It is amazing how things can change in half a century. After World War II, decades of war, political upheaval, and social conflict were all anyone thought of when you mentioned any of the countries in Southeast Asia, especially Vietnam. But here we are, in the twenty-first century, and Vietnam has made leaps and bounds in their development to now become a pristine vacation location for people around the world.
Due in part to their limited export capacity, Vietnam’s economy is heavily reliant on the tourism industry these days. This means they understand that getting visitors into the country is paramount, and offering them an unsurpassed stay is the key to getting them to come back. Because of this, Vietnamese luxury hotels have become world-renowned for their unique experiences and fantastic service that will leave you wanting to come back again and again. So before you book your flight, have a look at these top ten luxury hotels in this ancient land of culture and beauty.
1. Amanoi, Vinh Hy Village
This resort is the hidden jewel of Vinh Hy Bay, tucked into tumbling jungles and surrounded by crystal-clear waters along 32 km of pristine coastline. They feature three different accommodation styles; villas, residencies, and spa houses. The spa houses are world-renowned, even earning the title of “Best Spa for Wellness” in Harper’s Bazaar Travel Guide to the 100 Greatest Hotels in the World.
They feature a variety of packages that can be tailored to fit your personal style. Want to spend your luxury vacation enjoying nothing but spa treatments and good food? They have it. Want to experience the culture and wonder of Indochina? They’ve got you covered. Want to merely sit and relax in the untouched majesty of nature? Your wish is their command. Dining in this resort has several experiences in and of itself. They provide ancient and contemporary Vietnamese dishes cooked both in the restaurant or served to you beach-side with a flute of champagne. Specialties include braised abalone with shiitake mushrooms, whole live crab fried with tamarind sauce, fresh spring rolls with shrimp and pork, and grilled beef in bamboo. And to top it off, every herb they use in the resort is grown in their own garden.
2. InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, Danang
This hotel is built around lush gardens, a private beach, is inspired by Vietnamese temples and traditional villages in its blended designs. The hotel itself boasts a classy stay in one of their world-renowned rooms, classic suites, or executive rooms. But even the standard room in this hotel boasts a balcony view of the East Sea and incredible Vietnamese architecture, and they start at around $500 US dollars a night.
In addition to immaculate suites, this resort boasts access to some of the finest restaurants in the country. Treat yourself to an experience at La Maison 1888, where your tastebuds will be caressed by the artistry of three-star Michelin chef, Pierre Gagnaire. You can also take advantages of the many spa treatments available at this location, including the HARNN Heritage Spa or partake in the ultimate pedicure regimen by world renowned posiatrist, Bastien Gonzalez.
3. Sofitel Legend Metropol, Hanoi
Like the city of Hanoi itself, this first-class hotel is designed to reflect the colorful tradition of the city’s history as well as the modern elegance first-class travel requires. The resort is mere steps away from the Old Opera House in Hanoi’s historic and vibrant French Quarter, bathing you in the opulence of the Era of Empires while also immersing you in local artistic culture, Vietnamese cuisine and dream-like architecture that includes the original wrought iron details and stately wood paneling residing through over a century of history. Stays begin at around $250 US.
4. The Reverie Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City
This hotel is best known for its incredible hospitality and absolutely stunning list of services offered during your stay here. From spa getaway suites to expensive luxury car chauffeuring services, the Reverie has thought of nearly everything. And with luxury suites starting in the $600 ballpark, it’s easy to see why this is such a popular destination. And don’t even get us started on the food; the acclaimed Reverie Lounge and dozens of high end traditional and international restaurants will leave you with an experience that will last you a lifetime, and yet leave you wanting to come back for more.
5. Park Hyatt Saigon, Hồ Chí Minh
Shifting gears, the urban luxury in Ho Chi Minh is no better experience than in the Park Hyatt Saigon hotel. The hotel has 245 rooms including 23 suites, which recently underwent a complete upgrade to French-colonial style rooms that combine elegant, traditional “old-world” comfort with the latest in technology, including in-room mini iPads, Nespresso machines, and sensor lighting systems. The Suites are large and spacious, perfect for making an extended stay as comfortable as is humanly possible.
