Luxury Vietnam Itinerary 7 Days - Travel like kings

Indulge in the finest Vietnam has to offer on this upscale journey from Saigon to Hanoi for 7 days. Five-star hotels, private transfers, business-class flights, and exclusive experiences (think a chartered seaplane, spa retreats, and gourmet dining) will make your week truly unforgettable. Despite the luxe pace, you’ll still connect with Vietnam’s culture through curated, high-end tours.

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City in Style - Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City and be greeted by a private limousine transfer to your hotel. Check into one of Saigon’s top luxury hotels - for instance, the Park Hyatt Saigon (iconic colonial elegance, ~$300/night) or the sky-high The Reverie Saigon (opulent Italian-designed rooms, consistently rated among Asia’s top hotels​, ~$400/night). Enjoy a welcome drink as you admire your suite’s city view. This afternoon, take a privately guided city tour focusing on history and architecture. Your personal guide and driver (in a luxury SUV) will take you to the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace, providing insightful context minus the crowds. Continue to the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office for quick photo stops. Treat yourself to a break at Villa Royale, a lavish tea room, for an afternoon high tea service (silver platter of pastries and TWG teas, ~$25). In the evening, dive into Saigon’s vibrant culinary scene with a private Vespa food safari. An expert driver/guide will whizz you through neon-lit streets on a restored vintage Vespa, stopping at acclaimed street-food stalls and secret restaurants. Feast on sizzling bánh xèo pancakes, fresh seafood, and finish at a live music café with Vietnamese coffee - all curated to your taste (tour ~$120/person, all-inclusive). Alternatively, reserve a table at La Villa, a French villa restaurant where Chef Thierry serves a luxurious tasting menu (French haute cuisine with Vietnamese touches, ~$90). After dinner, have your driver take you to the Bitexco Tower Skydeck for a nightcap cocktail at EON51 - from the 51st floor, Saigon’s lights sprawl below you.

• Stay: Ultra-luxury 5-star hotel in Saigon’s District 1. Expect top-notch service - e.g., at the Park Hyatt, staff may address you by name and you might find exotic fruit and chocolates waiting in your room. The Reverie’s rooms are a work of art with marbled bathrooms and Hermès amenities.

• Transport: Private car at your disposal (arranged via hotel concierge or tour company). For a bit of adventure without sacrificing comfort, the Vespa tour is highly rated and safe; helmet and guide provided. If you prefer not to ride, the food tour can be done by Jeep as well.

• Activities: Your guide can adjust the city tour to your interests - art lovers might add a stop at the HCMC Fine Arts Museum (housed in a classic mansion). With private touring, you set the pace - perhaps spend more time browsing a high-end silk boutique or the trendy designer shops on Đồng Khởi street.

• Food: Saigon offers some of Vietnam’s best fine dining. If French cuisine isn’t your fancy, consider Vietnam House by Chef Luke Nguyen for upscale local dishes. Another luxurious option: a private dinner cruise on the Saigon River aboard the Lady Hau yacht, where you enjoy a 5-course meal under the city skyline (around $130 for two). For drinks, Saigon has speakeasies like Drinking & Healing or the sky bar at Hotel des Arts - your concierge can get you VIP reservations.

• Tips: Ask your hotel concierge about any exclusive events - sometimes there are private gallery viewings or fashion showcases in Saigon that luxury travelers can attend. With limited time, skip the markets today (you’ll see more local markets in central/north), and focus on relaxing and acclimating. Be mindful of the heat - your car will be a cool haven between sites. Also, take advantage of hotel amenities: a jet-lag massage at the spa or a quick rest by the pool can rejuvenate you for the exciting week ahead.

