THE BEST HOTELS IN VIETNAM

If your idea of luxury is a secluded jungle paradise without any children in sight, An Lam Retreats Ninh Van Bay is the resort for you. The first adults-only resort in Vietnam, it’s ideal for couples and honeymooners. Staying in one of the 34 luxurious timber villas provides the ultimate escape, as you’ll find yourself at one with the surrounding nature. The tree-topped peninsula, natural stream and private beach is the ideal backdrop to encourage you to disconnect from the outside world, relax and rejuvenate. Each villa is set into the tropical landscape and comes with a private plunge pool, veranda, and chic decor blending contemporary design with Vietnamese touches.

A genuine retreat means never needing to leave the resort, but if you do want to explore the surrounding area, your butler can organise private day tours to iconic locations. One of the most recommended itineraries is a visit to the sacred Po Nagar Towers on the banks of the Cai River, just 15km from the resort, followed by a trip to the hot springs and world-famous mud baths. Your day ends with a trip to the market where you can immerse yourself in the local culture before returning to the resort, hopefully with a few souvenirs in-hand.

Wake up in paradise at Mia Nha Trang Resort, a secluded beach resort nestled in the cliffs of the Nha Trang coastline. With lavishly appointed condos, villas and suites Mia Nha Trang Resort has something to suit every type of traveller, what sets this resort apart from others is its enormous 5 bedroom villa – did someone say girls trip? Just imagine you and your closest friends staying in this 3-storey paradise, apt with private infinity pool, barbecue area, entertainment room… plus options for a private chef and wait staff, babysitters, even someone to do your groceries! You won’t have to lift a finger.

If your idea of a perfect holiday means staying active, there’s plenty to do at Mia Nha Trang Resort. Kayak, stand-up paddleboard, snorkel or even scuba dive offshore from the resort’s private beach. Slow down with yoga and meditation, or speed up with tennis or a run around the 2.5km property. If cardio isn’t really your thing, don’t sweat it! Fully immersive cooking classes will have you whipping up traditional Vietnamese dishes in no time. You’ll even have the opportunity to head to the local market to hand-select the freshest ingredients.

JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa is located on the shoreline of what is arguably one of the best beaches in Vietnam, Khem Beach. Originally built as a 19th-century French university, today the resort has one main purpose – to provide guests with an unparalleled luxury experience. Reimagined into a lavish beachfront playground by world-famous resort architect, Bill Bensley, the JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa exudes opulence.

Each room and suite is appointed with plush bedding and private balconies, but if you’re looking for a little more luxe, try one of their spacious villas complete with your own plunge pool. Experience the height of luxury with a stay in the exclusive Lamarck House, a grandiose seven-bedroom colonial-era house equipped with its very own infinity pool, marble bathrooms and panoramic views of Emerald Bay. The resort also features five dining options catering to just about every palate, from classic French cuisine to beachside bar and grill, traditional Vietnamese flavours to exquisite French fine dining. Top the night off at Department of Chemistry Bar and learn a thing or two about the science of mixology whilst enjoying tasty tapas and ocean views.

Nam Nghi Phu Quoc is an island retreat where contemporary Vietnamese luxury is amplified by the natural beauty of the surrounds. Escape to an island of pristine beaches, dense tropical jungle and vibrant coral formations, providing guests with both relaxation and adventure. Nestled on the Coral Peninsula, the resort’s aesthetic is inspired by the spirit of the Indochine, with all 63 rooms and 51 villas being beautifully and thoughtfully designed. Admire the sunrise from your balcony overlooking the ocean before setting off on a local adventure.

Phu Quoc is made up of 22 islets, many of which are practically untouched. Set sail on a chartered boat tour, go snorkelling or scuba diving into turquoise waters where rich marine life thrives. Some of the most beautiful to be explored are Hon Mong Tay, Hon May Rut Ngoai, Hon May Rut Trong, and Hon Mot. Want to switch it up from the sea? Become one with nature as you trek through the Phu Quoc National Park, an enormous 314,000sqm UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on the island’s northern region. Discover unique flora and fauna, dense mountain ranges and rare wildlife like long-tailed macaques, silver langurs, slow lories, otters, and hornbills.

