"Located in Hanoi’s business district, just two blocks from Tran Quang Khai highway (where it’s a quick 18-mile ride to Noi Bai International Airport), Hilton Hanoi Opera is in demand with the corporate crowd. Built to resemble the performance venue directly opposite, the Beaux Artsstructure’s two-story lobby makes a lasting impression with floor-to-ceiling marble columns and a French crystal chandelier shaped like an inverted wedding cake. Rooms feature elements of traditional Vietnamese design, plus double-glazed windows that promise quiet, accent walls outfitted in floral wallpaper, and bathrooms with separate tubs and walk-in showers.Spend the day admiring opera house views from the outdoor pool, which is heated in the winter, then sit down at Ba Mien to savor such regional specialties as cha ca (turmeric fish with noodles) and roasted pork with green papaya."

"A 1901 landmark inHanoi’s French Quarter, the colonial-style Sofitel Legend Metropole has long been a celebrity magnet, welcoming presidents, ambassadors, and literary and cinematic royalty into its marble lobby.Somerset Maugham and Graham Greene both wrote books here ( The Gentleman in the Parlour and The Quiet American , respectively); Charlie Chaplin and Paulette Goddard celebrated their honeymoon at the property; and Jane Fonda and Joan Baez took to the bomb shelter beneath the hotel during air raids (book the complementary Path of History Tour, held every day at 5 and 6 p.m., for a chance to see where they hid out). The 364 guest rooms are divided between two wings: The historic Metropole section has decor shaped by French architecture and Vietnamese culture (think wood floors, louver windows, bird-cage lampshades, and porcelain light fixtures); the newer wing, opened in 1996 just across the traffic circle from the Opera House, has a strong Neoclassical edge with rooms in dramatic red, black, and white.With its green awning, filigree ironwork, and outdoor wood-deck seating, La Terrasse has the feel of a Parisian café, while Le Beaulieu restaurant serves classic French fare and a decadent Sunday brunch. Spices Garden showcases Vietnamese flavors, and three drinking dens—sleek Angelina, gentlemanly Le Club Bar, and poolside Bamboo Bar—appeal to every kind of spirits lover. Between the central courtyard garden and the pool sit the SoFit gym and Le Spa, with eight rooms for soothing East-meets-West treatments."

"Known locally as Ho Tay and situated just northwest of the Old Quarter, the city’s largest lake is the backdrop to this whitewashed hotel, whose layout fittingly mimics the shape of the open lotus flowers that line its shores. The main building houses about half the rooms, most of the lounges and restaurants, and a bright atrium lobby with an elegant 23-foot crystal chandelier for a focal point.Lit at night by torches, a hedge-trimmed walkway leads to a small island where you’ll find the Sunset Bar (no surprises on the name), as well as threepavilions with additional rooms built on the lake. Accommodations start at a generous 460 square feet and feature contemporary furnishings, marble and wood floors, stone wall accents, and Vietnamese timber shutters, as well as roomy soaking tubs, padded leather headboards, and private balconies with views of the lake or Hanoi ’s skyline."

"There’s a pleasing bit of cognitive dissonance happening at Meliá Hanoi. Housed within a green-glass, part-cylindrical tower, the hotel tempers sleek European-style hospitality (think streamlined gray and cream furnishings and high-tech amenities like flat-screen TVs and satellite channels) with touches of local influence: depictions of pagodas and traditional gateways figure in giant murals along the walls and central column in the lobby, and lantern-inspired pendant lighting hangs in the guest rooms. The hotel sits in theHoan Kiem district, within walking distance of the lake and the Old Quarter, making it an ideal base for urban exploration, but there’s also plenty on site to keep you occupied, from the Mediterranean buffet and the palm-fringed outdoor swimming pool to the fitness center and Marquee Club, anighttime haunt that attracts young Hanoians intent on drinking and dancing into the wee hours."

