An Insider’s Eye on Vietnam: What to See and What to Skip, According to our Vietnam Expert

Discernment is crucial componentry for any Trip Designer; in the case of Nathan Lane it’s never been lacking. Below he lays into a few of his least favourite bucket-list items in Vietnam.<h2>Skip:</h2><h3>Halong Bay—Outside of Hanoi</h3>Images of Catherine Deneuve floating on a boat surrounded by towering limestone pinnacles in the old movie Indochine is part of my original pre-visit visual image of <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/bespoke/vietnam-bespoke">Vietnam</a>. For sure, that Halong Bay is a place of Beauty.Its current state, however, is a far cry from that representation. In my opinion, it has been severely mismanaged; the Bay is overwhelmed with boats and the idea of floating in a tranquil setting is long gone. In its current, over-saturated state it is a bit of a circus with hundreds of boats (overnight Junks—a type of Chinese sailing ship) churning out every day, and cruise ships docking with their tenders buzzing all over the place. The garbage in the water is painfully visible and a thin film of oil shimmers on the surface, a byproduct of all the diesel engines. Swimming is entirely undesirable.Additionally, while onboard the junks, you are a captive audience to the numerous vendors hawking ‘pearls’ and other tourist tchotchkes, most of which are replicas produced in a nearby factory. The drive to Halong Bay (from Hanoi) is 3.5 hours each way so it is a hectic one-day tour (7 hours in a car and 3 hours on a boat), making an overnight stay in the region a must.<h2>The Alternatives:</h2>If you feel strongly about visiting the region, I suggest chartering a floatplane as a way to bypass the long travel times. But, in general, I strongly suggest avoiding the mad crowds and looking to the (current) best alternative that offers a similar experience, Lan Ha Bay. Honestly, not as stunning as Halong Bay would have been 70 years ago, but, I believe, under today’s conditions, a better overall experience.

Another option I love to suggest is Ninh Binh. Often referred to as the “Halong Bay of the land,” it is the geological continuation of the limestone pinnacles that mark Halong Bay. In Ninh Binh travellers can find exhilarating options for biking and walking, alongside a few delightful hotel gems tucked within the mountains.<h2>Skip:&nbsp;</h2><h3>Cū Chi Tunnels—Outside of Ho Chi Minh City</h3>Social media can help the world shrink in size, it can also help—if you are looking intelligently—reveal other stories and help round out a more comprehensive understanding of the world. As I’ve matured in my role as Trip Designer, I’ve tried to make very thoughtful and considered choices in how I help people understand a country or region. As such, the Cū Chi tunnels are another place I recommend avoiding.From a logistics standpoint alone, the trip is at least a one hour drive each way (this is a best-case scenario since traffic in Ho Chi Minh City can be horrendous); if your trip involves limited time in Ho Chi Minh City, it’s hard to justify more time sitting in a van.But mainly don’t recommend the experience to my travellers due to its glorification of war. The whole tour has a cartoon feel to it and is presented less as a thoughtful explanation of history, but a mockery of the pain and suffering of all the people that this war affected. This is most poignantly expressed at the end of the tour when you are offered the opportunity to shoot a gun, for the bargain price of one dollar per bullet.There’s a complete disconnect between the historical reality and the experience of visiting the tunnels and I find it hard to support an enterprise that&nbsp;tries to present this war as a lighthearted, commodified anecdote for visitors.<h2>The Alternative:</h2>If travellers are interested in learning more about the American War, then I highly recommend that they visit the thoughtfully presented and meaningful War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City. The museum does an excellent job of explaining the war from the Vietnamese perspective, one that we don’t always hear as loudly.

Of course, if the Cui Chi Tunnels are a non-negotiable bucket-list for you—I can easily arrange the visit; as with all my travel tips, they are a reflection of my many years travelling and working in the region and reflect my impression of the best and most authentic way to understand the country. If you do end up going, I would love to hear your thoughts.&nbsp;Vietnam is full of surprises — especially when you know where to look. Take a look at our <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/asia/vietnam">Vietnam trips</a> or reach out to <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/meet-the-designers/nathan-lane">Nathan Lane</a> to plan a trip that goes beyond the obvious.

