With pretty towns, rich history, lively cities and natural wonders left right and centre, you would be forgiven for thinking that you may well have to compromise on hotels in Vietnam. But you couldnât be more wrong!
Luxury in Vietnam
Vietnam, a country with endless opportunities for adventure and unique cultural experiences, also happens to be home to some gloriously indulgent accommodation.
Weâve picked 6 of our favourites across the country.
1. Hanoi – Sofitel Legend Metropole
Itâs hard to miss the Sofitel Legend Metropole with its crisp-white façade, emerald green shutters and four entrance pillars (all bordered by neatly trimmed shrubs, naturally). This imposing colonial building dates back to 1901, and has all the elegance of old; itâs not hard to imagine dignitaries and diplomats strolling through every elegant room.
Bedrooms have smatterings of colonial touches; a gold gilt mirror here, a plush canopied bed there, and chandeliers that cast dappled reflections on magnificent high ceilings. With six restaurants and bars at the hotel, you certainly wonât find yourself wanting for food or drink; take tea in the pretty courtyard garden or sip cocktails at an impeccably stylish poolside bar. For dinner, watch the world go by from the restaurantâs bistro tables under a veranda with wrought-iron flourishes.
Stay at Sofitel Legend Metropole on Vietnam in Style
2. Hoi An – Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai
On a serene stretch of Vietnamâs coastline, between the pretty riverside town of Hoi An and the coastal city of Danang, awaits a pristine private beach; home of the Nam Hai hotel. Making the most of the location, sea-facing suites are glass-fronted with huge panes that celebrate the view. But the most stunning feature here is surely the spa rooms, each floating on still waters, gently shaded by palm trees.
There is plenty to do here with extensive water sports, excursions to the tourist hotspots, an on-site cookery school and bicycles to explore the sprawling grounds. But for a spot of R&R, make time for a treatment in the spa, or a dip in the infinity pool. Finish off the day with a tall icy drink from the beach bar, and watch the sun set over the sea.
3. Halong Bay – Au Co Halong Bay Cruise
Spend two days within touching distance of Halong Bayâs grand limestone pillars. Thereâs nothing quite like gliding past this incredible feat of nature â one of those sights that needs to be seen to be believed. Bedrooms on-board are as lovely as the area’s counterparts on solid ground. The dĂ©cor in each cabin varies; some have elegant dark wood furnishings, and others have claw-foot baths. The finest is a light and airy suite with multi-aspect windows.
All have private balconies, so you can while away a couple of hours watching the water ripple past rocky headlands and forested islets. When youâre not hypnotised by the landscape, there is plenty to get involved in; from tai chi and cookery courses on-board, to outdoor adventure such as kayaking, caving or trekking off-board.
Go on the Au Co Halong Bay Cruise on Vietnam in Style
4. Ho Chi Minh City – The Park Hyatt
The Park Hyatt in Ho Chi Minh City combines French colonial architecture with boutique bedrooms and all mod cons (including iPads and Nespresso machines). Itâs beautifully placed in Ho Chi Minh Cityâs District 1, just a stoneâs throw away from the fabled Notre Dame Cathedral with its two bell towers, and the beautiful City Hall (particularly magical when up-lit at night). As well as the iconic Opera House with its rather grand arched entrance.
Suites are decorated with oil paintings from local artists, and the hotelâs furniture wouldnât look out of place in a Parisian apartment. Walk through the chandeliered lobby (with fresh flowers to boot) and pick up a sweet treat from the âPastry Boutiqueâ in the morning. Then head out for a day of sightseeing. On your return, take a pre-dinner dip in the pool, before tucking into a feast at one of its in-house restaurants.
Stay at the Park Hyatt on Vietnam in Style
5. Hue – La Residence Hotel & Spa
Hue is one of the most historical cities in Vietnam, so it seems only right to stay somewhere with stories to tell. This Art Deco hotel, on the banks of the Perfume River, was the French governorâs home in the 1920s, and vestiges of the time can be found in every room. Overlooking the ancient citadel, La Residence feels anachronistic – even more so on one of their âColonial Experiencesâ.
Treat yourself at their spa with a rejuvenating massage, and a spell in the herbal sauna; the perfect way to relax after a busy day of sightseeing. After all that, retire to a spacious bedroom. Each has its own charm: expect Art Deco furnishings, four-poster beds, river views, claw-foot bathtubs, or a huge veranda.
Stay at La Residence on Vietnam in Style
6. Con Dao Islands – Six Senses Con Dao
First-time visitors to Vietnam may not be familiar with Con Dao; an incredibly beautiful group of islands off the southeast coast of Vietnam. Where better to have an island idyll experience than at the Six Senses? Just about everything has been given the utmost attention to detail. Four-poster beds face bi-fold doors with panoramic views of the sea; slip outside and take a dip in your private infinity pool while you take it all in.
Beyond the sweeping sandy beaches, a cornucopia of places to dive or snorkel awaits with some very busy marine life. The luxury resort has a spa bordered by the Lo Voi Mountains. But if you can tear yourself away, the island has a lot to offer. Go rainforest trekking, visit local markets, attempt stand-up paddleboarding and, of course, go scuba diving.
For a very magical experience, see the turtles nest and hatch (between May and November).
Visit the Con Dao Islands.
Ready to go? Treat yourself on our Vietnam in Style fully tailored itinerary.
