LUXURY TRAVEL & BESPOKE
TOURS IN VIETNAM
Vietnam is a land where ancient traditions meet modern innovation. From the lush rice terraces of the north to the shimmering beaches of the south, Vietnam is as varied as it is captivating.
“With Discovery DMC, explore this dynamic country through private, tailored experiences — whether immersing in Hanoi’s timeless charm, cruising through the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay, or retreating to a private island off the coast of Phu Quoc.”
From Michelin-star dining in Ho Chi Minh City to private boat tours in the Mekong Delta, and from cultural encounters with ethnic minorities to sailing on luxury yachts, we specialize in creating unforgettable, bespoke journeys for discerning travelers.
WHY VIETNAM
Vietnam offers a rich tapestry of landscapes, culture, and history, each more enchanting than the last. Whether it’s a journey through misty mountain villages in the north, ancient temples in Hue, or the elegant streets of Hanoi, Vietnam’s landscapes invite discovery.
For luxury travelers, it combines an authentic cultural heritage with world-class experiences. From exclusive resorts and private villas to personalized guided tours and luxury cruises, Vietnam offers immersive, off-the-beaten-path journeys and sophisticated indulgences for those seeking the best. Whether you wish to explore the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City, sail through Ha Long Bay’s karst formations, or retreat to serene beaches, we tailor the experience to your preferences.
INSIDER EXPERIENCES
Private Ha Long Bay Cruise
Set sail on a private, handcrafted junk boat, gliding through Ha Long Bay’s emerald waters, passing karst islands and hidden caves. Toast the sunset with champagne, while dining on exquisite Vietnamese cuisine prepared onboard by your private chef.
Hanoi’s Hidden History
Go beyond the well-known landmarks of Hanoi with a private expert-led walking tour of secret gardens, ancient temples, and hidden artisan workshops. End with a traditional Vietnamese dinner at a private lakeside villa.
Mekong Delta By Boat
Explore the Mekong Delta on a luxury private boat, discovering floating markets, tranquil villages, and the secrets of the region’s ancient waterways. Enjoy a private lunch prepared by local chefs, incorporating regional specialties.
Saigon’s Culinary Secrets
Experience Ho Chi Minh City’s dynamic food scene with a private tour through hidden markets and exclusive eateries. Savor gourmet street food and fine-dining experiences, all personally curated by our expert guides.
Sapa Villages Exploration
Trek through the verdant hills of northern Vietnam, visiting traditional ethnic minority villages. Meet the locals, learn about their ways of life, and enjoy a private cultural experience with local experts.
Luxury Vietnamese Villas
Indulge in a stay at one of Vietnam’s finest private villas, each equipped with your own private chef and dedicated service team, offering a truly bespoke experience in serene, secluded surroundings.
Vietnamese Wellness Retreats
Discover peace and rejuvenation in one of Vietnam’s exclusive wellness resorts. Whether you’re looking for detox, Ayurveda, or yoga, Vietnam’s wellness offerings are among the best in Southeast Asia.
Ethical Elephant Encounters
Spend a day with elephants at a conservation center, learning about their care and conservation efforts. Get up close and personal with these majestic creatures in an ethically-minded setting.
Vietnam by Helicopter
Soar over Vietnam’s dramatic landscapes in a private helicopter, getting a bird’s eye view of Ha Long Bay, the Mekong Delta, or the terraced fields of Sapa.
Saigon by Vespa: Culture, Cuisine & Nightlife
Discover Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant spirit from the back of a vintage Vespa. Your private guide will lead you through Saigon’s bustling streets, hidden alleys, and historical landmarks — from French colonial architecture to sacred temples. Along the way, stop to taste authentic street food, sample local craft beers, and experience the city’s thriving café and cocktail culture.