Day 2: Mekong Delta Luxe Excursion & Flight to Da Nang - After a sumptuous breakfast (perhaps eggs benedict and tropical fruits by the pool), embark on a luxury day trip to the Mekong Delta. A popular high-end choice is the Song Xanh private sampan: a traditional riverboat just for you, with a crew to cater lunch and tea. Drive 2 hours to Cái Bè, where your private sampan awaits. Cruise the Mekong’s maze of waterways, visiting small cottage industries (like coconut candy or popped rice making) away from tourist crowds​. Your guide can arrange stops per your interest - maybe a private tasting in a cacao farm or a visit to a less-visited floating market. Enjoy a gourmet lunch on board or at a charming delta villa (for example, the exquisite Mekong Riverside Boutique, where a 5-course Vietnamese lunch with wine can be arranged). In the afternoon, your sampan meanders by emerald rice paddies and fruit orchards - you might even enjoy a traditional music performance just for you on deck. Return to Saigon by late afternoon (or optionally take a 45-min helicopter flight back for a grand aerial view). Back in Saigon, catch an early evening business-class flight to Danang (1.5h). Sip a welcome drink in the lounge before flying; in business class you’ll have priority check-in, wider seats, and meal service. Arrive Da Nang and transfer 30 minutes to Hoi An, your base for the next two nights (If you have an extra day in Danang then definitely do a tour of Ba Na Hill!). Check into the Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai - one of Vietnam’s most luxurious beach resorts set on a pristine shoreline (private pool villas available, $$$$). Your one-bedroom villa ($600) comes with a soaking tub, rain shower, and your own butler on call. If energy permits, stroll the lantern-lit lanes of Hoi An Ancient Town (the resort provides on-demand shuttles). If you prefer to unwind, have a late dinner at Nam Hai’s La Sen beach restaurant - perhaps a fresh lobster grilled to perfection and a glass of fine Champagne under the stars.

• Stay: Four Seasons The Nam Hai, Hoi An - an uber-luxe beachfront haven. Other top-end options: Azerai La Residence, Hue (if you wanted to stay in Hue) or InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula (in Danang, an architectural marvel by Bill Bensley, but about 30 min from Hoi An). The Nam Hai, however, offers both beach and proximity to Hoi An’s charms, making it ideal. Expect turndown gifts, a sublime spa, and possibly the most comfortable bed of your life draped in Vietnamese silk.

• Transport: Private car for the Mekong tour (the tour operator will provide a high-comfort vehicle). Business-class flight SGN→DAD (Vietnam Airlines business lounges have decent snacks and wine). Hotel limousine from Da Nang airport to resort (Nam Hai’s Mercedes will be waiting, chilled towels and water on hand).

• Activities: The Mekong Delta experience is customizable - since you have a private boat, you can even do activities like a guided rowboat trip down narrow canals or a visit to a historic clan house. If you’re a photography enthusiast, your guide can help you find picturesque scenes of delta life. Keep your schedule slightly flexible in case you linger longer at a place you love.

• Food: Your delta lunch could be an elaborate affair - perhaps an array of Mekong specialties: elephant ear fish spring rolls, river prawns, and hot pot, all served in a beautifully set private dining room of an old colonial home. Back at Four Seasons, you have top-tier dining choices (the resort’s Cafe Nam Hai offers modern Vietnamese tasting menus). If you venture into Hoi An town for dinner, consider Fusion Maison for an intimate dinner in a colonial house or have your resort arrange a private dinner by candlelight in one of Hoi An’s heritage buildings - they can do that.

• Tips: This is a full day - start early (7am departure) to avoid traffic and heat in the delta. The Nam Hai offers complimentary yoga and mindfulness classes each morning; plan to use the spa tomorrow to recover from traveling. Also, laundry service at luxury hotels is pricey - but given your short trip, you might not need it except perhaps pressing your clothes (often complimentary for a couple pieces). If you have any special requests (e.g., particular vintage of wine, dietary needs), inform the concierge in advance; 5-star properties in Vietnam excel at personalized service.

