Victoria Can Tho Hotel

The Chau Doc hotel's colonial-style sister, the Victoria Can Tho Hotel commands views of the most captivating sights in the delta, the floating markets of Cai Be. A memorable early morning breakfast cruise on the resort's own wooden barge, the Lady Hau, enables you to mingle with barges laden with rice, exotic tropical fruit and vegetables as they jostle for the best position in the floating market.The Victoria Hotels & Resorts are indisputably the doyens of the delta!

Life Resort Hoi An

Life Resorts was created to provide a different kind of hospitality, stimulating the senses of guests in every aspect of their stay while respecting the local environment and culture.The Life Resort Hoi An is located along the Thu Bon River and right on the doorstep of Hoi An's colourful and bustling historic town centre where merchants once traded precious goods and left traces of their many different cultures. Set amongst landscaped tropical gardens, the Life Resort Hoi An offers 94 stylishly furnished guest rooms.Reflecting Hoi An's historical significance as a melting- pot of cultures, the Senses Restaurant captures the essence of both eastern and western influences and blends these with the exotic flavours of Vietnam's local cuisine. Café Vienna serves a wide selection of Austrian delicacies in a traditional Viennese style and atmosphere while the Jinsei Restaurant serves contemporary authentic Japanese cuisine.The Life Resort's spa centre offers a full range of signature treatments including hot stone therapy as well as various forms of touch therapy and reflexology, traditional Chinese organic medicine, tai chi, Thai massage and beauty treatments.

Sofitel Dalat Palace

A vision of French colonial style overlooking Xuan Huong Lake in the very heart of Dalat, the Sofitel Dalat Palace Hotel oozes historical charm and is itself one of the must-see monuments of the city with over 2,000 pieces of art decorating its rooms and restaurants.  Its 43 rooms offer luxury amenities with excellent views of the lake and surrounding park, and there are plenty of recreation opportunities at the nearby tennis courts and Dalat Palace Golf Course, which was founded in 1922, and converted to an international standard, par 72 course in 1994. Le Rabelais specializes in the finest French cuisine and wine and Café de la Poste offers Southeast Asian specialties along with international favorites.

Victoria Sapa Resort

The Victoria experience begins with the journey to Sapa, courtesy of the beautifully restored Pullman train, taking guests through some of Asia's most scenic countryside. Following a sumptuous dinner in a wood-paneled dining car, guests aboard the Victoria Express adjourn to their comfortable sleeper cabins. Waken early to witness the fantastic views of mountains, rice paddy terraces and forests. On arrival in Sapa travellers discover one of Indochina's most fascinating destinations, with its eclectic mixture of mountain scenery, busy markets and indigenous tribal people. At the heart of the town is the charming Victoria Sapa Hotel, reminiscent of an alpine lodge. A warm welcome is bolstered by log fireplaces and the coziness of the bar and restaurant. Whether guests choose to spend their days exploring the markets, visiting ethnic villages or climbing Mount Fansipan, the Victoria Sapa Hotel is the ideal place to relax and recharge. Soothe aching muscles at the spa or in the heated indoor pool and enjoy a good rest in the Victoria's comfy, spacious lodge-style bedrooms.

Ancient House Resort, Hoi An

In the days when Hoi An was an important trading post on the spice routes, the town had a special meeting house for merchants from each of the visiting Chinese clans so that they could feel welcome and comfortable. Today's weary travellers receive a welcome just as warm and considerate at the Ancient House Resort. The resort's light and airy atmosphere is designed to mimic Hoi An's historic charm, while making the best possible use of natural light. The resort's design suggests a stroll through the streets and alleys of the historic port town.  Furnishings are simple but attractive, and are made from locally available materials – dark woods, terracotta tiles and stone flagging. In fact, so authentic is the design that the actual ancient buildings in the resort (some up to 200 years old) don't seem at all incongruous. Everything about the resort is relaxed, welcoming and calm, including the circular swimming pool with its cool, blue-green tiles. So soothing is the pool that some may even find it hard to summon the energy to try the resort's famous cooking lessons, but the delicious results are definitely worth the effort.

