Vietnam from North to South

Overview

Just moments from the Opera House in the French Quarter of Hanoi, Hotel Metropole Hanoi boasts the most prestigious address in the city and ideally located for visitors to explore the charming architecture and bustling streets.

The hotel has 364 rooms and 22 suites and offers the finest heritage accommodation with all the contemporary comforts and impeccable service expected in a hotel of this stature. The bars and restaurants, especially Le Beaulieu, within the hotel are celebrated with Hanoi and guests have a choice of French, Vietnamese or International cuisine. After a busy day exploring Hanoi, the tranquil pool and Le Spa du Metropole are very welcoming.

Overview

This vessel is small, yet exquisite. Built to resemble a traditional Asian junk ship, it is named after the delicate Violet Chirita flower and offers a wonderful way to experience the beauty of Lan Ha Bay.

Due to the modest size of the Violet, there are only two types of room available. Deluxe rooms feature 20sqm of floor space, which extends out onto a 5sqm balcony, and an Italian marble bathroom with both a walk-in shower and a Jacuzzi. The four larger suites feature 1930s inspired Indochina décor and plush king-sized beds with a massive 38sqm of space on the upper deck.

Enjoy creative Vietnamese fusion cuisine in the boat’s dining room, serving seafood fresh from the Mekong and take drinks up on the sun deck in the evening. It’s here on the top level of the Violet that you can also take part in Tai Chi sessions each morning.

Overview

An elegantly relaxed experience in Lan Ha, an area which is quieter than Halong Bay.

Three decks of polished woodwork, Indochine decor and panoramic views of the UNESCO-protected bay fill this cruiser. Despite its large size, the Ginger is home to just ten cabins, ensuring there is still an intimate atmosphere awaiting you on board.

Take in those gorgeous emerald views during a morning Tai Chi lesson, whilst dining at the restaurant or from the comfortable sundeck. Then, explore the fabulous limestone scenery close-up with unforgettable kayaking, snorkelling and caving tours.

Overview

Ylang is the exquisite newest member of Heritage Line’s ship collection, that sails through Lan Ha Bay. Its sleek and luxurious design set to the backdrop of this jaw dropping scenery is a picture to behold.

Once in its expansive and stylish interior, you’ll find ten magnificent suites. Natural light floods the interior of this ship and your private suite is no exception, thanks to panoramic doors pulling you into the phenomenal scenery that floats by.  Be sure to further explore the natural wonders around you on your private balcony, which are a welcome feature of each suite.

On board you’ll experience delicious Vietnamese cuisine at the restaurant and bar, where you’ll be surrounded by 180-degree windows, offering perfect views of the bay.

Throughout the ship you’ll notice a splendid blend of Asian-Vietnamese design and local artisans decorate Ylang’s interior with hand-crafted paintings.

During the day, make the most of the invigorating activities on offer from kayaking to cycling and hiking through Cat Ba Island National Park. There is also a strong focus on wellness with activities on board ranging from yoga to early morning Tai Chi lessons on the upper deck.

After an active day on the water, relax in the Ylang spa, where you can indulge in a variety of treatments or make use of the sauna. For some downtime later in the evening head to the library salon or marvel at the stars from on top of the terrace deck.

Overview

Just moments from the Opera House in the French Quarter of Hanoi, Hotel Metropole Hanoi boasts the most prestigious address in the city and ideally located for visitors to explore the charming architecture and bustling streets.

The hotel has 364 rooms and 22 suites and offers the finest heritage accommodation with all the contemporary comforts and impeccable service expected in a hotel of this stature. The bars and restaurants, especially Le Beaulieu, within the hotel are celebrated with Hanoi and guests have a choice of French, Vietnamese or International cuisine. After a busy day exploring Hanoi, the tranquil pool and Le Spa du Metropole are very welcoming.

Overview

Set amongst a landscape of terraced rice paddies and wonderfully colourful hill tribe villages, Victoria Sapa Resort and Spa occupies a premier position close to Vietnam’s highest peak, Mount Fansipan. This four star luxury hotel was built as a traditional chalet, blending perfectly with its natural surroundings.

The 77 spacious rooms and suites – including family suites – each feature accented wooden decors, sofas, writing desks and private terraces with views over Sapa village, the resort’s lush gardens or Mount Fansipan.

Should you wish to dine at the hotel, the Ta Van Restaurant offers both fine local and international dishes made. It boasts a large central fireplace for a cozy atmosphere in the winter, and a terrace that makes al fresco dining a joy in the summer. The restaurant also offers entreatment in the form of traditional dance performances by H’mong and Thai Minority people on Saturdays. The Ta Fin Bar on the other hand, is the perfect place to unwind after a busy day of sight seeing.

