Where tradition meets elegance: luxury in Hanoi

Start your luxury adventure in Hanoi, Vietnam’s elegant capital. The city’s colonial architecture and tree-lined boulevards offer an atmospheric base for refined experiences. Stay at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, a 5-star heritage hotel that has hosted presidents, writers, and celebrities for over a century. Located in the heart of the French Quarter, it combines timeless charm with impeccable service.

Your days in Hanoi can include guided art tours through private galleries, Vietnamese cooking classes led by renowned chefs, and exclusive access to water puppet shows with behind-the-scenes interaction. For a unique touch, book a luxury Vespa city tour or a private tea-tasting session in a restored French villa. Dining is another highlight: enjoy fine Vietnamese cuisine at Press Club Hanoi or opt for international fare at La Terrasse du Metropole.

Recommended luxury hotels in Hanoi:

• Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi – Historic 5-star hotel with timeless French colonial elegance and premium spa services

• Capella Hanoi – Boutique luxury property with opera-inspired interiors, near the Opera House

• The Oriental Jade Hotel – Modern lake-view hotel with rooftop pool and personalized butler service

• Hotel de l’Opera Hanoi – MGallery – Artful design meets comfort near Hanoi’s cultural landmarks

Recommended fine dining restaurants in Hanoi:

• T.U.N.G Dining – Modern Vietnamese tasting menus with international flair and wine pairings

• Le Beaulieu – French fine dining inside the Metropole with classic elegance and a curated wine cellar

• Home Hanoi Restaurant – Elevated Vietnamese cuisine served in a charming French colonial villa

• Twilight Sky Bar & Restaurant – Rooftop cocktails and upscale fusion dishes with panoramic city views

• Press Club Hanoi – Elegant setting for high-end Vietnamese and European cuisine with a curated cigar lounge

Cruise through magic: Halong Bay in first-class comfort

A private cruise through Halong Bay remains one of Vietnam’s most iconic luxury experiences. Instead of the standard day tour, choose a 2-night journey aboard a luxury vessel like the Paradise Peak or Emperor Cruises. These elite ships offer private suites with panoramic views, personal butlers, and gourmet dining on deck as the limestone karsts drift by.

You can design a custom route that avoids crowds and includes experiences like private tai chi sessions at sunrise, wine tastings in sea caves, or kayak tours through hidden lagoons. Many cruises also include spa services and sunset cocktails served on secluded beach stops, turning the bay’s natural beauty into an unforgettable indulgence.

Recommended luxury cruises in Ha Long Bay:

• Paradise Peak Cruise – Boutique 5-star ship with spacious private cabins, in-room dining, and onboard spa treatments

• Emperor Cruises – All-inclusive luxury with butler service, unlimited drinks, and private beach excursions

• Heritage Line – Ylang – Wellness-focused cruise through Lan Ha Bay with daily yoga, spa rituals, and floating breakfasts

• Orchid Premium Cruise – Elegant design, large balconies, and customized itineraries for couples or families

• Stellar of the Seas – Sleek modern ship with fine dining, wine cellar, golf mini-course, and infinity pool

Unique experiences to add on luxury cruises:

• Private tai chi at sunrise on the sundeck with a personal instructor

• Sea cave wine tasting hosted by a sommelier with local pairings

• Guided kayak or bamboo boat tours through hidden lagoons and floating villages

• Beach BBQ or cocktail parties on remote islands

• Full-body spa treatments in your suite or on deck with ocean views

Imperial elegance and cultural luxury in Hue

Continue your journey to Hue, the former imperial capital known for its regal charm. Here, luxury is paired with deep cultural heritage. Stay at the Azerai La Residence, a riverside art deco retreat that offers both colonial ambiance and modern amenities. From here, embark on a private boat tour along the Perfume River to visit the city’s UNESCO-listed citadel, ancient temples, and royal tombs with a personal guide.

What sets Hue apart is the quiet sophistication of its experiences. Arrange a private dinner in a traditional garden house, where you can sample dishes once reserved for the Nguyen emperors. Or enjoy a traditional music performance in a candlelit setting, tailored exclusively for your group. These personalized cultural touches bring Vietnam’s history to life in the most elegant fashion.

