Great Hotels in Vietnam for Every Budget

Like many countries in Southeast Asia, Vietnam has a wealth of hotels. In recent years, there’s been quite a surge in hotel construction, particularly in the luxury end of the market. And even during the Covid-19 pandemic phase, new hotels are still springing up all over the country. But even if you’re not in the luxury market, there are still great hotels in Vietnam for every budget.

Vietnam tends to be sectioned off into 3 or maybe 4 ‘zones’. Each zone has its own flavour, so to speak. However, each zone still caters to all travel budgets. So no matter where you visit in Vietnam, there will be a perfect place for you to rest your head at night.

There are literally thousands of hotels in Vietnam to choose from. As a frequent traveller to the country, there are many that have caught my attention. So let’s have a look, shall we?

Luxury Hotels

There’s definitely been a huge increase in the number of luxury hotels in Vietnam in recent years. Every major high-end hotel brand is claiming their share of the market that’s booming in Vietnam.

The savvy luxury traveller has discovered Vietnam, and are finding many excellent hotels to choose from. Here’s a few new and old(er) ones to give you a sense of what’s available.

The Amanoi, Ninh Thuan

Aman Hotels have a very loyal following, and is almost always listed as one of the top 10 hotels brands of the world. True “Amanjunkies” will know that the very first Aman hotel opened in Thailand more than 30 years ago. And now there are more than 30 resorts in 20 different countries.

Located within Nui Chua National Park, about two hours south of Nha Trang on the Pacific Ocean coastline, the resort is a collection of secluded villas nestled into the hillside and rocky cliffs. There are only 31 villas, five of which include live-in chefs and butlers. Each of the free-standing structures overlook the private beach and the crystal waters of Vinh Hy Bay.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel, Hanoi

The Sofitel Legend Metropole is a 5-star luxury hotel that originally opened in 1901, and has hosted a great many heads of state and ambassadors, along with famous writers and entertainers. The original structure is considered one of the most important buildings of French colonial style in Vietnam.

Today, the two main structures contain 364 rooms and suites, along with 6 restaurants, a spa and a pool. If you’re something of a history buff,  you can take a tour of The Bunker, which served as an air raid shelter for guests during the Vietnam War era. If you prefer to remain above ground, you’ll enjoy the legendary service that this hotel is known for, and garners its many awards. The Metropole was included as one of the Best Hotel in Asia in 2016, 2017 and 2018 by Conde Nast Traveller magazine.

Six Senses Ninh Van Bay

Six Senses is a small luxury brand that started in Thailand, and is now part of the IHG Hotel Group. With just 18 resorts around the world, the brand is built around the concepts of wellness and sustainability. Each of their resorts, regardless of its location, is designed to fit into the nature surrounding it. Six Senses was named the World’s Best Hotel Brand, 3 years in a row by Travel & Leisure magazine readers.

This particular resort is quite secluded, and is only accessible by boat or seaplane. The Six Senses Ninh Van Bay sits on a hillside overlooking the East Vietnam Sea, with white sand beaches, and jungled mountains for a view. Each of the 58 private villas has its own plunge pool, and is designed in the signature Six Senses eco-chic style. Staying here is like living on your own private island.

Four Seasons Resort – The Nam Hai, Hoi An

Four Seasons – The Nam Hai has long been considered the most luxurious hotel in the Hoi An area of central Vietnam. Originally opened in 2006, it wasn’t until Four Seasons assumed ownership did things really take off for the property. The resort, with 100 villas in various sizes, occupies about 27 hectares of beachfront property. Located about 35 minutes south of Danang, and a short trip to Hoi An, it’s a great place to spend a week or two.

The Nam Hai is a great base location when visiting the three nearby UNESCO World Heritage sites of Hue, Hoi An and My Son. Or you could simply luxuriate in your private villa and pamper yourself at the Spa. Each of the suites and villas are designed with the traditional Vietnamese garden home style in mind, with large timber frames, vaulted ceilings and raised sleeping platforms. Fourty-five of the units have their own pools as well.

