Vietnam is a dramatic mix of Old and New and has taken its rightful place as one of Asia’s most vibrant, romantic, and traditional destinations. Explore dramatic, fascinating history in cities like Hanoi and Saigon, and relax on the country’s beautiful beaches.
Tourist Visa for US Citizens: You must have a valid passport and a visa (or pre-approval for a visa on arrival) to enter Vietnam. Your passport must be valid for six months beyond your planned stay, and you must have at least one blank visa page. Visit the Embassy of Vietnam website for the most current information. If you arrive in Vietnam without an appropriate visa (which could be an e-visa) or pre-approval for a visa on arrival, you will be denied entry.
Your e-visa should take no more than 7-days, but best to apply a few months in advance, in case you need to provide a few more details. And note, the e-Visa is very strict on your entry date.
► US Department of State Vietnam Information
► Official Vietnam e-Visa Application site
Part of the APEC Business Travel program
• Expedited Passport Clearance
• All full members of APEC have no need to apply for a visa or entry permit, as the card is treated as such (except for transitional members, USA and Canada)
Ninh Thuan
Size: 44 rooms and suites
Style: Contemporary / Classic Aman
Year Opened: 2013
Designer/Architect: Jean-Michel Gathy
Overlooking the spectacular Vinh Hy Bay in Vietnam, Amanoi is a tranquil retreat. Named after the Sanskrit-derived words for “peace” and “place,” this luxury resort features 31 pavilions and villas, two wellness pool villas and 11 residences, all offering privacy, serenity, and beauty. In the serene Aman Spa, guests can indulge in massages and treatments created with traditional Vietnamese ingredients, such as aromatic herbs, rice, and coffee. And in the resort’s beach club, located on a beautiful, private, white-sand beach, you can lounge, dine, swim, and enjoy a complete range of water sports, from snorkeling to kayaking.
I AM AN AMAN PREFERRED PARTNER
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
• $100usd (or more) F&B or Spa Credit
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
and more
Phu Yen
Size: 22 rooms and suites
Style: Culturally Immerssed Luxury
Year Opened: 2020
Designer/Architect: Arnaud Zannier
Bãi San Hô is perched on a secluded peninsula of Phu Yen, uniting ancient rice paddy fields, verdant hilltops and kilometer-long beach on 98 hectares (245 acres). The resort promotes an immersion into Vietnam’s rich culture. Three restaurants range from Bà Hai authentic regional cooking, fresh seafood at Làng Chài, to all-day Southeast-Asian casual dining at Nhà ở. Resembling the style of Vietnamese homes, 73 villas are dotted with hand-picked antiques, while pools and terraces offer restorative settings. The coral reef bay is the perfect place for kayaking or snorkelling. The Hoa Sen spa, yoga studio and reflection pool provide a serene setting for mind-body wellness.
I AM A ZANNIER HOTELS PREFERRED PARTNER
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
• Early check-in/Late check-out subject to availability
• Upgrade subject to availability
• $100 USD spa credit
• Complimentary WIFI
• Welcome amenity
and more
Halong Bay is best enjoyed as a 1-day cruise. Ending your stay in Hanoi, cruise Halong Bay and the next day be whisked off to the airport for your next destination in Vietnam or elsewhere. Halong Bay is at its best once all the day-trippers head back to Hanoi and you’re left with the sunset and silence. Plus, you will be picked up in Hanoi in a black car and get to board the ship the second you arrive in Halong Bay, rather than waiting in the lounge with everyone else.
Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
A memorable journey around the highlights of Vietnam’s highlands, this tour will enchant and beguile even those who have previously visited Vietnam’s north. Prepare to be whisked away from the buzz and bustle of colonial Hanoi – from speeding along the new highway to gliding serenely on the lake at Ba Be national park. Explore tiny traditional villages nestled in the hills and enjoy the rare chance to meet the unique ethnic groups that live there; share their distinct culture and food and soak up the action in the market place. Take winding road trips and pleasant hikes right into the northern heartland to truly experience the unrivalled scenery before heading completing the journey back in charming Hanoi.
This itinerary is an example. All trips are 100% bespoke.
► UBIGI eSIM
For Asia / Africa / Oceania, Ubigi is my favorite selection for a travel eSIM.
► Saily – eSIM
Global data only eSIM provider, easy to use and install.
► VIRTUOSO: Vietnam Information Page
Here is a good place to start for some additional information on quality Hotels, Water Adventures and Activities.
► WIKIVOYAGE: Vietnam Page
A great resource for all the basic information you need for Vietnam.
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page updated: January 2025
images courtesy: Wikimedia Commons, Vietnam Tourism Board
Please Note: All Hotel / Resort / Cruise / Services Amenities are subject to availability and may have changed since the date of this being originally published.
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