Cham Villas, Phan Thiet

Located right on the beach in Vietnam's Phan Thiet, this luxury boutique resort comprises 16 private villas set in 9000 square meters of lush tropical garden just a three-hour drive from Saigon.

All of the charmingly appointed villas and bungalows have private patios, king-size beds and satellite TV, and villas also feature bathtubs overlooking a private garden for a truly indulgent soak!Quality Vietnamese and Western food are served in the hotel restaurant overlooking the pool and garden, and a delicious selection of home-made German cakes and coffee are available in the afternoon.

Emeraude Classic Cruises, Halong Bay, Hanoi

The story of today's Emeraude began with a postcard found in a Paris flea market. The card depicted a paddle steamer named 'Emeraude' which plied the emerald waters around Halong Bay a hundred years ago. The card's finder became fascinated with the story of the old ship and decided to rebuild the ship as faithfully as possible to the original design and the result is today's Emeraude. It's hard to imagine a more romantic experience than cruising the calm waters of Halong Bay aboard the Emeraude with her wood and brass paneling, wicker chairs and faithfully recreated cabins. The daily cruise includes stops to plunge into the cool water of the bay, try a hand at kayaking or explore the caves and grottoes of the limestone islands. An evening spent chatting with the ship's captain while a cool tropical breeze plays across the railings is unforgettable, but it is when the ship is at anchor and the stars come out over the bay that the experience becomes truly magical.

Furama Danang Resort & Spa

The Furama Resort Danang stands on one of the world's most iconic beaches. Known to surfers, movie buffs, historians and adventurers around the globe, China Beach has lots to offer beach bods and business boffins alike and the stylish Furama Resort is the place to stay. An enormous, sheltered freshwater swimming lagoon forms the centerpiece of the resort, and is a welcome sanctuary from the tropical midday heat. It's also a great place to hang out poolside and sample some of the fabulous fresh seafood recently plucked from the depths of the adjacent waters. The interiors of the resort are every bit as impressive as the landscaped tropical gardens, and the opulent rooms are spacious, well thought out and offer spectacular views. Everything at the Furama Resort Danang is done at such a scale that even if all 200 or so rooms are occupied, there is still a feeling of space and serenity. That is why the resort lends itself so readily to hosting larger scale meetings and conferences - in fact this year will see a huge conference center added to the Furama's already impressive arsenal of luxury facilities.

Victoria Chau Doc Hotel

Victoria Chau Doc Hotel, one of the two properties of Victoria Hotels & Resorts Group in the Mekong Delta, occupies enviable locations for exploring the fascinating waterways of the region. The Victoria Chau Doc Hotel stands at the convergence of three Mekong tributaries near Cambodia's border and commands a wonderful view of the mighty river. River life is diverse and guests can visit the floating villages, ethnic Cham communities and floating markets. The Mekong also provides easy transportation between the hotel and Phnom Penh in the form of the popular Victoria Speedboats.  Back at the hotel, relax and enjoy the sunset with a drink at the bar, or adjourn to the rooftop spa for some serious pampering.

Melia Hanoi

What do Miss Universe, Donald Rumsfeld and Kofi Annan all have in common? Answer: they all chose the Melia Hanoi as their host when they visited Vietnam.This luxurious 5-star hotel is located right in the city center of Hanoi, inside the diplomatic and financial district and close to main tourist attractions, entertainment and shopping areas. From its 22 stories, guests will enjoy a spectacular view of the city's parks, rivers and lakes.With well thought out, user-friendly and attractive guest rooms, the biggest acreage of meeting space in Vietnam, wireless internet available throughout its public areas and some very fine eateries, it is not hard to see why the VIP guest list is so long and illustrious.The Melia is embracing its Latin heritage (the Spanish brand is the world's largest operator of resort properties) with a new tapas bar which features an impressive list of exotic Latino cocktails and Spanish and new world wines.