An expert’s guide to Vietnam: learn which popular attractions to skip, including Halong Bay and the Cū Chi Tunnels, and discover authentic alternatives like Lan Ha Bay, Ninh Binh, and the War Remnants Museum for an unforgettable trip.

Vietnam

From north to south, Vietnam is a contrast of distinctly local cultures. Welcome to a land of magic and mystery, whose rich history and fascinating cultural traditions are trumped only by the astonishing variety of its cuisine and unwavering graciousness of our local friends. Even with its vibrant economic growth, the country is as beautiful and enchanting as it was ten years ago.

Explore breathtaking bays and lush rice terraces

Discover Hanoi, cruise Ha Long Bay and explore Hoi An on a luxury Vietnam tour. Extraordinary cuisine, rice terraces and expert guides since 1970.

Luxury Biking & Private Tours in Vietnam | Butterfield & Robinson

If there’s anything better than luxurious hotels, beautiful landscapes and delectable dishes, it’s the ability to appreciate it all at your own pace. We’ve plotted out the quintessential Vietnamese experience, preloaded the routes onto your GPS, and lined up local friends from Hue to Danang to take you in deep. Prefer to go deep into the pool? Take the plunge – it’s your vacation.B&amp;R Experience Designer Nathan Lane&nbsp;was named Vietnam’s Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler.

Incredible Rides

Insider Access

Authentic Food

From rice paddies to pagodas, Vietnam dazzles at every turn—and this self-guided spin lets you savour it your way. Pedal peaceful backroads, feast with a local family, and coast along sandy trails from Hue to Hoi An. Feeling bold? Conquer the legendary Hai Van Pass. This journey’s got it all—except a fixed pace. That’s up to you.

Uncover Vietnam's hidden charms

The itinerary below is a sample and is subject to slight changes in routes, accommodations and activities. Please download the itinerary for your selected departure for precise details.

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Experience Designer

Explore Hué's imperial citadels and Hoi An's ancient town on a tailor-made itinerary. Two of Southeast Asia's most culturally significant cities, privately

Central Vietnam Private Tours: Hué Citadels, Hoi An & Cultural Access

Venture between lands where ancient temples rise from the jungle, rivers carve through timeless landscapes, and the air hums with the echoes of past civilizations. This journey through Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia takes you from misty mountain valleys and emerald rice terraces to sacred caves and golden-spired temples. Ride along the Mekong, walk through hidden villages where time slows, and stand in awe before the stone-carved wonders of Angkor. As you move from one destination to the next, you'll be immersed in the warmth of local traditions, from Buddhist blessings to vibrant market scenes and uncover layers of history, culture, and natural beauty that make this corner of the world truly unforgettable.&nbsp;B&amp;R Experience Designer Nathan Lane has been named a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler.

Active Adventure

Cultural Immersion

Luxurious Stays

Misty mountains, golden temples and ancient stories—this journey through Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia is pure magic. We walk through rice terraces and hidden villages, cruise the Mekong, and stand in awe before Angkor’s stone-carved wonders. Along the way, vibrant markets, sacred rituals and warm welcomes reveal the heart of this unforgettable corner of the world.

A cultural journey through ancient lands

Experience Designer 

In Laos, discover a UNESCO-protected city filled with colonial architecture, a Buddhist legacy, and miles of tranquil Mekong-side riding with thriving landscapes on the horizon. Switch gears and explore Siem Reap’s ancient Khmer temples of Angkor at sunrise and revel in the mystical atmosphere. Across these unique regions, connect with the wilderness and culture through rare intimate experiences.

Spend 5 nights biking, hiking and kayaking around Luang Prabang in a small group. Sacred temples, jungle waterfalls and Southeast Asia's most photogenic city.

Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia Multi-Active Tour: Temples & Luang Prabang

Roll past friendly villagers, rice paddies and cruise up the Perfume River. Feel the rush of our favourite city, Hoi An, and savour the mind-blowing Viet fusion cuisine made by our local friends. Our incredible guides have been working with us for decades and have real chops. What more could you want? How about three nights at the riverside Anantara Hoi An Resort? Sleep on it.&nbsp;(Price is inclusive of $170 internal flights.)

Culturally and naturally diverse, the path less travelled through Northern Vietnam reveals new wonders at every turn. Starting in Hanoi, explore the city on a cyclo ride and indulge your inner foodie alongside expert chefs. Head north and meander through the back roads of Ninh Binh and Mai Chau, where a natural labyrinth of soaring limestone mountains, crystal streams and hidden temples reveal the country's most authentic side. Along the way, our charming friends will open their doors for a glimpse into local life, from members of the Tay community to humble farmers replete with clever techniques.B&amp;R Experience Designer Nathan Lane has been named a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler.

A Stroll For The Senses

Vietnam's beauty knows no bounds. B&amp;R was one of the first travel companies to explore the country on two wheels, and our experience on the ground goes a long way. Over two decades later, we've scoped out more luxurious hotels, curated biking routes and exclusive experiences with our local friends—from historic Hoi An to the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City. You'll roll past friendly villagers, cruise up the Perfume River, and even savour mind-blowing cuisine with relatives of the last Vietnamese dynasty.&nbsp;On this Expedition trip, the rich culture and serene bike routes are only trumped by the unwavering graciousness of our local friends.B&amp;R Experience Designer Nathan Lane has been named a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler.

One-of-a-kind Hotels

After more than two decades in Vietnam, we’re still uncovering gems to share with you. Ride from Ho Chi Minh City’s electric buzz to timeless Hoi An, past rice paddies, rivers, and smiling locals. Dine with a renowned chef, cruise along the coast, and savour every quiet path and warm welcome. This isn’t just a ride—it’s an immersion in a land that never stops giving.

Charming towns & rural beauty

Spend 6 nights biking Vietnam's dramatic central coast in a small group. Fishing villages, empty beaches and mountain passes with guides who know every road.

Vietnam Bike Tour: Coastal Villages, Empty Beaches & Mountain Passes

Roll past rice paddies and cruise up the Perfume River. Feel the rush of our favourite city, Hoi An, and savour the mind-blowing Viet fusion cuisine made by our local friends. Our incredible guides have been working with us for decades and have real chops.&nbsp;Below are a few of our trip highlights in Vietnam to inspire your private, tailor-made journey.

Unique Gastronomy

Vietnam is a sensory adventure—rice paddies, river cruises, imperial tombs and street food that’ll ruin you for takeout forever (in the best possible way, of course). Bike to ancient villages, wander lantern-lit Hoi An and sip pho with our friends who know every shortcut and secret. From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh, this is history, flavour and soul—served B&amp;R-style.

as wondrous as the first time we ventured here more than a decade ago

Venture off the beaten path and fall in love with Vietnam

Bespoke travel lets you to take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to put together your tailor-made trip.

From Hanoi's Old Quarter to Hoi An's tailor shops on a tailor-made Vietnam journey. Decades of insider access, privately guided and built around you.

Vietnam Private Tours: Hanoi's Old Quarter, Hoi An & Insider Access

Pedal from floating markets to Imperial tombs along colourful country and coastal roads.

You will be picked up at the airport in Hanoi and transferred to your hotel, Sofitel Metropole

These destinations offer a rich fusion of history, culture and diverse cuisines. Explore the highlights, from lush jungles to scenic coastal roads. In Cambodia, marvel at the ever-changing history of Angkor Wat. Visit Vietnam and discover UNESCO-listed Hoi An, blending preserved history with Chinese temples, Vietnamese tube-houses, the ornate Japanese bridge, and eclectic restaurants. Conclude your week in Hue's Imperial City, where bullfrogs and crickets serenade you as Nguyen Dynasty relatives share grand history over royal cuisine.

Historic Sites

Cultural Immersion 

Pedal through our favourite corner of Southeast Asia, where ancient wonders pair beautifully with vibrant culture and outrageously good cuisine. Tuk-tuk past Angkor’s jungle-clad temples, then savour imperial flavours with Nguyen Dynasty descendants, and float down the utterly magical Perfume River.&nbsp; Cruise over the legendary Hai Van Pass, and spin through Vietnam’s lush countryside and historic Hoi An.&nbsp;

Enchanting Cambodia & Dynamic Vietnam

Venture off the beaten path and fall in love with Cambodia and Vietnam

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Go Bespoke

In a corner of Asia known for its magic, we pull back the curtain on two distinct cultures united in the undeniable warmth of their people—and their delectable cuisine! Soak up quiet rice fields and endless miles of scenic coastal roads as we start in Cambodia for a behind-the-scenes look at Angkor's temples before flying to Vietnam where we'll immerse ourselves in both city and rural life.&nbsp;(Price is inclusive of $390 internal flights.)

Spend 6 nights biking and hiking from Angkor to Hoi An in a small group. Jungle temple routes, imperial citadels and the best of Southeast Asia on two wheels.

Cambodia & Vietnam Bike Tour: Angkor Jungle to Hoi An's Ancient Streets

Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of Northern Vietnam, where lush rice paddies, ancient forests and picturesque villages lie quietly. Your journey begins in Hanoi, where you’ll head to a local cooking school and indulge in your authentic creations. Wander to the ancient capital of Dai Viet and visit centuries-old temples. Take a scenic boat ride into mountain caves in Ninh Binh, then venture to one of the world's most biodiverse regions in the Cuc Phuong National Park. Spend each day exploring at your own pace before unwinding at your stunning hotel for the night.

Great Walks

Northern Vietnam serves up misty peaks, rice paddies, and ancient temples—hold the crowds, add a dash of extra charm. Cook like a local in Hanoi, boat into secret caves in Ninh Binh, and wander through biodiverse wonderlands in Cuc Phuong. This one's self-guided, so stroll at your own pace, snack often, and let Vietnam work its quiet magic.

Wander through ancient forests and rice paddies

$5,700 based on 2 travellers. $4,795 based on 4 travellers. $4,595 based on 6 travellers.

Explore Vietnam's ancient forests and hill tribe villages on a custom itinerary. Beyond the guidebook, privately guided through landscapes most tours never

Northern Vietnam Self-Guided Tours

In Cambodia and Vietnam, every corner turned reveals a unique story woven by ancient histories and vibrant cultures. On this adventure, wander through sacred temples rising from the jungle floor in Cambodia, and experience the vast beauty of Angkor Archaeological Park. A short flight to Vietnam brings you to a different side of Southeast Asia teeming with culture, vibrancy and life. Starting in Hoi An, set out to explore local markets pulsing with energy, and travel under the iconic&nbsp;Hải Vân Pass, or "Pass of the Clouds" to bring us to the Imperial City&nbsp;of Hue. Dine aboard a cruise along the Perfume River, and head to the traditional home of our local friends for a special final night celebration.&nbsp;

We've spent decades wandering these two countries for one simple reason: here, every step reveals a captivating story. We start by strolling through Cambodia’s jungle-cloaked temples, then hop to Vietnam’s energetic markets, take in Hoi An's colourful lanes, then cross beneath the majestic Hải Vân Pass en route to Hue’s Imperial City. And we finish aboard a Perfume River cruise, where our local friends have cooked up something special.

Wander from Siem Reap to Hue 

Featured stays

Journey 5 nights from Angkor's ancient temples to Hoi An in a small group. Guided hikes, cultural immersion and insider access throughout.

An Insider’s Eye on Vietnam: What to See and What to Skip, According to our Vietnam Expert

By Nathan Lane

Vietnam

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