Hong Kong and Vietnam in 18 Days: Budget to Luxury in One Trip

This was our first trip in business class (Avios miles plus a BA companion voucher). It was also our most logistically chaotic: 18 days, two countries, four hotels in Vietnam alone, two cruises, one motorcycle loop, one luxury resort run by a French marquis. We spent £4,314 between two for the full trip.

The trip was the proof of concept for how we travel now: budget where it doesn't matter (a £17 sleeper bus, a £51 guesthouse) and luxury where it does (Capella, Zannier). The contrast makes both halves more enjoyable.

Days 1 to 3: Hong Kong highlights

Stay on Hong Kong Island in Causeway Bay or Wan Chai. We did one night at TUV Hotel (AMEX credit) and two nights at Kerry Hotel in Hung Hom (£232/night, the harbour view is the move).

Day one: Victoria Peak via the Mid-Levels Escalators, Lugard Road circular trail at the top (the genuine 360-degree view, not the Sky Terrace platform), Man Mo Temple, Tai Kwun complex for cocktails. Dinner at Man Wah at the Mandarin Oriental.

Day two: Star Ferry to Kowloon for breakfast at Australian Dairy Company (steamed milk pudding, the best £8 breakfast in Asia). Ding ding tram to Sai Wan. Dim sum lunch at Tim Ho Wan (BBQ pork buns are non-negotiable). Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery on Lantau by cable car.

Days 5 to 7: Ha Giang Loop

Fly Hong Kong to Hanoi (£193 each). Take the Daiichi sleeper bus directly from the airport to Ha Giang (£17.41 for two, don't go into Hanoi yet). Full Day 1 guide →

Three days, two nights, motorcycle. Day one: Ha Giang to Dong Van. Day two: Dong Van to Meo Vac via the Ma Pi Leng Pass, the most cinematic mountain pass in northern Vietnam, with a boat ride on the Nho Que river (£10 each, 90 minutes, one of the best moments of the trip). Day three: Meo Vac back to Ha Giang, sleeper bus to Hanoi.

Days 8 to 9: Halong Bay

Genesis Luxury Regal Cruises, two days one night, £525 between us. Full honest review →. The headline: the kayak hour through the limestone karsts at sunset was extraordinary. The cabin was hotel-quality. The food was fine. The price-to-experience ratio was the lowest-value 24 hours of the trip. Next time: either commit to £900+ genuine luxury, or base on Cat Ba Island and do day trips.

Days 10 to 13: Hanoi

Capella Hanoi for four nights (£312/night). The rooftop pool, the Backstage cocktail bar, breakfast at Hibiscus. This is the hotel that ruined every subsequent hotel for us.

Hanoi day plan: Old Quarter walking on day one with bun cha at Bun Cha Huong Lien (the Obama place, £3). Egg coffee at Cafe Giang (the original). Train Street at 7:15pm. Temple of Literature. Cooking class or Ninh Binh day trip.

Days 14 to 17: Zannier Bai San Ho

Fly to Tuy Hoa (£174 each), 90-minute drive to Zannier Hotels Bai San Ho. Four nights, £1,144. 73 villas on a 98-hectare private estate of beaches, jungle, and three private coves. Beachfront villa with private plunge pool. Breakfast on the beach. A motorcycle ride to the local fishing village. This is what proper luxury looks like when it's not performing.

We did not leave the property for four days.

How much does 18 days in Hong Kong and Vietnam cost?

Cash equivalent including flights: approximately £7,300.