With its historical towns, spicy-sweet food, white-sand beaches, jungle-clad mountains, floating markets and skyscraping cities, it’s not hard to see why Vietnam has become a firm favourite for those travelling abroad.
When it comes to luxury hotels, the country’s upping its game. From onsite theme parks and mud baths on secluded islands, to state-of-the-art fitness studios and jungle pools, there's something for every type of escape.
Delve into Urban Pick's list of the very best resorts in Vietnam.
Urban List's Top Picks
- Best Overall, InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort
- Best Amenities, Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An
- Best Private, Hon Tam Resort Nha Trang
- Best Luxury, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay and An Lam Retreats Saigon River
- Best For Families, Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel & Spa and Pullman Danang Beach Resort
- Best Location, Bay Resort Hoi An
- Best New, Capella Hanoi
- Best For Wellness, Azerai Can Tho
Danang, Vietnam InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort
In the late 2000s, a creative architect and interior designer from California by the name of Bill Bensley was challenged to create a one-of-a-kind resort on a pristine peninsula just outside Danang, Vietnam. He did not disappoint. Sculpted into 39 hectares of lush jungle spanning four levels all connected by a funicular railway and cascading down to a private sandy bay, InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort has to be seen to be believed.
Whip here in a 30-minute car ride from Danang International Airport and you'll be greeted by Vietnamese-inspired décor, lavish bathrooms, state-of-the-art technology and expansive balconies. Our top pick? A one-bedroom seaside villa on the beach where you'll snooze surrounded by the sound of the ocean. It comes with the services of a personal Villa Host, direct beach access and your own private infinity pool for lush dips in the sun. Oh, and did we mention the custom marble bathtub that can easily fit the whole family? If you're not whiling away a few hours in there, we expect we'll find you at one of the five on-site eateries. Pad straight off the beach and enjoy Barefoot (a casual beachside grill serving up barbequed meats and seafood). Or if you're feeling a bit fancy, you'll want to check out La Maison 1888. It's the hotel’s signature Michelin star dining experience which showcases French cuisine.
Want your snacks with a side of pool action? The L_O_N_G Bar is described as "50 metres of fun" offering enormous day beds and a billiards table. If you need a hotel that offers fun for the little ones too, the Planet Trekkers kids’ club is one of the best: think toys aplenty, an indoor slide, arts, crafts and outdoor games and PlayStations to keep kids under 12 entertained. There's heaps for older kids, like beach volleyball and table tennis, plus family movie showings at the hotel’s own cinema. To access perks like late check out and complimentary room upgrades at this and other IHG hotels, sign up to the IHG One Rewards programme.
Lang Co, Vietnam Banyan Tree Lang Co
Fancy basing yourself within exploring distance of three epic Vietnam locations yet need time to chill too? Banyan Tree Lang Co occupies a central spot not far from the ancient city of Hue, the scenic epicentre of Da Nang and the gorgeous riverside tourist hub of Hoi An, so you won’t be short of things to do.
Resort villas come in a range of sizes but they all boast private infinity pools and sun decks so lapping up some rays and me-time is practically mandatory here. When you’re not relaxing, expect to be making use of the complimentary resort bicycles, kayaks and tennis court or practising your golf swing at the course less than 4km away.
Tuck into a buffet breakfast at casual The Water Court eatery. For dinner, Saffron is the place to go for authentic Thai cuisine. You can eat your fill, safe in the knowledge that you can always visit the well-equipped gym. Although you’ll find us at the spa having a full body massage instead.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam Regent Phu Quoc
The five outdoor pools and lush seven-room Destination spa are just two reasons to visit the five-star Regent Phu Quoc resort in Vietnam. The third is the fact that this resort comes with its own luxury yacht named Serenity which is pretty swish (and yes you can book a Champagne Sunset Cruise).
Your hotel is just steps from Long Beach and offers luxury suites and villas for couples and families. If you’ve got little ones in tow, you’ll be relieved to know the Regent Kids Club caters for children aged four to 12 years old, keeping them entertained with a mini theatre, different fun zones, playground and nap area.
The attention to detail at this resort is unmatched, with complimentary offerings including the in-room Refreshment Gallery and three pieces of laundry or pressing per bedroom per day, so there’s no need to embrace that crumpled holiday chic vibe. Put on your glad rags and head to the Ocean Club where you can sup on rum-inspired cocktails overlooking the beach. Afterwards, a table at Oku, the hotel’s Japanese-French eatery beckons. It features an Omakase Atelier and Salon de Boeuf no less.