Azerai La Residence, Hue

The Azerai La Residence has a great backstory. The structure, which sits directly across the river from the Citadel (Hue’s top draw), was originally built in 1930 as the residence of the French Resident Superieure. Designed in the favoured Art Deco style of the time, it has been renovated into the boutique hotel it is today by Adrian Zecha, the founder of Aman Hotels.

Two new wings were added in 2005, and while they’re modern, they maintain the design esthetics of the original building. A large saltwater pool sits between the building and the Perfume River, with great views of the UNESCO-listed Citadel, once home to Vietnam’s ruling emperors. The Colonial Suite, with its sweeping veranda overlooking the river and pool is a great place to relax and watch the sunset after a day exploring the region.

MGallery – Hotel de la Coupole, Sapa

Accor’s luxury brand MGallery recently opened a stunning property in Vietnam’s Sapa region, and it’s unlike anything else in the region. The Hotel de la Coupole was created by world-renowned designer Bill Bensley, it’s like returning to the golden age of travel in the Indochine. In the early 1900’s, the French Civil Authority used to pack up their offices in Hanoi and summer among the hill tribes of mountainous Sapa.

As the only 5-star international brand hotel in the area, it has a dominant position in the town, and offers sweeping views of the valleys below from its rooms and walkways. Each of the 249 rooms are decorated with antiques and vintage items, mixed with ethnic motifs that bring a flamboyant yet sophisticated feel to the hotel. The 9 different room types embody a mixture of French haute couture and ethnic hill tribe designs, each slightly different from the rest. It’s really best that you see if for yourself.

JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa

The JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa, which is quite a mouthful, is another whimsical property designed by Bill Bensley. For those of us who follow his portfolio, we’ve come to know that he really likes a theme in his designs. And this property, unlike anything else in the Marriott collection, doesn’t disappoint. The concept for this hotel, which is immediately evident when you stay there, is a university that’s been converted into a hotel.

The property refers to itself as the fictitious Lamarck University Campus, and each of the hotel’s buildings are named after a university department, like Chemistry, Zoology, Astronomy, etc. Each of the buildings is decorated in such a way to reflect that particular discipline.

The 244 rooms are bright and spacious, thanks to their expansive windows and high ceilings. All rooms have verandas or balconies, while the villas have private gardens and pools. If you feel like splurging, you could rent out the beachfront Lamarck House, which has 7 bedrooms, and an olympic-length infinity pool.

Mid-Range Hotels

Like most countries around the world, the bulk of the available lodging in Vietnam is in the mid-range price. Vietnam has an immense collection of privately hotels and home-grown brands that have loyal followings.

Many of the best hotels in the country won’t be known to foreign visitors, so it’s a great idea to engage the help of someone with the local knowledge to find some great options. 

Golden Silk Boutique Hotel, Hanoi

Located in one of the more popular areas of Hanoi, the Golden Silk Boutique Hotel is a great place to base yourself for your time in the capital. It’s just a quick walk to Hoan Kiem Lake, one of Hanoi’s top draws for locals and tourists alike.

The 55 rooms are comfortable, designed to western standards, with a graceful Asian style. The rooms and suites at the front of the building overlook the Old Quarter area of the city, and many have balconies as well. The rooftop bar is a great place to finish a day of explring this exciting city.

Topas EcoLodge, Sapa

The Topas Ecolodge is a unique resort that sits on top of a mountain 18km from Sapa village. The lodge uses sustainable practices, which includes having its own wastewater treatment plant, and even a glass crusher that recycles all its glass.

The resort employs local tribes people, and procures local products and ingredients to support the local communities. Each of the 41 chalet-type stone bungalows have balconies where you can view the mountains and rice terraces for hours. Since there’s no WiFi or TV’s here, spend your time in one of the 2 saltwater infinity pools, or at the spa.

Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa

The Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa is a mountain lodge overlooking the town of Sapa and Mt. Fansipan – Indochina’s tallest peak. The hotel markets itself as more than just lodging, but also for their experiences. In addition to booking a room here, you can extend your ‘stay’ with an overnight vintage train journey from Hanoi, or with a local homestay.

The hotel itself has 77 rooms and suites, with private terraces, and spacious living quarters decorated with local crafts and antiques. The lodge has large fireplaces that you can cozy up to when the temperatures dip to the low digits in Sapa. The main dining room is known to bring in local musicians to entertain at dinner.

Bonne Nuit Hotel, Hanoi

The Bonne Nuit Hotel is situated in the popular Old Quarter section of Hanoi. It’s a short 10 minute walk to the Hoan Kiem Lake, and the market districts and St. Joseph’s Cathedral.

The 55 rooms and suites meet the needs of the most discerning travellers. AC and WiFi are standard, and the suites have a bathtub. The hotel has a restaurant and bar, plus a spa, so all of your personal needs are met on site.

Royal Holiday Hotel, Hanoi

The Royal Holiday Hotel Hanoi enjoys a commanding position in the culture, sightseeing and shopping hub that surrounds Hoan Kiem Lake. Despite being in the middle of everything, the street still has the quiet neighbourhood feel.

Each of the 15 rooms and suites are tastefully decorated in classic French style, with modern amenities, and include WiFi and satellite TV, and include breakfasts. There are many restaurants in the neighbourhood for larger meals. Some of the lakeview rooms have small balconies, too.

Budget Hotels

Budget hotels in Vietnam generally offer a lot more for your money than what you’d get in most other countries. Even modest budgets would provide you with excellent lodging that bring all the comforts you’d need for busy travel days.

Vin Star Villa, Hoi An

Vin Star Villa sits on a quiet side street not far from the centre of Hoi An’s popular riverfront walkways. You could even bicycle to the area with one of the loaner bikes from the hotel.

This small boutique hotel has 10 rooms, along with the usual appointments you’d expect like WiFi, AC and TV’s, etc. Although there’s no pool or gym, the rooms are a good size, and there’s a restaurant and lounge you can spend your time in. Although the hotel is pretty new, it is already enjoying high ratings.

Volar Homestay, Hoi An

Don’t let the word ‘Homestay’ dissuade you from checking this hotel out. Although the word conjures up visions of sleeping on someone’s sofa, that couldn’t be further from the reality of staying at the Volar Homestay Hoi An.

The 7 rooms at this boutique hotel are bright and clean, most have balconies, and one even has direct pool access. There’s a small cafe for breakfast, loaner bicycles, WiFi, AC, and a pool (obviously). It’s a short distance to Hoi An’s Ancient Town district, which you could easily walk to.

The hotel likes to think of their guests as family, staying in their home – hence the homestay moniker.

Alcove Library Hotel, HCMC

The simple and elegant Alcove Library Hotel lives up to it’s name the minute you enter its front doors. The 2-storey bookcase that covers the wall is impressive, and contains hundreds of titles that can be borrowed during your stay.

Located on a main road between the airport and the main shopping and cultural districts, this hotel is convenient and accessible. The rooftop restaurant and bar is a great place to start your day with breakfast, and with a-la-carte meals through the day.

The rooms are simple and modest, with contemporary designs, and beds with luxurious linens. It’s definitely a good option if you’re looking for a modest property at a good price.

Ma Maison Hotel, HCMC

The Ma Maison Boutique hotel is housed in a 75 year old colonial villa, which was remodelled to evoke French country style. Walls are painted in soft yellows and greens, while the 12 rooms have blond-wood beds and desks with gold-leaf details. 

The Little Bistro restaurant serves guests Asian and European signature dishes on a French farmhouse wood table surrounded by modern leather and ladder-back chairs.

Although the rooms are small, they are filled with all the necessary comforts you’d need. And you’ll feel quite at home in the soothing Provence style designs. Because the hotel is located in a suburban district, you get to feel part of the neighbourhood, and the hotel makes you feel like family.