The Hyatt’s signature restaurant, Square One, features authentic Vietnamese and French cuisine, while Opera offers traditional Italian dishes prepared in a large open kitchen. If the nightlife is what you crave, the 2 Lam Son brags itself the liveliest nightspot in Ho Chi Minh City. Even the Lounge is alive with local live musicians several nights of the week.
6. The Nam Hai Four Seasons Resort, Hoi An
Ideally located in Vietnam’s rich central coast, The Nam Hai offers a portal to some of the most popular and celebrated beaches in this coastal country. They offer sunsets on the East Sea by kayak, historic trips of imperial Hue and world-class restaurants in the area. Their villas are proclaimed as the best in central Vietnam and a stay in this exotic utopia starts at only around $700 US. The Four Seasons is also known for its fantastic culinary options and state of the art luxury dining facilities.
7. Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, Khanh Hoa Province
The dramatic rocky bay of Van Bay in Khanh Hoa gives visitors to the Six Senses the sense that they are on an island unto themselves. The secluded nature of this tropical paradise includes such experiences as the renowned sauna and fitness center, playing tennis, volleyball or badminton, and long mountain walks around the bay area. They also specialize in watersports such as scuba diving, paddle boarding, sailing, kayaking, snorkeling, waterskiing, tubing, and even fishing charters. From the front desk, you can also schedule an excursion into Nha Trang City for a tour or take a guided trip to the Cai River and Mud Baths nearby. Also available are world-class restaurants and spa treatments
8. Anantara Quy Nhon Villas, Bình Định
Touted as one of the “finest beach resorts in Vietnam”, Anantara is a paradise surrounded by mountains on three sides and overlooking the Bay of Quy Nhon, one of the world’s most beautiful beach fronts. With only 26 villas dotting the lush landscape, it’s no wonder a stay at Anantara is one of the most sought after reservations in Indochina. With full-service butlers, four-hand massages, ancient local ruins, and traditional fisherman’s villages, there’s plenty to do and be pampered by in this corner of the jungle. The cuisine is also incredible, featuring restaurants serving you experiences in local seafood, gourmet street eats, traditional hot pot grilling and island picnics on the surrounding uninhabited islands.
9. Six Senses Con Dao, Vũng Tàu
For those of you looking for sustainable opulence, look no further than Six Senses Con Dao, another premier location for the discerning luxury stay. This remote, secluded island has many things the mainland just cannot offer, like the protected national and marine park that surround this remote archipelago. With pristine villas designed to mimic a traditional fishing village, this spa getaway is a vacation you don’t want to miss out on starting at $600 US per night.
Cuisine in the area includes Vietnamese by the Market, an immersive experience featuring traditional local flavors. By the Beach is the resort’s official seafood restaurant sporting a panoramic ocean view and continual sea breezes. Outings and activities include touring the islands around the hotel, paddleboarding the natural reef, and guided scuba diving outings.
10. Anantara Hoi An Resort, Quảng Nam
Another location steeped in tradition and history, Anantara Hoi An Resort is less than a kilometer from the historic quarter of Hoi An, in lush gardens fronting the Thu Bon River. Riverfront dining, blissful spa treatments, and sunset river cruises along the river are only a couple of the things this enticing resort has in store for its guests. Enjoy the views as you saunter down the promenade past shrines, modern art galleries, teahouses, and small cafes, An Bang Beach, one of the country’s most famous beach fonts, is just down the way from the resort’s own private jetty. Whether you plan on spending the day in one of their elegant 93 rooms or venturing out to see all that Hoi An has to offer, Anantara Hoi An is a fantastic option.
Now you can begin planning your dream vacation to the mysterious lands of the Orient. Whether your personal taste resides in the simple pleasures of a spa secluded in nature or a highrise, state of the art suite in the city, Vietnam has a luxury destination just waiting for you.
