Vietnam’s long and sometimes dramatic history has given the country a unique blend of ancient and modern charisterics. This long, narrow nation spans an eclectic range of landscapes: from rugged, jungle-clad mountains, to endless sweeps of palm-tree framed beaches. It’s biggest cities, such as Hanoi and Saigon, blend Vietnamese culture and French-style refinement with all the bustle, colour and excitement you expect to find in an Asian metropolis. With plush resorts perfect for families, and 5-star hotels for every budget, Vietnam offers visitors a chance to experience the country’s many facets in style. Imagine staying at a luxury hotel where you can walk through the French doors of your bedroom and step straight into an infinity pool overlooking rice paddies and lotus ponds. Or sleeping in a room modeled on the interior of an ancient Buddhist temple, with the scent of pepper and woodsmoke infusing the air. Many of Vietnam’s resorts take their inspiration from traditional architectural and design styles, or reinvigorate the “belle epoque” feel of the French colonial era with rattan chairs and gently rotating ceiling fans. So check out our selection of the country’s luxury hotels and say “Good Morning Vietnam.”
Rating: 8.7
Located in the first district, Sofitel Saigon Plaza is a luxury hotel close to the historic Notre Dame Cathedral and Ho Chi Minh City Opera House. The hotel is also eight kilometers (roughly 16 minutes) away from Tan Son Nhat International Airport. There’s a vast assortment of ethnic eateries and breweries just blocks away from the hotel.
The glistening Sofitel Saigon Plaza boasts a wide selection of rooms and suites, ranging from the Superior Club Room to the Presidential Suite. Each room has sleek hardwood floors, contemporary décor, deep bathtubs, and premium bathroom amenities. There’s also complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi along with a large desk in every room.
Guests can choose between the hotel’s three elegant restaurants – Mezz, LE 17 Bistro, and the exclusive Club Millésime. The restaurant’s menus feature French cuisine blended with American and Asian flavours. There’s also a chic Pool Bar and Dining venue and in-room service between the hours of 11:00 AM and 10:00 PM daily.
Sofitel Saigon Plaza boasts a third-floor fitness and wellness centre with advanced Technogym equipment and yoga classes. Guests can also unwind and choose from various at RESET, a private wellness club. The hotel features nine meeting and event spaces, perfect for business conferences and weddings.
Rating: 8.7
Located in Ho Chi Minh City’s First District, Hotel Nikko Saigon offers five-star accommodation in the heart of the city. Guests can quickly walk to a plethora of nearby cafes and coffee shops. The luxury hotel is right across from the renowned Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City – University of Science.
Although named after Saigon, The Luxury Hotel Nikko promotes itself as a representation of “Japanese hospitality.” Guests can choose from a generous collection of rooms, ranging from a 40 sq m Deluxe Room to a three-bedroom 122 sq m chic apartment. Every accommodation boasts sophisticated furnishings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and minimalistic décor.
Hotel Nikko Saigon features three world-class restaurants – La Brasserie, Ming Court, and The Lounge. La Brasserie features buffet stations with cuisines worldwide, and Ming Court serves a unique yet delectable fusion of Chinese and Taiwanese cuisines.
Facilities don’t fall short at Hotel Nikko Saigon. The contemporary hotel has a spacious gym and a rooftop swimming pool overlooking the bustling Ho Chi Minh City. Guests can also enjoy a club lounge on the 23rd floor and a full-serve business centre. The hotel offers discounted rates and special rates during summer for those with extended stays in Ho Chi Minh City.
Rating: 8.7
The five-star Grand Hotel Saigon is in the city’s 8th District, right next to the Saigon River. Hotel guests are within walking distance from some of the city’s most iconic landmarks – Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, Independence Palace, and the Vietnam history museum. To escape the hustle and bustle of Saigon, Tao Dan Cultural Park is just a few minutes away.
Constructed in 1930 and renovated in 1997, this luxury hotel has 251 rooms and suites spread between two wings – the Ancient and Luxury Wing. The Ancient Wing boasts rooms with a European colonial aesthetic. On the other hand, the Luxury Wing features rooms with elegant furnishings and a warm palette of colors.
While Grand Hotel Saigon offers various dining options, the most recognised is Saigon Palace Restaurant. This spacious buffet-style venue features a delicious selection of cuisine, ranging from American to traditional Vietnamese fare. The hotel also has a breathtaking Rooftop Grand Lounge and a European-inspired Bar Des Amis.
Hotel visitors can access a wide range of amenities, including an intimate outdoor swimming pool, a full-service spa, and a modern fitness centre. With over eight commodious meeting spaces, Grand Hotel Saigon strives to be the go-to hotel for tourists and business travelers.
Vietnam has something for everyone, including beautiful landscapes, sensational cuisine, and vibrant culture. Your luxury hotel in Vietnam is your base for an exciting and deluxe trip, but with so much to do, where do you start? Here are our top picks in the north and the south of this incredible Southeast Asian country.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay, is famous for its emerald waters and towering limestone pillars. Cruise through this beautiful area on a private, boutique-style vessel and enjoy butler service, a personal onboard host, stylish sun loungers on the spacious deck, and a delicious lunch.
350km Northwest of Hanoi lies one of the most visually stunning parts of Vietnam, the Sapa rice fields. These beautiful paddies are a must-visit on any Vietnam trip, and you can explore them without the crowds on a private tour. On this luxury day trip, you’ll see the valley of Ma Tra, meet the local tribes of Ta Phin Village, and trek through the fields with the most incredible panoramic vistas.
If you’re a foodie, you’ll want to try the most authentic food while in Vietnam. A fun way to eat your way around the capital city is with a culinary walking tour of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. On this 3-hour gastronomy experience, you’ll stop off at eight eateries, sampling the most famous dishes. What’s more, you can pair each plate with two drinks, including Saigon beer or cocktails made from Vietnamese liquor.
Phú Quốc is a beautiful island off the southwest coast adorned with white sand beaches. Hire a private boat charter to take you across, then spend the day at the exclusive Sailing Club. This upmarket beach bar is the perfect place to relax in style, with an infinity pool, swim-up bar, and cozy booths. If you like to party, stay for the night and enjoy the club’s fire dancing shows and live DJ sets.
Ho Chi Minh is one of the most happening cities in the south of the country, renowned for its lively night scene. There is no shortage of unique chic clubs here. However, I recommend starting your night at the city’s most impressive rooftop bar, Chill Skybar. This fancy bar gives a VIP experience with the best views, cocktails, and DJs in town. Come for one drink or stay for the whole night!
Four hours east of Ho Chi Minh is the fishing village of Mui, famous for its stunning sand dunes. If you’re looking for a unique experience, book a private tour to cruise over the dunes via jeep and quad bike. Your chauffeur will pick you up from your luxury hotel and take you out for a day of adventure. You’ll enjoy adrenaline filled quad bike rides, panoramic views of the beach and a chance to explore the fishing village.
The Con Dao Islands are a group of exquisite islands off the southeast coast of the mainland. They are famous for their sandy beaches, coral reefs, and abundant marine life, making them one of the country’s best snorkelling and diving spots. In particular, Bảy Cạnh Island is a hotspot for turtle sightings. After a day of water fun, enjoy dinner and drinks at the elegant Villa Maison Con Dao kitchen and wine bar.