Hoi An Trails Resort

The enchanting 16th century port town of Hoi An is one of Vietnam's most popular tourist destinations. The Hoi An Trails Resort, nestled amid tropical gardens overlooking paddy fields, is your perfect sanctuary for when you visit.Like the ancient town, this luxury boutique resort blends both Eastern and Western aesthetics. It recreates Hoi An's old world charm with unfailing courtesy in traditional surrounds, yet offers the international standards and modern comforts you would expect from a four-star property, such as conference facilities, ADSL internet and spa.  A host of activities await you here, including Vietnamese and calligraphy classes, traditional music performances and visits to local temples.Spacious guest rooms and suites are housed within three storey villas, tastefully furnished in traditional Vietnamese or Japanese styles and affording great views of the pool and coconut palm dotted gardens.  The resort's location places you conveniently near to the beach, ancient quarter and other attractions. But away from the crowds, it affords a rare tranquility in Hoi An. End your day at the roof top bar, watching the moon rise above the picturesque Do River and paddy fields. Later, fall asleep to the distant sound of croaking frogs and the splash of fish.

InterContinental Hanoi Westlake

In 2007, Hanoi welcomes a charming new five-star hotel, the InterContinental Hanoi Westlake.  Set over the tranquil waters of historic Westlake and next to the 800 year-old Golden Lotus Pagoda, it will be the perfect place to get away from the maddening crowds.  The Hanoi Intercontinental Westlake blends modern architecture with Vietnamese design in its rooms and suites.  Most have balconies commanding calming views of the serene Westlake waters to soothe the weary mind.  Each room has been meticulously furnished and decorated in exquisite materials and handcrafted finishes.   Luxury requires exceptional service, and the Intercontinental Westlake delivers.  Guests will find few faults with its elegant Club Lounge and the 24-hour butler service for suites.Gourmands need not worry as the InterContinental is the home of a wide variety of restaurants and bars.  Milan Saigon offers a chic combination of European and Asian cuisines, and Café du Lac offers a Parisian café experience. What better way to unwind after a day of Hanoi excitement than by sipping delicious cocktails against stunning sunset views at the gorgeous Sunset Bar?Luxury and serenity make their home at the InterContinental Hanoi Westlake, the perfect northern oasis.

Hoi An Riverside Resort & Spa

Along the banks of the Do River there are jewels to be found in the ancient towns of Hoi An and My Son Hollyland.  Nestled nearby is a treasure of a different sort, found in the cozy and beautiful Hoi An Riverside Resort and Spa.The Resort offers a panoramic view of Vietnam from a luxurious vantage point.  Its villas are furnished with rare woods, creating a quiet, timeless feeling for guests.  Outside, the beautifully landscaped tropical gardens and rice paddies sloping down to the Do River create a spectacular backdrop for any stay.  The atmosphere is one of history, where fishermen catch fish in the river and buffalos toil in the fields as they have for thousands of years.  Inside, the resort offers all the modern conveniences you would expect from a world- class resort, including two restaurants, a boutique and a private beach club.  To top it all off, the Riverside Sense Spa is always ready to help guests relax with a massage after a hard day's journey!

Imperial Hotel, Hue

Hue was once the seat of Vietnam's Nguyen Dynasty, and the Imperial Hotel certainly dresses the part. The hotel is adorned in impeccable imperial décor fastidious enough to delight even the most royal guests. Greeters in long ao dai's beckon patrons through the main doors and into the high-ceilinged foyer, a grand affair including great, twin dragon reliefs winding around the lobby's massive columns.The rooms are similarly regal, with panoramic views of Hue City, and its multitudes of ancient gates, tombs, and pagodas. On the other side are views of the scenic Perfume River, plied to this day by entrepreneurial locals.For culinary adventures, the Imperial Restaurant serves dishes from all three regions of Vietnam – in addition to a daily Western breakfast. The Imperial Hotel also retains a renowned Japanese chef in its Yoshihara Restaurant, serving up scrumptious sushi and tempura delicacies – truly meant for royalty. And to escape to the height of majesty, head up to the Starlight Lounge for a luxurious meal while overlooking all of ancient Hue.