Destinations in Vietnam
MEKONG RIVER DELTA
The Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam is a vast network of interconnected waterways covering an area of 60,000 km² across three Vietnamese provinces. This lush, tropical region is dominated by Southeast Asia’s mightiest river, the Mekong. In Cambodia, the Mekong splits into two main branches, the Bassac and the First River, before entering Vietnam and branching into an even more intricate system of canals, rivers, and arroyos. Exploring these waterways and their countless tributaries by boat is the perfect way to experience the Mekong Delta at a leisurely pace, offering a glimpse into the region’s truly unique riverine lifestyle. The area is alive with charming craft villages, Khmer pagodas, majestic mangroves, picturesque orchards, and vibrant floating markets. Read more
CAN THO (delta)
Situated on the south bank of the Hau River in the Mekong Delta or ‘nine dragon river delta’, Can Tho offers an interesting blend of rural peace and a gently developing urban infrastructure. Catch some of the buzz at the lively waterfront, or stroll through the narrow backstreets to discover exquisite sculptured gardens and Buddhist pagodas. The city is known for its many canals weaving through and out of the city. On your boat ride, visit the floating market for an authentic experience, including a taste of exotic local fruit. Read more
CHAU DOC (delta)
On the surface of it, Chau Doc may be a convenient one-night stopover en route to Cambodia, but if you find yourself in this charming town, you will do well to linger for a while. It is colourful, unspoilt, friendly, and rich in cultural diversity – apparent from the mosques, temples, churches and pilgrimage sites in the area. An excursion up Sam Mountain to view the shrines and places of worship, including the treasured Ba Chua Xa temple, should be on your to-do list, as is a visit to Tra Su Bird Sanctuary with its 23m high observation tower. Afterwards, settle back and enjoy dinner at one of the eateries in town. Read more
PHU QUOC ISLAND & BEACHES
Touching down in this picture-postcard setting is the start of something special: The island paradise of Phu Quoc hands you miles of palm-lined white beaches and turquoise bays. There are reefs to dive, fresh seafood to sample, coves to kayak, and plenty of jungle backroads to bike along. The majority of the island is a national park, and there’s plenty of wildlife viewing and hiking to be had. The island is also well known for its production of fish sauce and black pepper and the Phu Quoc hunting dogs, characterised by their ridged backs, curly tails and blue tongues. Read more
PHAN THIET and Mui Ne Beaches
Resting on Vietnam’s southeast coast, Phan Thiet is a small but thriving coastal city centred around a bustling little fishing port with a harbor full of colorful boats, lively outdoor markets and intriguing historical landmarks. The city is best known for its lovely beaches and its excellent local seafood restaurants lining the seafront promenade. Try the watersports on Phan Thiet’s long beach, discover the area’s picturesque pagodas, explore scenic sand dunes, embark on a sightseeing boat trip or sample the delicious local cuisine. Don’t miss the impressive Van Thuy Tu Temple and Museum, which dates back to 1762 and houses over 100 whale skeletons. Read more
CAT TIEN NATIONAL PARK
The Cat Tien National Park is located in southern Vietnam, and is most easily accessed from the town of Bao Loc (which lies on Highway 20 on the route from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat). This protected environment is an official UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and is divided into two distinct regions: Cat Loc (in the north) and Nam Cat Tien, the most-visited area in the eastern half of the park. Consisting of liana-strung seasonal forests – including immense groves of bamboo – Cat Tien National Park attracts visitors with its many exotic mammals (such as golden-cheeked gibbons) and rare birds (such as green peacocks). In addition to the excellent bird and wildlife watching opportunities, hiking is a popular activity and guided hiking tours can be arranged to explore remote areas of the park such as the spectacularly scenic Crocodile Lake. Read more
NHA TRANG BEACHES
