Starting in Hanoi, experience a blend of tradition and French colonial charm, alongside lively street markets and cultural landmarks like Hoan Kiem Lake. Just a few hours away, Lan Ha Bay offers breathtaking limestone karsts and serene waters, perfect for cruising and kayaking.
In central Vietnam, Da Nang boasts sandy beaches and proximity to the ancient city of Hoi An, where lantern-lit streets and preserved architecture reveal the city’s history as a trading port.
In the south, bustling Ho Chi Minh City introduces a modernised Vietnam with historic reminders at sites like the Cu Chi Tunnels and a chaotic city abuzz with life.
Finally, the island of Phu Quoc is all about idyllic beaches and famous night markets, making it an ideal relaxing end to an unforgettable Vietnamese journey.
Hanoi – The Paris of the East
Vietnam’s vibrant capital is known for its unique blend of Eastern and Western influences, from its beautiful French colonial architecture and its rich fraught history during the Vietnam War.
Visit the Old Quarter
Here the narrow streets are lined with shops, markets and street vendors selling everything from local handicrafts to iconic Vietnamese street food, such as pho and banh mi. The sheer volume of humanity will have you in awe. It’s the epitome of busy cities, only rivalled by Ho Chi Minh City, once known as Saigon.
Tour the Museums
On top of the must see list are the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, which honours Vietnam’s revolutionary leader and the Temple of Literature, originally built in 1070 and considered Vietnam’s first university. For art and history lovers, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and the Fine Arts Museum offer insights into the country’s diverse culture and historical art forms.
See the Temple
A walk around Hoan Kiem Lake provides a peaceful retreat from the city’s energy, with the famous Ngoc Son Temple situated on an island on the lake. In the evening, the water puppet show is also a must see. The traditional art form unique to northern Vietnam is quite special.
A real mix of old and new, Hanoi isn’t like any other city, and if you want to stay in a historical place while experiencing the utmost in luxury, try the legendary Sofitel Legend Metropole.
Stay at the Sofitel Legend Metropole
Truly a grande dame of a hotel, it was built by the French in 1901 and, having survived the war, it’s now one of Hanoi’s most glamorous establishments. Definitely oozing the grace and sophistication of an era gone by, it’s a piece of history and one of the most luxurious hotels one can imagine.
Don’t miss the hotel’s very own historical tour, where you will find out about the building’s past, its association with celebrities and politicians, from Jane Fonda to Joan Baez and Angelina Jolie amongst others. The tour even includes a look at the underground bunker where journalists and diplomatic staff sheltered during the Vietnam War, particularly between 1965 and 1972, when the city endured heavy bombing by the U.S., and the hotel was home to 11 embassies and known as Embassy House.
The rooms and suites are pristine, packed with the small touches that make a place special. The perfect mix of colonial charm and modern comfort. Check into the Heritage Wing, the restored historic wing fusing IndoChinese beauty and classic French style with its art-deco bathrooms with eco-friendly Balmain dispensers and elegant antiques. The furniture, the fittings, even the silk bathrobes are jaw droppingly beautiful.
For dinner, choose French haute cuisine at Le Beaulieu, creative Vietnamese dishes at Spice Garden, or classic comfort food at Angelina. Le Club Bar serves breakfast and meals all day, and the breakfast buffet is out of this world. For poolside drinks try the Bamboo Bar where you can also enjoy Happy Hour drinks with ‘nibbles’ on multi tiered silver platters, including Caesar salad, adorable sandwiches and mini quiches amongst other treats. Coffee aficionados should also try the famous Vietnamese Coffee (with condensed milk), which was created by 1940s’ bartender Nguyen Giang, at the hotel, due to a milk shortage! It’s still a popular drink throughout Vietnam today.
The grand hotel is also home to the Metropole Club Lounge in the Opera Wing, a cosy salon with the discreet atmosphere of an exclusive Parisian club. Butler service, a library, refreshments and cocktails as well as live piano music at night are all part of the experience.
For some rest and relaxation, there’s the Spa or the outdoor pool in its white and green oasis, the perfect escape from Hanoi’s hustle and bustle.
Ha Long & Lan Ha – A Natural Wonder
Ha Long Bay, the UNESCO World Heritage Site located in northeastern Vietnam, featuring nearly 2,000 limestone islands and karsts, rising majestically from emerald-green waters, creating a surreal and picturesque landscape draws visitors from all over the world, but nearby Lan Ha Bay offers a quieter, more secluded alternative.