"This affordable 38-room hotel on a bustling Old Quarter street is as vibrant as its surroundings. Painted iron tables and chairs out front enable guests to soak in the rich street life—watch roadside food hawkers sell their wares and locals and visitors chow down at small sidewalk stations. The jazzy lobby has a parquet ceiling that resembles a giant chessboard, an eclectic mix of furniture, and a front desk with an intricately carved wooden backdrop. Rooms are a step above basic yet comfortable, decorated in mostly white hues and shying away from ornamentation, with glossy wood floors, feather mattresses, and glass-covered dressing tables. Get settled, then follow resident Hanoians to the restaurants and bars that bustle nearby."

"Hotel de L’Opera Hanoi—MGallery by Sofitel From its striking colonial-inspired exterior and elegant marble lobby to the uninterrupted views of the Hanoi Opera House, the Hotel de l'Opera evokes the spirit of an old world performance hall. The Old Quarter hotel’s cynosure is thenine-story atrium where velvet jewel-toned sofas, tasseled curtains, andan emerald tufted-silk wall behind the marble concierge counter have the dramatic effect of a theater foyer. The theme continues in the guest rooms: Moody walls, Hollywood-style vanity mirrors, and metallic accents nod to performers’ dressing rooms. Take in the sights from the third-floor pool terrace, which looks straight down Trang Tien Street to the iconic landmark, then head to the Fée Verte bar for cocktails before dinner at Café Lautrec, honoring the 19th-century painter and Hanoi’s ubiquitous French influences."

"A lilliputian property on a busy Old Quarter street, Essence has an unassuming entrance that belies its stylish interiors. Renovated in 2017, the eight-story hotel’s intimate rooms are well-appointed with velvet headboards, lantern-like pendant lighting, and writing desks with laptops and reliable Wi-Fi—plus decent soundproofing to block out the Hanoi bustle. Turndown service includes flower petals sprinkled on the bed and towels folded into animal shapes (swans are a favorite). Fresh seasonal fruit such as mango, papaya, and pineapple and complimentary mini-bar snacks are restocked daily. Head downstairs to dine on updated Vietnamese specialties like spring rolls and bun cha (barbecue pork) or hit the town: The hotel is surrounded byjewelry and clothing shops, cafés, and bars."

"Occupying most of a 38-floor Times Square building, the Reverie Saigon initially made waves for its over-the-top flourishes: the house cars are a limited-edition Rolls-Royce Phantom Dragon and a Maybach, both parked out front; the lobby features a $500,000 jade-and-gold Baldi clock; and the property feels like it used all the marble and Murano glass in Italy. What’s surprising, then, is how well it all works—and how quickly you might feel at ease. A large part of that is thanks to the warm, attentive service (sniffle once, for example, and ginger tea will appear at your doorstep) and the 286 airy guest rooms themselves, which—though full of whimsical touches by international design houses like Visionnaire and Provasi—manage to call to mind serene sanctuaries floating high above the city bustle. The on-site dining options (including places for traditional Cantonese, fine-dining French, and modern Italian) draw local crowds, and the two-story spa features an ozone-infused outdoor pool equipped with underwater speakers—plus some of the best therapists in town."

"The site of the now-demolished Brinks Hotel Officers Quarters—which housed U.S. military members during the Vietnam War—has been transformed into this oasis in the heart of the city. Opened in 2005 and renovated in 2015, the Park Hyatt has been crafted in a French colonial style, with lots of polished wood, wrought iron, and oversize windows. The 245 rooms are elegant and airy, mixing classic furnishings with high-tech perks like mini iPads and sensor lighting systems; all suites feature elevated design touches like hand-embroidered textiles, lacquerware pieces, and period antiques, while some offer private terraces or direct access to the pool and gardens. Considered to be among the best in the city, the hotel’s dining options include Square One, for gourmet Western and Vietnamese fare, and Opera, where Italian favorites are whipped up in the open kitchen. Enjoy live music nightly (and the popular Saturday afternoon tea buffet) at the Park Lounge and cocktails and DJs on the weekends at 2 Lam Son. If you’re looking for something a bit more chill, head to the Xuan Spa for a treatment performed with locally grown herbs, fruits, and grains."