Nha Trang is Vietnam’s most famous seaside resort-town, set apart by its lively, urban atmosphere, its dynamic nightlife, as well as some of the country’s best beaches and dive sites. A glorious 6 km stretch of golden sand is lapped by azure waters on one side and lined with cafés, restaurants, parks and some rather unique public sculptures on the other. While on the surface it may appear to be yet another seaside party town, the city has many hidden charms waiting to be discovered. Must see attractions include: the majestic temple, Po Nagar; Dam Market, home to some of the city’s best French-colonial architecture and crumbling 19th-century Chinese houses; and the world’s longest cross-sea cable-car ride which transports visitors to nearby Hon Tre (Bamboo Island). Read more
CON DAO ISLANDS
This group of islands off the southern coast of Vietnam is fast becoming one of the country’s star attractions, thanks to its natural beauty and rather exotic wildlife – not many other places in the world are home to black giant squirrels or bow-fingered geckos. Con Son, the largest island in the archipelago, is flanked by gorgeous beaches, coral reefs and scenic bays, so there’s plenty of exploring to do – on land as well as under water, with diving being a favourite pastime. All rather far removed from its history as a prison island during the French colonial era, and Vietnam War. The old prison buildings are still standing and are open to the public, as is a small museum that traces the island’s history. Read more
HOI AN heritage trading port
Hoi An, on Vietnam’s central coast, is enchanting. This once-bustling port town has a colourful blend of French, Chinese and Japanese-influenced architecture, canals, bridges and temples, and the lack of noisy traffic (no cars are allowed on the main streets) means you can take it all in in relative peace and quiet. Its waterfront area is alive with boutique hotels, eateries and tailor shops, and art and craft shops. If you have time, try to fit in a visit to the ruins of My Son Sanctuary, an ancient Hindu tower temple complex. Read more
DANANG and shores of China Beach
This coastal city in central Vietnam was a favourite with American soldiers during the Vietnam-US War, mainly for the R&R opportunities it offered by way of China Beach, located to the southwest. Da Nang is situated on a long thin peninsula and offers about 30km of shoreline – crystal clear lagoon waters on its one side and beach on the other. Naturally there are plenty of water activities on offer, including fishing, water-skiing, diving and yachting, while visitors interested in culture can pop into the Museum of Cham Sculpture, or stroll down the Han Riverfront to see how the city is developing. Day trips to Nui Son Tra (Monkey Mountain), the Ba Na Hills and the five Marble Mountains are must-dos. Read more
HUE LAST ROYAL CAPITAL
Beguiling and beautiful, the former capital of Vietnam is still revered as a cultural and religious centre, and achieved UNESCO World Heritage status in 1993. The city owes its charm in part to its setting on the Perfume River, but more significantly, to its many ancient temples and palaces – all vestiges of the last remaining Vietnamese dynasty, the Nguyen dynasty. The 19th century Hue Citadel – otherwise known as The Imperial City – should be high on your ‘to-see’ list (you will need a day to get through the entire complex); while scattered along the riverbank are myriad more shrines and stupa, including the Thien Mu Pagoda with its octagonal tower. There are a number of mineral hot springs, boat trips on the river can be organised, and the eateries in town boast a culinary experience you will find only in this region. Read more
DONG HOI
Situated about halfway between Vinh and Hue, the town of Dong Hoi (not to be confused with the neighbouring town of Dong Ha) primarily serves as a base for travellers exploring the remarkable Phong Nha Cave system. The town boasts a variety of spectacular beaches, some relaxing hot springs and a bustling market on the banks of the lovely Nhat Le River. The majority of Dong Hoi’s development is clustered around the river’s west bank where you will find remnants of a Nguyen dynasty citadel. To the North of the citadel lie the ruins of a church and its remaining bell tower which was badly damaged during the war. Dong Hoi sees very few tourists and makes an excellent off-the-beaten-track destination where you are likely to be welcomed by the town’s fabulously friendly locals who seem to thoroughly enjoy the novelty of foreign visitors.
