels across the water. The seaplane lands directly on the bay, adding a dramatic flourish to your arrival.

Your next experience begins as you step aboard a private yacht or speedboat, ready for a high-end cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ha Long Bay is famed for its thousands of limestone islets, sculpted by wind and sea over millions of years. Local legend tells of a dragon descending into the bay, its tail carving out the dramatic landscape as it thrashed through the water. Today, the bay is not only a place of natural beauty but of cultural and ecological significance, dotted with floating fishing villages, hidden caves, and tranquil coves.

Enjoy the serenity and exclusivity of having your own boat, complete with champagne, gourmet dining, and a dedicated crew to tailor the experience to your wishes. Cruise past dramatic rock formations, explore quiet inlets, or simply relax on deck with panoramic views. The atmosphere feels worlds away from the usual crowds, offering the rare chance to experience Ha Long Bay in style. It’s a cinematic journey that calls to mind the glamour of Monaco or the Côte d’Azur, except here the setting is uniquely Vietnamese.

Depending on your schedule and preference, return to Hanoi by road or take to the skies again for a final seaplane flight. The drive from Ha Long Bay port back to Hanoi typically takes about 2.5 hours. Either way, you’ll carry with you memories of a truly exceptional day.

Leave the bustle of Hanoi behind as you begin your journey west to Mai Chau, a peaceful valley framed by forested mountains and home to the Thai ethnic minority. The drive from Hanoi Old Town to Mai Chau takes approximately four hours by private car. Along the way, stop near Ba Khan Lake for a scenic kayaking experience on this quiet, lesser-known waterway surrounded by limestone cliffs and rolling green hills.

Set off from a small local wharf and paddle across the still waters, passing through some of northern Vietnam’s most peaceful scenery. With few visitors and no crowds, Ba Khan offers the rare chance to immerse yourself in nature without distraction. Pause midway to rest, take in the views, and let the landscape guide your pace. A simple home-cooked lunch in a nearby stilt house rounds off the experience, served with views across the lake and valley.

Arrive in Mai Chau by late afternoon and check in to Avana Retreat, your accommodation for the next two nights. Set on a hillside overlooking rice terraces and forests, Avana combines warm local hospitality with refined comfort. Handcrafted from natural materials and designed to reflect the surrounding environment, each suite offers privacy and space, along with views that shift with the light throughout the day. Enjoy the on-site spa, nature trails, and quiet garden corners that invite you to unwind.

This evening, settle into a special private dinner beside a nearby waterfall. Candles, music, and fresh local ingredients combine to create a peaceful and memorable meal. The sound of the water and the gentle setting bring a sense of calm and connection to the day’s journey.

Spend a full day at Avana Retreat to reset, slow down and appreciate the natural setting that surrounds you. This is a space designed for calm, where the pace is yours to choose. Begin your morning with a walk through the property’s gardens or a quiet session in the yoga pavilion overlooking the valley. Read, swim, or simply sit with a cup of tea on your private terrace, listening to birdsong and the distant flow of water from nearby streams. You may also enjoy a traditional herbal bath at the Orchid Spa, using time-tested remedies from the local Thai community. Meals at the retreat are seasonal and locally sourced, best enjoyed slowly with views across the rice paddies.

Alternatively, for those seeking a more active experience, embark on a full day trek into the hills surrounding Mai Chau. This guided walk takes you into the heart of the region’s Hmong communities, beginning with a 30 minute drive to the trailhead in a Muong village. From there, the trek gradually climbs into the mountains, reaching elevations of up to 900 metres above sea level. The trail passes through open meadows and quiet forest, with panoramic views and glimpses of daily life in rural villages along the way.

The walk offers a chance to see local children playing in gardens, water buffalo ambling along the paths, and farmers tending small plots of land. The route is remote but rewarding, with a quiet stillness broken only by the sounds of nature and the soft clinking of livestock bells. A picnic lunch is served midway through the day, giving you time to rest and absorb the peaceful mountain setting before beginning the descent.

The terrain is uneven and requires a moderate level of fitness. Over the course of 14 kilometres, you’ll cover a range of elevations and trail conditions, with your guide ensuring you move at a comfortable pace. This is an immersive experience that goes beyond sightseeing, offering insight into the lives, landscapes and rhythms of Vietnam’s highland communities.

Duration: 7 hours
Experience: Private
Difficulty: Upper Intermediate
Kilometres: 14km
Terrain: Mountain Trails
Elevation: From the height of 350m up to 900m above the sea level.
Scheduled: 08:45am - 15:45pm
Clothing: Comfortable and long pants, long sleeved-shirts and hiking shoes.

