The Best Hotels in Vietnam: A Couple's Tour from North to South

Early check-in and a private transfer to your beautiful hotel for a two-night stay. Built in the French colonial era, it ranks as one of the most beautiful buildings in the country. Beyond its legend, which has been kept alive by famous visitors who have stayed here, the hotel is a reflection of the capital, where the notable colonial style is now woven into fabric of the city. Highlights - Relaxing in the spa - Enjoying the afternoon 'chocolate buffet' - Sipping a cocktail at the bar. The hotel restaurants serve up beautiful French cuisine and Asian flavours, or you could always use our local Concierge service to book one of the best restaurants in the main town if you prefer. Included in the itinerary - Spending the afternoon with a local expert guide, including a trip to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, documenting the history and cultures of the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam, followed by a walking tour of the colonial district. With the city's tree-lined avenues and small streets, it feels like a little provincial France on Hanoi's Red River. On the way, stop off at the Ngoc Son Taoist Temple (15th century) in the middle of Hoan Kiem lake.

Included in the itinerary - A day in the life of a local. Accompanied by an expert guide, discover the customs and traditions of the country as you get in among its inhabitants (you'll go unnoticed... almost). The day begins early, at around 6:00 am, with an introduction to tai chi by the lake or in a park. This will get you in the mood and work up your appetite to try the traditional Vietnamese breakfast of Pho, which is beef broth topped with rice noodles, slices of beef, basil and lemon. It's then time to head to the market for ingredients to prepare and eat a real Vietnamese meal, under the guidance of a chef, before moving on to the cultural part of the day with a visit to the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam, and the Quan Thanh Temple, which is a wonderful example of the art of wood sculpture. Optional - Meeting with a journalist.

Next up is Halong Bay, where nearly 2,000 karst islands, topped with thick jungle vegetation, make up a stunning landscape which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Immediately embark on a three-day, two-night cruise in a traditional wooden junk boat and head for Bai Tu Long Bay, which is next to Halong Bay, but less crowded. On your trip, head to the fishing village of Cap La and enjoy kayaking around the small beach of Tra San. Dinner and overnight stay on board.

Included in the itinerary - Sail on to Cong Dam. Spend the morning exploring the surroundings by kayak, followed by a barbecue lunch on the sand. In the afternoon, meet the residents of Cong Dam to experience life in a floating fishing village. The junk boat then heads to Cong Do Island. Dinner and overnight stay on board.

Sail back to Halong and discover Thien Canh Son Cave. After an early lunch, it's time to leave the junk boat and return to Hanoi. On the way, stop at the splendid But Thap Temple (17th century), which may just be Vietnam's most beautiful religious building. At the end of the day, catch a flight to Hue and spend two nights in a beautiful Art Deco hotel overlooking the Perfume River and the renowned Flag Tower of Hanoi. The breakfasts are hearty and the swimming pool is huge.

Included in the itinerary - Tour of Hue with a private guide. The ancient capital of the Nguyen Dynasty is a wonder. The impressive citadel, located on the banks of the Perfume River, was home to the Purple Forbidden City, which was the Emperor's legendary residence. Although it was severely damaged during the Tet offensive during the Vietnam War (1968), it has nevertheless retained a lot of its original features. The French Quarter, with its leafy, wide avenues and Third Republic buildings, speaks to another era. Nowadays, it's a busy commercial hub. Located 15 miles from Hue, Tam Giang Lagoon is an unspoiled natural wonder where you can sail a small boat to immerse yourself into the daily life of the residents and the work of fishermen. You'll also see many fishing techniques used on the Hoi An river including cast nets, meshes and traps. In recent years, shrimp cultivation has begun to take off here.

Private transfer to Hoi An via the Hai Van Pass. This famous road is called the 'Ocean Cloud Pass' for a reason; it offers impressive views of luscious mountains and beyond. Stop off at two great locations on the way: Lang Co beach and the Museum of Cham Sculpture in Da Nang. The Chams were a civilisation that flourished along the coasts of what is now central and southern Vietnam, and whose ancient culture was strongly influenced by India, as illustrated by a magnificent collection of religious statues (8th-13th centuries). In Hoi An, spend two nights in an elegant historic building with French, Dutch, Chinese and Japanese influences. The amenities are first class and the garden on the banks of the Thu Bon River is just beautiful. The hotel is emblematic of everything has historically made Hoi An such a charming place. The restaurant is top notch and one of the best in the area.

Enjoy the hotel's swimming pool or spa, opt for a bike ride in and around the city, or a relaxing break on the beach. Hoi An, which is located along one of the coastal routes of the silk trade, is a wonderful blend of traditional houses, bustling markets and colourful stalls. The yellow facades and turquoise shutters of the houses are reflected in the river where many sampans cross. Don't miss a trip to the Phuc Kien and Quang Dong temples, Tan Ky, Phung Hung and Tran ancient merchant houses, or the Japanese covered bridge. Included in the itinerary - Dinner at the house of a local in the small agricultural village of Tra Que, just one mile from Hoi An. A family welcomes you into their home for a meal, where you'll sample Vietnamese cuisine and immerse yourself in local life.

Private transfer to Da Nang airport and flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight stay in an elegant hotel that stands out for its refined decor, friendly service and rooftop swimming pool next to the lounge bar, with wonderful views of Ho Chi Minh City. The area turns into an open-air disco on Friday and Saturday evenings. The breakfast in particular is delicious. The city's iconic sites: Giac Lam Pagoda (18th century), Ho Chi Minh City Hall (1902-1908), the Central Post Office (1886-1891), Notre Dame Cathedral (1880), and the large Ben Thanh marketplace (1912). However, you're not a real Saigonese if you haven't travelled around the city on a scooter. So, in your itinerary we have included the opportunity to become Saigonese for the night with an expert guide. Climb on behind the driver and head to Cholon and districts Four, Three and One. Stop off for a 'banh xeo' (Vietnamese tortilla) and a drink (don't worry, the driver will stay as sober as a judge). The permanent buzz of Vietnam's largest city is not a myth: it's as bustling at night as it is during the day.

Your flight will land back in the UK this morning.