NINH BINH & RED RIVER DELTA
Lying 100 km south of Hanoi in the Red River Delta, Ninh Binh is the capital city of Vietnam’s Ninh Binh province. With its easy transportation links to destinations both north and south, this laidback town makes an ideal base for exploring the remarkably scenic surrounding countryside. The highlight of the area is undoubtedly the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring lush green paddy fields, some quintessentially Vietnamese limestone scenery, and a number of impressive caves. Other popular nearby sights include the nation’s biggest pagoda and the extraordinary views from the top of Hang Mua Peak. Read more
MAI CHAU MINORITIES & NATURAL BEAUTY
Tucked away in an idyllic valley in the mountains of northern Vietnam, lies the isolated rural district of Mai Châu. The area is known for its excellent hiking and biking opportunities as well as its picturesque pastoral landscape and laidback village lifestyle. The district’s capital city, also known as Mai Chau, is commonly used as a springboard for exploring the area’s many traditional villages which are famous for their stilt houses featuring palm leaf roofs, bamboo-slat floors and large, patterned windows. For a wonderfully authentic Vietnamese experience visitors can enjoy an overnight homestay in one of these stilted houses where they can interact with the locals and learn about their traditions and customs. Read more
HA LONG BAY 2000 LIMESTONE ISLANDS
Imagine thousands of soaring forested islands rising out of emerald waters and you have a vision of the breathtaking beauty that is Ha Long Bay. Ha Long (declared a World Heritage Site in 1994) means ‘where the dragon descends into the sea’ with the legend telling of a massive dragon descending from the mountains, gouging out crevasses and valleys and as it charged towards the coast. Once it settled down, the legend goes the area filled up with water leaving only the pinnacles visible. The best way to to view these wondrous islands and explore their caves is via a boat cruise, with options ranging from luxury (think an opulent Chinese-style junk boat) to budget. Read more
HANOI CAPITAL & CRADLE OF CULTURE
With its wide boulevards, ancient pagodas and tree-lined lakes, Vietnam’s capital is also the country’s most atmospheric and beguiling city. There is an energy and charm here arising from the genteel mix of French colonialism and Asian grace and tradition. Enjoy a showcase of synchronised t’ai chi at Hoan Kiem Lake; stroll around the lively Old Quarter with its narrow streets, traders and packs of scooters weaving in and out, and don’t miss the chance to see a water puppetry show at the Thang Long Puppet Theatre. Other places to visit include the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, the Perfume Pagoda temple complex and the Hanoi Opera House in the heart of the French Quarter. Read more
BA BE NATIONAL PARK
Situated about 240km northwest of Hanoi, Ba Be National Park is a protected reserve in the Bac Kan Province of northeast Vietnam. Ba Be means ‘Three Lakes’, however, all three parts of the lake actually converge into a single continuous body of water. The park also features dramatic white limestone cliffs and some lush lowland evergreen forests. This biodiversity hotspot is home to several species of rare and endangered plants and animals, and contains at least 1268 distinct species. Popular activities in the park include trekking through the valleys and forests; visiting the small villages of different ethnic groups; and boat tours around the lake and along the Nang River which flows through some magnificent caves. Don’t miss the Dau Dang Waterfall which is an impressive 500 meters high and is only 17kms from the central Ba Be village. Read more
HA GIANG SPECTACULAR LANDSCAPES
Set in the northeastern region of Vietnam, Ha Giang is a province which is considered by many to feature some of Indochina’s most breathtaking natural scenery. The province is characterised by forested limestone and granite mountains which form an ideal environment for outdoor activities such as trekking, mountain climbing and camping. The best known rocky area in the province is the Dong Van Rock Plateau, a site recognised by UNESCO as one of the world’s 77 geological parks. This spectacularly scenic plateau is home to Lung Cu, a tiny little hamlet which features the renowned Lung Cu Flag Tower on Dragon Mountain. Other attractions in the Ha Giang area include a number of colourful local markets, the exquisite rice terraces of Hoang Su Phi, and the Hmong King Palace, a unique architectural landmark built in the early twentieth century. Read more
SAPA HILL STATION TOWN
A former French Hill station, Sapa is fast becoming a trekker and tourist hotspot. Situated on the Hoang Lien Son mountain range of northwest Vietnam, the town overlooks terraced rice fields, often shrouded in heavy morning mist. Aside from the spectacular view, the town’s charm can be also be attributed to the local H’mong and Dzao hill tribe people, who trade clothing, trinkets and handicrafts in the town most days. Trekking expeditions can be arranged to nearby villages and, for the fit and energetic, Fansipan peak (Vietnam’s highest) can be climbed. Or head out onto the Tram Ton Pass for stunning scenery, stopping off en route at the Thac Bac waterfall, with its multiple cascades. Read more
Our handpicked hotels in Vietnam
VIETNAM MAP
Vietnam / Essential Information
- Visas and border crossings
- Country facts and figures
- Language and culture
- Security
- Money
- Mobiles and the Internet
- Travel to and around Vietnam
- And more
INSPIRATION & EXPERIENCES
WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU
