The Magic of Việt Nam: Multi-City Luxury at a Price that Shocked Me

I wasn't looking for joy when I booked a solo multi-city trip through Việt Nam. I was looking for adventure, maybe some good phở, definitely a break from routine — and I was doing it alone, which, as any solo female traveler knows, adds its own particular electricity to the whole thing.

I've seen a lot of the world — but joy is what found me in Việt Nam, in coffee cups held over mountain overlooks, in the hands of a lash technician in Hà Nội, in the face of a driver who dropped me at the wrong café and accidentally gave me one of the best hours of my entire trip.

Let me take you there.

Việt Nam is Not One Trip — It's Five

Here's what most people don't realize about traveling to Việt Nam: it's not one trip. It's five trips, maybe six, all stitched together by short flights, scenic drives, and spontaneous discoveries. As a luxury travel advisor, I spend my days researching, vetting, and booking high-end travel experiences for clients who expect the best — and years of touring the world as a singer have sharpened my eye for what separates a destination that looks good in a photo from one worth the time. Viet nam? Worth every minute and every dollar.

Part of my job is vetting destinations and properties firsthand so you don't have to guess. Việt Nam passed every test. I visited Hồ Chí Minh City, Hải Phòng, Hà Nội, Đà Lạt, and Cam Ranh — and every single city gave me something different. A different rhythm, a different flavor, a different reason to stay an extra day.

Hồ Chí Minh City hits you like Bangkok's little sister — fast-paced, electric, brimming with options. If you're looking to shop, eat, and squeeze beauty treatments into every free hour, this is your city. Solo travelers will feel right at home here: the city moves so fast and so openly that you never feel like you're missing a partner. Grab a Grab — the app works for both motorbike taxis and cars — and disappear into it. (Self-driving a motorbike in Hồ Chí Minh City is not for the faint of heart; leave that to the locals.)

Hải Phòng, on the other hand, is her quiet, elegant cousin — and honestly, it became my second favorite stop on the entire trip after Đà Lạt (but more on that later). The culinary scene there has a character all its own, with dishes I hadn't encountered anywhere else in the country. The city itself is tucked away from the tourist trail, which only adds to its charm — it has the feeling of somewhere you stumbled upon rather than somewhere you planned to go. And practically speaking, it's perfectly positioned: if you're planning a cruise, Hạ Long Bay is easy to access from here, making Hải Phòng a natural and deeply rewarding base.

The Coffee Culture That Made Me Realize We're Doing It Wrong

Let me tell you about the moment Việt Nam rewired my brain. I walked into 1986 Café in Hải Phòng — before I'd even made it to the mountain towns — and my first thought was: "the United States is not doing enough." Our coffee shops pale in comparison. The design, the atmosphere, the intentionality of the space — it was stunning. And this was just the opening act. Because then I got to Đà Lạt.

Đà Lạt is a mountain town with café culture so gorgeous it feels like someone dreamed it into existence. Two spots completely took my breath away. The first was In The Forest Đà Lạt, where I arrived close to dusk, sampled a few roasts before settling on a Vietnamese coffee, and then sat outside overlooking the hills as the sun dropped below the horizon. Just me, the coffee, and a sunset. Perfection.

The second was a happy accident. My driver was supposed to take me to a coffee farm excursion and pulled up at Rừng Thông Mơ Farm & Bistro instead — a café tucked inside a resort in the hills, pine trees pressing in from every direction, the air carrying that particular cool-forest smell. I didn't correct him. I ordered a coffee cocktail and a freshly squeezed juice, and I just... sat there. For an hour. No agenda, no itinerary, no rush. Just peace and trees and the slow realization that this unplanned stop was becoming the highlight of my trip.

Beauty Treatments That Cost Less Than Your Ride Home

Việt Nam's beauty scene rivals Seoul — and I say that as someone who did a long layover in Seoul for a spa treatment on the way. I wish I had waited.

In Hà Nội, I got my lashes done at The Lash Story and my nails at Tropicana Nail Lab. Right next to The Lash Story, there's The Nail Story, equally beautiful inside. And when I say beautiful, I mean the salons themselves are stunning: Instagram-worthy interiors that make your neighborhood nail spot look like a waiting room.

