Un litoral de > 3200kms, Vietnam ofrece no sólo una fantástica relación calidad-precio, la playa de lujo se escapa con una cultura de calidez a través del encanto rústico del Mekong a través de las terrazas llenas de arroz de campo y las montañas de las tierras altas, tanto en el sur y el norte.
Culture
Vietnamese customs have a long history and are rooted in a reverence for the land, sea, and people. Confucian principles, which place a high value on wisdom and experience, form the foundation of society. Vietnamese culture promotes youth, education, advancement, with a strong regard for their elders and family life. It is deeply engrained in the rivers, paddies, mountains, and seas of the country. Consequently, food is the heart of this country.
Best Time To Travel
Visita aquí en el primer o último 3 meses de cada año para disfrutar de temperaturas más frescas en el sur, mientras que el invierno en el norte. La temporada de verano es de mayo a septiembre, permitiendo los días de playa perfeccionados y la plantación de arroz comienza en mayo, disfrutar de las terrazas verdes del arroz (norte) por Juyl/August. Tardes húmedas y noches ocurrirán durante el verano que ayuda a enfriar las cosas.
Trippy Trekkers Travel Mexico - September 2022
The Multi City/Country Travel Specialists!
We would like to give you a big THANK YOU for everything LUXPERIA. I can say that it has been the most concerning and customized trip we have ever managed so far and its success has been thanks to everyone’s effort and involvement, I feel positive and confident that many more will arrive from recommendations due to the final result. For now every travel proposal to South East Asia is to be handled by Luxperia as our first choice.
HOW TO GET THERE
Vietnam has excellent connections worldwide with direct flights (Vietnam Airlines) available from North America (San Francisco); European hubs of Paris, London and Frankfurt and all cities via middle eastern gateway cities of Doha and Dubai. You can easily connect from neighboring Asian gateways of Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok. Australians have excellent direct connections from Melbourne and Sydney.
Where to sleep
Vietnam is home to some great accommodation options for all types of travellers. There are also several remarkable luxury resorts throughout the country and its islands. There are excellent mid-range hotels everywhere, and they all have excellent amenities and knowledgeable employees. To add some variety, take a look at local homestays, lodges and camps as well.
What to expect
Travellers frequently choose Vietnam as one of the best value for money destinations in South East Asia. Families traveling together will find surprising activities for all. The knowledgeable guides and drivers greatly enhance all tours and travelling off the beaten path is worthwhile. The best combination of culture, cuisine, nature, adventure and relaxation can be found there.
DISCOVER THE CUISINE
Vietnamese food is often a highlight with dishes ranging as you traverse from north to south. Worldwide hits include Phở, Banh Mi and of course hotpot (Lẩu) and numerous varieties of rolls using beef, pork, chicken or tofu accompanied with each's own condiments (usually based on fish sauce). Vegetarians will also enjoy the options across the country.
Vietnam City Guides
The long S shaped country allows for travel all year round with beautiful mountain landscapes through to remote rice field terraces and crystal blue ocean seascapes.
Northern Vietnam
Vietnam's capital is offically 'Ha Noi'. It is the second-largest city in Vietnam by population after Ho Chi Minh and is situated along the banks of the Red River. An old city, Ha Noi is connected to notable North Vietnamese locations like Halong Bay, Sapa, Ninh Binh, and Hai Phong.
The names of Hanoi's 36 streets, such as Hang Mam, Hang Non, Hang Duong, and Hang Muoi, etc., indicate the principal items handled in this city. The bustle is packed in the old town, which is a very distinctive aspect of the city.
Central Vietnam
Central Vietnam is renowned for its ancient preserved landmarks, a friendly population, and tranquil natural beauty. The central coast will entice you with the lure of ancient history and sunny beach days.
Stroll around the Old Town of Hoi An, where the timber frame shophouses still have the same appearance as they did decades ago. At night, the streets are illuminated by colourful lanterns. Or visit Hue, where imperial citadels, tombs, and temples are dotted along the serene Perfume River, to learn about the last days of the Nguyen Dynasty. Modern Danang City provides a sample of some of Vietnam's most opulent resorts and premier golf courses in between some of the best beaches while Phong Nha's spectacular caves are just a couple of hours away.
Southern Vietnam
Southern Vietnam provides both dynamic metropolitan bustle and tranquil countryside, from island getaways to nonstop action.
