Overview
From Andrew Harper
Americans have obvious reason to be curious about Vietnam, and most return from their visits stirred by the beauty of the landscape and the generosity of their hosts. Hotels and resorts in Vietnam have attained a commendable level of excellence, but they haven’t ascended to the highest international standards. As long as you don’t expect the equivalents of Phuket’s Amanpuri or the Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok, you are likely to be pleasantly surprised. Hanoi is an unexpectedly gracious French colonial city, with tree-lined boulevards and fine neoclassical buildings.
CLIMATE: In the north, May-September is the hot and humid rainy season, with daytime temperatures cooling to the upper 60s in winter. In the south, the rainy season is May-October, though daytime temperatures average 88-95 F all year. The best compromise for a north-south visit is fall, preferably November.
TIME: 12 hours ahead of New York (EST).
CURRENCY: Vietnamese dong (VND). Fluctuating rate valued at VND20,825 = US$1.00 as of January 2012. Note: Our suggested hotels quote rates in US$.
U.S. EMBASSY: Hanoi, Tel. 4-3850-5000. Ho Chi Minh City consulate, Tel. 8-3520-4200.
DIRECT DIAL CODES: To phone hotels in Vietnam, dial 011 (international access) + 84 (Vietnam code) + city code and local numbers in listings.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Passport (valid for six months beyond end of stay) and visa. Visit travel.state.gov, and for travelers’ health information, cdc.gov
GENERAL INFORMATION: Visit vietnamtourism.com before your trip.
Hotels
All recommended hotels in Vietnam
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Sofitel Metropole Hanoi French Colonial-style hotel built in 1901, ideally situated between the Opera House and picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake. |
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Caravelle Hotel Graciously staffed 335-room property in refurbished landmark hotel and a modern high-rise tower, conveniently located in the central downtown business and shopping district of Ho Chi Minh City. |
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Park Hyatt Saigon Sophisticated downtown hotel overlooking the Opera House. The 244 stylish rooms and suites have dark wood furniture and large windows or French doors with wooden shutters; marble baths include separate tubs and rainfall shower wet areas. |
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Evason Ana Mandara Nha Trang Stylish 74-room resort enclave amid tropical gardens on a narrow strip of land fronting a spectacular beach, an hour by air north of Saigon. |
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Six Senses Ninh Van Bay Impressive resort on a secluded peninsula, reached only by a 30-minute speedboat ride from Nha Trang. |
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The Nam Hai GHM hotels has opened a classy new resort estate along Vietnam’s legendary China Beach south of Da Nang, near the charming old port town of Hoi An. |
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La Résidence Hôtel & Spa Refurbished art deco-style hotel housed within former colonial governor’s mansion and two new wings, on the banks of the Perfume River in Hue. |