Guido Graf is Founder of Privateupgrades. Privateupgrades is a global luxury travel club with over 20 years of experience in luxury hotels, ensuring exclusive VIP privileges like upgrades, free breakfast, free nights, rate discounts, free airport transfers, free massages and much more.If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
Guido Graf, born in Vienna, is a respected businessman and pioneer in the European luxury travel industry. After studying in Switzerland, he founded Deluxetargets in 2001, one of the most esteemed companies for luxury travel in Europe. In 2017, he recognized the growing importance of the digital market and launched PrivateUpgrades, an online platform providing access to over 2000 luxury hotels with exclusive VIP benefits. Graf is widely acknowledged as an expert in luxury hotels and continually sets new standards for exceptional travel experiences. Moreover, since 2008, he is the exclusive representative for Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic in Switzerland. Graf also sits on advisory boards of several renowned luxury hotel brands and has held a consulting role in several significant hotel openings such as the Royal Atlantis in Dubai. His innovative spirit and entrepreneurial foresight make him a leading figure in the luxury travel industry.
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15 Comments
The resort in Danang looks amazing and so tranquil. From most of the places that we had seen along the Danang beach, it looked very must city beach with tall towers and rows of resorts stacked along the beach. I could see why this resort would be an oasis from the typical Danang accommodations. Maybe next time ;)
I absolutely agree Nicole. The Intercontinental is located on a peninsula where you have the feeling that nothing is around – completely secuded and peaceful, but if you want to have action, then the city of Danang is 20 minutes away. The rooms are located on the hill with spectacular seaview. Also in terms of price it is – for the level of luxury provided – still very affordable.
My choice would be the Park Hyatt Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City. The old world style would suit me perfectly. I’m a bit of a sucker for all that Colonial decor, I suppose you could call it the Raffles look. Also with the restaurant blending the classical traditions of French cuisine with local Vietnamese flavours it’s a pretty irresistible packages as far as I’m concerned.
That is a great choice Steve. The Park Hyatt has been the Nr. 1 hotel in Saigon for many years and in terms of location and service it still is. As you said, Vietnam has such a wide variety of food with a lot of European influences, but always Asian style. Their national dish is “Pho”, which is like the japanese Ramen, a soup with noodles, vegetables and meat. Light, healthy and very tasty.
I remember the last American helicopters leaving Saigon in 1975. The Vietnam War was lost. At the time it seemed as if another domino had fallen – to borrow the Domino Theory prevalent at the time. It seemed as if a Bamboo curtain was coming down over South East Asia. I never thought that there would be the freedom to visit Vietnam in my lifetime. So I am highly delighted to see these superb hotels. When I finally arrive in Vietnam I would love to stay in any one, or more, of these hotels.
Thanks for this look back into their tragic times. Specially in the central park of the country there are still areas inaccessible due to mine fields. In this areas most of the peoples are farmers which start early morning on their rice fields and live a very modest but happy life. A trip to Vietnam is also a journey back in history to learn specially about the story of these farmers and how the achieved it, that their country is now green and beautiful again. Let us know when you are planning a trip to Vietnam, we can advise you to places where you can closely feel this history.
I’ve got a similar fascination with Vietnam as Gerald. Back in the 1980s when Vietnam was very strictly ruled by the communists I read what in my opinion are two great books chronicling the Vietnam War from a disillusioned American perspective. If you’ve got some spare time then Phillip Caputo’s “A Rumor of War” (American spelling) and Michael Herr’s “Dispatches” will really set you up to understand that sad episode of Vietnamese history and help you make the most of your visit.
Did Vietnam on my Gap Year. Best place I visited, absolutely loved it. But now I’ve got a bit more dosh I want to go back and do it in style. These hotels would definitely do the job.
Vietnam is a great country to explore for young people and they offer a lot of budget places to stay. When you look at the size of the country the luxury options are still very limited. However the existing ones are really worth to visit and to experience the real Vietnamese hospitality.
I never really think of Vietnam as a tourist destination for vacations. It makes sense that they want to offer the best experiences and give their luxury offerings a boost when they’re so reliant on tourism. I love the location for the InterContinental resort at Danang, how beautiful, and such lush water! This has really opened my eyes to what’s there because I had no idea… Vietnam is has definitely been very underrated! I have been thinking I need a proper holiday next year, I wonder what it’s like price-wise to travel there and to stay for a week in terms of food and drink prices? I’ll have to investigate!
