From the Ho Chi Minh Trail to Saigon, the city of a million motorbikes, what makes a romantic spa holiday in Vietnam is the synergy between history, culture and leisure.
Vietnam has an intrinsic romance to it, stemming from the food, the temples and the open nature of the people who live there. However, it also boasts more than 3400km of coastline with infinite stretches of beach on which to watch a rather unique world go by.
When to visit Vietnam
Broadly speaking, Vietnam is a year round destination, depending on what you want to do while you’re there. The high season from July to August brings heat and humidity, except in the far north, while September and October tend to be the wettest months.
The geography of the country means that at most of the time it will be warm and dry somewhere but for romantic breaks in Vietnam, March to May are most popular for pretty much guaranteed weather wherever you go.
Where to stay on a romantic spa holiday in Vietnam
Hotel de L’Opera Hanoi: part of the luxury Sofitel hotel group, Hotel de L’Opera Hanoi offers an oasis of calm in the bustling mystique of Hanoi. Boldly decorated, contemporary rooms and suites ranging from Deluxe to Grand Deluxe options are characterised by flashes of colour.
Fusion Maia Da Nang: an all-villa resort that’s dedicated to wellbeing, Fusion Maia Da Nang offer healthy living and indulgence in one, with a choice of one bedroom Pool Villas, two bedroom Spa Villas or three bedroom Beach Villas, all enjoying beautiful modern design.
Fusion Suites Saigon: in Ho Chi Minh City, Fusion Suites Saigon adopts a minimalist, modern approach to design, in an all-suite hotel. Wood panelled rooms open up onto awe-inspiring views through floor-to-ceiling windows in Suites, Corner Suites and Family Suites.
Fusion Resort Phu Quoc: with private pools and secluded gardens at each of the thatched villas, this all-villa resort gives guests peace and quiet by the beach in Vietnam.
Four activities for a romantic holiday in Vietnam
Explore Saigon by motorbike: the grandiosity of the city once known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’ seeing Saigon by motorcycle almost feels like a right of passage, such is the prevalence of the motorbike in this city, but it’s also a way to explore that wouldn’t be possible on foot. Hire a Vespa with a local guide to see parts of the city not open to the regular tourists.
See Hanoi at dawn: Hanoi retains the charm of a provincial city on the banks of the Red River. It’s very different to other capital cities thanks to its mix of indigenous culture, natural features, bustling atmosphere and French colonial influences, but at dawn you can take a tour on a ‘cyclo’, similar to a rickshaw, and you get a sense of what it’s like to live there. It’s also a chance to see the flag raising ceremony, a national ritual that’s conducted every day in front of the President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Ba Dinh Square.
Tuck into street food: whether in Hanoi or Saigon, street food is a big part of the culture in Vietnam, and in particular the enormous pancakes that are made from rice batter and crackle with heat when they’re served.
Breakfast on the beach: private dining is a real treat in Vietnam but at Fusion Maia in Danang they also provide breakfast on the beach away from the crowds first thing in the morning.
Leave a Reply