Recommended luxury hotels in Hue:

• Azerai La Residence Hue – Art deco boutique hotel with riverfront suites, saltwater pool, and luxury spa

• Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa – Tranquil garden setting with private villas and holistic wellness treatments

• Melia Vinpearl Hue – High-rise luxury with panoramic city views and easy access to cultural landmarks

Recommended fine dining and imperial experiences:

• Ancient Hue Garden Houses – Private imperial-style meals in a traditional nhà vườn (garden home), with royal court presentation

• Les Jardins de La Carambole – Upscale French–Vietnamese cuisine in a colonial villa with atmospheric garden seating

• Y Thao Garden Restaurant – Cultural dining experience featuring dishes inspired by the Nguyen royal court

Unique luxury experiences in Hue:

• Private Perfume River cruise with a traditional dragon boat and personal guide

• Exclusive royal costume photography sessions in the Citadel

• Candlelit traditional music performance in a private setting

• Personalized calligraphy or incense-making workshops with local artisans

• Private guided tours of imperial tombs and pagodas with cultural historian commentary

Coastal escape in style: Danang and the Central Coast

The beaches of Central Vietnam are home to some of the country’s finest luxury resorts. In Danang, the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort redefines beachside glamour with its secluded bay location, striking design by Bill Bensley, and Michelin-starred restaurant La Maison 1888. This is a place where you can enjoy world-class spa treatments, private yoga classes on the beach, and sunset cruises with Champagne.

Beyond your resort, hire a private driver for a scenic transfer to the Marble Mountains or take a helicopter tour along the coastline. The nearby Ba Na Hills, with its famous Golden Bridge, can be visited during off-peak hours through custom-arranged tours that avoid the crowds. Whether relaxing in your ocean-view suite or exploring the coast in style, Danang is a top-tier destination for Vietnam luxury travel.

Recommended luxury resorts in Da Nang:

• InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort – Award-winning beachfront retreat with designer architecture, private beach access, and butler service

• Four Points by Sheraton Danang – Oceanfront suites with rooftop infinity pool and panoramic views of My Khe Beach

• Naman Retreat – Wellness-focused beachfront resort offering private villas, detox programs, and beachfront meditation

• Fusion Maia Da Nang – All-inclusive spa concept with unlimited daily treatments in a tranquil garden setting

Recommended fine dining in Da Nang:

• La Maison 1888 – Michelin-starred French fine dining at InterContinental, led by renowned chefs and offering curated tasting menus

• Citron Restaurant – Elevated Vietnamese cuisine with ocean views in floating dining pods

• The Rachel Restaurant & Bar – Upscale riverside dining with Western-Asian fusion, perfect for sunset cocktails

• Bếp Hen Restaurant – Refined traditional dishes in a cozy, artistic setting ideal for private dinners

Unique luxury experiences in Da Nang:

• Private helicopter tours over the coastline, Marble Mountains, and Golden Bridge

• Chauffeured cultural tours to the Marble Mountains, Son Tra Peninsula, or My Son Sanctuary

• Private catamaran or yacht charters along the central coast

• Personalized spa rituals including beachside aromatherapy and hot stone massages

• Sunset dining setups on private beach spots, arranged through resort concierges

Timeless charm in Hoi An with boutique sophistication

Hoi An, just 40 minutes from Danang, offers luxury with a touch of nostalgia. The Ancient Town, with its lantern-lit streets and preserved architecture, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that still feels intimate and exclusive. Luxury here is all about atmosphere, and properties like the Four Seasons The Nam Hai or Anantara Hoi An Resort offer spacious villas, private pools, and riverside serenity.

Activities are equally refined. Enjoy private tailoring sessions with renowned Hoi An designers, take a sunset river cruise on a vintage wooden boat, or book a photography walk with a local expert to capture Hoi An’s timeless allure. For food lovers, opt for a curated street food tasting experience led by a chef or book a private lantern-making workshop in a restored merchant home.