Amy, Vietnam was – and still is – a hidden gem in Asia. For me it is the alternative to Thailand with a lot of culture and great beaches. It is now also much easier to travel as now the Visa is easy to get. Keep in mind that distances in Vietnam is hugh and the country has 3 different climates. Prices – if you compare the quality – are same or cheaper as in Thailand. Vietnam is a perfect destination if you are looking for a mix of culture and beach. Halong Bay in the North, beach in the middle and the Mekong Delta in the south.
My real ambition for Vietnam is to do the Reunification Express. For a long time now I have wanted to visit Vietnam and it has also been an ambition to do one of the Great Railway Journeys of the world. After reading this I now want to stay at one of these hotels before I start and then relax in another one at the end. Not sure how well I would sleep on a train. I might have some sleep to catch up on.
That would be a great expierence. Just make sure you get a “soft seat” as the “hard seats” are just wooden benches. What I would recommend is to split the train journey or just to make a part of it. When you start in Hanoi you can make the part down to Danang. This is the part going into the mountains and crossing small and narrow bridges. In Danang you can add your beach days and then either fly to Saigon or use to train again to get down south. It is doable to plan the trip a way that you will be relaxed afterwards and not have to catch up sleep.
Thank you so much for your incredibly generous and informative blogs. I have two questions – I hope you can help me.
We’re considering going to the Intercontinental in Danang, Vietnam, with our adult family, in December / Jan for about 8 days. However, we are very concerned about the weather at that time.
Would you advise against going at that time of year?
Is there much / enough to do at the resort when it rains? (I realise Danang and Hoi An are accessible).
Additionally, we are a vegan family, and we were wondering how well this hotel caters to vegan diners?
Hello Ilana. In December it is in fact chilly with a high chance of rain. This area of the world is not that easy to classify with the weather as it is often different to the forcast. If you look for classic beach vacation I would suggest to have a look on a different location. If you look for a mix of nice hotel and culture experiences paired with a great Spa and a lot of activities (many local experiences as cooking classes, local art experiences) then it is good to stay there. In terms of Vegan the hotel has Vegan options and even their gourmet restaurant offers a Vegan menu. You can check on our website and you will find their availibility, our benefits and promotions. If you have any questions please reach out to me by email and I am happy to give you advises.
Due in part to their limited export capacity, Vietnam’s economy is heavily reliant on the tourism industry these days. This means they understand that getting visitors into the country is paramount, and offering them an unsurpassed stay is the key to getting them to come back. Because of this, Vietnamese luxury hotels have become world-renowned for their unique experiences and fantastic service that will leave you wanting to come back again and again. So before you book your flight, have a look at these top ten luxury hotels in this ancient land of culture and beauty.
1. Amanoi, Vinh Hy Village
This resort is the hidden jewel of Vinh Hy Bay, tucked into tumbling jungles and surrounded by crystal-clear waters along 32 km of pristine coastline. They feature three different accommodation styles; villas, residencies, and spa houses. The spa houses are world-renowned, even earning the title of “Best Spa for Wellness” in Harper’s Bazaar Travel Guide to the 100 Greatest Hotels in the World.
Due in part to their limited export capacity, Vietnam’s economy is heavily reliant on the tourism industry these days. This means they understand that getting visitors into the country is paramount, and offering them an unsurpassed stay is the key to getting them to come back. Because of this, Vietnamese luxury hotels have become world-renowned for their unique experiences and fantastic service that will leave you wanting to come back again and again. So before you book your flight, have a look at these top ten luxury hotels in this ancient land of culture and beauty.
1. Amanoi, Vinh Hy Village
This resort is the hidden jewel of Vinh Hy Bay, tucked into tumbling jungles and surrounded by crystal-clear waters along 32 km of pristine coastline. They feature three different accommodation styles; villas, residencies, and spa houses. The spa houses are world-renowned, even earning the title of “Best Spa for Wellness” in Harper’s Bazaar Travel Guide to the 100 Greatest Hotels in the World.