Sofitel Metropole, Hanoi

Among the stately colonial style hotels of Indochina, one grand old lady reigns supreme – the Sofitel Metropole Hanoi. Standing proud close to Hoan Kiem Lake, the Sofitel Metropole has entertained the world's elite since she first opened her doors in 1901. There is something intrinsically opulent about the French design, with high ceilings, polished wooden floors and elegant dark wood furniture that charmed Charlie Chaplin who honeymooned here in 1936. Charlie would not, however, have had access to high speed internet, satellite TV with DVD and other mod cons available to today's guest. The French management takes food very seriously at the Sofitel Metropole and it shows. The Sunday brunch at Le Beaulieu restaurant is the stuff of legend. Sipping Earl Grey at Bar Le Club while a pianist gently plays define the word 'civilized.'A grand dame she may be, the Sofitel Metropole captures the energy and atmosphere of today's Hanoi like no other venue. Long may she reign!

Evason Ana Mandara Villas & Spa, Dalat

Opening in late 2006, Evason Ana Mandara Villas Dalat is completely unique in South-East Asia, comprising 17 deluxe, lovingly restored French colonial villas each constructed in the 1920s and 1930s and each attended by a personal butler. The cool hills of Dalat provide a fitting backdrop for Six Senses' latest luxury boutique resort venture. Outdoor hot tubs allow guests to take in the cool air and striking Central Highland vistas, while the open fireplaces and quintessentially colonial villa design will give a feeling of divine opulence. The area around the resort offers plenty of activities and entertainment for guests - the stunning Dalat Palace Golf Course is beautiful and challenging and visitors can take a bike, pony ride or car to discover the local countryside, the town market and nearby minority villages. For atmosphere, luxury, calm and sheer uniqueness the Evason Ana Mandara Villas in Dalat will soon be an essential part of every discerning traveller's itinerary in Vietnam.

The Nam Hai Hoi An

Travelers returning from a stay at The Nam Hai Resort are often at a loss for words, but 'unsurpassed opulence” comes pretty close. Its 100 villas are an exercise in luxurious modern living, fusing practicality of design with traditional Asian style to splendid effect, and few can find fault with their accommodations' generous passageways, eggshell-lacquered baths, and state-of-the-art audio and visual systems. Its rooms are arranged to maximize viewer pleasure – of the pool, the beach just past, and the azure horizon beyond. The Nam Hai fuses world-class luxury with an Oriental design aesthetic, and this blend is reflected in its two gourmet restaurants, tropical lagoon spa and three beachfront swimming pools. It is no surprise that the Nam Hai has launched with much worldwide acclaim. Conde Nast Traveller, Travel + Leisure and Australia's Gourmet Traveller have all named the Nam Hai as one of the best new hotels of 2007. Should the private pools, the lagoon spa and relaxation haven, and restaurants serving International and Vietnamese fine cuisine all lose their charm, visitors can venture into Hoi An's bustling treasure trove of shops and landmarks to remind themselves of that peaceful seaside gem – The Nam Hai Resort.

The Novotel Ocean Dunes, Phan Thiet

The Nick Faldo-designed links course on the outskirts of the fishing town of Phan Thiet is an equally distinct, albeit very different proposition. When the stiff onshore breeze picks up in the afternoons, this course is a real challenge, and has few contemporaries in Asia. The Novotel Ocean Dunes is the quintessential family beach resort, and offers a host of great facilities, from the oversized pool to play areas for kids. The resort is right on the course and adjacent to a great stretch of white sandy beach.