Overview

Perched high up and surrounded by lush paddy fields, rolling hills and hill tribes untouched by modern life is the Topas Ecolodge – a true, mountain getaway, hidden deep within this rugged region of northern Vietnam. With spectacular views of the Sapa Valley shadowed by the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, this sanctuary ensures that you’ll experience Vietnam’s magic far from the chaotic cities. This environmentally-conscious lodge is also the first eco-lodge in the region and strives to minimise its negative impact on the environment. Having been named as part of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World Collection, this haven is involved in several sustainability projects.

Stay in one of the 25 charming and rustic bungalows assembled from local white granite and tastefully decorated with simple yet pleasant interior and wooden furnishings. Based on sustainable principles, the lodge is environmentally sympathetic to its remarkable surroundings through solar-powered systems. Indulge in traditional Vietnamese dishes within the restaurant situated in the main lodge building.

From the privacy of your own balcony, witness an unforgettable sunrise light up this peaceful place. With countless ways to explore this stunning landscape, you can discover unique and hidden trails or visit the hill tribes.

Overview

Located near the entrance to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Chay Lap Farmstay is a comfortable base from which to explore this beautiful region of Vietnam. Given Chay Lap Farmstay’s rural setting, the resort pays special attention to sustainability practices and community enrichment, implementing recycling and employing local people.

The 39 rooms, housed within snug bungalows and cottages, with some encompassing pinewood barrelled ceilings, rest at the base of towering limestone karsts surrounded by landscaped gardens and farm fields. Natural design elements along with light and airy interiors and large windows allow guests to feel immersed in the exterior environment.

At the heart of this sanctuary is the Expedition Restaurant, a welcoming space, with a variety of seating options, and a menu focused on local cuisine, as well as international dishes. Re-energising can also be sought at the on-site spa, which features individual sauna boxes set among the tropical grounds. After a day of adventuring in the park and trekking to the hidden caves and grottoes, guests can also enjoy massages, with oils created from the gardens.

To further experience the natural splendour of the area, guests staying at the resort have access to a water sports centre, offering kayaking, jet skiing and boat cruises. Bike rental is free, and the expansive outdoor pool provides the perfect tonic for concluding a day of activities.

Overview

It seems only fitting to see the ‘Imperial City’ from the regal splendor of Azerai La Residence Hue; once the French Colonial Governor’s residence, this 122-room boutique hotel has been immaculately restored to its former glory.

Sitting on the banks of the city’s central landmark, the Perfume River, the imperial architecture of the 1930s nods to the history’s past, and many of the rooms have views across to the UNESCO-protected former Imperial Citadel, once home to Vietnam’s most powerful Emperors.

Overview

Tranquil and classic French colonial style enfolds you at the Anantara for an intimate stay. Scenically positioned on the banks of the Thu Bon River and right in the heart of the city of Hoi An, you are ideally situated to explore the treasures of this charming region.

93 rooms and suites are housed in a two- and three-story white pillared building and come with river or garden views. Rooms are comfortable and gracefully furnished with a host of modern comforts and feature spacious balconies. The airy terrace of the Riverside Café is a great spot for a light lunch as you gaze out across the river, while the Heritage Bar in the courtyard is the place to grab a pre-dinner cocktail. For something really special, take advantage of their ‘dining by design’ service where you can dine al fresco with your own private chef.

Pretty gardens and an outdoor pool are perfect for when you want to simply relax and unwind and there is a spa where you can create a ‘spa journey’ and indulge in a series of tailored treatments. For those who want to get out and explore, you are just a short stroll from the centre of this historic port town.

Overview

A private enclave surrounded by high granite walls with direct beach access and daily complimentary spa treatments, TIA Wellness Resort is a sophisticated, spoiling and tranquil haven 20km outside Hoi An.

The focus here is on allowing guests to completely switch off, offering a discreet but impeccable service. Its pool, spa and beach villas are minimal and modern in design and feature outdoor courtyards and private plunge pools. Pool villas are perfect for couples or friends while the two-bedroom spa villas and three-bedroom beach villas are ideal for families or groups of friends.

One of the real highlights of TIA Wellness Resort is the spa, set within the lush, tropical gardens. A range of treatments are available, totally tailored to suit you, and there is an outdoor pool for relaxing in before or after.

When it comes to dining, it is all about fresh, vibrant food made with the highest quality ingredients. Enjoy the fusion menu at the Fiving Dining Room as well as grilled seafood and salads at the aptly named ‘Fresh’ poolside restaurant. There is also the option to experience destination dining and enjoy a delicious meal in a special and unique location.

Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s most enchanting towns and there is a shuttle bus to take you back and forth for when you want to explore. When you want to simply relax and unwind, indulge in a spa treatment or sit back with a bucket of popcorn and enjoy a film in the hotel’s very own HD cinema.

