Vietnam promises tropical shores, nice-looking resorts (as depicted on booking sites), and unforgettable views — but not every “dream” stay matches the pictures online. We once booked An Lam Retreats Ninh Van Bay expecting turquoise sea and peaceful mornings, only to find yellow water dotted with fish farms, a coastline we didn’t dare swim in, and a rooster’s 4 a.m. wake-up call after a four-hour drive from Saigon. The lesson? Always message the hotel before you book, ask the right questions, and save yourself time, money, and a holiday headache.
Fusion Resort Cam Ranh
- Rooms from $285 per night (Chic Suite)
- Book now
Fusion Resorts Cam Ranh sits in the South Central Coast of Vietnam, just a short drive from Cam Ranh International Airport. It’s perched on a 28-metre dune overlooking Cam Ranh peninsula and has 122 intricately designed and spacious suites and villas throughout the complex. If you’re looking at booking a suite, the prices start at $285 a night, and villas start at $365 per night.
Fusion Resort has three pool areas: the largest pool within the Hideaway area, an oceanfront pool, and a kids’ pool if you don’t mind being splashed.
There are plenty of culinary delights, too. Its main restaurant, Fresh, offers plenty of meat, fish, and vegetable dishes. Prices are reasonable, with Steam Sea Bass in lemon juice at $11, or Thai chicken curry at $12. You can also find more tasty dishes at the Hideaway, including healthier options like Buddha Bowls, Poke Bowls, and Super Salads.
If you need a pamper, Maia Spa is a serenity sanctuary that puts guests’ wellbeing first and helps them switch off from the outside world. A traditional Vietnamese treatment is available at the spa and is highly recommended.
⭐️Google Rating | 4.6/5.0 (1,870+ ratings) |
⭐️Booking.com Rating | 9.5/10 (310+ ratings) |
⭐️TripAdvisor Rating | 4.6/5.0 (810+ ratings) |
“Great Vacation at Fusion Resort Cam Ranh. My family had a wonderful time at Fusion Resort Cam Ranh! The place is beautiful and stunning, with amazing views and a quiet feeling. The villa was nice and comfy. I loved the all-inclusive spa treatments – so relaxing!” Nguyen Huynh, Google
Anantara Hội An Resort
- Rooms from $211 a night (Deluxe Balcony Room)
- Book now
Northwest of Cam Ranh is Hội An, and Anantara positions itself nicely overlooking the Thu Bon River. There are 92 rooms and suites, and you can stay here for $211 a night, though if you’re after a suite, these start at $258.
This resort offers everything you’d expect from a luxury retreat, like a spa with healing therapies like Reiki and sound healing rituals. Afterwards, you can sip on a freshly made fruit juice for just $7 and healthy food from its wellness cuisine menu.
This hotel has two restaurants: Hội An Riverside overlooking the Thu Bon River, serving local culinary delights, like Da Nang beef noodles for $14, and Art Space, a modern bistro. You can also get breakfast at Lanterns, another spot overlooking the water, grab light bites by the pool, learn to make traditional Vietnamese dishes at Spice Spoons, or enjoy private dining in a riverside pavilion.
While it’s tempting not to leave the resort, Anantara has some exciting excursions. You can explore some of Vietnam’s rice farms, head to the fishing village in a basket boat, or grab one of the complimentary bikes and see the beauty of Hội An for yourself.
Google Rating | 4.7/5.0 (1,130+ ratings) |
Booking.com Rating | 8.5/10 (130+ ratings) |
TripAdvisor Rating | 4.7/5.0 (3,270+ ratings) |
“My happy place. Once again, The Anantara maintains its high standard. I cannot find fault with the wonderful service we received from Hai and her amazing team. From the beautiful surroundings, the dining, and the friendly staff, it all added up to a wonderful holiday.” Redtelopea, TripAdvisor
Tam Coc Garden Resort
- Rooms from $247 a night (Deluxe Garden Bungalow)
- Book now
We’re looking a little further inland now with Ninh Bình, but you can still get to some beautiful beaches in about 45 minutes by car. Tam Coc Garden Resort has accommodation overlooking mountains, valleys, rice fields, limestone peaks, and beautiful gardens.
Each accommodation has been thoughtfully designed in traditional Tonkinese style. For $247 a night, you can stay in a Deluxe Tonkin Garden Bungalow, though you may choose to book a villa, a chamber, or a house.
Citronella restaurant is perfect for foodies. It offers blends of Vietnamese and Western cuisine and prepares meals with produce from the garden. For $24, you can enjoy Mountain snail spring rolls with Vietnamese coriander or Linh Coc River prawns. If a drink is all you fancy, the Longani Bar offers wines, beers, and cocktails.
For those needing to unwind, some unique treatments are offered at the Sati Spa, like the Elemental Awakening foot massage ($34). But if you’re keen to explore, Tam Coc Garden Resort has a range of tour packages and some in-house activities like a hike and boat ride with the local guide.
Google Rating | 4.7/5.0 (840+ ratings) |
Booking.com Rating | 9.6/10 (690+ ratings) |
TripAdvisor Rating | 4.8/5.0 (1,496+ ratings) |
“Great experience. Tam Coc Garden is so much more than just another hotel. It’s a place to reconnect with yourself and nature. The kindness of the staff plays a big part in that. Chi at the front desk was especially helpful and contributed greatly to making our stay unforgettable. Noone, TripAdvisor
Ocean Bay Resort & Spa Phu Quoc
- Rooms from $178 a night (Bungalow King)
- Book now
We’ve returned to the beach to look at one of the dreamiest hotels on Phú Quốc Island. Though a five-star luxury resort, Ocean Bay Resort and Spa’s prices start at a reasonable $178 a night, but you can upgrade your stay to include breakfast and spa packages.
Tucked away on the lovely shores of Ong Lang Beach, Ocean Bay Resort offers a secluded slice of tropical paradise, perfect for rejuvenating your body and soul. The hardest decision you’ll have to make is to lounge by the pool, soak up the sun at the private beach, or indulge yourself in the resort’s spa, Bamboo, where the expert team uses local herbs and natural treatments to whisk you away to serenity.
Guests don’t tend to venture far, especially given the three bars and restaurants on site. The aesthetically pleasing Treehouse Restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch and offers international and local cuisine. If you want to spend your day at the pool, grab a snack or cocktail from Cassia Pool Bar. In the evenings, head to the Ocean Bar & Grill to enjoy delicious food while watching the sunset.
Google Rating | 4.7/5.0 (2,500+ ratings) |
Booking.com Rating | 9.0/10 (3,200+ ratings) |
TripAdvisor Rating | 4.6/5.0 (390+ ratings) |
“Stunning accommodation, amazing staff, and beautiful views. We had a wonderful stay on Phu Quoc! The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful — always making sure we had everything we needed. The bungalow itself was stunning, and we absolutely loved the view of the infinity pool and the beach.” Jeroen, Booking.com
If you’re craving beachside bliss, cultural charm, or peaceful nature escapes, Vietnam will welcome you with some of the most luxurious hotels without the steep price. From spa indulgence to riverside dining, your dream getaway is closer than you think.