When I travel I generally like to experience a wide array of accommodation options, from 3 star to 5 star hotels or resorts, to Airbnbs and Bed & Breakfasts. Recently on my overseas holiday I couldn’t resist a little decadence! Little did I know that I would be relishing in a Vietnam luxury holiday.
My Luxury Escape holiday package comprised of two nights in Ho Chi Minh City and six nights in the beachside town of Hoi An located in Central Vietnam. When my husband purchased this voucher I never gave it another thought until our departure date became more imminent. Truth be known I was going to be in for a real treat because both hotels we stayed in were first class.
The old Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City
On our arrival into Vietnam’s southern capital, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), our driver from the hotel awaited us with a little sign bearing our names and we were whisked away into the chaotic traffic that this massive city is renowned for. We arrived at the Hotel Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City and were given a warm welcome by the receptionist staff, a cool cloth to refresh and an icy cold sweet drink.
Exterior of the Equatorial from the pool area
Our room was located on one of the upper floors, affording us magic views over the hotel’s pool area and the Ho Chi Minh City skyline. A comfortable king size bed awaited us, a modern bathroom with a shower/bath, a small table and chair and all the mod cons such as free WiFi, flat screen TV with cable and a well stocked mini bar.
Our Luxury Escapes package included a lot of extra goodies such as an afternoon tea experience, a soothing foot massage, airport transfers both ways, poolside drinks and a half day guided tour of the city. Naturally we took advantage of these luxuries and also embarked on a morning guide tour of the city on our second day. After a tasty, hearty breakfast buffet at the hotel, with bellies full, we set off on our tour.
Poolside drinks at the Equatorial
The tour took us to most of the iconic sights in Ho Chi Minh City, including the Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Reunification Palace, Lacquer ware Factory and the War Museum. We ended up taking some extra time at the War Museum and afterwards checked out the Central Markets in the city, eventually making our way back to the sanctuary of the Equatorial.
The Notre Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City
We awoke early on the third day to get to the airport in the Equatorial’s BMW vehicle provided with our package, with a very experienced and safe driver at the wheel, to make it in plenty of time for our flight to Danang. On arrival we got aboard the airport shuttle service provided by the next hotel, the luxurious Sunrise Premium Resort & Spa, located right on Cua Dai Beach in Hoi An. On first impressions of the resort we knew we were in for a treat! The open airy reception area looked straight out onto a large pool area surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens and beyond that the golden sandy beach.
One of the swimming pools at Sunrise Hoi An
Following a warm and friendly welcome by the beautifully dressed staff and once again a cool refreshing face washer and icy cold drink, we were escorted to our room. Our deluxe room had gorgeous garden views, an enclosed balcony, a huge bathroom with separate toilet and a large shower recess with a rain shower head. Adjoining the heavenly king sized bed was an extensive desk that also doubled as an area for making tea or coffee and serving cold drinks from the fully stocked mini-bar.
Our room at the Sunrise
The incredible facilities at the resort comprised of two glistening swimming pools including an infinity lap pool, a fully equipped gym and tennis courts, Bliss Spa, a kid’s club, daily activities, poolside bar and restaurant along with two other restaurants, shuttle service into Hoi An, free bicycle hire, tailor shop, gift shop and a clothing boutique. We really felt that there would be absolutely no reason to venture from this patch of paradise!
The beach area at the Sunrise Hoi An
Our six night stay included a heap of indulgent extras like: An afternoon tea experience, welcome drinks, two free daily meals (breakfast plus either lunch or dinner), 8 x 40 minute relaxing spa treatments, shuttle service to Danang Airport, and a traditional Vietnamese cooking class. We also participated in free morning Yoga classes, but otherwise spent a lot of time lazing under a grass umbrella on a comfy sun lounge on the beach, dipping in and out of the pool.
Learning how to cook traditional Vietnamese food at the Cooking Class
On a couple of occasions we set off early, before the heat of the day, on the resort’s free bicycles to explore the river and area around Cua Dai Beach. Catching the shuttle bus into Hoi An Old Town on a couple of occasions was also a must do.
A fishing boat on the river in Hoi An
With its location on the Thu Bon river, the charming old town of Hoi An is a delightful place to stroll around as there are no vehicles allowed. There are many sights in town including temples, ancient houses, chapels, markets and the famous covered Japanese bridge.
Hoi An Old Town
If you head south over the central footbridge to An Hoi islet, the riverfront is lined with bars and restaurants that are perfect for sipping a cold beverage at the end of the day. At night the riverfront is ablaze with colourful paper lanterns that reflect light onto the river.
The historic Japanese Covered Bridge in Hoi An
Our six days at the Sunrise Premium Resort & Spa went by rapidly in a haze of being pampered from head to foot in the day spa, eating delicious Vietnamese or Western cuisine in one of the three restaurants – Pool House, Spice Garden or The Lounge, or lazing around the generous sized swimming pools. With heavy hearts we had to say goodbye, but we both felt revitalised and relaxed and were ready to take on the remainder of Vietnam.
The Poolside Restaurant & Bar at the Sunrise Hoi An
The Luxury Escapes package not only included our eight nights of five star hotel accommodation, but it included a $400 credit towards our flights. Not too shabby for a decidedly decadent and luxurious holiday in Vietnam for two people!
For more of Vietnam see Incredible Places To Visit in Vietnam – Advice From Travel Experts
Disclaimer: I was paid for this review, however all opinions expressed are my own.
Comments are closed.