Hoi An, Vietnam Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An
Who said theme parks are just for kids? It definitely wasn’t Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An, which has an epic one, VinWonders Nam Hoi An, onsite. Jump on a river cruise and see some impressive wildlife from the comfort of your floating vessel: we're talking Bengal tigers, white lions, giraffes and elephants. Thrill-seekers will love the high-adrenaline rides and water shows, while the craft village unveils original architecture from communities of the past.
Back at your Vietnam resort, a dip in the giant fan-shaped pool overlooking the 1.3km Binh Minh Beach might be in order. There's also a hot tub and sauna if a pamper sesh calls, plus an 18-hole golf course to drive and putt through.
Once all that adventuring is done, there's six wining and dining options to choose from. We love the rooftop bar which offers lovely views while you sip and snack your way though the day.
Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam Six Senses Ninh Van Bay
Channel your inner James Bond and arrive by speedboat to your luxe three-bedroom villa positioned in its own private bay. That's what's on offer if you book a stay at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay and we are absolutely here for it.
The Rock Retreat is undoubtedly an ultra lush option at this resort. It's a cluster of west-facing pavilions surrounded by granite boulders and ocean views. Pad on out to the large rock sundeck or have a yoga sesh in the pretty thatched sala. We won't judge you if you decide to enter the pool via your own white, winding waterslide either.
There's a range of accommodation options here, including one bedroom beachfront, water pool and rock pool villas, but whichever one you choose you'll have enough to do here. Grab a complimentary golf buggy to zip between yoga classes, treatments at the jungle-clad spa and games on the tennis courts, and there are four mega restaurants for post-pampering feasts. If it's prime cuts and seafood overlooking Ninh Van Bay you're after then Dining by the Rocks is your vibe, but there are lighter bites available throughout the day at Dining at the Pool too.
Hon Tam, Vietnam Hon Tam Resort Nha Trang
Live the island life in luxury at Hon Tam Resort Nha Trang, a palm-fringed spot on Hon Tam (which translates to Silkworm Island). You're a short boat ride from all the action of one of Vietnam's best coastal cities here, and yet you"ll feel like you're a world away from the hustle and bustle of Nha Trang once you're back at your resort.
Bliss out in the huge lagoon-style pool or beat the jet lag with a bracing stint in the on-site fitness centre. You can book in for a traditional Vietnanese body treatment or massage at the Spring Spa, and don't forget about the Hon Tam mud baths, which come complete with a jacuzzi mineral pool, majestic waterfall and more.
Come sunset, we suggest taking a load off at the Sea Breeze Restaurant where you can sip on a cocktail while enjoying water views and dine on Vietamese and Western dishes.
Huế, Vietnam Ancient Huế Garden Houses
Unlimited breakfast, regal rooms and sunset strolls along the Perfume River are the order of the day if you book a stay at Ancient Huế Garden Houses. This character-filled Vietnam resort sits in the historical village of Kim Long, once home to members of the royal family.
Book yourself into the luxe Albert Sallet French Villa here, and you can live like royalty yourself: say hello to statement wallpaper, mother of pearl inlays and silk and brocade upholstery. There are other accommodation options too, in the form of charming wood-panelled Garden Houses.
Step back out through your front door and you’ll find a heap of other things to explore. Don’t forget to pack your bathers because you’ll want to stop by the outdoor swimming pool, sauna and sun terrace. Come dinner time, you can choose from two on-site eateries—Le Soliel de Huế , a glasshouse restaurant offering French cuisine with a touch of Vietnamese, and Kim Long Fine Dining, where you get to dine alongside a cultural treasure in the form of an original Empress robe, handcrafted in the early 1920s for the Queen Consort.
Thuan An, Vietnam An Lam Retreats Saigon River
Butler service, a jungle spa and a riverside champagne bar: where do we sign up? Currently ranked "superb" with a rating of 9.2 on Booking.com, An Lam Retreats Saigon River blends beautifully into the surrounding tropical jungle, while less than 30 minutes from Ho Chi Minh City, offering the best of both worlds.
Relax with yoga, sound healing and time-honoured spa treatments, savour farm-to-table dishes with sweeping river vistas at Sen Restaurant and indulge in a sunset tipple or two at Treehouse Bar.
Ready to explore? Race along the Mekong Delta via speedboat and step back in time with a tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels (or, simply let the palm-fringed pool beckon you).
