Journey Through Vietnam

(15 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Vinh Hy Bay, Saigon & environs

This extraordinary private luxury tour of Vietnam is ideal for travelers wanting to experience the best of the country, including incredible cultural and historical sites, authentic food, beautiful landscapes, charming towns, luxurious hotels and relaxation, and much more. All daily touring in this private tour can be customized to your interests.

Begin in Hanoi, Vietnam's fascinating capital and intellectual center. During private touring, visit the city's most important historical attractions, such as the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda, the House on Stilts and Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. Take an in-depth tour of Hanoi's incredible Old Quarter, where each street was historically dedicated to a specific trade or material, such as bamboo, silk and lacquer. While touring the narrow streets, learn about the history of the Old Quarter and its traditional architecture, and see how it has transformed into a fashionable district with cafes, art galleries and boutiques featuring the finest Vietnamese design and style. Explore Hoan Kiem Lake and leafy backstreets lined with beautiful French colonial-era buildings, many of which are now upscale restaurants. If desired, also visit Hanoi's top museums, such as the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum. One day, meet a culinary expert to tour one of Hanoi's excellent markets and sample local street food specialties like bun cha (barbecued pork with noodles) and pho cuon (fresh herb and beef rolls). Also attend a performance of Hanoi's renowned water puppet show, or attend a performance at the landmark Hanoi Opera House.

Continue to scenic Halong Bay for an overnight cruise on a luxurious, traditional junk-style boat. Sail among beautiful limestone islands, dine on fresh seafood, enjoy on-board activities such as tai chi at sunrise, and perhaps explore local caves, hike to a scenic overlook, go sea kayaking or visit a floating village. Also enjoy a scenic seaplane flight over Halong Bay.

Next, fly to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Tour the Imperial Citadel, a large complex that includes the remains of the Forbidden Purple City, where the emperor and his family once lived. See the beautiful gardens and traditional architecture at the royal tombs along the Perfume River. Also visit colorful Dong Ba Market and, if desired, sample Hue's famed vegetarian and royal cuisine. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange additional activities such as kayaking on the river, cooking lessons, philanthropic experiences, visiting a local children's center, or meeting with monks at a local pagoda.

Continue to Hoi An, an atmospheric port town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stay at a luxury beachfront resort, and experience the best of this centuries-old town during private touring. Visit the vibrant morning market, where stalls are piled high with fresh fish and produce. Explore the colorful backstreets, and tour well-preserved historic homes, temples, the Japanese Covered Bridge and other interesting attractions. Perhaps visit a local tailor for custom-made silk clothing, a Hoi An specialty, and enjoy a boat ride on the river. Also visit the nearby Museum of Cham Sculpture, as well as the Marble Mountains, which contain Buddhist cave temples. Upon request, we can arrange additional activities in and near Hoi An, such as visits to local villages, cooking lessons and farm visits, an excursion to the Cham ruins in My Son, biking through the countryside, or a silk lantern-making lesson at a Confucian temple. There will also be time to relax and enjoy your resort's beautiful architecture, spa and beach.

Continue to the sandy beaches and blue waters of Vinh Hy Bay. Spend three nights at the exclusive Amanoi resort, nestled in the hills at the edge of Nui Chua National Park. While there, enjoy the serenity of your surroundings, relax by one of the many pools, explore the expansive grounds and admire the property's diverse flora and fauna, dine at the acclaimed restaurant, browse the library or spend some time enjoying the tranquility of the yoga pavilion and beautiful spa. Other activities include snorkeling, kayaking, sailing in the bay, hiking in the national park, or visiting neighboring fishing villages.

Conclude in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam's most dynamic city. With an expert private guide and driver, learn about the city's history while touring French colonial-era landmarks, as well as the mid-century Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum. Visit interesting neighborhoods like Cholon (Saigon's Chinatown) and explore busy markets and temples. Perhaps stop for a refreshing Vietnamese iced coffee, or snack on a typical Vietnamese banh mi (baguette sandwich). If desired, browse the boutiques of Vietnamese designers and renowned art galleries and museums.

One day, take an excursion into the countryside to tour the Mekong Delta or Cu Chi Tunnels and observe a colorful religious ceremony at the Cao Dai Temple. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange additional activities such as river boat rides, meeting with historians, visits to private homes, private musical performances, philanthropic activities, art and design touring, private cooking classes and tasting tours, and more.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Hanoi VIP airport assistance. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights Day 2 Hanoi Full-day private tour. Evening water puppet or opera house performance Day 3 Hanoi Morning private market and culinary tour. Afternoon at leisure Day 4 Hanoi – Halong Bay Transfer by private scenic seaplane to Halong Bay for overnight luxury cruise. Afternoon cruising and touring in the bay Day 5 Halong Bay – Hanoi – Hue Optional morning activities. Transfer by private seaplane or vehicle to Hanoi for flight to Hue. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights Day 6 Hue Full-day private tour Day 7 Hue – Hoi An Private transfer to resort for 3 nights, with touring en route Day 8 Hoi An Half-day private tour Day 9 Hoi An Half-day private tour or excursion to My Son Day 10 Hoi An – Vinh Hy Bay Private transfer to Da Nang airport for flight to Nha Trang. Private arrival transfer to resort for 2 nights Day 11 Vinh Hy Bay At leisure Day 12 Vinh Hy Bay – Saigon Private transfer to airport for flight to Saigon. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights Day 13 Saigon Full-day private tour Day 14 Saigon & environs Full-day private excursion to Cu Chi Tunnels and Cao Dai Temple or to Mekong Delta Day 15 Depart Saigon Private airport transfer. VIP departure assistance

Hotels

Hanoi: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel or Capella Hanoi Halong Bay: Halong Violet or Ginger Hue: Azerai La Residence, Hue Hoi An: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai Vinh Hy Bay: Amanoi Saigon: Park Hyatt Saigon or The Reverie Saigon

Cost

$20,135 Per person (double occupancy)