Located to the south, Lan Ha Bay has fewer tourists and a more relaxed atmosphere, with equally stunning karst formations, crystal-clear waters and hidden beaches. The bay’s less crowded environment makes it ideal for kayaking, swimming, and exploring smaller, peaceful beaches that Ha Long’s busier waters sometimes lack. Additionally, Lan Ha Bay’s diverse marine life and coral reefs provide exceptional snorkelling and diving opportunities, making it an appealing choice for travellers looking to experience the area’s beauty with a greater sense of tranquillity.
To see the bay in style, check into the Ambassador Signature Cruise. Boarding from Gia Luan Pier you’ll be transferred by speed boat to the elegant ship.
A classic design, beautifully crafted in dark wood and with elegant decor inspired by traditional Vietnamese aesthetics, the spacious, well-appointed cabins are luxurious and come with sleek en suite bathrooms including stand alone bathtubs!
Cabin 221 offers a private balcony with a family sized round outdoor lounger perfect for lying back to enjoy the very scenic views. Inside, there’s a plush king-sized bed, modern conveniences like a flat-screen TV, and historical black-and-white photos to add a touch of nostalgic charm.
The cruise itinerary is packed with activities, starting with a visit to a local fishing village and a thrilling swim from the boat’s slide. The inflatable slide is a real hit with the kids. It’s quite surreal seeing such a sight against the pristine natural backdrop.
At the end of the day, grab a drink in the piano lounge or from the top deck for more amazing sunset views of Lan Ha Bay’s scenic rock formations in a setting surprisingly undisturbed by other boats. As for dinner, it’s all about fine dining with gourmet dishes like salmon gravlax and black chocolate truffle cake... The fun doesn’t stop, after dinner, in the dark night, one can join the crew at the front of the boat for some night time squid fishing, old school style with a bamboo rod.
In the morning, before the full breakfast buffet, there’s a chance to hit the water with the kayaks and head for a snorkel in the caves. It’s amazing how much can be packed into an overnight cruise in Lan Ha Bay! www.ambassadorcruise.com
It’s worth knowing that the cruise company offers transfers to and from Hanoi by private air-conditioned cars.
Hoi An – The City of Lanterns
A charming city in central Vietnam, it’s renowned for its well-preserved ancient town with Chinese temples, French colonial buildings, and Japanese-influenced structures like the 18th-century Japanese Covered Bridge.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site is a living museum, with narrow cobbled streets lined with traditional wooden houses, temples like the historic Tan Ky House and pagodas that date back to the 15th century, offering glimpses into the city’s rich past. At night Hoi An’s streets are illuminated by thousands of colourful lanterns, bringing the night markets to life – and the crowds give it a certain buzz! It’s probably the most instagrammable town in Vietnam! Quite magical.
Explore the Ancient Town and Markets
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Hoi An’s Ancient Town is known for its well-preserved architecture. Wandering through the lantern-lit streets in the evening is particularly atmospheric. Be warned, it’s very busy as it’s a hotspot on the tourist trail but still a really worthwhile place to see. The streets are lined with stalls, so shopping for souvenirs is also part of the experience.
Visit Hoi An’s Tailor Shops
Famous for custom tailoring, Hoi An boasts numerous shops where you can have bespoke clothing made at a reasonable price. Local tailors work with various fabrics, and clothing is typically ready within a day or two. Another option is to have leather shoes made – the choice of sandals that can be made to fit your foot overnight is astounding.
Cruise the Thu Bon River
Take a sunset or daytime boat cruise along the Thu Bon River to experience Hoi An from the water. Local boat trips often include stops at traditional handicraft villages where you can see artisans at work crafting items like pottery, lanterns and silk. At night, the river is alight with hundreds of tiny floating candles. A truly magical sight.
Discover My Son Sanctuary
About an hour from Hoi An, the My Son Sanctuary is an ancient site of Hindu temples and ruins dating back to the Champa Kingdom, showcasing Vietnam’s early architectural influences and spiritual history. To get away from the crowds, a few minutes away past the rice paddies you can escape to the Four Seasons Nam Hai.
Relax on An Bang Beach
Head to An Bang Beach for a little sunbathing, surfing or dining at seaside cafes. It’s a great spot to unwind and enjoy the coastal scenery, and has a growing surf scene, particularly appealing to beginners. Waves here are relatively gentle compared to other surf spots in Southeast Asia, making it ideal for newcomers to the sport. Surf season at An Bang Beach generally runs from October to April, when the conditions are best for catching waves.
Take a Ride through the Paddyfields
The countryside around Hoi An is picturesque and easy to explore by bike. A popular cycling route leads to Tra Que Vegetable Village, where you can see organic farming methods and try your hand at gardening or sample fresh local produce. Whizzing through the rice fields and spotting the odd buffalo is quite the experience!