Topas Eco Lodge, Sapa

At the former French hill station of Sapa – in mountainous north-west Vietnam - most of the town's hotels lend superb vistas of mountains and terraced rice fields. But Topas Ecolodge lifts mountain accommodation to new heights – literally – offering a bird's eye view in every sense of the word.Far from Sapa's crowds, Topas Ecolodge may take longer to reach – a half hour's drive out of town, up winding roads and through remote terrain. But if you seek peace, solitude and a sense of nature, these 25 individual granite lodges, set spectacularly atop two cone-shaped hills, are worth the journey. As far as the eye can see, there is nothing else around – except sweeping valleys dotted with minority villages and towering peaks. If you tire of sitting on your private balcony drinking in the mesmerizing view, you can always go trekking or mountain biking. And the stilt house restaurant serves delicious fare, complimented with organic produce farmed nearby.  This joint Vietnamese-Danish venture is justifiably proud of its pioneering ecological concept, respecting both the local culture and environment.

Halong Dream Hotel, Halong City

The fifteen-storey Dream Hotel offers 184 well-furnished guest rooms overlooking the magnificent World Heritage Site of Halong Bay. All rooms are spacious and air-conditioned and offer bath tubs, laptop connections and satellite TV and facilities in the cozy property include an outdoor pool, sauna and fitness center. Traditional Vietnamese treatments are available at the hotel spa and the hotel's Hanoi Restaurant offers reasonably-priced local and international dining options.

La Veranda Grand Mercure Resort & Spa, Phu Quoc

Many properties in Asia claim to be 'boutique', but few fit the bill so perfectly as Grand Mercure La Veranda on Phu Quoc.  In fact, the entire island can justifiably claim boutique status! Only recently connected to the mainland by reliable flights, and known to precious few international tourists, Phu Quoc is Asian island living at its best and Grand Mercure La Veranda is the jewel in the island's crown. Grand Mercure La Veranda is currently the only truly luxury resort on the island with sumptuous villas, a wonderfully indulgent spa and a pristine sandy beach. The resort opened in late 2006 and is already developing a reputation as one of the most sought-after hideaways in Asia. If guests can tear themselves away from the luxurious rooms (all feature wireless Internet, DVD players and carefully crafted furniture), the resort offers a full array of beach activities and water-sports, as well as a tempting pool to escape the tropical heat. Phu Quoc is famous for the quality of its fresh seafood and Grand Mercure La Veranda's two restaurants offer a choice of Asian and European cuisines in a delightful beachside setting.  

Palm Garden Resort, Hoi An

Hoi An's beach scene is one of the most dynamic in Asia, and the most recent luxury beach property to open on this long stretch of palm-fringed coastline is the Palm Garden Resort. Covering an expansive five hectare site, the resort's verdant gardens roll down to a wide expanse of white sandy beach, an extension of the world famous China Beach. The Palm Garden Resort offers a wide range of international-standard facilities, with plenty of breathing room to accommodate them all. The Terrace Café  is ideal for a snack between a swim in the resort's beautiful pool and a stroll on the beach, while the beachside Colibri Restaurant is sophisticated enough for a romantic evening meal. With a wide range of world class watersports, beach activities like T'ai Chi and volleyball, tennis, billiards and a host of other holiday activities available there's no time for guests to sit around - unless of course they choose to! Pampering comes from the world famous Qi Shiseido Salon and Spa, and parents will be glad of the kids club when the clock turns to 'me' time…

Princess d'Annam Resort, Tinh Binh Thuan

Combine an award-winning Singaporean architect, a French management team with a flair for fine cuisine, a unique location in southern Vietnam overlooking a hundred-year-old lighthouse and a pristine beach, and you have the recipe for a stellar new retreat.Oozing style and panache, the Princess d'Annam Resort & Spa has quickly gained a reputation for sophisticated luxury. The resort delivers privacy, serenity and no end of pampering. Guests can delight in a blissful afternoon unwinding in the Aquamarine Spa before dining at La Safranée where chef Rémi Faubel has crafted Vietnam's most sought-after new menu.There are 58 villas in all, ranging from the merely expansive to two-storey executive sanctuaries with plunge pools and stunning views of Ke Ga Bay. Each features a private walled garden, outdoor bathrooms and plasma TVs, DVD players and high-speed internet access. The villas are so resplendent, many guests choose to dine there in comfort and privacy.For those in search of elegant, indulgent escapism, the Princess d'Annam is a perfect fit.