Day 3: Hoi An & Royal Hues - Wake up to the sound of the East Sea and maybe do sunrise tai chi by the beach (the resort can arrange a private session). This morning, explore Hoi An Ancient Town with a personal photographer guide. Stroll the lantern-lined streets and hidden alleys as a professional photographer captures candid moments of you among Hoi An’s beauty - a wonderful keepsake (two-hour private photo shoot tour ~$250, including all photos). Stop by the famed Tan Ky Old House and Japanese Bridge (your guide will time it to avoid crowds for photos). Indulge in a tailored shopping experience: your concierge can arrange a private appointment at Yaly Couture, Hoi An’s premier tailor, to get a custom suit or dress made from fine silks - they’ll measure you this morning so the item can be ready within 24 hours. For lunch, enjoy modern Vietnamese cuisine at The Field, a scenic restaurant set amid rice paddies just outside town - your driver takes you there to savor grilled banana blossom salad and perhaps cao lầu noodles reinvented with Wagyu beef. After lunch, head north with your guide on a private excursion to Huế (approx. 2.5 hours via the Hai Van Tunnel in a plush SUV). In Huế, a former capital known for imperial grandeur, you have arranged an exclusive “Royal Heritage” tour. Dressed in traditional royal costumes (just for fun), you’ll explore the Imperial Citadel with a historian, visiting areas not open to the general public. A dragon boat then whisks you along the Perfume River to Thien Mụ Pagoda for a serene visit at the iconic 7-story temple. 
Come evening, experience a private royal dinner at Ancient Hue restaurant: in a restored garden villa, you’ll be treated like emperors - complete with imperial banquets served on gold-emblazoned dishes and traditional court music performances during courses. Dine on imperial specialties once created for Nguyen kings, presented artfully (pricey but unique, ~$100/person). Post-dinner, return by your awaiting car to the Nam Hai in Hoi An (arriving late, but you can relax in the car’s reclining seats or even use this time to nap - your driver will have you back in comfort). Alternatively, if that’s too much travel for one day, you could opt to overnight at Azerai La Residence, Huế to savor Hue’s ambiance and continue to Danang/Hoi An next morning - but given our 7-day span and desire for one base in central Vietnam, a long but rewarding day trip to Huế is doable.

• Stay: Four Seasons The Nam Hai (Night 2). Your butler can have a rose-petal bath drawn for you upon your return from Huế, to soothe you before bed.

• Transport: Private luxury SUV for the Hoi An-Hue round trip (with Wi-Fi, cold drinks). Though long, you ride in comfort; you may even request the scenic Hai Van Pass route one way (for views) and the faster tunnel on return. In Huế, a private dragon boat is arranged (often just for you, with cushions and refreshments).

• Activities: The morning in Hoi An could also include a private market tour and cooking class with a celebrity chef - e.g., Chef Trinh Diem Vy offers high-end classes at her cooking school. If tailoring isn’t of interest, another option is a private lantern-making workshop where you craft your own silk lantern (a lovely souvenir) with a master artisan guiding you. In Huế, if time permits, you might visit one of the majestic royal tombs (like Khai Dinh’s tomb, which is elaborate and partly European-influenced). However, doing Citadel, pagoda, and dinner likely fills the afternoon/evening.

• Food: Lunch at The Field offers countryside tranquility - try their fresh spring rolls with shrimp, and their cocktails infused with local herbs. On the imperial dinner menu, expect dishes that are as much art as food - phoenix-shaped spring rolls, pineapple carved into a phoenix housing fried rice, dragon carved vegetables, etc. It’s a multi-course extravaganza of Hue flavors (known for being refined and smaller portions) paired perhaps with a bottle of French wine from the imperial cellars (Hue’s royal cuisine has French touches).

• Tips: With luxury travel, timing is everything - your personal guide will ensure you don’t feel rushed. It’s a long day, so feel free to adjust on the fly (if you’d rather linger over lunch and shorten Hue touring, it’s your call). The Nam Hai’s concierge can coordinate with Hue tour providers to make sure transitions are seamless. Also, bring an extra memory card or powerbank for devices - you’ll be taking many photos between Hoi An’s photogenic corners and Hue’s grandeur. Finally, embrace the regal theme! Playing dress-up in imperial robes during dinner might feel touristy, but it often ends up being tremendous fun and makes for great stories (and pictures).