HOI AN

ANANTARA HOI AN RESORT

Address: 1 Pham Hong Thai Street, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province (Location map)

Instagram: @anantarahoian

• Prices for Anantara Hoi An Resort, one of the best hotels in Vietnam, start at US$240++ per night. Click here for best available prices.

HOTEL ROYAL HOI AN – MGALLERY

• Prices for Hotel Royal Hoi An MGallery, one of the best hotels in Vietnam, start at US$125++per night. Click here for best available prices.

The recently refurbished, French-colonial inspired Park Hyatt Saigon features 245 elegantly appointed rooms including 23 lavish suites. Despite its heritage aesthetic, each room comes equipped with the latest modern luxuries, like mini iPads, Nespresso machines and smart lighting systems. Heighten your experience and upgrade to a suite where you can indulge in the additional space of a separate living room, as well as a curated collection of embroidery, antiques and handcrafted artwork by established Vietnamese artists.

Spend the day exploring the most famous local attractions that are all within walking distance of the hotel; Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, the Reunification Palace, Opera House on Lam Son Square and the boutiques on Dong Khoi street. Indulge in authentic Vietnamese and French cuisine at Park Hyatt Saigon’s signature restaurant, Square One. Lovers of Italian (that’s everyone, right?) can twirl their forks around freshly made dishes at Opera, before finishing the night off with live performances by resident musicians at the Park Lounge.

• Prices for Park Hyatt Saigon, one of the best hotels in Vietnam, start at US$287++ per night. Click here for best available prices.

AN LAM RETREATS SAIGON RIVER

Address: 21/4 Trung Street, Vinh Phu Ward, Thuan An Dist. Saigon River, Ho Chi Minh City (Location map)

Instagram: @anlamretreats

An Lam Retreats Saigon River is just as its name suggests, a retreat from the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh city, nestled under a tropical rainforest canopy 20-minutes downriver from the city. If you’re looking to escape reality, An Lam Retreats Saigon River offers an enchanting blend of privacy, serenity and exclusivity, boasting only 19 suites and villas across a lush garden landscape. For a distinctively Vietnamese culinary experience, Tram’s Cookery invites guests to discover the freshest tastes of Vietnam whilst enjoying the tranquillity of the Saigon River.

If great food and picturesque views of the Saigon River aren’t enough to calm your spirit, go one step further with an indulgent spa treatment. The Spa at An Lam Retreats Saigon River is an experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and renewed, with the private treatment rooms designed to calm both mind and body. An Lam Retreats Saigon River takes luxury that one step further with a bespoke butler service to tend to every detail of your visit. You’ll never feel more at peace!

• Prices for An Lam Retreats Saigon River, one of the best hotels in Vietnam, start at US$227.99++ per night. Click here for best available prices.

HÔTEL DES ARTS SAIGON – MGALLERY

Address: 76 – 78 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Dist.3 70000 Ho Chi Minh City (Location map)

Instagram: @hoteldesartssaigon

Any stay at the Hôtel des Arts Saigon comes complete with a trip back in time to the 1930s, an era of romance and opulence. The Hôtel des Arts Saigon boasts the classical charm of Indochine Française complemented by all the creature comforts of the modern world. Step into a living art museum masqueraded as a five-star hotel, with the owner’s personal art collection adorning every wall and lose yourself on a journey through time. Spoil yourself to the Executive Studio Suite, 60sqm with refined furnishings custom-built by Vietnamese craftsmen, rosewood floors and plenty of space throughout.

With two restaurants, a cafe and a rooftop bar, the culinary options at Hôtel des Arts Saigon offer a setting for almost every occasion. Café Des Beaux-Arts is a fashionable and sophisticated art-cafe, designed to evoke French elegance and old-world glamour. Savour gourmet rice paper rolls at Saigon Kitchen Restaurant, a charming venue inspired by Asian street food markets. The Rooftop Bar on the 24th floor is the ideal place to overlook Saigon’s glittering skyline, whilst sipping on cocktails next to the highest rooftop infinity pool in the city. Before the night is over, make sure you experience the first and only glass suspension hanging bridge in Ho Chi Minh, connecting the hotel to Centec Tower.

• Prices for Hôtel des Arts Saigon MGallery, one of the best hotels in Vietnam, start at US$185++ per night. Click here for best available prices.