Start your journey at the sensory overload that is Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), a city where generations of traders coexist with contemporary skyscrapers housing multi national companies. Beyond the city boundaries, you'll find the lazy Mekong Delta, where agriculture stretches out as far as the eye can see and life revolves around the water. Mui Ne, a nearby beach town with a laid-back atmosphere and a reputation as Vietnam's kite-surfing capital, draws tourists. Offshore, islands with pristine coastlines and unspoiled landscapes like Phu Quoc and Con Dao will welcome you.
Local Experiences
Each of these experiences have been designed or tested by our team and have the best reviews from past travellers.
The Essence of Buddism
Escape the crowds with a visit to a Pagoda dating back to the 17th C to see antique scriptures before heading to the countryside to see another with resemblance to those in Thailand. Enroute back to the city, stop at the Dharma Institute to unravel ancient practices before a vegetarian lunch and evening of philanthropic cuisine to test your senses!
Vintage Cu Chi & Royale High Tea
Take a speedboat via the Mekong to the Cu Chi District. Past by riverside homes and take a voyeuristic peek into the world of modern Saigonese living in the city contrasting to those in rural Mekong areas. Explore the Cu Chi tunnels to explore before returning to the city. Reserve your appetite as you arrive to Villa Royale – a iconic teahouse and antique store situated in the expat enclave. Indulge in a high tea while learning about the curated items for sale within.
The Water Puppets of Dao Thuc Village
Originating from the 10th century, water puppetry is an ancient art that has been around for over 300 years in Dao Thuc village. This charming village located short drive outside of Hanoi hosts a puppet making workshop to learn how this traditional art survives our modern world. As the puppeteers weave their skills through the water, become beguiled in the folklore and storytelling of this unique craft of old Vietnam.
A Private Gala @The Japanese Bridge
For special groups and events, we block the roads, sectioned off to the general public and host a magical evening under the lanterns of Hoi An. Arrive at dusk to an enchanted privatized area where a delectable buffet dinner awaits.
Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience of al fresco dining side by one of Vietnam’s most iconic sites, this experience is designated for groups of 20 or more - perfect for corporate retreats and special groups.
Discover The Primates of Son Tra
Visit Son Tra Nature Reserve, a renowned Da Nang treasure that is home to the largest population of red-shanked douc langurs in South East Asia. Spend a morning (or an afternoon) exploring this gorgeous coastal rainforest, learning about its flora and fauna, and scouting for douc langurs.
Every visit aids in preserving both the ecosystem and these endangered species while funding the Nature Education Centre that teaches local children to be the defenders of Da Nang's natural resources in the future.
Mythology Meets Magic
Inspired by Vietnamese folklore, this exclusive show will take you on a unique journey, where mysteries, excitement and delightful entertainment will be the norm.
Our renowned international magician shares the myth of Vietnam as guests witness unexplainable magic unfold - a show not to be missed, spots are limited to only 10 and truly exclusive. Perfectly paired with a dinner afterward at one of our recommended restaurants.
Basket Boat Fishing In Hoi An
Not far from Hoi An, the Cua Dai Estuary is where local fishermen and soldiers (during the war) found shelter. These days, it continually offers great shelter from the wind for fishing boats.
The coracle sampan (or basket boat) is uniquely Vietnamese and the most common mode of transportation through the area. When guests fish and assist the fishermen at work, the basket boat provides for an exhilarating experience.
Hanoi's Heart & Soul
With our top northern food-friend, take a circular walk around the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, exploring the entire Old Quarter’s history and its people through your taste buds.
Hidden alleys unfold an experience that offers an ‘insider’s perspective of the best and tastiest places that could be curated while explaining the who, where, why and how behind each gem of an eatery. It’s ideal for cultural travelers wanting to learn in depth about the old town.
Adventure & Romancing in Dalat
A short drive north from the quaint French town of Dalat, we safari by jeep to Lang Biang mountain located in Lac Duong district. Lang Biang Mountain tells the mythical legend about a passionate love story that united hill tribes into one.
Complete the day with a thrilling visit to Datana Adventure park for the zipline and alpine coaster ride before heading back to town for a romantic reward. One for nature lovers, idyllic to visit year round.
A Sample Itinerary
An exciting sample itinerary ready to be tailored for every traveller’s need. Contact our team to design a trip dedicated to your own personal interests or use the following as a guide to what can be achieved in this destination.
While Vietnam is often a repeat destination for many, we've come up with a 'Grand Tour of Vietnam' (for first timers) that covers the top highlights within up to 30 days - feel free to edit and cut down based on the time you have.
Arrival to The Capital Hanoi
Day 1: Upon arrival to Hanoi, VIP fast track through immigration and meet your local guide. Transfer to your hotel and start with a jet lag recovery spa treatment.