Day 4: Danang Beach & Travel to Hanoi - After a whirlwind central Vietnam day, take a relaxing morning. This is your time to fully enjoy the resort. Sleep in and order a lavish floating breakfast in your villa’s pool - imagine a tray with tropical fruits, pastries, and Vietnamese coffee drifting beside you as you dip in your private pool. Check out by late morning and have your driver take you on a brief tour of Danang en route to the airport. In Danang, you can visit the famous Dragon Bridge (if only for a quick photo) and the striking Linh Ứng Pagoda at Sơn Trà Peninsula, where a 67m Lady Buddha statue overlooks the bay. A quick stop at My Khe Beach to feel the powdery sand or collect a seashell is optional. Continue to Da Nang Airport for a mid-day business-class flight to Hanoi (~1h20). Upon arriving in Hanoi, your private chauffeur will drive you to your hotel - the legendary Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. Check into the Metropole’s historic wing (a Grand Luxury Room, ~$350) - you’re literally stepping into 120+ years of history, where heads of state and literary icons have stayed. Take the hotel’s exclusive Path of History bunker tour - as a guest, you get a private tour of the Metropole’s secret wartime bunker, used during the 1960s to shelter guests like Joan Baez​. It’s an eerie but fascinating piece of history beneath a five-star hotel. After freshening up, spend the evening on a refined note: attend the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre from front-row seats (the hotel can secure VIP seating). Post-show, your chariot awaits for a culinary finale: a table at Túng Dining or Chef’s Table by Essenze - both offering inventive degustation menus that put Vietnamese ingredients in fine dining context, complete with wine pairings. Over 8-10 courses (perhaps Hanoi foie gras, smoked eel, truffle phở broth), savor the heights of Vietnam’s gastronomic scene. End the night with a stroll by Hoàn Kiếm Lake - the Metropole is just a block away, and the serene lake at night, possibly with a classical musician busking nearby, is enchanting. Return to the Metropole, where you might find a goodnight note and macarons awaiting in your room.

• Stay: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi - an award-winning luxury hotel that blends French colonial charm with Vietnamese hospitality. For an ultra-luxury twist, you could opt for the Capella Hanoi, a new 5-star boutique with opera-themed opulence, but the Metropole’s history is hard to beat, especially for a first-timer seeking authenticity.

• Transport: Business-class flight DAD→HAN (enjoy lounge access at Danang; Vietnam Airlines’s business class serves decent lunch on this route). In Hanoi, the Metropole’s Mercedes can pick you up (they offer an add-on service where staff in traditional Áo dài greet you with roses at the airport - a nice touch).

• Activities: If you’re interested in art, Hanoi’s art galleries (like Apricot Gallery) could be squeezed in. Or have the concierge arrange a cyclo tour of the Old Quarter’s 36 streets before dinner - just to see the bustle from a comfortable perch. The hotel’s bunker tour is short (~30 mins) but very unique - you stand in the actual bomb shelter where famous guests hid during US air raids​. Make sure to sign up for it upon check-in since they do it at scheduled times.

• Food: Dining at this level in Hanoi can also include French Grill at JW Marriott or La Terrasse du Metropole (for brasserie classics). But exploring Vietnamese fine dining is a memorable experience - at Túng Dining (run by a top young Vietnamese chef), the tasting menu might include items like mountain morels with local rice paddy herbs, showcasing East-West fusion. At the Metropole, don’t miss their chocolate library or the legendary Metropole Afternoon Tea if you had an extra afternoon.

• Tips: The Metropole offers a pillow menu - choose your perfect pillow for a heavenly sleep. Take advantage of their amenities: the concierge can arrange anything from private shopping at a silk tailor to an exclusive guided tour of the Old Quarter by electric buggy. Hanoi’s traffic is dense; rely on your private car or the hotel’s vintage Citroën if you want a classic ride around town. Also, note that the water puppet show is about 50 minutes - it’s touristy but endearing (front row might get a splash!). If that’s not to your taste, consider a private performance of traditional music or theater - the hotel can arrange artists to perform just for you in an intimate setting. That’s the level of personalization you can get on a luxury journey.

