Jeff Grinspoon and Jon Thomas Foley, two millionaires in the fields of finance and real estate from the U.S., recently embarked on a journey exploring Vietnam from north to south, experiencing the country like true locals.

These experiences were designed by All Asia Vacation (AAV), a travel company that has hosted many ultra-wealthy guests in Vietnam.

During their 17-day journey, the two millionaires had rustic experiences in Hanoi, Ha Giang Province, and Quang Ninh Province in the north; Thua-Thien Hue Province, Da Nang City, and Hoi An City of Quang Nam Province in the central region; finishing the trip in Ho Chi Minh City.

AAV CEO Nguyen Duc Hanh shared that in Hanoi, the two millionaires chose to visit traditional markets and learn cooking with local people. The two markets they explored were Dong Xuan Market and Chau Long Market. 

Chau Long Market left a strong impression on them due to its authentic local atmosphere. They tried banh cuon (steamed rice rolls) at the market and bought some ingredients to bring to a cooking class.

On their second day, they visited Bat Trang Village in Hanoi. There, they enjoyed a traditional meal, especially the unique dried bamboo shoot and squid soup of Bat Trang. Another unmissable experience was learning about the craft of pottery.

On the third day of their journey, they traveled by helicopter to Ha Giang, a mountainous province, allowing them to admire the majestic beauty of the mountains and forests of Vietnam.

The final destination of the two millionaires in the north was Ha Long City in Quang Ninh Province, where they became the second group of guests to experience a luxury tour in Ha Long Bay, a collaboration between Quang Ninh Province and AAV.

During this journey, the guests explored pristine beaches, almost untouched, and basked in the pristine and peaceful beauty of nature. The experiences included kayaking to enjoy the bay and visiting Ba Ham Lake, Tien Ong Cave, and Cua Van fishing village.

The journey continued through Thua Thien-Hue, Da Nang, and Quang Nam. According to an AAV representative, the two millionaires spent a day farming in a vegetable village about 30 minutes from Hoi An Ancient Town, experiencing the authentic and unspoiled charm of rural central Vietnam.

They joined local residents in planting vegetables, tilling the soil, and feeding cows and pigs.

The pair also enjoyed a serene coastal ride in Thua Thien-Hue, cycling approximately 30 kilometers while taking in the fresh air and peaceful surroundings.

As their trip neared its end, they immersed themselves in the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City.

According to Hanh, to organize such a trip, AAV spent nearly a year researching and creating a unique experience itinerary, ensuring it was unlike any previous journey.

The planning for Grinspoon and Foley began in July 2024. They requested that the trip be highly personalized, with safety being the top priority.

The biggest challenge in designing the tour was balancing travelers’ desire for authentic local experiences with the exclusivity of avoiding mass tourism, all while ensuring top-tier accommodations and services for a true 'luxury meets local' experience.

Hanh highlighted Vietnam’s many strengths in attracting ultra-wealthy visitors, including its safety, rich cultural heritage, diverse cuisine, and warm hospitality.

However, she noted that to truly appeal to this elite group, Vietnam must enhance its infrastructure, streamline visa policies, and expand direct flight routes.

A tailored mechanism or policy is also necessary to better accommodate these high-net-worth travelers.

Grinspoon and Foley visited Vietnam not only for leisure but also to explore investment opportunities in the footwear and real estate sectors.

They are the first group of rich individuals to visit Quang Ninh under this exclusive luxury tour program.

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