Overview

Enjoy your stay at this boutique retreat which reflects the essence of Hoi An ancient town’s characteristic style. Set amid green rice fields and winding village lanes, near the Thu Bon River and a short walk from Hoi An old town, Las Siesta boasts colourful tropical gardens and handcrafted dark teak furniture.

Accommodation options include a wide selection of guestrooms, suites and duplexes housed across a classic hotel-style building and two townhouse villas with verandas, terraces, and balconies. There are four pools across the property: one for children, a freshwater pool, a saltwater one and an infinity pool ‘merging’ with the rice fields. Wander the garden paths and discover the charming ‘La Spa’ villas, which is La Siesta’s award-winning spa. Here you can discover a wide menu from Himalayan salt stones to four-hands massage.

For dining, head to the Asian-influenced ‘Red Bean’ restaurant, where you can savour traditional Vietnamese fare, or indulge on classic European and international dishes at The Temple Restaurant & Lounge.

Overview

A stylish new addition to Ho Chi Minh’s luxury hotel scene, the Hotel Des Arts Saigon is well located a little outside District 1 and within walking distance of the city’s best attractions and buzzing nightlife.

Hotel Des Arts is as much an art museum as it is a top-end boutique hotel and guests can peruse the owner’s personal collection of paintings and antiques that adorn the walls and hallways.

168 rooms and suites all feature chic details, crisp white linen, elegant bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows and spectacular city views, but the real gem is the Social Club up on the roof – a buzzy bar and trendy restaurant by the city’s highest infinity pool – exclusive to hotel guests.

Sit back and relax at the sophisticated Cafe des Beaux Arts which evokes plenty of old-world charm and enjoy afternoon tea and cocktails, pluck a book from the shelves, or simply enjoy the live music as the resident pianist tickles the ivories. Vietnamese and Western dishes are prepared in the open kitchen at the Saigon Kitchen Restaurant, where one wall is covered in French Provencal tiles and the others in works of art that represent the harmonious blend of cultures in Vietnam.

There is also a modern gym and sumptuous spa with hammam, Jacuzzi and a solarium for some relaxation after a day exploring the city.

Overview

With its French, colonial style and wonderful location overlooking the Saigon Opera House, the Park Hyatt is one of the city’s most iconic and elegant hotels.

Its 245 rooms and suites are sophisticated in design with plenty of handcrafted details such as custom designed rugs, fine linens and huge windows with white wooden shutters that fill the space with natural light. Many rooms come with private terraces that look out over the lush gardens and outdoor pool and they all feature mini iPads and Nespresso coffee machines for added comfort.

Square One offers authentic Vietnamese cuisine which you can see being cooking in the integrated show kitchens. On balmy evenings, guests can
choose to dine on the terrace surrounded by twinkling lights. Opera is a more casual trattoria-style restaurant serving a range of mouthwatering pasta dishes and pizza fresh from the wood-fired oven. There is a also a pastry boutique offering delicious home-made delicacies and a bar and lounge serving some of the best cocktails in Ho Chi Minh.

With some of the city’s landmark sights such as the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica and the Reunification Palace just a short stroll away, you’re ideally situated to explore this buzzing capital. Alternatively, relaxing and unwinding has never been easier with a fantastic pool and tranquil spa offering treatments inspired by the herbs, grains and fruits of the Mekong Delta.

Overview

Step into complete decadence at this soaring hotel where luxury becomes an art form. The Reverie Saigon commands the top floors of the multi-purpose Times Square Building in the heart of the central business district, with sweeping views of Ho Chi Minh wherever you look.

Crafted to absolute indulgence by Italian interior designers, the style here is more Venetian than Vietnamese. Opulence drips from every corner, from the gilt mirrors and velvet curtains of the rooms and the elaborate chandeliers in the fine dining restaurants, to the heli-pad and fleet of Rolls Royces awaiting your arrival. Sophisticated but fun is what guests can expect from this very unique hotel, with design touches and an attention to detail that cannot fail to impress.

The Royal Pavilion with its jade, vermilion and gold colour scheme is an elegant restaurant serving mouthwatering Cantonese cuisine. R&J, named after Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, features wall-to-wall mosaics and offers a tempting array of Italian dishes. Heading up the kitchen in The Long Bar is a pizza chef from Napoli who works to family recipes passed down through the generations. There is also a gelato bar offering over 30 flavours including Asian specialties such as soursop, purple sticky rice and salted caramel cashew.

When you’re not out exploring the city, relax and unwind at The Reverie’s spa, spread over two floors and featuring treatment rooms, a 24-hour fitness centre and outdoor pool.