Day 2: With our local guide, explore both the French and the Old Quarter of Hanoi with its intricate laneways (hems) and an abundant scene for shopping and local food.
Optional Tour 1: Street Food Safari with our local expert
Optional Tour 2: Vespa evening tour to view local landmarks and Hanoian food delicacies.
The evening is yours to unwind and enjoy your selected hotel.
Buddhist Pilgrimage to Yen Tu
After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide and driver for a drive to Yen Tu Mountain. Located just an hour outside of Hanoi, this sacred site captures the roof top views of the local area from its peak. Upon arrival leave your bags and spend the morning to trek up the mountain at Yen Tu. An optional cable car is available to ascend or descend.
Upon completing the trek, check into the Legacy Yen Tu by MGallery for an free afternoon to enjoy the numerous wellness activities on offer by the resort.
In the evening, mediate or catch the sunset before a traditional festival show at Commune House.
The following day, choose optional activities before checking out and continue your drive to Halong Bay:
- Walking meditation
- Yoga
- Sleep meditation
- Biking around the local village
- Harmony mediation
The afternoon, board your Halong Bay cruise of choice for a 2night cruise.
Halong Bay
Day 5: Wake for sunrise over the bay as the onboard teacher greets guests with a sun salutation and a class of Tai Chi.
Breakfast onboard before the days activities that include:
- Kayaking
- Cave exploration
- Lunch
- Cooking demonstration
- Visit to local life on the water
Wrap the day with sundowners before dinner. Overnight onboard.
Day 6: After breakfast, check out and arrival back to the main land pier. Meet your guide and driver to continue to Sapa (4 hours drive).
Arrive to Sapa and check into your hotel for the evening.
Bac Ma, Tay and Vietnam's highest peak Mount Fansipan
Day 7: After the breakfast, enjoy a walk to Bac Ha market. This is the most colourful market in North Vietnam. Meet the tribes people of Bac Ha and sample their simple but unique foods with special wines made from rice, cassavas, corn and different sorts of fruits. Leave the market for the H'mong King's house built by the French colonists and the Chinese in 1920. In the afternoon, depart Bac Ha and drive to Trung Do village where the Tay ethnic minority people live, trek for an hour to enjoy the landscape. Return to Sapa for the evening.
Day 8: Free day at leisure to enjoy Sapa town.
Day 9: the morning is yours for optional activities like:
- Cable car ride to Mount Fansipan (the highest peak in Vietnam)
- Explore the local markets in town
- Discover local dining delicacies of Sapa before departing back to Hanoi for the evening (4 hour drive)
Hanoi and the 'inland' Halong Bay
Day 10: After breakfast at your hotel, we take a scenic drive to Ninh Binh to breath some fresh air in rural Vietnam.
Take in the scenery by both bamboo boat and mountain bike, see local villagers going about their daily lives as you come to appreciate a quieter slice of Vietnamese culture. Visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam during the Dinh, Le, and Ly dynasties; enjoy a boat trip at Tam Coc and see the famed “Halong Bay on Land” mountains before explore Mua cave, and take in sweeping mountaintop views of Tam Coc village. Overnight in Ninh Binh.
Day 11: Free Day at leisure
Day 12: Return to Hanoi's Noi Bai Airport to meet your connecting flight to Phong Nha. Upon arrival, transfer to the lodge and pre for the next day's overnight camping expedition.
Ma Da Valley Jungle Camping
Moderate level of fitness required. Child min age is 9 years old and up.
Day 13: Meet at hosts and plan the trip, learn the rules and regulations of the National Park. Depart for Elephant Cave by van before arriving to the trek departure point to the Elephant cave. Trek to Ma Da valley after lunch and reward the morning with a swim at the crystal lake. Enjoy the wild life in the jungle and set up camp for the night. Enjoy dinner with Vietnamese traditional food, chill, relax
Day 14: Trek through the jungle after the breakfast before arriving to Tra Ang cave. Swim into Tra Ang Cave to explore the 600m cave before lunch.
After lunch, start trekking to be back Ho Chi Minh road and return back Phong Nha. Meet your guide and driver for an overland drive to Hue (4 hours by road).
Explore the Imperial Capital
Day 15: Our local guide for central Vietnam will pick up you at your hotel and transfer to the boat station. A dragon boat will meander along the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu pagoda. Followed by a cyclo ride to the Imperial Citadel - The former home of Vietnam’s last royal dynasty- the Nguyen Dynasty.