Day 5 and 6: Elite Hanoi & Halong Bay by Seaplane - Start with a leisurely breakfast in the Metropole’s Bamboo Bar or in the pretty courtyard - perhaps phở gà and fresh-squeezed passionfruit juice. This morning, experience Hanoi’s cultural side with an exclusive guided tour of the Old Quarter and French Quarter. Ride in a vintage open-top Citroën car or on foot with a scholar guide, learning about the city’s history as you go. Stop at Ngọc Sơn Temple on Hoàn Kiếm Lake (the guide will handle tickets/VIP access), and visit the Temple of Literature, where a private traditional music performance can be arranged in the historic courtyard just for you (imagine the sounds of đàn tranh zither echoing in the 1000-year-old university). Your guide then takes you to a hidden gem: perhaps the house of a renowned local artist or a coffee workshop where you learn to make the perfect cup of egg coffee - insider experiences gleaned from connections. For lunch, savor Hanoi’s famed bún chả in style - your guide can take you to Bun Cha Ta, a cleaner upscale joint for this dish, or even organize a chef’s table at home: dine in the home of a former Hue royal descendant in Hanoi who cooks recipes passed down through generations (an exclusive arrangement). After lunch, it’s time for the crowning experience: a transfer to Noi Bai Airport’s private terminal for your scenic seaplane flight to Hạ Long Bay. In just 45 minutes, you’ll soar over the Red River Delta and then those emerald waters - the pilot dips low for 15 minutes of sightseeing loops above the limestone towers (truly breathtaking, even for seasoned travelers)​. Land on water at Tuan Chau Marina, where you’ll board a day-use luxury yacht (e.g., the Emperor Cruises private charter). Spend the afternoon cruising Halong’s quieter corners (having done an overnight already, you target a different area - perhaps Bái Tử Long Bay). The yacht provides champagne and canapés as you sunbathe on deck. Go for a private swim in a secluded cove or kayak hand-in-hand through a cave - the crew ensures privacy and safety. As golden hour arrives, the yacht anchors in a scenic spot for a sunset seafood barbecue on board - your personal chef grills prawns, scallops, and fish caught that day, paired with your choice of fine wine. With just you and perhaps a butler on board, it’s the ultimate intimate Halong experience. As stars begin to twinkle, the seaplane (or a helicopter if arranged) takes you back to Hanoi in a flash, or if you prefer not to fly at night, a luxury limo drives you back in about 2.5 hours while you relax. Back at the Metropole, wind down with a late-night spa treatment - the hotel’s Le Spa du Metropole stays open late for guests in need of a relaxing herbal bath or therapeutic massage. Drift to sleep in your plush bed, cherishing the dreamlike scenes of Halong’s karsts that still dance behind your eyelids.

• Stay: Sofitel Legend Metropole (Night 2). The hotel’s nighttime ambiance is lovely - maybe catch a live jazz set in the Le Club bar if you return early enough.

• Transport: Seaplane charter - Hai Au Aviation offers private charters for Halong (or you can book seats on their scheduled flight and just charter the yacht). The seaplane flightseeing is 25 minutes, but the whole excursion including transfers to/from hotel and Halong will take the afternoon. A private yacht awaits at the marina (arranged through Emperor Cruises or Indochine Cruises, etc.). For return, a nighttime seaplane might not operate, so likely a VIP van or the option of a helicopter to Hanoi (daylight only). Either way, you’ll be back in Hanoi by night.
  
  Note: We have spread the activity over a day but ideally it should be spread over 2 days. So we give you flexibility to do the activity over 2 days and adjust according to your comfort.

• Activities: The morning tour could also include the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum exterior (inside is tricky, with lines and timing, not very VIP-friendly), or a curated visit to the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum with a curator, if art interests you more than the Old Quarter hustle. Flexibility and personalization are key - you have the resources to tailor everything.