Julie Small
October 4, 2017Wow Kathy this looks incredible!! Looks like you had a wonderful time and Vietnam looks intriguing! Adding to my bucket list.
Kathy
October 4, 2017It was an incredible holiday Julie. We have visited both Ho Chi Minh and Hoi An before but this time we did it in luxury. Hoi An is so picturesque – in fact a photographer’s dream. You would love it!
Budget jan
October 4, 2017A luxury holiday would be a wonderful way to experience Vietnam. Hoi An was my favourite Vietnamese town and Luang Prabang is a long time special place for me. The beautiful historical place you stayed at looks wonderful.
Kathy
October 4, 2017Hoi An is my favourite place in Vietnam too Jan. I could wander around the Old Town for days and never get bored and I could also cruise along the beautiful river stopping at all the little fishing villages. It’s such a scenic spot. :)
Deborah
October 4, 2017Kathy, that looks amazing. I haven’t been to Vietnam since the late 1990s and was basically a backpacker so it was quite different but this makes me want to return!
Kathy
October 4, 2017I’ve been to Vietnam a couple of times now and think it’s a great holiday destination. Hoi An is a magical place with a lovely Old Town, nice clean beaches and a river. I think it should be on everyone’s bucket list. :)
Toni Broome
October 4, 2017It looks fabulous Kathy, Hoi An is such a beautiful part of the country. Looks like you lucked in on a great deal.
Kathy
October 5, 2017We certainly did Toni. Our accommodation was first class all the way and we enjoyed the gorgeous town of Hoi An so much. :)
Jo
October 4, 2017Vietnam looks like a fabulous holiday destination, and I think booking through a company like Luxury Escapes gives our age group peace of mind that accommodation will be superior and the experience should be above expectation. From the holiday you’ve just had, it certainly looks that way to me :)
Kathy
October 5, 2017That’s correct Jo. Sometimes it can be a gamble booking accommodation online. We have had some shockers over the years, but Luxury Escapes accommodation has always been superb. Vietnam is a great place for a holiday. :)
Jo Tracey
October 4, 2017Yep, that looks pretty luxurious! I love the sound of all the inclusions – especially in Hoi An…which I happen to think is the prettiest town ever.
Kathy
October 5, 2017Hoi An is the prettiest town ever, however we found it a lot more touristy that our last visit. I think the secret’s out! The inclusions in our Luxury Escapes package were incredible. We certainly got pampered!
Red Nomad OZ (Marion Halliday)
October 4, 2017Wow! Looks like you REALLY lucked out with both properties! I always like being met at the airport (maybe I’m just a cheap date, haha) but your package went way above and beyond what I would’ve been happy with! I’ve never been to Vietnam, but there’s a lot of good reasons to go – and I’m not just talking about the food!
Kathy
October 5, 2017There are a lot of good reasons to visit Vietnam. It’s an extraordinary travel destination with lots to offer from south to north and some lovely coastline. We were certainly spoilt with all the extras in our Luxury Escapes package. Such decadency!
Janet Camilleri aka Middle Aged Mama
October 4, 2017That looks and sounds amazing! It’s funny Vietnam was never really on my radar, but then a friend went for her 20th wedding anniversary a couple of years ago and the more I hear about it the more I want to go!
Kathy
October 5, 2017Yes I had reservations about Vietnam initially but now I’ve been here 3 times over the past 5 years. Imagine being on our Luxury Escape package for your wedding anniversary? It would be so romantic. :)
Jan Wild
October 5, 2017We have been talking about a return trip to Vietnam and I think your post might have sealed the deal. It certainly caused me to sign up for the Escape Travel newsletter.
Kathy
October 5, 2017Hi Jan, there is nothing like booking another holiday whilst you’re still on one! We do this often. We’ve had a few Luxury Escape deals and I can highly recommend this one to Vietnam. If you purchase a deal make sure you do it via my website.
Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond
October 5, 2017Well you’ve sold me Kathy!! This sounds exactly how I like to travel and it is great to have some little extra luxuries along the way. I’ve seen Luxury Escapes advertised so will definitely be looking into it. Thanks for a great travel review as Vietnam is on our travel list!
Kathy
October 5, 2017Vietnam is a great travel destination and it is very affordable. We’ve purchased several Luxury Escape deals and they have all been fabulous. All of the accommodation has been first class and there’s normally plenty of extras thrown in.
Melissa @ All Around Oz
October 5, 2017What an absolutely amazing trip you had. I have often thought that I would like to visit Vietnam but it’s not a place I equated with such luxury accommodation.
Kathy
October 5, 2017Yes it was truly a luxurious holiday. It’s nice to be pampered once in a while. However I did also enjoy our time in Sapa in the mountains of Northern Vietnam where our accommodation wasn’t so plush.
Leanne | www.crestingthehill.com.au
October 8, 2017I followed your adventure on Facebook Kathy and it looked absolutely amazing. I hadn’t realized that Vietnam had so much to offer and that you could do it with all the little luxuries as well.
Kathy
October 9, 2017Yes Vietnam is an amazing travel destination and there are plenty of luxury accommodation choices here as well now. It’s nice to have a little bit of luxury now and again!
Life Images by Jill
October 20, 2017We are yet to visit Vietnam yet, but it looks like from your post, and from reports from friends that have visited that it would be fascinating place to visit, with an interesting mix of cultural influences. Thanks for another great travel post Kathy. Your blog is always a great reference point to come back to.
Kathy
October 22, 2017Thank you Jill. I can highly recommend Vietnam as a holiday destination. This was our third time here and we have enjoyed it each time we’ve visited. :)