Life Wellness Resort Quy Nhon

On the Eastern coast of Vietnam stands the Life Wellness Resort Quy Nhon, an ideal sanctuary for those seeking rest and relaxation. The resort embraces the cliffs of a gorgeous, primeval cove designed my Mother Nature herself to lift the spirits and ease the mind. A sea breeze blows softly through the al fresco treatment huts adding a welcome element to the many options available to pamper the body and rest the mind. Through their unique philosophy, Life Resorts will always invigorate body, mind and soul leaving guests energized and relaxed.

Park Hyatt Saigon, Ho Chi Minh

A world-class, residential-style hotel with international flair, custom-designed for the discriminating traveller who seeks privacy, personalised service and outstanding quality.The Park Hyatt Saigon is centrally located at Lam Son Square, near the elegant Opera House in downtown Ho Chi Minh City and within easy walking distance of the city's best shopping areas, entertainment and main tourist attractions. There are 259 luxurious guest rooms including 21 suites and 9 Park Deluxe rooms and a Park Suite.For dining there is a choice of Square One, a stylish restaurant featuring Vietnamese and Western cuisine, Opera, for alfresco casual Italian or Park Lounge, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows and views of the bustling city centre.Recreational facilities include a spa centre with seven treatment rooms, beauty and body treatments, a fully-equipped fitness studio and a 20-metre outdoor swimming pool.

Evason Hideaway at Ana Mandara, Nha Trang

True to the Six Senses Resorts & Spas philosophy, the Evason Hideaway and its sister Ana Mandara resorts create wonderfully innovative and enriching experiences in a sustainable environment.Nha Trang, Vietnam's premier beach destination is known throughout South-East Asia for its soft white sand beaches and the warm, turquoise waters of its scenic bay. The Evason Hideaway occupies a unique site near to Nha Trang on Ninh Van Bay. The impressive rock formations, coral reef and sandy beach, give the sense of being luxuriously at one with natureThe architectural style reflects the traditions of Vietnam and the 53 pool villas provide generous personal space and an uncompromised standard of luxury. The resort's restaurant features the best of East meets West fusion cuisine. The Six Senses Spa, nestling among rocks beside a gently cascading stream, has an international team of therapists on hand providing signature treatments together with individual rejuvenation specialties of the region.In Nha Trang itself, another Six Senses Resort, the Ana Mandara, enjoys a privileged position as the only resort located directly on the beach. The Ana Mandara Villas Dalat is a collection of renovated colonial villas in the southern highlands of Vietnam.

La Residence Hotel and Spa, Hue

The imperial capital under the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945, Hue is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the cultural treasures of Indochina. Hue is a peaceful, serene city, rich in culture, legends and history and one of the highlights of any trip to Vietnam.There's a special magic that colonial era hotels in exotic places bring to mind, and there are precious few classic hotels with that astonishing grandeur and indulgent atmosphere left today. The erstwhile mansion of France's Governor in Annam (modern-day central Vietnam) has been restored its original glory and converted into a boutique colonial hotel, filling a gap in Vietnam that has long been wanting. The exterior façade of La Résidence Hôtel & Spa, on the shady banks of the Perfume River, overlooking the Citadel on the opposite bank, has all the makings of a proper colonial mansion hotel - vast round driveway, ornate fountain, luscious garden, grandiose doorway and the unmistakable white-shuttered character of an old French villa. The renovation of the hotel elegantly combines art deco flair, cultural sensitivity, attention to detail and, in places, a wry sense of humor. The result is a distinctive boutique hotel exuding colonial charm and luxury.Not only is this property a feast for the eyes, this gorgeous property ensures that your other senses are not ignored.  Le Perfum Restaurant is guaranteed to delight with its European and Vietnamese Cuisine, while Le Spa will ease away the day's stress with its relaxing spa treatments.