They feature a variety of packages that can be tailored to fit your personal style. Want to spend your luxury vacation enjoying nothing but spa treatments and good food? They have it. Want to experience the culture and wonder of Indochina? They’ve got you covered. Want to merely sit and relax in the untouched majesty of nature? Your wish is their command. Dining in this resort has several experiences in and of itself. They provide ancient and contemporary Vietnamese dishes cooked both in the restaurant or served to you beach-side with a flute of champagne. Specialties include braised abalone with shiitake mushrooms, whole live crab fried with tamarind sauce, fresh spring rolls with shrimp and pork, and grilled beef in bamboo. And to top it off, every herb they use in the resort is grown in their own garden.
2. InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, Danang
This hotel is built around lush gardens, a private beach, is inspired by Vietnamese temples and traditional villages in its blended designs. The hotel itself boasts a classy stay in one of their world-renowned rooms, classic suites, or executive rooms. But even the standard room in this hotel boasts a balcony view of the East Sea and incredible Vietnamese architecture, and they start at around $500 US dollars a night.
In addition to immaculate suites, this resort boasts access to some of the finest restaurants in the country. Treat yourself to an experience at La Maison 1888, where your tastebuds will be caressed by the artistry of three-star Michelin chef, Pierre Gagnaire. You can also take advantages of the many spa treatments available at this location, including the HARNN Heritage Spa or partake in the ultimate pedicure regimen by world renowned posiatrist, Bastien Gonzalez.
3. Sofitel Legend Metropol, Hanoi
Like the city of Hanoi itself, this first-class hotel is designed to reflect the colorful tradition of the city’s history as well as the modern elegance first-class travel requires. The resort is mere steps away from the Old Opera House in Hanoi’s historic and vibrant French Quarter, bathing you in the opulence of the Era of Empires while also immersing you in local artistic culture, Vietnamese cuisine and dream-like architecture that includes the original wrought iron details and stately wood paneling residing through over a century of history. Stays begin at around $250 US.
4. The Reverie Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City
This hotel is best known for its incredible hospitality and absolutely stunning list of services offered during your stay here. From spa getaway suites to expensive luxury car chauffeuring services, the Reverie has thought of nearly everything. And with luxury suites starting in the $600 ballpark, it’s easy to see why this is such a popular destination. And don’t even get us started on the food; the acclaimed Reverie Lounge and dozens of high end traditional and international restaurants will leave you with an experience that will last you a lifetime, and yet leave you wanting to come back for more.
5. Park Hyatt Saigon, Hồ Chí Minh
Shifting gears, the urban luxury in Ho Chi Minh is no better experience than in the Park Hyatt Saigon hotel. The hotel has 245 rooms including 23 suites, which recently underwent a complete upgrade to French-colonial style rooms that combine elegant, traditional “old-world” comfort with the latest in technology, including in-room mini iPads, Nespresso machines, and sensor lighting systems. The Suites are large and spacious, perfect for making an extended stay as comfortable as is humanly possible.
The Hyatt’s signature restaurant, Square One, features authentic Vietnamese and French cuisine, while Opera offers traditional Italian dishes prepared in a large open kitchen. If the nightlife is what you crave, the 2 Lam Son brags itself the liveliest nightspot in Ho Chi Minh City. Even the Lounge is alive with local live musicians several nights of the week.
6. The Nam Hai Four Seasons Resort, Hoi An
Ideally located in Vietnam’s rich central coast, The Nam Hai offers a portal to some of the most popular and celebrated beaches in this coastal country. They offer sunsets on the East Sea by kayak, historic trips of imperial Hue and world-class restaurants in the area. Their villas are proclaimed as the best in central Vietnam and a stay in this exotic utopia starts at only around $700 US. The Four Seasons is also known for its fantastic culinary options and state of the art luxury dining facilities.
7. Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, Khanh Hoa Province
The dramatic rocky bay of Van Bay in Khanh Hoa gives visitors to the Six Senses the sense that they are on an island unto themselves. The secluded nature of this tropical paradise includes such experiences as the renowned sauna and fitness center, playing tennis, volleyball or badminton, and long mountain walks around the bay area. They also specialize in watersports such as scuba diving, paddle boarding, sailing, kayaking, snorkeling, waterskiing, tubing, and even fishing charters. From the front desk, you can also schedule an excursion into Nha Trang City for a tour or take a guided trip to the Cai River and Mud Baths nearby. Also available are world-class restaurants and spa treatments
8. Anantara Quy Nhon Villas, Bình Định
Touted as one of the “finest beach resorts in Vietnam”, Anantara is a paradise surrounded by mountains on three sides and overlooking the Bay of Quy Nhon, one of the world’s most beautiful beach fronts. With only 26 villas dotting the lush landscape, it’s no wonder a stay at Anantara is one of the most sought after reservations in Indochina. With full-service butlers, four-hand massages, ancient local ruins, and traditional fisherman’s villages, there’s plenty to do and be pampered by in this corner of the jungle. The cuisine is also incredible, featuring restaurants serving you experiences in local seafood, gourmet street eats, traditional hot pot grilling and island picnics on the surrounding uninhabited islands.
9. Six Senses Con Dao, Vũng Tàu
For those of you looking for sustainable opulence, look no further than Six Senses Con Dao, another premier location for the discerning luxury stay. This remote, secluded island has many things the mainland just cannot offer, like the protected national and marine park that surround this remote archipelago. With pristine villas designed to mimic a traditional fishing village, this spa getaway is a vacation you don’t want to miss out on starting at $600 US per night.
Cuisine in the area includes Vietnamese by the Market, an immersive experience featuring traditional local flavors. By the Beach is the resort’s official seafood restaurant sporting a panoramic ocean view and continual sea breezes. Outings and activities include touring the islands around the hotel, paddleboarding the natural reef, and guided scuba diving outings.
10. Anantara Hoi An Resort, Quảng Nam
Another location steeped in tradition and history, Anantara Hoi An Resort is less than a kilometer from the historic quarter of Hoi An, in lush gardens fronting the Thu Bon River. Riverfront dining, blissful spa treatments, and sunset river cruises along the river are only a couple of the things this enticing resort has in store for its guests. Enjoy the views as you saunter down the promenade past shrines, modern art galleries, teahouses, and small cafes, An Bang Beach, one of the country’s most famous beach fonts, is just down the way from the resort’s own private jetty. Whether you plan on spending the day in one of their elegant 93 rooms or venturing out to see all that Hoi An has to offer, Anantara Hoi An is a fantastic option.
Now you can begin planning your dream vacation to the mysterious lands of the Orient. Whether your personal taste resides in the simple pleasures of a spa secluded in nature or a highrise, state of the art suite in the city, Vietnam has a luxury destination just waiting for you.
Guido Graf is Founder of Privateupgrades. Privateupgrades is a global luxury travel club with over 20 years of experience in luxury hotels, ensuring exclusive VIP privileges like upgrades, free breakfast, free nights, rate discounts, free airport transfers, free massages and much more.
If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
The resort in Danang looks amazing and so tranquil. From most of the places that we had seen along the Danang beach, it looked very must city beach with tall towers and rows of resorts stacked along the beach. I could see why this resort would be an oasis from the typical Danang accommodations. Maybe next time ;)
I absolutely agree Nicole. The Intercontinental is located on a peninsula where you have the feeling that nothing is around – completely secuded and peaceful, but if you want to have action, then the city of Danang is 20 minutes away. The rooms are located on the hill with spectacular seaview. Also in terms of price it is – for the level of luxury provided – still very affordable.
My choice would be the Park Hyatt Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City. The old world style would suit me perfectly. I’m a bit of a sucker for all that Colonial decor, I suppose you could call it the Raffles look. Also with the restaurant blending the classical traditions of French cuisine with local Vietnamese flavours it’s a pretty irresistible packages as far as I’m concerned.
That is a great choice Steve. The Park Hyatt has been the Nr. 1 hotel in Saigon for many years and in terms of location and service it still is. As you said, Vietnam has such a wide variety of food with a lot of European influences, but always Asian style. Their national dish is “Pho”, which is like the japanese Ramen, a soup with noodles, vegetables and meat. Light, healthy and very tasty.
I remember the last American helicopters leaving Saigon in 1975. The Vietnam War was lost. At the time it seemed as if another domino had fallen – to borrow the Domino Theory prevalent at the time. It seemed as if a Bamboo curtain was coming down over South East Asia. I never thought that there would be the freedom to visit Vietnam in my lifetime. So I am highly delighted to see these superb hotels. When I finally arrive in Vietnam I would love to stay in any one, or more, of these hotels.
