Vietnam

Most trips start either in Hanoi, in the north, or in Saigon, in the south. Having long earned well-deserved comparison’s to Paris due to its French colonial architecture and unique stylish flair, Hanoi is a city of deep, complex history that’s buzzing with modern vitality. Hanoi’s Old Quarter offers a cornucopia of local specialties among other distinctively Vietnamese dishes. Pho’ originated in Hanoi as a blend of regional spices, noodles introduced over a 1000 year period of Chinese rule. More recently, French cooking techniques from the foundational Mirepoix to perfecting “En Papillote” have taken hold in the region. Unrepeatable shopping experiences are a must – where ancient, narrow streets are dedicated to specific traditional crafts, as in Silk Street, Silver street, and Bamboo Street – all mere steps away from the historic Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel – Gray & Co.’s preferred homebase.

North of Hanoi lies Ha Long Bay, made famous in Indochine among other films. Vertiginous limestone karsts dominate this UNESCO World Heritage site, where wind-carved grottoes, secluded beaches and more than 3,000 islands dot the mouth of the Gulf of Tonkin. Gray & Co. can arrange sailings away from the crowds on the private charter yacht, like Stellar of the Seas, kayaking among the towering limestone formations, or ride in your own thung chai, a basket fishing boat made of woven bamboo strips and sealed with pitch. Even farther north in the mountains bordering Laos and China, we love to guide hikes alongside the vibrantly adorned tribes of Sapa.

Just over an hour flight south of Hanoi, picturesque Hội An is one of Vietnam’s oldest port towns. Its position on the bank of the Thu Bồn River allowed it to serve as a consequential Indian-Chinese trade center during the 16^th century. Today, a World Heritage Site, the river features exceptionally preserved 15^th to 19^th century buildings, bridges and pagodas connected by narrow, ancient streets. Gray & Co. travellers evade the tourist crowds by boating, cycling and walking out to nearby islands that feel a world – and centuries – away. Self-propelled travel is the norm for locals. Here, you can expect to cycle alongside school kids dressed in traditional áo dài. Meanwhile, quiet bayside beaches are just a spin away in nearby Danang.

Further south, down the coast, lies the new Zannier beach resort at Bãi San Hô, a designers and food lovers delight! Set amongst the powdery white sand beaches and ancient rice paddies, the villas offer total privacy and seclusion. Not to be overlooked is the verdant Núi Chúa National Park, a dramatic stretch of coastline featuring a UNESCO Bioschere Reserve that’s home to the rare Tibetan and Malayan sun bear, to say nothing of the tropical flora and fauna. Within the reserve lies Aman’s Amanoi, a clifftop resort perfectly placed for active jungle exploration.

In Saigon, bustling markets and an inventive food scene, combining traditional ingredients and techniques with modern fair, always inspire adventure. Known as Ho Chi Mihn City, Saigon also serves as the gateway to the Mekong, positioning travellers perfectly to cycle the quiet country lanes that crisscross the river’s vast delta while witnessing life being lives and daily business being conducted in and around the region’s many traditional houseboats.