The Travel Experts of Virtuoso in the US just completed a trend survey of its member agencies, each of whom specialises in catering to the needs of luxury travellers, which came to the conclusion that Viet Nam and Cambodia are the hot destinations in Southeast Asia.

Today’s luxury travellers want to be entertained and stimulated, rather than simply pampered, and Viet Nam offers a magical mix of tropical beaches, post-colonial charm, a string of world heritage sites, stunning inland scenery, a world-renowned cuisine and a home-grown flair for hospitality.

Upscale tours today must offer “off the beaten track” experiences. In a post credit crunch environment high end tourists also expect efficiency, seamless travel, value for money and a return on personal values. Many will opt for short trips which offer a slice of local culture, a splash of adventure, and authentic experiences.

Upscale tailor-made tours in Viet Nam now come replete with yacht cruises, helicopter tours, limousine services, and the whole nine yards. So where to start? We asked Pham Ha, the founding CEO of Luxury Travel (www.luxurytravelvietnam.com), for the best choices at a cost of more than $1,000 per person per tour.

Ha Long Bay

Number one is a helicopter ride and an overnight cruise to the mystical Ha Long Bay (two days, one night) with exclusive private charter helicopter and luxury junk. First you’re picked up by a private limousine in Ha Noi before flying by helicopter from Gia Lam heliport/ airport to Ha Long Bay where your sophisticated junk awaits. Tours are priced at $1,233 to $5,533 per person for groups of 1-6 persons.

The second ranked tour on Pham Ha’s upscale list is 14 day trip to the most luxurious spas and resorts around Viet Nam, which is now a bona fide competitor for wellness tours in Southeast Asia, with world class spas, centuries-old massage techniques, and delicious, healthy cuisine.

Starting from Ho Chi Minh City and ending in Ha Noi (or vice versa), guests can enjoy wonderful treatments and leisurely stays at the best spa resorts – there is ample time for you to focus on the treatments and wellness activities of your choice.

This tour takes in must-see destinations with stays at the finest spa resorts in Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Hue and Ha Noi. How does a hot stone massage on a private beach at sunset sound? Tours go from $6,357 to $11,616 per person.

Yachting in Mekong Delta

Pham Ha’s third recommendation is a luxury tour to discover the hidden treasures along Ho Chi Minh Trail by road. A 29 day- trip has been designed for discerning travellers seeking an adventurous and unique experience in Viet Nam. Led by an experienced local guide, you will achieve a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture as you travel from Ha Noi to Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Sa Pa, Phong Nha Ke Bang, Ho Citadel, Tuy Hoa, Quy Nhon, Hue, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta.

This epic trip includes stays at opulent hotels and resorts such as Sofitel Legend Metropole Ha Noi, Victoria Sa Pa, Paradise Cruise Ha Long, Emeralda Ninh Binh, to Sun Spa Quang Binh, Saigon Morin Hue, The Nam Hai Hoi An, Life Resorts Quy Nhon, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay Nha Trang, Victoria Phan Thiet, Park Hyatt Saigon and Victoria Can Tho. Tours cost from $6,054 - $13,346 per person.

Viet Nam has also suddenly emerged as an international destination for golf with the opening of world class golf courses throughout the country. Luxury Travel offers a 19-day long Grand Viet Nam Golfing Tour which goes from the North to South of Viet Nam, with stops in Central Viet Nam, and a helicopter trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne, Ha Noi to Ha Long Bay, and also including a cruise with Indochina Sails on the bay. Clients will stay at InterContinental Westlake Ha Noi, Da Lat Palace, Hon Tam Resort Nha Trang, L’Anmien Mui Ne, and Sofitel Plaza Saigon.

The tour includes rounds of golf at the Viet Nam Golf and Country Club in Thu Duc district (Ho Chi Minh City), Ocean Dunes Golf Club (Phan Thiet), Da Lat Palace Golf Club (Da Lat) and Chi Linh Star Golf Club (Hai Duong). Golf packages go from $6,312 - $12,528 per person.

There is also plenty of flexibility for all tours. Travellers are free to request helicopter tours, cycling excursions to craft villages, scuba diving or snorkelling trips, reservations at the finest restaurants in the land, meetings with renowned artists, chefs and designers, shopping recommendations, spa reservations, tours with special-interest lecturers, and exclusive access to local activities and cultural events. When it comes to luxury tours, the sky’s truly the limit.