View the royal Antiques Museum displaying a collection of bronze pottery, Chinaware, Phap Lam enamel, court robes and personal belongings of former Vietnam Emperors of Nguyen Dynasty before completing the morning at Dong Ba market to pick up cultural gifts and souvenirs. Enjoy the lunch at local restaurant with Hue specialty cakes before we continue to visit the Emperors Tomb, conical hat village and incense stick making village.
Evening at your hotel in Hue.
Day 16: Breakfast at leisure before opting a free day to unwind or optional activities like:
- Bike ride to the beach
- Art, calligraphy and silk workshop visits
- Zen house visit and mediation
Evening at rest to explore Hue City.
Day 17: Depart Hue for a scenic overland drive over the Hai Van Pass - one of the most scenic drives within Vietnam (2 hours).
Stop of a Ba Na Hills for the cable car to the theme park. While the other tourists are having lunch, head to Golden Hands Bridge to enjoy spectacular views over the valleys.
Return to the vehicle for onward drive to Danang and Hoi An for check into your hotel/resort for the night.
Discover Hoi An
Day 18: Meet our guide early in the morning for a walk to the central market of Hoi An's ancient town. Here, you'll learn about the ingredients and fresh produce before boarding a sampan to our exquisite cooking class by the river. Enjoy a demonstration and try your hand and making local delicacies before enjoying your work for lunch.
Return back to Hoi An for free time to explore, select your tailor and have clothes fitted. An evening of leisure is ahead to enjoy the numerous restaurants of Hoi An.
Day 19: Free day or optional activities:
- Bike ride to An Bang beach
- Fisherman for a day Sampan River tour
- Tour to My Son Ruins and Marble Mountain
- Trek Son Tra Mountain to scout endangered primates
- Snorkeling tour to Cham Island
Day 20: Free day at leisure to finalize tailoring and pick up trinkets and souvenirs from Hoi An. Enjoy a day by the resort pool to simply unwind. The evening is yours to enjoy the last delicacies that Hoi An's restaurants have to offer.
Luxury Train Journey
Day 21: This morning, transfer to Danang Central Train Station to board The Vietage - a luxury carriage on the main train line of Vietnam.
Check into your private cabin for 2 (max 12 guests within the carriage) and enjoy a coffee or tea as the train sets off to Quy Nhon. Enjoy the local life through the windows as you pass by local villages, rice fields and the coastline of central Vietnam.
Lunch is served with wine, beer or soft drink of your choice (3 courses and all drinks inclusive). Don't forget to indulge in a head and shoulders treatment within the cabin's spa space - this is included too. Whizz past more rice fields and villages before arriving to Quy Nhon where our driver will collect you for check into the next resort. Evening is free at leisure to enjoy the resort and beach. Overnight at the resort.
Day 22: the day is yours to relax and unwind to explore Quy Nhon's quaint fishing village or stay at the resort to indulge in some beach time. Overnight at the resort.
The Southern Provinces
Day 23: Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for domestic flight to Vietnam's commercial capital of Ho Chi Minh City - otherwise know as Saigon. Uon arrival, transfer to the hotel with your guide and drop off bags.
In the afternoon, take a walking tour of historical monuments: Hotel de Ville (Town Hall); the Opera House, Cathedral Notre Dam and the Post Office.
In the evening, you may want to select optional tours:
- Mystic Night Show and Dinner
- AO Show at the Opera house
- Dinner in the Dark by NOIR
Day 24: This morning depart by speedboat to the Mekong Delta for a full day tour of the canals and highest agricultural producing area of Vietnam (also know as Vietnam's Rice Bowl). Hop on bikes to explore the canals, stop at local workshops to meet the villagers producing the likes of rice candy, local fruit and cottage industry before returning to Saigon for the night.
Day 25: A half day tour awaits to the Cu Chi Tunnels by speedboat. Explore the intricate tunnels that were used by Viet Cong soldiers during the war before lunch and return to the city for a free afternoon to discover spa and wellness treatments at any one of the hundreds of local spas around town. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 26: The morning is free at leisure to rest or race for last minute shopping opportunities.
Check out and head to the airport for a quick one hour flight to the island paradise of Phyu Quoc. On arrival, meet your trasnfer and check into the resort and enjoy the remainder of the night at leisure.
Beach Rest and Relaxation
Day 27 to Day 30:
Enjoy this time at your resort and the activities on offer including non motorized water sports, spa and massage.
For the adventurous, consider the optional tours:
- Snorkeling the islands
- Sunset cocktail cruise
- Fish sauce and pearl farming tour
- Vinpearl Safari
- Phu Quoc Hon Thom Cable Car & Aquatopia Water Park