Vietnam’s Highlands and Island Retreats
Experience the beauty and culture of Vietnam on this exciting tour. Start by exploring Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the famous Temple of Literature. Meet local hill tribes and enjoy a private farm-to-table cooking experience in the beautiful countryside of Mai Chau. Relax on the pristine beaches of Phu Quoc or snorkel in its vibrant waters. Discover Ho Chi Minh City’s rich colonial history with visits to landmarks like the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Chinatown. Your Destination Expert will tailor every detail of your journey, from mountain treks to city explorations, ensuring a memorable experience throughout Vietnam.
Highlights
- Explore Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the Temple of Literature.
- Experience private farm-to-table cooking with local hill tribes in Mai Chau.
- Relax on Phu Quoc’s beautiful beaches or snorkel in its vibrant waters.
- Discover Ho Chi Minh City’s colonial history with visits to the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Chinatown.
- Enjoy a customized journey with your Destination Expert, from mountain treks to city adventures.
- Bali & Indonesia
- Bhutan
- Borneo
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- India
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- Malaysia
- Mekong Tours
- Multi Country Mekong Tours
- Myanmar
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- Vietnam
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What’s included
- Personalized itinerary based on what you like and your schedule.
- 24/7 support from our local office during your trip.
- All accommodations, tours, and transfers are included unless noted otherwise.
- A private driver for tours and transfers (in some places, guides may also drive).
- Local guides or shared tours to help you explore your itinerary highlights.
- A friendly greeting at the airport or your hotel from our representative.
- Breakfast daily at your hotel, plus any other planned meals.
- One suitcase and one carry-on bag per person for transfers.
What’s not included
- International airfare-contact your expert for pricing.
- Travel insurance, available for purchase after booking.
- Visas (unless specified).
- Tips for services and experiences.
- Lunches, dinners, and drinks (unless included in the itinerary).
- Excess baggage charges, if applicable.
- Personal expenses like laundry and room service.
- Early check-in or late check-out (unless specified).
- Extra sightseeing or activities not in your itinerary.
- Optional upgrades or local fees for photography.
- Passport fees, immunizations, and local departure taxes (when applicable).
Itinerary ideas
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1
Upon arrival at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport, a hostess will be waiting for you with a sign that shows your name. She will guide you through fast-track security using your pre-approved E-Visa. After you collect your luggage, she will take you to meet your private driver and English-speaking guide. They will ensure a comfortable transfer to your destination. Enjoy a seamless beginning to your journey in Vietnam as you make your way from the airport to your hotel.
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2
Embark on a full-day tour through Hanoi’s historic landmarks with a private guide. Start at Ba Dinh Square to admire the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the resting place of the revolutionary leader. Explore traditional stilt houses showcasing unique architecture, then visit the One-Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049 and known for its lotus shape. Continue to West Lake, a tranquil oasis featuring embassies and coffee shops, and visit the ancient Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of Hanoi’s oldest. After a local lunch, discover the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. Conclude your journey in the historic Old Quarter and Sword Lake, stopping at the beautiful Ngoc Son Temple. Experience rich cultural heritage and charm in Hanoi.
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3
Meet your private driver and English-speaking guide for a 4-hour transfer to Mai Chau. Once there, enjoy a 3.5-mile private guided walk from the Avana Retreat, immersing yourself in the stunning countryside. With your knowledgeable guide, stroll through lush green forests, peaceful country roads, and vibrant rice paddy fields. Experience the tranquility of local life as you pass through charming ethnic villages, taking in the beautiful landscape. Let the calming nature surround you on this delightful trek, offering a perfect escape from the busy pace of daily life.
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4
Immerse yourself in local cuisine with a private farm-to-table cooking experience at Avana Retreat. Accompanied by a skilled chef, visit a nearby garden to hand-pick fresh vegetables. Return to the resort’s kitchen to learn cooking techniques and secrets behind each dish. After preparing your meal, enjoy a tasting session, savoring the flavors of your creations. Discover the secrets of authentic Vietnamese gastronomy in this unique culinary adventure.
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Meet your private driver and English-speaking guide for a 4-hour transfer to Hanoi. Afterward, board a flight from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, with an approximate flight time of 2 hours and 15 minutes. Upon arrival, meet your private driver and guide for your airport transfer.