FUSION SUITES SAIGON

Address: 3-5 Suong Nguyet Anh Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (Location map)

Instagram: @fusionsuitessaigon

Fusion Suites Sai Gon is perched in the heart of District 1, just steps from one of Ho Chi Minh City’s oldest parks and a short walk from the famous Ben Thanh Market. Fusion Suites Sai Gon is an understated 76 suite hotel architecturally designed to evoke peace and harmony in the modern urban adventurer. With every suite featuring modern, wooden decor, natural tones and contemporary designs, you’ll likely forget you’re in the middle of Vietnam’s most energetic city. Upgrade your inner-city escape to a luxurious one-bedroom corner suite with a spacious lounge area, integrated kitchenette and 180- degree floor-to-ceiling views.

As with every Fusion property, guests are treated to twice-daily spa treatments and breakfast “anywhere, anytime”. Your trip to Ho Chi Minh wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the taste of Vietnam at Fresh, Fusion’s in-house restaurant boasting seasonal ingredients sourced locally. Satisfy your cultural hunger and explore nearby destinations, like downtown Ho Chi Minh with your your own private guide, take a trip out to the Mekong Delta or head underground at the famous Cu Chi Tunnels.

• Prices for Fusion Suites Saigon, one of the best hotels in Vietnam, start at US$104++ per night. Click here for best available prices.

HANOI

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi opened its doors at the turn of the century in 1901. A legendary landmark in the Hanoi cityscape, the hotel has been recognised for its contribution to the city’s heritage. As one of the highest regarded luxury hotels in the city, the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has long since been a popular rendezvous for the most prestigious of guests. July 2009 saw the Metropole Hanoi become the world’s first Sofitel Legend hotel, paving the way for a unique collection of heritage hotels and palaces in iconic cities around the globe.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi features 364 elegant rooms and suites, three of which are named after the hotel’s most prestigious of guests – Charlie Chaplin, Grahame Green and Somerset Maugham. The original colonial grandeur has been lovingly preserved in the Metropole Wing, whilst the refurbished Opera Wing invites guests to enjoy its neo-classical elegance. Once in your room, you’ll never want to leave after you sink into the iconic Sofitel MyBed. If you do manage to pull yourself from its cloud-like wonder, be sure to visit one (or all) of the six bars and restaurants!

• Prices for Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, one of the best hotels in Vietnam, start at US$320++ per night. Click here for best available prices.

DA NANG

FUSION MAIA DA NANG

Address: Vo Nguyen Giap Street, Khue My Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang City (Location map) 

Instagram: @fusionmaiadanang

Located a stone’s throw from picture-perfect My Khe Beach, Fusion Maia Da Nang offers guests a stunning beachfront location across 86 elegant private pool villas. Each villa comes with a luxurious king-size bed set amidst a spacious open plan living and sleeping area, an ensuite with a relaxing rain shower and a courtyard garden with a private pool. Elevate your level of luxury with a two-bedroom villa featuring a jacuzzi, or a three-bedroom villa for extra space. Your luxury escape is complemented by Fusion’s “breakfast, anywhere, anytime”, enjoy breakfast by the pool, in the spa, on by the beach!

Fusion Maia Da Nang boasts that it’s more than a resort, it’s a way of life, and with their signature “all-inclusive” spa service, it’s easy to see why. With an emphasis on wellness, sensibility, and original concepts, Fusion treats its guests to a minimum of not one, but two spa treatments per day. Relax, rejuvenate and detox from the world at Maia Spa Da Nang with an extensive spa menu which aims to redefine the spa experience. Fusion also offers daily yoga, tai chi, gi gong and meditation with the backdrop of the sea and the soundtrack of the waves – sounds perfect to us!

• Prices for Fusion Maia Da Nang, one of the best hotels in Vietnam, start at US$419++ per night. Click here for best available prices.

INTERCONTINENTAL DA NANG SUN PENINSULA RESORT

Address: Bai Bac, SonTra Peninsula, Da Nang (Location map)

Instagram: @intercontinentaldanang

The Intercontinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort lays nestled between cascading mountains and the sea. Inspired by traditional Vietnamese architecture with a classic French touch, this 201 room resort invites guests to indulge their senses during their time in paradise. Delight your palate at La Maison 1888, led by three-star Michelin chef, Pierre Gagnaire, sink into bliss at HARNN Heritage Spa or spoil yourself to the ultimate pedicure regimen by world-renowned ‘podiatrist to the stars’ Bastien Gonzalez.