Recommended luxury hotels and resorts in Hoi An:

• Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai – Ultra-luxury beachfront villas with butler service, private pools, and award-winning spa

• Anantara Hoi An Resort – Tranquil riverside retreat near Ancient Town with colonial-style rooms and personalized experiences

• La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa – Elegant boutique resort with lush gardens, family suites, and multiple pools

• Allegro Hoi An – Little Luxury Hotel & Spa – Chic, centrally located boutique property with high-end amenities and stylish interiors

Recommended fine dining and culinary experiences in Hoi An:

• Morning Glory Signature – Upscale Vietnamese cuisine served in a beautifully restored shophouse

• The Field Restaurant & Bar – Riverside fine dining surrounded by rice paddies, ideal for sunset meals

• Red Bean Hoi An – Modern twist on traditional Vietnamese flavors in a refined, intimate setting

• French Bakery & Restaurant Cargo Club – Elegant bistro-style dining with river views and gourmet desserts

Unique luxury experiences in Hoi An:

• Private tailoring experience at top ateliers like Yaly Couture or A Dong Silk with fabric consultation and champagne service

• Curated photography walks with local guides to capture lantern-lit alleys and hidden temples

• Sunset river cruises on vintage boats with wine and tapas

• Private lantern-making classes in heritage homes with tea and cultural storytelling

• Chef-led street food tasting tours, including market visits and hands-on cooking demos

The finest of the south: Ho Chi Minh City in high style

End your journey in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s bustling southern hub. Despite its fast-paced energy, there are plenty of luxury retreats tucked into the chaos. Stay at The Reverie Saigon or Park Hyatt Saigon, both offering world-class facilities, rooftop pools, and top-tier service.

Explore the city in sophistication with a private vintage car tour through French colonial boulevards, a bespoke art walk curated by local collectors, or a luxury speedboat trip along the Saigon River. The city’s dynamic dining scene is also not to be missed—try fusion Vietnamese cuisine at Anan Saigon or enjoy rooftop cocktails with sweeping skyline views at Chill Skybar.

Recommended luxury hotels in Ho Chi Minh City:

• The Reverie Saigon – Opulent Italian design, Rolls-Royce transfers, and some of the largest hotel suites in Vietnam

• Park Hyatt Saigon – Timeless French colonial elegance, located near the Opera House with lush gardens and a renowned spa

• Hotel des Arts Saigon – MGallery – Stylish boutique hotel with rooftop infinity pool, art deco design, and vibrant rooftop bar

• Caravelle Saigon – Iconic 5-star hotel with historical significance and panoramic views of the city center

Recommended fine dining and rooftop experiences in Ho Chi Minh City:

• Anan Saigon – Vietnam’s first Michelin-starred restaurant, known for creative street food-inspired tasting menus

• Quince Saigon – Modern European-Asian fusion cuisine with industrial-chic interiors and locally sourced ingredients

• NOIR. Dining in the Dark – Sensory fine dining experience guided by visually impaired staff in complete darkness

• Chill Skybar – Glamorous rooftop bar with DJ sets, creative cocktails, and sweeping views of the Saigon skyline

• Coucou Saigon – Elegant bistro-style dining with French-Vietnamese fusion and curated wine lists

Unique luxury experiences in Ho Chi Minh City:

• Private vintage Citroën or Vespa tours through the French Quarter and Chinatown

• Luxury speedboat excursions on the Saigon River to the Cu Chi Tunnels or sunset cruises with canapés

• Curated art tours featuring local galleries, meet-the-artist sessions, and private showrooms

• High-end shopping experiences with personal stylists in District 1’s designer boutiques

• Exclusive cocktail or wine tastings at hidden speakeasies or private cellars

Tips for planning your Vietnam luxury travel experience

To make the most of your trip, work with a reputable luxury travel agency or concierge service based in Vietnam. They can help you arrange private transportation, secure exclusive access to popular sites, and customize activities for your preferences. Traveling during the shoulder seasons—March to April or October to November—can also offer a quieter, more pleasant experience without compromising weather or service quality.

Most luxury properties in Vietnam are family-friendly as well, offering kids’ clubs, babysitting services, and customized itineraries. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape or a multigenerational family journey, you’ll find the right blend of comfort, culture, and curated luxury throughout the country.

Final thoughts: redefining luxury in Vietnam

Whether you choose to sail through Halong Bay, unwind in a spa resort in Da Nang, or explore Saigon’s urban pulse in elegance, Vietnam will welcome you with open arms—and elevate every moment. This is a destination that doesn’t just meet expectations for luxury; it exceeds them in ways that are meaningful, authentic, and utterly unforgettable.

Let our Vietnam luxury travel experts help design a private, seamless journey that fits your style. From curated itineraries to exclusive upgrades, we’ll ensure every detail is exceptional.

Contact us today to start crafting your perfect luxury Vietnam vacation