Where should I go and what should I do in Vietnam?
Halong Bay Luxury Cruises with Heritage Vessels – Sail emerald limestone karsts aboard Heritage Cruises' Binh Chuan or luxury Capella Cruise with private suites and gourmet dining for two unforgettable nights on UNESCO waters.
Da Nang's InterContinental Sun Peninsula + Marble Mountains – Stay in clifftop villas with private pools overlooking Son Tra Peninsula, then explore the sacred Marble Mountains and hidden golden bridges.
Hoi An Ancient Town + Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai – Wander lantern-lit streets of this UNESCO gem by night, then retreat to beachfront infinity pools and farm-to-table cooking classes at this refined resort.
Mekong Delta Culinary & River Life Tour – Private boat tours through floating markets, riverside villages, and family-run orchards paired with immersive cooking experiences and gourmet dinners.
Phu Quoc Island Private Villa Luxury – Escape to exclusive beachfront resorts like Regent Phu Quoc with infinity pools, private beach access, and Gulf of Thailand sunsets far from tourist crowds.
When should I go to Vietnam?
November–April (Peak Dry Season) – Most reliable weather across north and south; ideal for Halong Bay cruising, beach stays, and outdoor exploration
February–April (Spring Peak) – Perfect sunny days and clear skies ideal for exploring cities and temples; comfortable 60–75°F
What do I need to know for a trip to Vietnam?
Hanoi vs. Ho Chi Minh City Entry Points – Fly into Hanoi (HAN) for north-to-south itineraries, or Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) for southern-first trips; direct flights from major US hubs available
Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND); ATMs offer competitive rates and are ubiquitous in cities. Credit cards accepted at upscale restaurants and resorts
Cooking Classes + Market Visits Highly Recommended – Half-day or full-day experiences in Hanoi and Hoi An teach authentic recipes while exploring local food culture; book through resort concierge
Cultural Respect Required at Temples – Cover shoulders and knees; remove shoes when entering; silence and respectful behavior are mandatory
Sleeper Train Experiences – The Reunification Express overnight train from Hanoi to Da Nang is scenic; book private cabins for luxury experience
Embark on a journey back in time to Vietnam in 1930s with Hôtel des Arts boutique lifestyle hotel in Saigon. Combining the classical charm of French Indochina with a sense of timeless chic that only the MGallery Collection can provide, the hotel is as much an art museum as it is a 5 star hotel.
Amanoi is a meditative retreat on the coast of Nui Chua National Park, one of Vietnam’s largest natural conservation sites. Hugged by rolling, evergreen-covered hills, the resort looks over the East Sea and pristine Vinh Hy Bay
Ever since 1901, the Hotel Metropole Hanoi has a long tradition as a luxury venue for prestigious events and a popular rendezvous for business and leisure travelers.
In the purple shadow of the Truong Son Mountains, on a shimmering crescent bay of the South China Sea, Banyan Tree Lang Co invites you to discover the true beauty of Vietnam...
White sands sparkle, azure waves roll ashore and the tropical beauty of Vietnam's coast takes your breath away at Ana Mandara Hue, a luxurious retreat on a private beach near Hue City...
The Reverie Saigon has debuted as the most spectacularly extravagant hotel in Vietnam and as the one and only member property of The Leading Hotels of the World in all of Vietnam.
Escape to InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, a spectacular hillside retreat where dramatic design, lush rainforest, and private beachfront luxury create one of Vietnam’s most extraordinary stays.
Vietnam's vibrant Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), still often called Saigon, is an electric destination, a thriving metropolis bursting with energy. Retreat to the serenity of a Saigon luxury hotel in a quiet enclave just steps from the buzzing city centre.
Leave the present behind and discover a world of spellbinding elegance. Nestled on a peaceful boulevard along Hoàn Kiếm Lake, the art nouveau masterpiece is an ode to the opera artists, designers and composers.
In a secluded hillside overlooking tranquil waters of Ninh Van Bay, the serene An Lam Ninh Van Bay Villas offer a private home-away-from-home in spectacular private villas...
Vietnam Through Cities, Coastlines, and Countryside
Vietnam stretches the length of Southeast Asia's eastern coastline, yet no single place captures the country entirely. In Hanoi, tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, and street vendors selling steaming bowls of phở create a city that feels deeply rooted in tradition and pays homage to its history. Further south, Ho Chi Minh City moves with a different energy, where high-rise buildings create a jagged skyline, and the labyrinth of city roads bustles with life and noise.
Many travelers divide their time between the cities and the coast. Along the shorelines of central Vietnam, destinations such as Hội An and Da Nang pair sandy beaches with centuries-old trading heritage. Some of the best luxury resorts in Vietnam are in these charming destinations, where mornings might begin with a walk on the beach, afternoons are spent perusing quaint markets and tailor-made crafts, and evenings end with meandering along lantern-lit streets.
Food is one of the country's defining experiences. Iconic dishes include fresh spring rolls (rice paper wrapped around fresh salad vegetables and steamed prawns) and bún chả (steaming dumplings) in the north to fragrant seafood dishes along the coast. Coffee is renowned for a reason, and there's a popular culture built around it. You'll find trendy, hip cafés on most street corners, with menus that range from coconut coffee to egg-whipped espressos.
While flights from the United States are long, connections through major Asian hubs make Vietnam increasingly accessible. Visitors often arrive amazed by the beautiful scenery and leave talking about the food, the hospitality, and the remarkable diversity packed into one country.