In the upper echelon of many a bucket list, Vietnam has long been known as a country of deep history and tradition, astounding natural beauty and lip-smacking cuisine. From mega-watt hotels and island oases to bona fide eco resorts hidden deep in the countryside, Vietnam has a plethora of top-tier accommodation – it made it hard to choose our favourites! If a trip to this next-level destination has been in your drafts for a while, take a look at our guide to the best hotels in Vietnam and get planning.
Hotel des Arts
Ho Chi Minh City
Set in the pulsing heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Hotel des Arts is 24 floors of high-rise heaven with photogenic lounges where a grand piano tinkles and High Tea is served under bird cage chandeliers, hallways lined with the owner’s private collection of art and antiques, and a rooftop bar where you can watch the electric nightlife of the city play out over a signature ‘Saigon by Night’ cocktail. High above these historic streets, the suites are plush with furniture hand-crafted by Vietnamese artisans, cloudlike beds draped in Egyptian cotton and clawfoot bathtubs. You’ll have ample opportunity to explore the city, taking in the poignant history at the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace, the glamour of the Saigon Opera House and the tantalising stalls at Ben Thanh Street Food Market.
Topas Ecolodge
Sapa
Leave your worries in the rear view mirror as you follow an ancient trail into the ‘Tonkinese Alps’. Dubbed by National Geographic as one of the best eco lodges in the world, Topas was built to scarcely leave a footprint on the emerald landscape and works closely with the local community – most of its staff grew up in the nearby village. Except for the glass-sided restaurant, which sits in two reconstructed Tay houses, most of the lodge is built using white mountain granite. Wonderfully simple in its style, every space was built to frame the stirring, mist-enveloped mountain views, whether it’s from the saltwater infinity pool that seems to reflect the wide-open sky or over a cup of Vietnamese coffee on your private veranda. Topas is an ideal starting point for Sapa’s many beautiful hiking trails including the summit of Mount Fansipan – the highest peak in South East Asia. Stop for picnics in the valley, discover hidden waterfalls and meet members of the Red Dao tribe. After an action packed day, enjoy some R&R with a Sapa chocolate body polish and Tibetan massage.
Six Senses
Con Dao
Strolling down the mile-long and utterly secluded beach, Con Son Island feels a million miles from the bustling cities of Vietnam (in reality the mainland is 199km away). Forming part of a national and marine park, the jungle-clad Lo Voi Mountains are an amazing backdrop and before you is an expanse of silky blue sea. Designed to emulate a traditional Vietnamese fishing village, the resort has its own replica high street complete with bottomless scoops at the ice cream parlor and The Market, where Con Dao Sunrise cocktails are served on casual leather swings, and scrumptious seafood and local favourites are prepared at the Chef’s Table. Enjoy a proper pampering at the spa (Six Senses is famous for them), which offers lavender baths, island coffee scrubs and heavenly massages. Sitting right on the beach or amongst the palms, the villas are the perfect compliment to this island paradise with breezy wooden interiors and private pools. Of course, Con Son has a boatload of activities to choose from, ranging from snorkelling and scuba diving with sea turtles to kayaking and forest hikes – spot the chattering longtailed macaques. The perfect ending to a day at Six Senses? A sunset cruise as the water turns gold and the stars emerge from a periwinkle sky.
Villa Song
Ho Chi Minh City
The name alone had us hooked but the Villa Song’s magic doesn’t stop there. Sitting pretty along the palm-studded banks of Saigon River, Villa Song is a vision in white with French-colonial markings and petite verandas. The interiors are just as charming with high, moulded ceilings, Jackson Pollock-esque paintings and black-and-white photographs that remind you of the city’s history. In its well-protected garden, there is a large saltwater pool with cushioned, wicker pods for reclining and for an extra dose of relaxation, the spa offers aloe vera body wraps and fabulous Thai massages. Beside the softly flowing river, the Bistro Song Vie is an atmospheric spot lit with colourful lanterns and festoon bulbs, which serves an impressive menu of Asian-inspired seafood dishes, as the city glimmers from across the water. The villa’s speed boat is ready and waiting for a cruise up river where you’ll get to take in the beauty of Ho Chi Minh City.
InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort
Hoi An
A collection of mansion-like villas on the Son Tra Peninsula, this resort is a work of art. We’d expect nothing less from its designer, Bill Bensley, whose signature whimsical style permeates throughout. From the monochrome palette gleaned from Vietnamese temples to striking details taken from French mansions, every space is a feast for the senses. The resort combines laidback, beachy spots with high-end style – you can go from sipping a cocktail on the beach to dining on gourmet cuisine in a conical booth 300 feet above the sea. Reached via a 24-hour tram, the villas are sumptuous with a private butler, infinity pool and views to die for. The world is your oyster from here, with watersports galore, peaceful beach walks and trekking into the bird-filled forest. This just might be heaven on earth.
Hotel de l’Opera
Hanoi
The reputation of Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city, precedes it. The historic quarters are bursting with architectural gems (you can literally see the iconic Opera House from the hotel), it’s sprinkled with tranquil lakes and there are over 600 pagodas and temples to marvel at. In the heart of the French Quarter, the Hotel de l’Opera sits like a stately doll house and its contents are no less impressive. Every room is eye-catching and inspired by the Belle Epoque era, with marble counters, spangly, mirrored ceilings and pink, velvet couches. Even its bars and restaurants are named after characters from Moulin Rouge. As you venture deeper into the hotel, every space increases in grandeur, culminating in the 9-storey, alabaster atrium where High Tea is served. You could spend a month exploring Hanoi and never see it all, but no matter how long you have, an incredible history and culture will be revealed to you.
Fusion Resort
Phu Quoc
Surrounded on one side by river and another by the sun-dappled Gulf of Thailand, Fusion Resort is like an island all of its own. The entire resort lends itself to an unhurried, take-time-to-smell-the-lotus-blossoms ethos with hearty breakfasts available anytime and anywhere you like, yoga on the beachfront and a private pool at every thatched villa – you don’t have to see another soul until noon. Sitting on Vietnam’s largest island in a wildlife-filled national park, Fusion Resort was inspired by the traditions of its home – even the beach bar was designed to look like a fishing boat left upturned after a good haul. A sparkling white beach runs almost the entirety of the island, providing an idyllic place for easy walks and sunbathing. When you’re ready for a little more activity, hop aboard a kayak and row down the coast, go swimming with dugongs in the mangroves and spot the tiny residents at starfish beach.
Paradise Peak Cruise
Halong Bay
An ethereal waterscape of cloistered caves and around 1,600 misty, towering limestone peaks, Halong Bay is a place like no other. Befitting of such a location, Paradise Peak Cruise is one of the most luxurious ‘junk’ boats in its waters. With fluttering terracotta sails and a pristine, white exterior, Paradise Peak cuts a striking figure as it takes you deeper and deeper into the bay. A private butler sees to your every need and you can enjoy sunrise Tai Chi, cooking lessons, afternoon tea and sunset cocktails on the deck (they shouldn’t be missed). And that’s all before you’ve left the ship. There is also a bevy of activities ranging from kayaking and cave tours (learn of fascinating local legends) to floating markets and hikes to reach the most breathtaking vistas.
Ancient Hue Garden Houses
Hue
In lush grounds beside the aptly-named Perfume River, there are five Imperial Garden Houses, an evocation of authentic dwellings dating back centuries. Built from dark, aged wood and designed according to Feng Shui, the Garden Houses are unique in every way. Each represents a theme from ancient Vietnam, beautifully woven into the design, including traditional musical instruments, poetry carved into the walls and royal costumes hanging grandly. Even dinners are reimaginings of the banquets put on by Nguyen Emperors. Ensconced by greenery, there’s a heated pool and tranquil spa to frequent in your down time, and as for exploring Hue… There are bicycle rides to pretty lakes and archaic temples, walks around the ruined Imperial Citadel and lessons with local artisans – you can even take home your own handmade conical hat.
An Lam Retreat
Nha Trang
An Lam Retreat is romantic to its core. Speed across Binh Van Bay and find yourself in paradise where sandy stretches and forested pathways lead to palatial villas with wrap-around windows to let in the dreamy view. Some face the far-off mountains and others are built on boulders right above the surf! Set amongst the trees, you’ll find the wall-less jungle spa – don’t skip the famous Nha Trang mud wraps, and the Love Pond, which just might become your new favourite spot for a drink. The restaurant really is something special with its spherical design and rooftop deck with 360° views. Sunset cocktails anyone? Take full advantage of this wildly beautiful setting with snorkelling in sheltered coves, catamaran cruises and hikes into the verdant forest.