Begin your day with a nature trek that starts directly from Avana Retreat, offering a gentle yet rewarding exploration of the surrounding mountain landscape. This walk takes you along narrow village paths and forest trails, passing through local corn and cassava fields, terraced rice paddies and stands of bamboo. Along the way, take in sweeping views over nearby Thai villages, framed by layers of hills and shifting light.

As you walk, the sounds of nature accompany your steps - birds calling through the trees, the rustle of bamboo leaves, and the occasional soft chime of a buffalo’s bell. The walk provides a glimpse into rural life, with chances to see farmers at work in the fields or tending livestock. Your guide will introduce you to a local household along the way, where you’ll pause to listen to stories of traditional life and customs in one of the region’s ethnic villages. After the walk, a shuttle van will return you to Avana Retreat.

Duration: 3 hours
Experience: Private
Difficulty: Intermediate
Kilometres: 6km
Elevation: From the height of 350m up to 700m above the sea level
Scheduled: 08:00am - 11:00am
Clothing: Comfortable and long pants, long sleeved-shirts and hiking shoes.

In the afternoon, enjoy traditional tea service between 3:00pm and 5:00pm. You may choose to relax at the Cloud Pool Bar, Hidden Spring Lagoon, or Hmong Cottage. For something more intimate, in-villa tea service can be arranged for an additional fee. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure, surrounded by nature and comfort.

After breakfast at Avana Retreat, enjoy some time at leisure to soak up the calm surroundings one last time. Whether you relax on your balcony, take a short walk around the property, or enjoy a quiet coffee, the morning is yours.

Later, meet your guide for the transfer back to Hanoi by private car or helicopter. The drive from Mai Chau to the city takes approximately 4 hours, passing through forested hills and small towns before re-entering the capital. Upon arrival, check in to the Capella Hanoi Hotel, an opulent property inspired by the glamour of 1920s opera. Located close to the Hanoi Opera House and Old Quarter, Capella offers a refined setting with world-class service.

Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing in your suite, unwinding in the spa, or enjoying a signature cocktail at the hotel’s bar. In the evening, you may choose to dine at Backstage, Capella’s own MICHELIN-selected restaurant that blends Vietnamese flavours with elegant presentation in a theatrical setting. Alternatively, nearby favourites such as La Table Hanoia or T.U.N.G Dining offer outstanding cuisine in refined, intimate spaces.

After breakfast at Capella Hanoi, your guide and driver will meet you for the transfer to Noi Bai Airport. The drive takes approximately 1 hour, offering a final glimpse of Hanoi’s busy streets and quiet neighbourhoods before your flight to the coast.

Upon arrival at Cam Ranh Airport, you will be welcomed by Amanoi’s resort driver and transferred privately to the property. The drive takes around 1.5 hours, following a scenic route along the coastline and through remote stretches of countryside. Gradually, the landscape begins to shift from fishing villages and rural plains to a protected nature reserve where the mountains meet the sea.

Amanoi is set within Nui Chua National Park, one of Vietnam’s most biodiverse regions, overlooking the dramatic arc of Vinh Hy Bay. The resort blends the refined simplicity of Aman’s signature style with local Vietnamese architectural details. Surrounded by forested hills and pristine coastline, it offers complete privacy and immersive nature. Facilities include a clifftop yoga pavilion, beach club, lake-view spa pavilions, and a wellness area that draws from traditional healing practices.

Your Ocean Pavilion is positioned to maximise views of the East Sea. With clean, contemporary lines and timber interiors, it features an expansive outdoor terrace, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a deep soaking bathtub. The remainder of your day is free to unwind. Spend time at the private beach, enjoy a massage using local ingredients, or dine on seasonal Vietnamese cuisine overlooking the bay.

As dusk settles over Vinh Hy Bay, your evening begins with a gentle walk to a secluded setting deep within the natural landscape surrounding Amanoi. This special experience, designed to honour the culture of the indigenous Cham people, offers a rare opportunity to witness their spiritual traditions and savour their cuisine in an intimate and authentic environment.

The Cham people, once part of a powerful kingdom in central Vietnam, are known for preserving their ancestral customs, including distinct culinary practices and sacred rituals. Tonight’s meal is a thoughtfully prepared Cham feast, showcasing dishes selected for their traditional significance and regional flavours. Seated outdoors under the stars, you’ll dine surrounded by the sounds of the forest, the scent of coastal air, and the rhythmic hush of wildlife settling in for the night.

Following dinner, a rare encounter awaits. You will meet a Cham master, one of the few individuals within the community permitted to conduct ceremonial blessings. This highly respected figure will guide you through a traditional Cham blessing ceremony, offering insight into the ancient spiritual beliefs of his people. Set against the backdrop of the jungle and illuminated by soft candlelight, the experience is both moving and unforgettable.

Return to Amanoi for the night, where your Ocean Pavilion offers a quiet retreat. Overlooking the sea and wrapped in the stillness of the surrounding national park, it provides the perfect setting to reflect on a remarkable evening steeped in culture, ritual, and natural beauty.

Begin your day with a private cruise along one of Vietnam’s most beautiful and lesser-known stretches of coastline. Vinh Hy Bay, located along the south-central coast in Ninh Thuan province, is framed by the forested cliffs of Nui Chua National Park and offers dramatic landscapes both above and below the waterline. This two-hour excursion is a chance to appreciate the natural richness of the region at a gentle pace, away from the crowds.

Set off from Amanoi’s private pier with your captain, sailing into calm turquoise waters that hug the curving coastline. The striking contrast between the ocean and the rugged mountain ranges adds a cinematic quality to the journey. The boat glides past rock formations and hidden coves, where you can pause to swim or snorkel. This part of the East Sea is known for its marine biodiversity, including more than 330 species of coral. With snorkelling gear provided, you can explore the vibrant underwater world in a setting that feels both remote and pristine.

As the cruise continues, arrive at Vinh Hy fishing village, a peaceful settlement where life still follows the rhythm of the sea. You may see fishermen repairing nets, unloading the morning’s catch, or paddling through the bay in small wooden boats. This stop allows for quiet observation of daily life in a traditional coastal community. The villagers’ connection to the sea is evident in their homes, routines and stories, offering an authentic look into this enduring way of life.

Return to Amanoi and enjoy the afternoon at your own pace. Take time to relax in your Ocean Pavilion, with its private pool and expansive sea views, or book a spa treatment drawing on local healing traditions. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish, whether that means exploring more of Nui Chua National Park or simply enjoying the serene surroundings of the resort.

Enjoy a full day at leisure at Amanoi, one of Vietnam’s most exclusive coastal retreats. Framed by Nui Chua National Park and overlooking the tranquil waters of Vinh Hy Bay, the resort provides a peaceful escape into nature. Relax in your Ocean Pavilion with uninterrupted views of the sea, swim in your private pool, or take advantage of Amanoi’s extensive wellness offerings, including spa treatments, hydrotherapy, and guided yoga or meditation. With its thoughtful design and secluded setting, the resort invites you to slow down and reconnect.

Alternatively, for a deeper sense of connection to the land and its people, set out on the Cau Gay Jungle Tea Trek. Just a short distance from Amanoi, this experience begins with a guided walk to Cau Gay village, home to the Raglai ethnic minority. The Raglai are one of Vietnam’s few remaining matrilineal communities, and their way of life is closely tied to the surrounding forest. As you walk through the village, observe traditional mud and straw homes, meet local families, and gain insight into daily life that moves at a gentle, timeless pace.

The trail continues beyond the village into the forest, where your guide will point out edible plants, herbs, and crops growing on the hillsides. You'll pass through small farms filled with fruit trees, vegetables, and seasonal crops, and may have a chance to participate in local-style harvesting. Along the way, your guide will share stories about Raglai customs, agricultural knowledge, and the unique cultural heritage of this resilient community.

The trek lasts between 2.5 to 4 hours and is recommended for early morning departure, starting around 6:00am to take advantage of the cooler temperatures. With a moderate level of difficulty, the walk is accessible to those with average fitness. After your return to Amanoi, enjoy a refreshing drink or a dip in the pool as you reflect on the day’s quiet but meaningful encounters.

After breakfast, you will be met at your villa by the resort’s driver for your transfer to Cam Ranh Airport. The drive from Amanoi to the airport takes approximately 1.5 hours and follows a scenic coastal route that winds past fishing villages, salt fields, and the rolling hills of Ninh Thuan.

Upon arrival at the airport, the driver will assist with your luggage and drop you at the departure terminal. You’ll then check in for your flight to either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, where you will connect with your international departure.

To ensure a smooth and comfortable transition through the airport, fast-track services are included at either Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi) or Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City). These services help you bypass long queues and streamline check-in, security, and immigration procedures, offering you a relaxed end to your time in Vietnam.