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An
Located along the picturesque Ha My Beach, this luxurious beachfront resort is a serene retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. Spanning 35 hectares of lush tropical gardens and pristine coastline, overlooking the South China Sea, it has 100 elegantly designed villas, including 60 one-bedroom villas and 40 pool villas with private courtyards and direct beach access. Three infinity pools sit next to each other and provide plenty of picture perfect settings for those souvenir shots.
You can trust the Four Seasons brand to provide a world-class spa, with several spa suites floating on a lily pad-covered lake. It’s utterly zen.
There are gourmet dining options too, offering Vietnamese and international cuisine. Cafe Nam Hai serves Vietnamese and international cuisine, featuring dishes like pho, banh mi, deep fried crispy pork rolls and fresh seafood, as well as delicious lemon butter prawn fettuccine, while La Sen, on the beachfront, offers more sophisticated dining with a focus on French and Vietnamese flavours, including very tasty duck magret and chicken fried rice. For a unique experience, book a BBQ on the beach, too for a chance to sample local lobster, wagyu steak and the best lava chocolate cakes in town!
In the Family Villa, the dark exotic woods sit well alongside white walls and natural fabrics (the high ceilings are covered in ‘tatamis’), the main bedroom has a giant four poster, encased in ethereal curtains, while the second ‘office’ bedroom is just what is needed for the kids. The bathroom is sleek, all grey slates, Nature Bisse products and all the amenities one could wish for. Not to mention an outside shower and a standalone tub.
We grow accustomed to the great food, the morning buffet is excellent as are all the a la carte options – from the truffled scrambled eggs to the French style crepes. One day we opt for lunch by the pool – its relaxed and cosy cabanas, kitted out in Dior ‘toile de jouy’, are very welcoming and the perfect spot to enjoy fresh ceviche, pepperoni pizza and toblerone ice cream.
Another highlight? Making lanterns. Who would have thought that (with a little help and quite a lot of glue) one can make your own sweet Hoi An lanterns to take home?
Danang – The City of Bridges
Often referred to as “The City of Bridges” because of its many architecturally significant and illuminated bridges spanning the Han River, like the Dragon Bridge, which breathes fire and water on weekends, it’s also known as “The City of Light”, thanks to its vibrant, colourful night scenery along the river, especially during festivals.
Danang is also home to long sandy beaches like My Khe, known for its pristine sand and clear waters. It’s sometimes dubbed “Vietnam’s Miami” due to its long, scenic beaches, warm climate and relaxed coastal vibe. It’s definitely the place to go if you’re looking for fresh seafood restaurants!
The Marble Mountains, a cluster of limestone hills with caves, temples and panoramic views are a must visit when in the area, as are the ancient Cham Museum houses where you can see the extensive collection of Cham artefacts, reflecting the region’s rich heritage.
In the Ba Na Hills, you can explore the Golden Bridge, a pedestrian bridge held by giant stone hands, and a fantasy park filled with rides and games if you need to keep the kids happy! This is one of Vietnam’s most popular landmarks so expect the bridge to be busy!
The Son Tra Peninsula gives the perfect escape from the crowds though, and opportunities to spot rare wildlife.
InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort
Don’t miss a few days at the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort located on the Son Tra Peninsula.
Set across 39 hectares, the resort blends modern design with traditional Vietnamese style, offering the perfect mix of tropical jungle setting with a beach resort. With 201 rooms, suites and villas, all offering private balconies or terraces, you’ll love the Pool Villas overlooking the East Sea beyond. Almost like tree houses, built into the hillside, gleaming dark woods, high ceilings and beautiful interior design by Bill Bensley, these hideaways come with the best of service to make for a truly unforgettable stay. It’s the ideal spot to be pampered in style by your villa host who takes care of your every need. And waking up in an oversized four-poster bed to that blue sea view daily is very good for the soul!
Foodies will love the resort’s different dining options, ranging from the Michelin-starred La Maison 1888, known for its exquisite French cuisine, to the chic Citron where one can enjoy the most amazing breakfast buffets. Citron also offers a Vietnamese menu in the evening, where you can eat al fresco in ‘upside down hats’ hanging over the hillside! At the aptly named Barefoot, down at the beach, you’ll find the perfect spot for dinner with sand between your toes. Don’t miss the Wagyu steak. Another must? Cocktails at the very chic Long Bar where you can also take a Mocktail-making course to bring home a new set of skills!
And, if you can upgrade to a Club Room, the perks are worth it. Access to the Club Lounge means daily snacks at all times, from breakfast to tea time and Happy Hour… each bite more delectable than the last.