Zephyr Hotel, Hanoi

A charming boutique property ideally located in the bustling heart of Hanoi, the Zephyr is surrounded by stylish shops and tree-lined boulevards and is just minutes from Hoan Kiem Lake. The hotel offers 40 spacious rooms and suites, many with balconies overlooking the city, and also features a fully equipped gym. Zephyr restaurant and coffeehouse serves an array of delicious Western, Asian & Vietnamese cuisine, and for memorable sun-down cocktails try the hotel's roof-top bar with panoramic views of the city, signature drinks and live music.

White Sand Resort, Mui Ne, Phan Thiet

White Sands Resort occupies a quiet corner on the long stretch of sandy beach at Mui Ne, giving the resort an air of peace and tranquility - a welcome break from the frenetic pace of life in nearby Ho Chi Minh City. White Sands is independently owned, internationally managed and the staff are friendly, approachable and very well trained. The standard of cuisine in the resort's informal ocean view restaurant is exceptional, with a broad range of international and Vietnamese choices available and, of course, plenty of locally caught fresh seafood. The resort is thoughtfully laid out, with the bungalows ideally placed to maximise views of the ocean and the beautifully landscaped gardens. White Sands is ideal for families with spacious family bungalows available and plenty of activities to keep parents and youngsters entertained. Despite being set away from the hustle of Mui Ne's main strip of resorts, White Sands is within easy reach of the burgeoning scene of local restaurants and beachfront bars in the area. The resort offers an ideal mix of simple seaside charm and international standard service.  

Evason Ana Mandara & Six Senses Spa, Nha Trang

Located directly on the beach, this luxury resort rests comfortably on 26,000 m2 of private tropical gardens overlooking the ocean and offers 74 elegant guest rooms situated in 17 villas. The renowned Six Senses Spa offers an extensive range of holistic treatment techniques from East and West and The Pavilion restaurant overlooks Nha Trang Bay and serves a selection of tasty Vietnamese and international dishes.

Caravelle Hotel, Ho Chi Minh

Vietnam's corps of foreign correspondents made the old Caravelle Hotel their home base during decades of conflict in Indochina. The rooftop bar made an ideal base to write up their stories and compare notes on the day's developments. Today's Caravelle has retained some of the atmosphere and whiff of adventure from those heady days and sitting in the rooftop Saigon Saigon Bar one can almost hear the whump whump of helicopter rotors in the far distance. Of course, the hotel has developed into an elegant and sophisticated venue for contemporary visitors and the fine service, elegant rooms and fantastically opulent restaurants are as good as any 21st century five-star. What no other hotel can offer however, are the stunning views of Saigon's Opera House and the surrounding boulevards lined with elegant boutiques and cafés. Some might say: Plus ca change, plus c'est le meme chose!

Swiss Belhotel Golden Sand Resort, Hoi An

Swiss-Belhotel Golden Sand Resort in Hoi An has plenty to boast about – six hectares of landscaped gardens, more rooms than any other hotel in central Vietnam, water sports and activities aplenty and some smart family friendly policies, sadly lacking in many resorts today.One of the first things guests will notice on arrival at Swiss-Belhotel Golden Sand Resort (apart from the friendly smiles on the staff) is the vast swimming pool, again a major draw card for families with two dedicated kids pools and play areas, qualified lifeguards and a nearby kids club.The beach attracts kids and adults alike with beach volleyball, soccer and a casual al fresco beach café. Of course, the less energetic can simply relax and enjoy the wide expanse of golden sand.The resort is designed with a stylish mixture of contemporary and traditional Vietnamese aesthetics and subtle lighting creates a magical atmosphere when the stars come out.The recent addition of a talented 'unplugged' band adds to the sensory experience.