Thanks for this look back into their tragic times. Specially in the central park of the country there are still areas inaccessible due to mine fields. In this areas most of the peoples are farmers which start early morning on their rice fields and live a very modest but happy life. A trip to Vietnam is also a journey back in history to learn specially about the story of these farmers and how the achieved it, that their country is now green and beautiful again. Let us know when you are planning a trip to Vietnam, we can advise you to places where you can closely feel this history.
I’ve got a similar fascination with Vietnam as Gerald. Back in the 1980s when Vietnam was very strictly ruled by the communists I read what in my opinion are two great books chronicling the Vietnam War from a disillusioned American perspective. If you’ve got some spare time then Phillip Caputo’s “A Rumor of War” (American spelling) and Michael Herr’s “Dispatches” will really set you up to understand that sad episode of Vietnamese history and help you make the most of your visit.
Did Vietnam on my Gap Year. Best place I visited, absolutely loved it. But now I’ve got a bit more dosh I want to go back and do it in style. These hotels would definitely do the job.
Vietnam is a great country to explore for young people and they offer a lot of budget places to stay. When you look at the size of the country the luxury options are still very limited. However the existing ones are really worth to visit and to experience the real Vietnamese hospitality.
I never really think of Vietnam as a tourist destination for vacations. It makes sense that they want to offer the best experiences and give their luxury offerings a boost when they’re so reliant on tourism. I love the location for the InterContinental resort at Danang, how beautiful, and such lush water! This has really opened my eyes to what’s there because I had no idea… Vietnam is has definitely been very underrated! I have been thinking I need a proper holiday next year, I wonder what it’s like price-wise to travel there and to stay for a week in terms of food and drink prices? I’ll have to investigate!
Amy, Vietnam was – and still is – a hidden gem in Asia. For me it is the alternative to Thailand with a lot of culture and great beaches. It is now also much easier to travel as now the Visa is easy to get. Keep in mind that distances in Vietnam is hugh and the country has 3 different climates. Prices – if you compare the quality – are same or cheaper as in Thailand. Vietnam is a perfect destination if you are looking for a mix of culture and beach. Halong Bay in the North, beach in the middle and the Mekong Delta in the south.
My real ambition for Vietnam is to do the Reunification Express. For a long time now I have wanted to visit Vietnam and it has also been an ambition to do one of the Great Railway Journeys of the world. After reading this I now want to stay at one of these hotels before I start and then relax in another one at the end. Not sure how well I would sleep on a train. I might have some sleep to catch up on.
That would be a great expierence. Just make sure you get a “soft seat” as the “hard seats” are just wooden benches. What I would recommend is to split the train journey or just to make a part of it. When you start in Hanoi you can make the part down to Danang. This is the part going into the mountains and crossing small and narrow bridges. In Danang you can add your beach days and then either fly to Saigon or use to train again to get down south. It is doable to plan the trip a way that you will be relaxed afterwards and not have to catch up sleep.
Thank you so much for your incredibly generous and informative blogs. I have two questions – I hope you can help me.
We’re considering going to the Intercontinental in Danang, Vietnam, with our adult family, in December / Jan for about 8 days. However, we are very concerned about the weather at that time.
Would you advise against going at that time of year?
Is there much / enough to do at the resort when it rains? (I realise Danang and Hoi An are accessible).
Additionally, we are a vegan family, and we were wondering how well this hotel caters to vegan diners?
Many thanks for your help :)
Hello Ilana. In December it is in fact chilly with a high chance of rain. This area of the world is not that easy to classify with the weather as it is often different to the forcast. If you look for classic beach vacation I would suggest to have a look on a different location. If you look for a mix of nice hotel and culture experiences paired with a great Spa and a lot of activities (many local experiences as cooking classes, local art experiences) then it is good to stay there. In terms of Vegan the hotel has Vegan options and even their gourmet restaurant offers a Vegan menu. You can check on our website and you will find their availibility, our benefits and promotions. If you have any questions please reach out to me by email and I am happy to give you advises.