Tailor-made Holiday · Vietnam
Luxury Vietnam Food Tour: A Gourmet Journey
Tailor-made, always
Every trip built from scratch around your dates, pace and preferences.
Your own specialist
One named person and a 24-hour number while you travel.
Hundreds of five-star reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot across ten years of LGBTQ+ luxury travel.
At a glance
Combining carefully curated experiences with hand-picked luxury stays, this food-focused itinerary captures the flavors of Vietnam through its most treasured landscapes and its most intimate stories.
Begin in the north, where the past whispers through the pagodas and prisons of Hanoi. Walk with war veterans, taste steaming pho in the Old Quarter, and cruise the mystical waters of Halong Bay aboard a private superyacht. These early days are marked by contrasts—haunting history and joyous street life, tranquil waters and bustling markets—all experienced through expert-led, personal encounters.
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In central Vietnam, life moves to a gentler beat. Hoi An welcomes with riverside romance and heartfelt cuisine. Meet local chefs, float to dinner by boat, and stroll streets glowing with lantern light. Here, you’ll find a genuine welcome, especially for LGBTQ+ travellers—Vietnam is widely regarded as one of Southeast Asia’s most open-minded and inclusive destinations.
Your adventure concludes in dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, where French architecture meets rooftop cocktails and historic tunnels give voice to untold stories. From start to finish, this is a journey where culture is shared with pride, connections are made with heart, and every detail is crafted to let you travel freely, safely, and spectacularly.
Day by day
This is a sample plan, not a fixed departure. Days can be added, removed or reordered, and almost every client changes something. Prices are an entry-level guide; your quote will be exact.
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
Welcome to Vietnam. Upon arrival at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport, you’ll be personally greeted by a hostess holding a sign with your name. Enjoy fast-track security services and seamless visa assistance before meeting your private driver and English-speaking guide for a smooth transfer into the city. From the moment you land, we ensure your journey begins with comfort and care. Settle into the elegant Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, where your Premium Room in the Opera Wing awaits. With its colonial charm and five-star sophistication, this iconic hotel is the perfect place to begin your Vietnamese adventure.
Day 2: Hanoi’s Past and Present
Start your day exploring the historic Hoa Lo Prison with a local guide and Vietnam War veteran Chuck Searcy, whose powerful insights bring depth to the experience. Learn about Project RENEW’s inspiring mission before heading into Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Here, embark on a private street food tour with stops for banh cuon, pho, and a refreshing local beer at a bia hoi. End with ice cream by Hoan Kiem Lake as the city lights flicker to life. Return to the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, where timeless luxury and Vietnamese heritage combine in your Opera Wing Premium Room.
Day 3: Iconic Sights and Water Puppetry
Uncover the heart of Hanoi with a guided visit to Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, the lotus-shaped One-Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature—Vietnam’s first university. Wander Van Mieu Park, tracing the scholarly steps of mandarins past. In the evening, enjoy a captivating water puppet performance, a traditional art form dating back a thousand years. With colourful tales, music, and masterful puppeteering, it’s a cultural highlight not to be missed. After your immersive day, return to the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, your haven of refinement nestled in the city’s vibrant core.
Day 4: Hidden Hanoi by Jeep
After a leisurely morning, climb aboard a vintage Soviet-era jeep for a private guided tour of Hanoi’s hidden quarters. Explore maze-like backstreets, visit vibrant markets, and engage with locals as you discover a side of the city rarely seen by visitors. Enjoy snacks, local delicacies, and Hanoi’s signature egg coffee by West Lake. This unique experience combines history, food, and authentic interactions. As the day ends, return to the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi—your home of luxury and style in the city’s heart.
Day 5: Halong Bay Adventure Begins
Depart Hanoi for Halong Bay in the comfort of a private transfer. On arrival, board the exquisite Essence Grand Superyacht, where a Deluxe Balcony cabin awaits. Settle into your stateroom and prepare for two days of tranquil cruising. Kayak or enjoy a bamboo boat ride around Luon Cave, then visit the crescent shores of Titop Island. As the sun sets, gather at the Sky Bar for Happy Hour, join a Vietnamese cooking class, or simply enjoy the view from your private balcony. This evening is yours to unwind in one of the world’s most iconic seascapes.
Day 6: Sunrise on the Bay and Journey South
Start your morning with Tai Chi on the sundeck as Halong Bay glows with the sunrise. Explore Sung Sot Cave, Halong’s most breathtaking cavern, before returning to the yacht for brunch and disembarkation. Travel back to Hanoi, then board a short flight to Danang. Your private guide and driver will transfer you to Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage town. Check in to the Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, where your One Bedroom Ocean View Villa offers serene beachside luxury and views of the East Sea.
Day 7: Timeless Hoi An and Riverside Romance
With your private guide, stroll the lantern-lined streets of Hoi An. Visit the Japanese Bridge, ancient Chinese temples, and the beautifully preserved Tan Ky trading house. Each step reveals the fusion of cultures that makes this town unique. As night falls, embark on a bamboo basket boat ride to a riverside dining experience. Your private table awaits at The Field, a restaurant surrounded by rice paddies and waterways. Enjoy a refined Vietnamese dinner by candlelight before returning to the Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, a sanctuary of coastal calm.
Day 8: A Culinary Encounter with Chef Duc
Join Chef Duc Tran for a private culinary journey at a countryside home in Cam Thanh village. Hear his inspiring story of resilience as he guides you through preparing vibrant Vietnamese dishes in his personal kitchen. After a relaxed, shared meal, unwind in a lush garden with a natural swimming pool. This exclusive experience offers both connection and flavour in equal measure. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure back at the Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, where wellness and design meet in understated luxury.
Day 9: From Central Coast to Southern Charm
Today, fly from Danang to Ho Chi Minh City, where your guide awaits for a private transfer. Begin with a deep dive into the energy of Saigon’s Chinatown. Explore alleyways, traditional medicine shops, and ornate Chinese temples. A stop at a local café rounds off your introduction to the city’s rich cultural blend. Settle into the stylish Park Hyatt Saigon, where your Park Deluxe Room blends Indochine-inspired interiors with five-star sophistication in the heart of the city.
Day 10: Cu Chi Tunnels and Saigon by Night
Set off early for a private speedboat ride to the Cu Chi Tunnels. This immersive journey reveals the resilience of the Vietnamese people during times of war, with narrow tunnels, hidden rooms, and compelling history. Return to the Park Hyatt Saigon, then prepare for a vibrant evening. Board a vintage jeep for a street food safari through Saigon’s most exciting districts. Taste local favourites like banh xeo and fresh seafood, sip cocktails at a rooftop bar, and experience the city’s culinary soul under starlit skies.
Day 11: French Architecture and Vietnamese Chocolate
Explore Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic landmarks with a private guide, from the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office to the Reunification Palace and bustling Dong Khoi Street. Later, enjoy a private tasting at Maison Marou, Vietnam’s premier artisanal chocolate atelier. Learn about the local “Trinitario” cacao bean while sampling unique flavours that range from bold to delicate. This sweet end to your cultural journey highlights the creativity and quality of modern Vietnam. Return to the Park Hyatt Saigon, where elegance and comfort complete your day.
Day 12: Departure
Bid farewell to Vietnam today as your private driver and English-speaking guide escort you to the airport for your onward journey. Whether you are continuing your travels or heading home, depart with memories of exquisite landscapes, rich heritage, and deeply personal encounters—an unforgettable journey brought to life through Out Of Office’s signature blend of inclusivity, luxury, and local expertise.
Our Experts
Vietnam is a treasure trove of experiences, from the breathtaking rock formations of Ha Long Bay to exploring the ancient streets of Hoi An, making it the perfect destination for those seeking both adventure and relaxation.
With its growing openness and stunning resorts, Vietnam provides LGBTQ+ travelers with a luxurious escape, offering a welcoming atmosphere in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City while embracing the country’s evolving social landscape.
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Super client centred service. From first contact I have had warm, efficient, friendly and flexible service.
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Frequently asked questions
What does Out Of Office do?
Out Of Office is a luxury LGBTQ+ travel company specialising in tailor-made holidays and extraordinary journeys around the world. We create bespoke luxury holidays, LGBTQ+ honeymoons, safaris, cruises, beach escapes, private tours and group trips, with every itinerary designed around you. Our travel specialists combine global expertise, first-hand destination knowledge and trusted local partners to create seamless, highly personalised experiences.
Is Out Of Office a gay travel agency?
Out Of Office is an LGBTQ+ owned and run luxury travel specialist, with particular expertise in gay and LGBTQ+ travel. We understand the additional considerations that can come with travelling as an LGBTQ+ person or couple, from local laws and customs to finding genuinely welcoming hotels and experiences.
We welcome every traveller, including friends, families and allies. Many of our clients are not members of the LGBTQ+ community, but choose Out Of Office for our luxury travel expertise, personalised service and discretion.
Do you create tailor-made LGBTQ+ holidays?
Yes. Every tailor-made trip with Out Of Office is designed from scratch around your interests, travel style, budget and the way you want to experience a destination. We can arrange luxury hotels, private transfers, flights, guides, excursions, cruises and special experiences as part of one personalised itinerary. The journeys shown on our website are there to inspire you rather than restrict you; only clearly identified group departures operate as fixed itineraries.
How do you choose LGBTQ+ friendly hotels and destinations?
We combine first-hand destination knowledge with trusted local expertise to recommend luxury hotels, resorts and experiences where LGBTQ+ travellers can feel informed and welcome. We also consider the laws, customs and attitudes of each destination, because LGBTQ+ rights and experiences differ around the world. Our team regularly visit many of the properties we work with and where a destination requires greater awareness, we give you clear and considered advice so that you can make an informed decision about where and how you travel.
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