If this ultimate luxury isn’t enough and your soul craves adventure, Chief Concierge Ai Tran has some nearby suggestions. For breathtaking views of surrounding Danang, hike to the top of Monkey Mountain… whilst you have your hiking shoes on, you can also set foot on a guided trek around Son Tra Nature Reserve, where you’ll discover langur monkeys and a 1,000-year-old banyan tree. Top the day off with a cultural excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An Old Town and discover the Chinese temples, French colonial houses and historic canals of this mythic city.

• Prices for Intercontinental Da Nang Sun Peninsula Resort, one of the best hotels in Vietnam, start at US$389.50++ per night. Click here for best available prices

MOCLAN BOUTIQUE HOTEL

Address: 20 Phước Trường 8, Phước Mỹ, Sơn Trà, Đà Nẵng 555555, (Location map)

Instagram: @fusionsuitessaigon

Situated in the coastal city of Danang, just a short walk away from Pham Van Dong beach and but a few blocks from Da Nang’s city-centre, Moclan Boutique Hotel is the ideal Vietnamese city break. Each room is minimalistic and contemporary in style, sophisticated and sleek featuring large wooden beds with crisp white sheets, palm-patterned furnishings, pops of deep blues and greens, and well equipped with flat-screen TV’s, electric kettles and air conditioning.

Choose from either the King’s suite balcony offering glorious views of the city or for those seeking ultimate serenity, opt for the Garden view suite with majestic bath which overlooks the hotel’s lush green courtyard. Let the warm and welcoming staff provide you with the best tips to exploring Da Nang, from the best day tours to where you’ll find some of the most delightful food – they’ve got you covered!

• Prices for Moclan Boutique Hotel, one of the best hotels in Vietnam, start at US$52++ per night. Click here for best available prices.

Six Senses Con Dao is Vietnam’s first top-rated resort, sitting pretty in the protected landscape of a national and marine park. Its contemporary design draws inspiration from traditional fishing villages and its 50 villas invite guests to reinvigorate in a tropical haven. Choose between a single-level or duplex villa, ranging from one to four bedrooms, and find peace in your private infinity pool and secluded outdoor bathroom.

If you’re looking for a little excitement, get out on the ocean in a speedboat for a snorkelling tour of Hon Tai and Bay Canh or Cau islands. Your guide will take you to all the best snorkelling spots to see some of the 1,493 species of marine life and the best coral formations in the country in this premier marine protected area. There’s still plenty of activities at the resort, practice your golf swing from the Elephant Mountain platform and hit a few EcoBioBalls into the mass expanse of ocean. The best part is, the balls are completely biodegradable and dissolve into fish food within 48 hours.

BANYAN TREE LANG CO

Address: Cu Du Village, Loc Vinh Commune, Phu Loc District, Thua Thien Hue Province (Location map)

Instagram: @banyantree.langco

• Prices for Banyan Tree Lang Co, one of the best hotels in Vietnam, start at US$370++ per night. Click here for best available prices.

This dreamy seaside resort has just about every luxury you need for a contemporary beach getaway. Avani Quy Nhon Resort invites guests to slow down and take it easy in one of their 63 spacious rooms or suites, all with panoramic ocean views. Sink your toes into the sand of their private beach, sunbathe poolside or beachside or take a dip in the pool and come up for air at their Gio pool bar. Satisfy your tastebuds at Tre cliff-top restaurant and indulge in freshly caught seafood, sizzling steaks or authentic Vietnamese cuisine, all cooked before your eyes at live cooking stations.

Retreat to the comfort of your room or suite for an uninterrupted slumber and wake up to the sun bursting over the ocean from your private balcony. Once you’re ready to take on the day, explore nearby attractions like Binh Dinh deep sea fishing, guided by a local fisherman onboard a traditional sailing boat. Fancy a round of golf? Tee off from sand dunes overlooking turquoise waters as you conquer the 36 hole course. Go back in time with a guided tour of Quy Nhon’s history and watch in awe as carvings from 11th century Cham dynasty take on a whole new life.