14 Nights in Vietnam

After a long arrival flight, you arrive in Danang.

You'll be swiftly taken to paradise at the Intercontinental Sun Peninsula, where five-star luxury awaits you at this iconic Bill Bensley designed property. Set between the jungle and the sea, the property is a welcome reprieve.

Cure the jet-lag blues away with an afternoon sound bath before enjoying cocktails at the Buffalo Bar and settling in for the night.

Start your day with beachside yoga before heading to the breakfast buffet of your dreams: everything from the finest house-made pastries, farm-fresh eggs, mini bánh mì sandwiches, and every kind of fruit, coffee, and juice you can imagine.

Spend your afternoon reading a book poolside or beachside if you prefer before taking an afternoon nature walk to see some of the 500 Red-shanked douc langur that call Intercontinental Sun Peninsula home.

Dinner tonight is a beach BBQ. Come hungry and save room for dessert!

It’s your last day at the Intercontinental, so you’ll make the most of it.

Enjoy time at the spa, or an afternoon Vietnamese coffee tasting class.

Dinner is at the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Danang: La Maison 1888.

Make your way to Hoi An, where beauty and culture coexist.

Do a city walking tour early AM, and from historians learn about how the city was mostly spared during the Vietnam War.

Enjoy beers at 7 Bridges, a local craft brewery that focuses on sustainable practices.

And of course, a trip to Hoi An must include a bánh mì from Banh Mi Phuong, which they credit to Anthony Bourdain for putting them on the map. Whether or not that is true, the sandwich is to die for!

The last full day in Hoi An will include the iconic coconut basket boats. What starts out as a serene row through beautiful coconut groves quickly turns into a fun-filled time with other tourists and locals alike.

If you’re braver than me, an optional topsy-turvy spin is included with a cash tip. This was much more fun than I was expecting!

Enjoy the sunset overlooking the river from the rooftop cocktail bar Mango Mango.

Today you’ll make your way via train to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, known for its slow pace and utter beauty.

Check in is at Banyan Tree.

Day seven takes you to explore Thien Mu Pagoda: a seven-story pagoda on the banks of the Perfume River, considered the city’s spiritual icon since 1601.

For lunch or dinner, make sure to enjoy Bún bò Hue, a spicy noodle dish renowned in Hue.

Today takes you to Hanoi, Vietnam’s second largest city, home to 8 million people. Prepare yourself for high energy, tons of people, a bit of beautiful chaos, and an open mind.

Check in is at Capella Hanoi, a Michelin Key property that exudes luxury at every turn.

Enjoy lunch at Koto: a restaurant supporting at-risk youth, helping them break the cycle of poverty with hands-on hospitality training.

Day nine starts with a city walking and history tour. Pay respects to Ho Chi Minh at his final resting place and end the afternoon at the Temple of Literature, 1,000 years of history smack dab in the middle of the city.

Dinner tonight is street-side, on the famous plastic stools. Make friends with a local and enjoy something you normally wouldn’t try.

Last day in Hanoi is all about shopping!

Hanoi is known for amazing shopping and the concept shops rule. Check out Ginkgo for locally made goods and souvenirs that you will cherish forever.

After all of the energy of Hanoi, you’re going to need a break.

Head a couple of hours outside of the city to UNESCO Heritage Site Nihn Bihn.

Check in at Jiva Hoa Lu Retreat: a five-star luxury retreat nestled seamlessly into nature. No need to leave this property. It has everything you need to recharge.

Today you’ll ride bikes through rice paddy fields, and also in traditional sampans through calm and peaceful waterways.

You may even witness monkeys high in the limestone karsts.

Make your way to another wonder of the world, Ha Long Bay, and board Celebrity of the Seas, a luxury cruise that has the special privilege of anchoring in remote areas.

Here you’re greeted with rose petals, a live band, and impeccable hospitality. Highlights: a seven-course lunch that includes lobster and duck, afternoon drone photography, SUPs, and kayaking.

Prepare for the most peaceful 48 hours of the entire trip—the perfect way to end 14 days in Vietnam.