For more relaxing there’s the HARNN Heritage Spa or the Nail Salon for that all essential holiday mani pedi. For those who prefer a little action, there’s a full blown gym, tennis courts, kayaking and SUP as well as snorkelling. In addition to the pools at the villas, there’s a giant pool for adults over the Long Bar and a family pool at ground level, beautifully set between the palm trees and the frangipanis. Prefer to explore? Take the excellent nature tour (by buggy) to track down the local endangered Red Shanked Douc monkeys.
Within easy reach from Da Nang International Airport, it’s a half hour drive, but it feels like it’s in another world. The omnipresent monkeys make sure you’ll feel like you’re in the deepest, darkest rainforest without skimping on creature comforts.
Another highlight? The cookery class with the lovely chef Truc who will guide you through each step to make classic spring rolls with rice paper, sweet and sour seabass fish soup and classic Hoi An Vietnamese stuffed pancakes. Even better, you get to eat it all afterwards! If you have enough space. www.ihg.com
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), formerly known as Saigon, is Vietnam’s largest metropolis and a dynamic hub of culture, commerce and cuisine. Known for its bustling streets, French colonial landmarks, and vibrant local life, the city offers an exciting blend of old and new.
Top 5 Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City
- War Remnants Museum A sobering but essential stop, this museum provides insight into the Vietnam War through poignant exhibits, photographs and artifacts. The Tiger Cage exhibit is not for the faint hearted.
- Ben Thanh Market A shopper’s paradise, this lively market is perfect for exploring Vietnamese crafts, street food and souvenirs. It’s all about the haggling and finding hidden gems!
- Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica and Central Post Office One of the most visited French colonial landmarks located in District 1, it offers striking architecture and a glimpse into the city’s colonial past.
- Saigon Skydeck at Bitexco Tower For stunning views of the city skyline, head to the observation deck of this iconic skyscraper. As long as you’re not scared of heights…
- Vincom Center Mall A haven for modern shopping and entertainment, this upscale mall features international brands, dining and a cinema. It seems a little out of place in a communist country but offers all the shopping you can dream of and it’s packed with places to try a sweet milkshake or bubble tea or ice cube-packed drink the Vietnamese seem to thrive on.
The Sofitel Saigon Plaza
Ideally located within walking distance from many attractions and sites, just a few blocks away from the botanical gardens and the HCMC History Museum. It’s also a quick walk into the centre of town, where you will find the opera, the famous cathedral and the post office, which is renowned for being built by Gustave Eiffel, and is a beautiful landmark with lovely rolled iron structure. The French style from the 20s is omnipresent, and gives this city an almost New Orleans-like vibe.
The chasm between luxurious French influence, sophisticated architecture and the communist regime with its daily propaganda on the town’s speakers and its oppressive monuments is definitely an interesting dichotomy. The air is heavy with humidity and rich in aromas from the street food stalls. There are plenty of dining options in HCMC and it’s relatively easy to find your way around with GoogleMaps. However, it’s worth knowing that the crazy traffic means it’s easier to walk a few blocks in the sweltering heat than to call a taxi. It’s not surprising when you realise that the city is home to 9.57 million people, which is almost as many people living in the entire country of Portugal. What is also surprising is how clean it is, considering the gigantic amount of plastic used daily for takeaway meals by most of the locals. Unfortunately, single use plastic is alive and well here.
The sheer volume of scooters and most bikes is overwhelming. Trying to cross the street feels like trying to cross a river. Zebra crossings are somewhat respected, but not always and traffic will come in both directions so keep eyes and wits alert at all times! Don’t miss a hair-raising rickshaw ride if you like a thrill! Great to enjoy the views as you can see a lot more than when you’re in a taxi, but also quite terrifying when, for example, you’re taken up a dual carriageway the wrong way…
Back to the hotel the rooms were recently renovated in regal purple and dark woods, as well as relaxing, beige tones. The breakfast is really good with heaps of buffet stands offering everything you can wish for, from Indian to Japanese and Vietnamese, as well as French dishes like dainty crepes and perfect croissants. There’s also full English style and an extensive egg station, not to mention all kinds of fruit juices available, ranging from detox, cucumber to passion fruit. The chocolate fountain is also a hit. After a hard day’s exploring, pop to the 26th floor where you’ll find the swimming pool – ideal for a refreshing dip.