• Food: Enjoy the best of both worlds - street flavors in controlled, clean environments and fine dining on a yacht. If doing bún chả in an upscale way, consider asking for the famous Obama combo (bún chả, fried spring rolls, and a Ha Noi beer) which you can enjoy at a reserved table instead of the usual plastic stool - fun and delicious. On the yacht, the chef can incorporate local delicacies like Halong clams or even offer sushi/sashimi from fresh catch if you desire. For dessert, perhaps a flambeed banana with local rum, enjoyed under the stars.

• Tips: Bring a change of elegant casual clothes for the yacht (something you don’t mind getting a bit damp but looks good in photos). The seaplane has a luggage limit - you’ll likely take just a day bag and leave everything at the hotel. If you’re prone to seasickness, take medication before the cruise (the bay is calm, but just in case). Also, coordinate with the hotel to keep the spa open for you if you’re returning later than usual - they will happily do so for guests, especially in the Club/Grand rooms. This day is about extravagance - from flying to feasting - so simply relax and let every detail be handled by your entourage of guides, pilots, and crew.

Day 7: Departure from Hanoi (or Next Destination) - Enjoy a slow final morning in Hanoi. Perhaps take advantage of the Metropole’s famed spa one more time for a Vietnamese green tea scrub or simply lounge by the courtyard pool with a book. If your flight is later, consider a quick shopping run: your private car can zip you to Hàng Gai Street for silk scarves or to Dong Xuan Market for last-minute handicrafts (your guide can expedite your browsing among the labyrinthine market). Alternatively, explore the Hanoi Opera House on a private guided tour (the Metropole can arrange access) - the 1911 French-built Opera House is gorgeous inside and usually off-limits except during performances. Check out by noon; the hotel can arrange a late checkout if your flight is in the evening. Squeeze in a final lunch - perhaps the hotel’s Spices Garden restaurant for an elegant take on northern Vietnamese cuisine (their bún thang - Hanoi herb chicken noodle soup - is superb). Your chauffeur then drives you to Nội Bài International Airport, arriving with plenty of time for tax-free shopping in the CIP lounge. Depart Hanoi on your first-class flight (the cabin crew addresses you by name as you sip Champagne), concluding your luxurious 7-day Vietnam journey. From personalized tours to top-tier dining and transport, you’ve experienced Vietnam’s highlights in ultimate comfort and style - truly a week to remember.

• Stay: Not applicable (unless you’re extending - in which case, the Metropole and other 5-stars will be delighted to host you longer with more bespoke city experiences).

• Transport: Private airport transfer - perhaps in the Metropole’s Bentley, if available, for a last touch of class. If flying out by private jet, you’ll head to the VIP terminal. Otherwise, Vietnam Airlines and other carriers offer excellent business/first class service for your onward flight.

• Activities: If you have a half-day, there are more luxury options: a private cooking class with the Metropole’s Chef in their kitchen, or a visit to Bat Trang pottery village by private car where you can craft your own high-end ceramic with a master potter (they’ll ship it to you once fired). It’s your last day - feel free to either pack in a bit more or do nothing at all and enjoy the hotel.

• Food: For a final taste, maybe ask the hotel to arrange a street food sampler delivered to you - yes, the Metropole can fetch the best bánh mì or phở in town and present it in fine china for you to enjoy without moving an inch. And don’t leave without trying the Metropole’s legendary chocolate buffet if it’s a Sunday (afternoon high tea featuring dozens of chocolate desserts). On your flight, you’ll likely be served a multi-course meal - but it might just pale in comparison to what you’ve had on the ground!

• Tips: When departing, have your guide assist with VAT refund paperwork for any expensive purchases (art, tailored garments, etc.). Keep your custom clothes and new treasures in carry-on if possible to avoid any risk. Reflect on your journey and consider feedback - the tour operators and hotels deeply appreciate it when guests share what they love (so they can maintain those high standards​). Lastly, plan your next trip - perhaps the mountainous north or Phú Quốc island - as Vietnam always has more to discover, even when you travel in the lap of luxury.