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Embark on a captivating private tour of Ho Chi Minh City, where architecture reveals its Chinese and colonial influences. Start with iconic historical sites like the 19th-century central post office, designed by Gustave Eiffel, and the striking red brick Notre-Dame Cathedral. Explore the vibrant Chinatown of Cholon and visit the bustling Binh Tay market, filled with diverse vendor stalls. Next, admire the intricate Thien Hau Temple, dedicated to the goddess of the sea, known for its ornate architecture. After a local lunch, customize your experience by visiting either the War Remnants Museum or the FITO Museum, focusing on Vietnam’s traditional medicine. Conclude your tour with free time to discover the hidden gems of Saigon.
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Prepare for a captivating private evening adventure in Ho Chi Minh City as your vintage Vespa driver picks you up from your hotel. Settle into the back seat and explore Saigon after dark. Begin at a stylish rooftop venue, enjoying stunning sunset views along with delicious snacks and drinks. Then, traverse the bustling streets to savor authentic seafood and local Banh Xeo. Next, visit a cozy coffee shop featuring live music. Conclude your tour at a vibrant bar, sipping refreshing drinks and dancing to contemporary tunes. At the end of the evening, you’ll return to your hotel with cherished memories of this thrilling night out.
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Meet your private driver and English-speaking guide for your airport transfer. Board a direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc, with an approximate flight time of 1 hour and 5 minutes. Upon arrival, meet your private driver for your transfer.
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At Regent Phu Quoc, enjoy a range of activities including beach volleyball, snorkeling, kayaking, and windsurfing. Relax with spa treatments or rooftop aerial yoga, and explore cooking classes for a culinary adventure. Try Stand-Up Paddle Boarding during golden hour. All experiences are curated for your enjoyment, with advance reservations recommended through your Destination Expert for a perfect island retreat.
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Experience ultimate leisure at Regent Phu Quoc. Start your day by your private pool or on the beach, then indulge in unique spa treatments. Savor French-Japanese cuisine at Oku, enjoy cocktails at Bar Jade, and finish with stunning sunset views from Fu Bar or Ocean Club, creating unforgettable memories.
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Meet your private driver for an airport transfer.
Board a flight from Phu Quoc with direct service to Ho Chi Minh City. Approximate flight time is 1 hour and 5 minutes
Accommodation options
The itinerary price includes suggested accommodation. However, My Way Travel are fully customizable, and a specialist can help you choose the best option for your preferences and budget.
What our clients say about us
Cynthia K
12 March 2025 ★★★★★My husband and I, along with five friends, thoroughly enjoyed our Heritage Line The Jahan Mekong River Cruise from Siem Reap to Saigon. The food was out of this world. I have celiac disease and Heritage Line knows how to take extra care with food preparation to keep people safe. Our outstanding travel agent set everything up for us, answered all of our questions and checked on us frequently. I highly recommend Heritage Line The Jahan and I highly recommend booking this unforgettable journey through a trusted travel advisor.
Clauda
8 January 2025 ★★★★★The entire crew was personable. Special shout outs to the Aqua Mekong cruise director and housekeeping manager. Rooms were clean. Food options were always delicious plus there was no way to ever be hungry! One of our group had dietary restrictions and there were always choices that worked. Evening entertainment was great and every night was something different. We did the Mekong River cruise so the daily excursions included time in local villages, markets, and cultural sites. We all had fun and appreciated the small ship experience.
Myskymama
17 April 2025 ★★★★★We went on a 7 day Mekong River cruise on the La Marguerite ship. Our twin room on the lower level was very nice, and the bed was extremely comfortable. Housekeeping twice a day with turndown service was fantastic. Dining was spectacular with buffet and menu choices, and the special dinner was magnificent. Each day the menus reflected local Mekong flavors. Service was extraordinarily good. Every evening a complimentary happy hour was offered, and the staff were always attentive. My traveling companion was gluten free and had many wonderful options at each meal. Excursions were very good, with gentle or more active tour choices and excellent local guides. This was one of the best cruise experiences I’ve ever had!
ColoradoJim
22 May 2025 ★★★★★The Jayavarman cruise was simply outstanding. Our tour director was on point at every turn, with clear instructions and follow-through every step of the way. The food was delicious, the wine and drinks were abundant, and the living quarters were attractive and clean. The day excursions were divided into more difficult, regular, and easy so everyone got to select their pace. This was our first true river cruise and we enjoyed every single moment of it.
Mandy
12 February 2026 ★★★★★Lovely cruise down the Mekong on Pandaw. Crew were very friendly, food was great, loved all the drinks and atmosphere on board. Loads of guided tours available and we visited some lovely places along the river. Very smooth journey with only slight changes due to river conditions, all handled perfectly by the crew whilst we were whisked off on an excursion. Great evening entertainment and our boat had a wonderful traditional charm throughout. Would definitely recommend.