But here's the part that made my jaw drop: a full set of lashes cost me $35 USD. At home? Over $200 for the same type of set. Gel X nails with nail art? Forty-five dollars. I pay $130 for the same service at home. And the quality was not just comparable — it was exceptional. You're saving hundreds and getting an experience that feels like a luxury retreat.

A quick note for my solo female travelers — Việt Nam is one of the most welcoming countries I've traveled alone in. I never once felt unsafe. The people are warm and approachable, getting around by motorbike taxi (Grab is the app you want) is exhilarating and affordable, and the salon and café culture means you always have a comfortable, beautiful place to land. That said, a few practical things worth knowing: keep your bag close in busy city centers, book reputable car services through your hotel rather than hailing strangers whenever you can, and trust your gut the way you would anywhere.

What does a luxury trip to Việt Nam actually cost?

Less than you'd expect. Internal flights between cities run roughly $30–$80 USD each way depending on the route and how far in advance you book. A private car service for a 3.5-hour scenic drive like the one from Đà Lạt to Cam Ranh costs around $50–$80 USD. Boutique luxury hotels like those I stayed at range from approximately $80–$200 USD per night, while a resort upgrade like my private villa at Fusion Resort Cam Ranh runs closer to $250–$400 USD. Street food can be estimated at $2–$5 per meal, while a meal at a Michelin Bib Gourmand–recognized restaurant like Chào Bạn lands around $20–$40 per person.

A full-week multi-city itinerary at a comfortable luxury level — beautiful hotels, private transfers, fine dining, and treatments — can come in well under $3,000 USD all-in, flights within Asia included. That number would barely cover a long weekend in some European capitals.

Getting Around Your Vietnam Multi-City Itinerary: The Road Is Part of It

Between Đà Lạt and Cam Ranh, I took a 3.5-hour car service instead of flying. I know that's not for everyone, but hear me out — it was one of the most scenic rides of my life. We passed through Nha Trang, and the scenery was so incredible that I had my driver stop multiple times so I could get out and just take it all in. The way the landscape kept shifting — you lose all of that at 30,000 feet.

Moving between cities was remarkably simple. A two-hour flight from Hồ Chí Minh City to Hải Phòng, a one-hour bus ride from Hải Phòng to Hà Nội, a two-hour flight from Hà Nội to Đà Lạt. And within each city, I got around on motorbikes or by foot. That's how I discover all the cool, local stuff: the train-track cafés in Hà Nội that are not packed with tourists, where you sip Vietnamese coffee and watch a full-sized train rumble past your coffee cup. You don't find that from a tour bus.

Where to Eat: From Street Phở to Michelin Stars

I wish I could tell you about one single meal that stood out, but honestly? Everything I ate was amazing. The egg coffee in Hà Nội was exceptional. The bánh mì (I ate a lot of it) was consistently perfect. Street phở at tiny sidewalk stalls hit just as hard as dinner at Chào Bạn, a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant in Hà Nội, where every dish impressed. Việt Nam delivers at every single price point, and that range — from five-dollar street food to fine dining — is part of what makes this country extraordinary.

Where to Stay in Vietnam: Four Properties Worth Every Penny

I stayed at a spectrum of properties on this trip, all exceptional in their own way. Here's where I rested my head — and why each one earns a mention.

In Hồ Chí Minh City, I stayed at Amanaki Thảo Điền, a beautiful luxury boutique that sits slightly removed from the hustle and bustle — but don't let that fool you. It's walkable to the mall, and a motorbike can get you anywhere in minutes. The welcome was everything: fresh coconut water served in a real coconut. It tasted like they cut it from the tree and opened it when I walked in. The lobby is stunning, layered with traditional décor and inviting corners to settle into.

I booked the Amanaki Retreat, and the space was extraordinarily generous — beautiful interiors, a kitchenette stocked with snacks, teas, and coffees, and welcome fruit with a sweet note waiting for me on arrival. They have a sauna and steam room (small, immaculate, absolutely wonderful), and they offer a drink voucher at a nearby bar since there's no bar or restaurant on property. You can add breakfast at a neighboring restaurant — I skipped it to explore, but based on the rest of the experience, I'd do it next time.

In Đà Lạt, Le House Đà Lạt won me over immediately. Another gorgeous boutique, with bikes available to rent right on property — ideal for exploring a city this walkable and charming. They're also around the corner from the best phở I've had in my entire life: a packed neighborhood spot that closes early — I almost missed it.

What I'll remember most, though, is the bathroom. The tiles, the shower, the sheer space of it. Incredible. One of my favorite parts of this stay is the foot massage they offer upon departure — a quiet, thoughtful close to the experience. They also sent me off with a gift: a beautifully made wallet, the kind I'd seen at local merchants around town. A generous touch, and one that stayed with me. I would return without question.

In Cam Ranh, Fusion Resort Cam Ranh was, simply put, extraordinary. If luxury hotels are your go to, this one does not miss. They upgraded me to a private villa at check-in — my own pool, my own backyard, a deep soaking tub, a shower with its own room, a toilet with its own room. The grounds were immaculately kept. The spa was gorgeous, and my booking included two treatments, so I settled on two different types of massage and felt every bit of tension leave my body.

From the moment I arrived, I felt like a VIP: welcome drinks, escorted to my villa by golf cart (which will come pick you up from your room whenever you want). The restaurant served lovely food, the breakfast was robust with both authentic Vietnamese and western options, and the location right on the beach is stunning. I have nothing bad to say. Not one thing. I would send anyone I care about here without a second thought. It's five minutes from Cam Ranh airport, which makes it a perfect trip opener or a perfect send-off — and honestly, the kind of place you'll still be talking about on the flight home.

And for Hải Phòng, it's the Meliá Vinpearl Hải Phòng — full stop. This was my favorite hotel of the entire trip. The staff was top tier. The room was spacious and absolutely beautiful. The hotel itself was gorgeous, tucked away in a great location that is still easy to get around from. And the breakfast? Abundant and fresh — the kind that you set your alarm for, because you do not want to miss it. I truly do not have enough words to describe the experience here.

If you want to go to Hải Phòng, I will more than likely recommend this property as my first choice though. I feel that everyone needs to experience the hospitality this hotel provides.

The Best Time to Visit Việt Nam

I traveled at the beginning of November, which should have been the beginning of dry season — but last year the rain held on a little longer. It rained in Hà Nội (poured, actually, though not enough to ruin my train-track coffee experience), drizzled in Hải Phòng, rained two out of three days in Cam Ranh, but stayed dry in Hồ Chí Minh City and Đà Lạt. My recommendation? Travel late December through April to avoid the rain, and if you're heading to central Việt Nam specifically, February through August gives you optimal weather. If I had to do this exact trip again, I would wait until after Thanksgiving.

Sa Pa and Phú Quốc: The Ones that Got Away

Two destinations are firmly on my list for next time: Sa Pa and Phú Quốc. Sa Pa is a breathtaking mountain destination — winding roads through impossibly green terraces — but you need three or four days to do it right, and I wanted to see too much on this trip to carve out that time. Plus, it was apparently very rainy in Sa Pa while I was in the country, and rain would have been disappointing there since the experience is all about those views.

Phú Quốc, meanwhile, comes on the highest authority: multiple Vietnamese locals told me I have to go because the beaches are simply gorgeous. When the locals insist? You listen.

Joy Finds You in Việt Nam — Rain or Shine

Việt Nam gave me something I didn't know I needed: joy. Pure, overflowing, can't-stop-smiling joy. Every discovery — planned or accidental — made me happy. The people were so warm and generous. The lifestyle was inspiring. The beauty, the food, the coffee, the kindness — all of it at a price point that makes luxury accessible in a way that feels almost like a secret.

If you're eyeing a trip to Vietnam, here's a nine-night sample itinerary based on exactly where I went: the highlights, the best ways to get between cities, and how I'd pace it. And don't worry about the logistics — just connect with me below. I've got you.

I came home from this exact multi-city itinerary a changed woman. Not in a dramatic, soul-searching way, but in a quieter one. I was reminded that the best travel experiences aren't always about the fanciest hotel or the most famous landmark. Sometimes they're about a wrong turn that leads to the right café, a sunset you almost missed, a train rolling past your coffee cup.

Việt Nam didn't just surprise me. It gave me something I didn't know I was looking for. Even with the rain, I found joy.

Connect with me below to start planning your trip to Việt Nam.