Some journeys are so intricately planned and executed that they transform from mere vacations into extraordinary narratives. My recent trip to Japan and Vietnam exemplified this. It combined urban sophistication, cultural depth, and tranquil luxury—all while navigating the complexities of booking premium flights and leveraging the right credit card points. The result was a multi-stop itinerary featuring ANA Business Class, iconic properties like the Park Hyatt Tokyo, the Park Hyatt Saigon, and an unforgettable stay at Amanoi. Add in a final stop in Hanoi, and the experience was nothing short of remarkable.
Booking ANA Business Class
Securing these flights was both a test of patience and a strategic coup. I redeemed 88,000 Amex Membership Rewards points and $400 to fly round-trip ANA Business Class, with the routing: ORD–NRT (with a 5-day Tokyo stopover), then NRT–SGN, and finally returning HAN–NRT–ORD. The highlight was flying ANA’s “The Room” business class product on the outbound—a near-first-class experience complete with enclosed suites, multi-course Japanese meals, and impeccable service. The catch? Transferring Amex points to ANA took four nerve-wracking days. Availability could have vanished, and I checked obsessively until, at last, the points posted and I confirmed my seat.
Before boarding in Chicago, I visited the United Polaris Lounge—a fittingly luxurious start. Excellent dining, steady pours of champagne, and attentive service set the bar high for what lay ahead. Unfortunately, on the way back, due to Star Alliance access rules, I couldn’t replicate that lounge experience in Chicago, a small letdown after such a polished outbound departure.
Tokyo Stopover: The Park Hyatt Tokyo
I spent five days exploring Tokyo, and for accommodations, I booked the famed Park Hyatt Tokyo at 30,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points per night (transferred instantly to Hyatt). The hotel, known for its role in Lost in Translation, is older but immaculately maintained. High above Shinjuku, it offers sweeping skyline views—and occasionally, Mount Fuji makes a cameo. Evenings at the New York Bar, with its live jazz and signature cocktails, evoked the dreamy allure that drew film buffs there decades ago.
Not all was perfect: the concierge disappointed by sending me to closed restaurants and offering generic recommendations. Still, the property’s elegance, the incredible views, and its peaceful ambiance overshadowed this lapse. Tokyo itself dazzled me: the Meiji Shrine, the vibrant flavors of street food in Harajuku, the energetic pulse of Tsukiji Market. Each night, I returned to the Park Hyatt feeling like I’d ascended to a secret retreat above the city’s hustle.
Transition to Vietnam: The Park Hyatt Saigon
Departing Tokyo, I enjoyed a quick visit to the ANA Lounge at Narita, featuring the iconic beer machines and decent dining options, though it was quite busy. Soon enough, I was off to Saigon.
The Park Hyatt Saigon is another classic, blending colonial charm with modern luxury. Here, I kept my explorations simple and satisfying. I savored pho and bánh mì, wandered through the city to soak in its vibrant energy, enjoyed local nightlife, and retreated to the hotel’s peaceful pool and atmospheric bar. It was the perfect counterpoint to Tokyo’s intensity—relaxed and comforting, without sacrificing sophistication.
Amanoi: Seclusion, Service, and Sublime Details
From Saigon, I flew to Cam Ranh (upgraded unexpectedly to Premium Economy on Vietnam Airlines), where an Amanoi representative awaited me at baggage claim. This began a two-night stay at Amanoi, booked through Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts at $700 per night, with a $100 food and beverage credit and a $200 Amex Platinum yearly reimbursement softening the price. The room was a base category with a slight upgrade, not especially notable, but everything else was astonishing.
Secluded on the cliffs of Vinh Hy Bay, Amanoi defines discreet luxury. Staff knew my name from the start; I never signed for anything or even confirmed preferences—they simply knew. Privacy was absolute—I barely glimpsed other guests, except at dinner. The cuisine was Vietnamese-inspired but international in appeal. The only minor quirk? The bar wasn’t air-conditioned and got warm at night, but I’d grown accustomed to the tropical humidity.
Days were a perfect rhythm of relaxation and thoughtful service. The beach pool was ideal for sunlit afternoons, while the infinity pool glowed at dusk. I casually mentioned my sunglasses were dirty while alone at the pool. Within minutes, a microfiber cloth and cleaning solution appeared at my seat. Each time I left the room, it was meticulously refreshed. If I ate a single grape, the fruit platter was replenished. Ice was never allowed to melt, toiletries were continually topped up, and even cables were neatly coiled. It was service without intrusion, luxury without showiness. The finishing touch? The resort’s Vietnamese coffee was so remarkable that staff sent me off with two freshly brewed cups as I departed.
Finale in Hanoi
After Amanoi, I headed north to Hanoi, spending two nights at a local boutique hotel. Here, I immersed myself in the city’s vibrant chaos—bustling markets, roadside stalls, and the cultural tapestry of the Old Quarter. From quiet temples to the tranquil view of Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi offered an authentic counterpoint to the high-end resorts and megacities I’d seen so far.
The Journey Home
From Hanoi, I flew ANA Business Class home via Tokyo. The ANA Lounge at Narita again featured decent bites and the beloved beer machines—busy, but serviceable for a pre-flight respite. The homeward flight was as comfortable as ever, thanks to ANA’s consistent quality. Upon arrival in Chicago, I hoped to revisit the Polaris Lounge that I’d enjoyed so much at the start. Unfortunately, Star Alliance lounge access rules meant no entry this time. Slight disappointment aside, I couldn’t help but reflect on everything I’d experienced.
Reflections
From the refined minimalism of Amanoi to Tokyo’s skyline views, from Saigon’s flavorful street eats to Hanoi’s bustling authenticity, every segment of this journey revealed a new facet of luxury and culture. Although a few concierge missteps and lounge restrictions proved that perfection is elusive, the sum of these experiences was transcendent.
For those dreaming of a trip that deftly weaves together urban elegance, cultural depth, and serene, out-of-this-world luxury, this itinerary sets a standard hard to surpass. It wasn’t just a vacation—it was a carefully crafted narrative that I’m sure will linger in my mind for years to come.