Phu Quoc Island
Vietnam’s largest island is a tropical paradise located in the Gulf of Thailand. Known as the “Pearl Island”, it’s all about pristine beaches, lush forests and vibrant marine life. A rapidly growing tourist hotspot, Phu Quoc also has a unique history and status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Explore Phu Quoc National Park
Covering nearly half the island, Phu Quoc National Park offers dense forests, rare wildlife and great views from Mount Chúa’s peak. The park is also part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Hit the Beaches
Dreamy long white sandy beaches include Sao Beach, renowned for its calm turquoise waters and Long Beach, ideal for sunset views and lined with restaurants and resorts, as well as the quieter Ong Lang Beach.
Snorkelling and Diving
For underwater adventures head to the An Thoi Archipelago or find some local fishermen to take you to their favourite spot.
The Local Markets
Head to Dương Đông and Hàm Ninh to sample fresh seafood, shop for souvenirs, or enjoy street food dishes like herring salad and banh tet.
Stay at the Regent Phu Quoc
A plush beachfront resort, it’s an oasis of calm and luxury blending modern elegance and Vietnamese heritage.
The Rooms
For the ultimate indulgence book a Sky Villa, a two bedroom apartment – quite possibly the most luxurious room on the island! Set over 223m², it comes with a full-blown living room with shiny dark marble floors, and even its own cocktail-making set ! Beautiful coffee table books add to the luxurious vibe as does the bespoke furniture in soft tones and chic rattan.
It’s the small details that give it the extra luxurious feel, like the waterfall black granite island and its resident orchid, the beautiful china tea set and the full size fridge with its complimentary “mini bar” packed with drinks and delicious chocolates alongside French Mere Poulard cookies!
However, the real attraction is the view. Simply spectacular: the ocean is sparkling while the palm fringed beach looks perfect. We spot the pool villas below in the greenery leading to the giant pool, but best of all the suite has its own eternity pool right there hanging on the balcony! Dark black slate, it’s sleek and tempting. One could spend hours contemplating the perfect tropical panorama beyond.
In the bathroom, there is a black egg shaped standalone bathtub, and the walls are all honey stone. There’s a massive walk-in shower with Perricone MD products, as well as a Toto toilet that comes with a whole array of bells and whistles. But again, the luxury comes from all the small touches in the bathroom, the bespoke mirror, the boxes in which you find the amenities ranging from bamboo toothbrushes to a hairbrush and beautiful floral dressing gowns – a nice change from the usual white. Even the laundry bags are fit for royalty, dark green velvet. So plush it feels wrong to fill them with dirty laundry!
The beds are of course the most comfortable, with soft, soft, brushed white cotton sheets, set against a chic grey headboard. Of course, there’s the usual flatscreen TV and wifi available, making it the perfect hideaway.
The Food
It’s hard to say what they do best at the Regent: is it the rooms or is it the food? The breakfast was extraordinary, pushing the buffet concept even further with entire rooms dedicated to pastries, French toast and a huge selection of breads. You can even watch the bread baking in the oven. There is a room for hot foods, dairy and an incredible choice of quality cold cuts. It’s hard to know where to start. And of course excellent coffee and all sorts of fresh juices, as well as whole coconuts.
Lunch at the Rice Market restaurant is also a treat. Crispy crab spring rolls, followed by traditional beef Phở (hot broth) with fresh rice noodles, sliced Australian beef tenderloin and brisket, homemade chilli sauce, lime, fresh chilli and aromatic herbs. Delicious! For those who can’t handle the chilli, the Bun Bo Nam Bo with wok–fried Australian black Angus beef tenderloin, fresh rice noodles, lemongrass, bean sprouts, cucumber and herbs is the perfect choice. For desert? Mango pudding or creme caramel – the best of both worlds.
Down by the beach the OceanSide restaurant is a bright, contemporary space with killer sea views. Sundown drinks are a must to watch the electric pink skies. A mix of local and Italian dishes like pizza al tartufo nero or truffle pizza, gambas al ajillo, the famous Phu Quoc prawns with garlic, chilli, smoked paprika sauce and chorizo and classic beef burgers hit the spot, too.
The Activities
To really live it up and explore the island’s coastline book a cruise on the hotel’s Serenity catamaran. The picturesque views, a chance to go snorkelling and enjoying the gentle rhythm of the ocean waves, not to mention a fabulous picnic from the chef – a delightful day out.
But, there’s actually no need to leave the resort as they offer plenty of activities daily from yoga to zumba, boxing lessons to stand up paddle and lots of crafty workshops to keep kids busy, too.
For a more relaxing approach, the Spa is a beautiful dark, zen space set amongst the Koi carp ponds where you can lie back and enjoy a traditional massage and sip the excellent lemongrass tea. Prefer to enjoy the sun? The beach is beautifully laid out with loungers, hammocks and very helpful staff, while the two enormous pools come with complimentary cabanas and you can even borrow a bike to explore the grounds and cycle back to your room.