"Set along the evocatively named Perfume River, La Résidence is a good place to soak upHué’s conflux of Vietnamese history, French-colonial charm, and postwar life. The former home of the French-colonial governor, the elegant Art Deco villa and gardens were restored and relaunched as a hotel in 2005. Many of the 122 rooms and suites offer views of the river or the tops of the Imperial Citadel (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), while all feature vintage-inspired furnishings, local fabrics, and the required modern conveniences. The1920s style also helps set the scene at the seven-room spa—which has garnered praise for locally inspired treatments that include Vietnamese cupping therapy and baths infused with rice wine and ginger—and at Le Gouverneur Bar, where you can settle into cushy armchairs or on the terrace, overlooking the gardens, to enjoy a drink or Cuban cigar. Come mealtime, savor French-Vietnamese and Continental fine dining at Le Parfum restaurant, or book one of the hotel’s fun foodie experiences, including cyclo market tours, cooking classes, dinner cruises, poolside barbecues, and private picnics on Thien An Hill."

"Located on a half-mile stretch of white-sand Ha My Beach, a short drive from the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An (a hotel shuttle can ferry you back and forth), the Nam Hai sits on the grounds of a former fishing village (a temple from that time is preserved on-site), and it still feels like a community. Guests bike between public spaces designed to evoke the high-ceilinged Tu Doc royal tombs found in the region, as well as 86 acres of tropical gardens and 100 villas, each outfitted with indoor/outdoor lounging spaces, king beds, lacquered bathtubs, and alfresco showers. The dining options range from a casual beachside spot to a fine-dining restaurant, and serve everything from Vietnamese and Western fare to Indian tandoori specialties; learn how to make some of your favorite dishes in a chef-led cooking class, or join the kiddos at the Junior Cooking Academy, part of the kids’ club. When you’re ready to take a break, don’t miss the central trilevel infinity pool and the exceptional spa, where the eight individual treatment pavilions appear to float on a koi-filled lagoon."

"Anantara Mui Ne Drive four hours east from Saigon and you’ll arrive at the port city of Phan Thiet, around which lie sand dunes, scenic lakes, quaint fishing villages, golf courses, and—along pristine Mui Ne Beach—this five-star Anantara resort. It’s easy to access those area attractions and more from the hotel, or just hide out among its lush oceanfront grounds, which include a central palm tree–ringed pool, a quiet library lounge, and a kids’ club offering activities like fruit harvesting and kite flying. Choose from traditional hotel-style rooms in the main building—each with amenities like rainfall showers and satellite TV—or upgrade to a one- or two-bedroom pool villa, some with second floors or direct beach access. In addition to restaurants serving Vietnamese, pan-Asian, and Continental dishes, there’s theWine Room, whichhosts tastings and pairing experiences. Guests who’ve visited other Anantara locations will feel at home in the five-room spa, where signature brand services are tweaked with local ingredients like lemongrass and turmeric."

"A stunning combination of rock formations, pristine beaches, sloping mountains, and the glittering East Vietnam Sea surround this dreamy resort—so it’s no surprise that many of its key activities revolve around nature. Depending on the season, scuba diving, mountain hiking, and sailing are big draws, but you can enjoy sunset cruises, kayaking, beach yoga, and early-morning fishing excursions with the chef any time of year. Excursions to Nha Trang, the countryside, the Cai River mud baths, and more can also be arranged, but there’s plenty on property to keep guests occupied—not least the spacious villas, many of which are set along the cliff tops or beach and feature private pools. The Six Senses brand (which also oversees a sister Vietnamese property in the Con Dao marine park) highlights wellness, holistic living, and sustainability, and you’ll find plenty of evidence of that here, from the local organic produce used in the restaurants and bars to the traditional therapies and integrated wellness programming offered at the spa. Other can’t-miss activities include a private dinner in the mountain-set wine cave and an aerial yoga session—but maybe not in that order."

