Vietnam is a stunning country, filled with breathtaking archaeological sites, limestone islands and awe-inspiring mega cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Its a place to escape, contemplate and to revitalise the senses. Ancient constructions and sleek skyscrapers are all part of the national architectural make-up and the colourful culinary offer is like nothing else on earth. Whether you’re travelling through on a large-scale Asian odyssey, or honing in on Vietnam as an adventurous holiday destination, it’s important to choose great hotels that will enhance your experience. And here are some of the best ones to book.
Ho Chi Minh City
The Reverie Saigon
Conveniently located in District 1, within the high-rise Times Square Building, this hotel is palatial. At lobby level, you’ll find an enormous 24-carat gold carriage clock. Climb to the rooftop and you can swim in the pool with views of the river. Everything here is ostentatious, with displays of champagne and caviar, heavy silver candelabra, polished marble services, heated toilet seats, expensive art pieces and ornate rococo ceilings. It’s the opposite of simplicity, embracing its guests with contemporary opulence. Two formal and two casual restaurants, a two-floor spa and a fitness centre are also found within the impressive skyscraper.
Park Hyatt Saigon
Built in a French Colonial style, this hotel also exudes an Americana luxury alongside Vietnamese touches incorporated into the room decor. The large, gleaming white building sits opposite the Opera House, with a glamorous pool and sunbathing area at the ground floor level of the rear, providing an idyllic outlook for many of the 245 bedrooms. Guests can drink and dine on authentic Italian cuisine at Opera, Vietnamese and European dishes at Square One, indulge in a classic afternoon tea in the Park Lounge and party the night away at 2 Lam Son. Treatments inspired by traditional Vietnamese beauty rituals using locally sourced ingredients are available at Xuan Spa.
Caravelle Saigon
This hotel dates back to 1959 and has served as a landmark on the city horizon ever since. Now rising to 24 stories, it commands some of the best views in the city. In fact, back in the 1970s, the hotel’s Saigon Saigon bar was used by US journalists to keep an eye on the front line. Now it’s a super place to view the city’s lights. The five-star property has a glitzy pool area, a spa and five varied eateries/bars. Higher grade rooms include Sealy Posturepedic beds, pillow menus, Appelles Black range toiletries and balconies.
Hotel Sofitel Plaza Saigon
Displaying a distinctly French ambience and found on Le Duan Boulevard (across from the French embassy), is Hotel Sofitel Plaza Saigon. Guests can unwind at the RESET Private Club, work out in the Sofitel Fitness centre and swim in the stunning rooftop pool — found on the 18h floor and decorated with Indochine tiles, it’s a glamorous spot. A bar-restaurant is also located beside the pool, or guests can dine in Mezz Restaurant, Le 17 Bistrot, T Lounge and Club Millésime (the latter is for Club Level guests). The Ministry of Men is the hotel’s vintage-European bar, open till late.
Mia Saigon – Luxury Boutique Hotel
Many of the luxe hotels here are large, grand affairs. However, Mia Saigon offers something more intimate. Found in the riverside district of Thu Duc city, the 52 bedroom residence welcomes guests by boat, as well as by car and on foot. The property is nostalgic for the French Art Deco era, with effortless chic vintage decor and a wonderful wellness centre, Ô Spa. Madame Lam is the hotel’s fine restaurant, with Kitchen by the River offering unpretentious yet on-trend dining and Gin on 8 (referring to its beverage speciality and floor), providing imbibers with epic views.
The Myst Dong Khoi
An uber-modern skyscraper accented by leafy green foliage jutting from countless crevices on the building’s exterior, The Myst Dong Khoi is a design lover’s delight. Vietnamese homes have served as the inspiration here, with interiors (that wouldn’t be out of place in an arty magazine) featuring objets d’art, polished hardwood flooring, stained glass and wrought-iron hardware. And like the outside, there are plenty of plants and exotic plants inside. Attracting a fashionable set, its facilities include the KL Spa, two restaurants (Ery and The Nest), Bason cafe and Bar Bleu. A highlight is the cocoon-like outdoor pool area; a long thin strip of underlit water that’s especially magical after dark.
Hanoi
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
A Neo-Classical exterior houses this former railway hotel that’s been a longtime favourite with iconic celebrities — Charlie Chaplin honeymooned here. Part of the city’s French Quarter, it’s filled with ceiling fans, attentive staff wearing traditional silk garb, hardwood floors and striking furnishings. Several restaurants serve French, Italian and local fine fare. Bedrooms are located in two wings, one offering a more modernised style, the other with a vintage leaning. Outside, there’s a swimming pool, bar, restaurant and terrace with a tropical feel. Upgrade to Club Level for a private lounge and butler service.
Lotte Hotel Hanoi
Where the Old Town meets the New, the Lotte Hotel and Evian Spa is found at the top section of a 65 storey complex. Its height affords excellent views to the 318 bedrooms and suites, with interiors by HBA and Wilson Associates. Tim Ho Wan is the hotel’s lauded restaurant, the first Michelin starred Dimsum house in Vietnam, plus there’s Grill 63 and Pharaoh`s Bar & Upper. Those of all ages can stay active in the swimming pool, in the yoga room, at the indoor golf range, on the basketball court, on the jogging track, at the kids play centre and via a 24-hour gym.
The Oriental Jade Hotel
Boasting views across Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Cathedral and Hanoi Old Quarter, The Oriental Jade Hotel is well placed to explore the historic centre. Part of the Oriental Hospitality Group, it has an East meets West design and approach. The property features the O’Spa Lotus, with Vietnamese style treatments, a 12th-floor outdoor pool and the impressive Sixteen Sky Bar with epic panoramas. The hotel’s 120 guest rooms have a timeless elegance and come with a 24-hour contactless concierge. A sophisticated coffee lounge and the Thang Long Signature Restaurant, serving delicious authentic cuisine, complete its amenities.
Hoi An
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai
Perched on the perfect white sands of Hà My Beach, this exotic property is surrounded by lush tropical gardens with over 4000 coconut trees. Guests are accommodated across 100 villas, some with pools, private courtyard entrances, butler-service and spacious outdoor areas. The world-class resort offers many activities with children’s programmes, a cookery school, tennis courts, a library and watersports. The Heart of the Earth Spa has treatment rooms perched on lily ponds and a paradisical infinity-edge pool is flanked by palms and loungers. There are multiple dining options, including Asian tapas, fusion cuisine, seafood and theme nights.
Anantara Hoi An Resort
Beside the Thu Bon River, the Anantara Hoi An Resort is a low rise development. Each of the 94 bedrooms has space for two adults and two children, with its own balcony or terrace including an outdoor daybed, a living area and original Rehahn artworks; the colour palette employs bright teals, whites, greys and dark wood. The brand provides personalised spa and wellness journeys and river cruises offered from the hotel’s private jetty. The main restaurant overlooks the water, but guests can also eat at art space (a modern bistro cooking up wood-fired pizzas), in the private dining pavilion, take breakfast at Lanterns and enjoy light bites at the pool bar.
Palm Garden Resort Hoi An
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