Danang, Vietnam Pullman Danang Beach Resort
Base yourself at Pullman Danang Beach Resort right on the sands of Vietnam's Bac My An Beach and you'll be a short drive from world-class golf courses, a range of UNESCO World Heritage sites and literal metres from the water. This Vietnam resort has 186 guest rooms and cottages to choose from, all with private balconies overlooking the beach, infinity pool or tropical gardens. If you’re looking for a little extra space, you can’t beat the One-Bedroom Cottages which come with an open-plan living area, self-contained kitchenette, landscaped garden with sun loungers, outdoor shower and stunning stone bathtub for a relaxing soak.
When you're not cosied up in your own space, you'll likely be taking advantage of the resort's on-site spa with sauna and steam rooms, batting a ball around the tennis court or having a splash in one of the two swimming pools. Adventure-lovers will enjoy activities like surfing and paddle boarding, and there's a kids' club offering face-painting, kite-making, balloon-shaping and more.
Book one of the on-call nannies to look after the kids while you and your plus one munch on gourmet Vietnamese food at Restaurance Epice. Or perhaps pizza and a cocktail at the Azure Beach Lounge or a pre-meal drink at Infinity Bar appeals instead?
Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel & Spa
Sheraton luxury speaks for itself, but this resort between Nha Trang Beach and the city takes it to new heights (literally). The sixth-floor, ocean-view infinity pool is a dreamy spot for relaxing on a floating sun lounger, before venturing up to Altitude Rooftop Bar for 270-degree views of the cityscape below, cocktail in hand.
Munch on wok-fired Asian fusion food at Steam n’ Spice, one of six options for wining and dining on-site here, or book yourself in for a spot of five-star pampering at Shine Spa, where treatments are inspired by both East and West traditions.
This hotel offers an Adventure Club which can sort you out with scuba diving and snorkelling off one of the nearby islands. Little ones aren’t forgotten about either, with a kids’ pool, kids’ club, cooking school and game room for hours of entertainment.
Hoi An, Vietnam Moire Hoi An
Once you've stepped foot in Hoi An, you'll know there's nothing quite like wandering its cobblestone streets and drinking in the atmosphere. Base yourself just across the Hoai River at Moire Hoi An resort and you'll literally have the delights of the UNESCO-listed ancient town within strolling distance.
Start your morning with reflexology or an Ayurvedic massage at Breathe Spa before tucking into a liesurely breakfast at Bistro Julienne or a freshly brewed coffee with river views at The Yellow Bicycle. Talking of bicycles, your hotel offers free ones for you to use during your stay which is pretty handy when you've got all those shops to explore.
Back at base after a day of bargain-hunting, and you'll be more than ready for a signature cocktail at Ember & Sip Bar. There's a pool to lounge in here too, and lawn games to play if you're feeling up for it.
Hanoi, Vietnam Capella Hanoi
The Roaring Twenties meet the modern-day at the ultra-luxurious Capella Hanoi, a city haven by one of the best hotel brands in the world. Hotel architect-du-jour Bill Bensley’s French-inspired storytelling is evident throughout this seriously lush space, from the operatic inspiration of the Art-Deco rooms to the opulent basement Auriga Spa.
This resort is as convient as it is jaw-dropping, being mere moments away from the Hanoi Opera House and the city's Old Quarter where there's drinking and dining options by the truckload to explore. You're also going to want to explore the menu at the Capella, because it's the only Michelin-starred hotel in Vietnam, thanks to Koki its Japanese Restaurant wowing guests with its Teppanyaki and sushi offerings (reservations are a must).
When you’re not eating and drinking your way through the palatial building, splash around in the glitzy La Grotta indoor pool, or get the blood flowing in the reviving sauna and steam rooms.
Cần Thơ, Vietnam Legacy Mekong
Wellness warriors, listen up: your next Zen-inducing retreat awaits along the Mekong Delta at Legacy Mekong. Set amid eight lush hectares on a private island on the Hau River, this is a true escape from the everyday, with 60 rooms and five pool villas that can only be accessed by boat offering serene views over the lotus-flecked lake or Hau River.
A state-of-the-art reformer Pilates studio, Hatha yoga pavilion and riverside tennis court allow you to keep your body moving, while the calming infinity pool encourages days spent not moving much at all.
Plus, the floating markets or Pitu Khosa Rangsay Pagoda, one of the most important places of worship in the area, are just a short ferry ride away.
Contributors: Katherine Davison
Image credit: InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort | Supplied
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