"Backed by the foothills of the Truong Son mountains, and fronted by a quiet bay and nearly two miles of sandy beach, this romantic retreat features an all-villa setup, with 56 sleek accommodations that have private gardens, infinity pools, and outdoor lounging and dining spaces; the only decision you need to make is whether you prefer a beachside or hilltop setting and one, two, or three bedrooms. While the resort tends to attract privacy-seeking couples, there’s plenty to do for active guests, from golfing on the 18-hole Nick Faldo–designed course and enjoying water activities via the on-site sea sports center and marine lab to indulging in tropical ingredient–infused treatments at the spa or a couple’s yoga or cooking class. Head off property for a boat trip, a mountain-biking adventure, or to visit the three nearby UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but come back for meals at the resort’s four distinct restaurants."

"Though primarily known as a family-friendly resort, this beachside getaway is equally popular with kid-free travelers who love the location, service, and long list of amenities. Tucked among the hills of the Son Tra Peninsula, overlooking the East Sea, the resort is home to 197 guest rooms and 22 suites, each with modern Vietnamese-inspired decor, an oversize bed, and a rain shower; suites and villas also have indoor/outdoor lounge spaces, butler service, and in some, private pools. (Another reason to upgrade: Suite and villa guests have access to a dedicated airport lounge, complete with mini-spa.) If you do have little ones in your party, drop them off at Planet Trekkers, the signature children’s club, where activities encourage cultural connection through workshops, arts and crafts, and outdoor playtime. Adult fun can be found by the pool, in daily diversions like tai chi classes, and at the award-winning Harnn Heritage Spa, where holistic treatments complement the Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio, created by French celebrity pedicurist Bastien Gonzalez. The resort’s dining and drinking spots include La Maison 1888, the domain of Michelin-darling chef Pierre Gagnaire, and Buffalo Bar, where you can top off a perfect day with vintage bubbles and hand-rolled cigars. Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites are located a day trip’s ride from the resort—that is, if you can tear yourself away."

"Why we love it: An all-villa beach retreat that offers a break from Vietnam’s bustling cities The Highlights: - Spacious villas with private plunge pools - A serene location overlooking the ocean - Local experiences that help guests explore Quy Nhon The Review: Set amid 18 acres of tropical gardens on a secluded bay, the all-villa Anantara Quy Nhon brings luxury to Vietnam’s south-central coast. Here, the 26 one- and two-bedroom villas each feature their own infinity pool, as well as spacious sundecks and floor-to-ceiling windows for taking in the ocean views. Bathrooms include double sinks, oversized bathtubs, and two showers—one outside and one inside with a door leading directly to your pool—making it easy to stay in your room all day. Should you want to socialize with other guests, however, there’s also a common pool overlooking the ocean, lined with umbrellas and sun loungers for relaxing in the shade. Designed to blend into the surrounding landscape, the hotel was crafted with local materials, from the wood on the villa sundecks to the Vietnamese blue stone accents in the common areas. Regional influences continue in the all-day restaurant Sea.Fire.Salt, where the menu highlights Quy Nhon’s abundance of seafood. Diners can order everything from oysters and scallops to sea bass and spiny lobster cooked on Himalayan salt bricks, then enhance their dish with a variety of rare salts from around the world. Also on site is a swim-up bar serving cocktails and Vietnamese craft beers, and a spa perched on a cliff above the bay. While it’s tempting to spend all your time on property, make space for one of the hotel’s local experiences—which range from cooking classes and temple visits to lunch at a nearby fisherman’s village—and get a taste of the surrounding area."