Central & South Vietnam: Off the Beaten Path Accommodations & Experiences with Realistic Asiareal
A land of diverse landscapes, rich culture and breathtaking beauty, Vietnam is so much more than the well-trodden paths of Hanoi, Halong Bay and Ho Chi Minh, unmissable though they are. True connoisseurs know that many of Vietnams’s hidden gems can be found in its lush, green centre, or in the exclusive beauty of the coastal retreats of the South.
We asked the experts at Realistic Asia DMC for their pick of off-trail accommodations in Central and South Vietnam that will allow your guests to discover Vietnam as it was meant to be experienced; untouched, unspoiled and unforgettably fabulous. From authentic stays in verdant valleys to eco-luxe experiences on pristine coastlines, these handpicked destinations promise a truly precious journey that blends natural and cultural immersion with the best of barefoot luxe.
Central Vietnam - Untamed Beauty & Total Tranquillity are hand in hand.
Zannier Bãi San Hô: A Secluded Paradise in Phu Yen
We begin nestled in the heart of stunning Phu Yen, a serene central coastal destination of striking natural beauty. Remaining relatively undiscovered, Phu Yen is ideal for those seeking a more authentic Vietnamese experience amidst some of Vietnam’s most spectacular landscapes - think jagged cliffs, lush green hills and crystal-clear waters.
Ghenh Da Dia, the area’s most famous landmark, is a natural wonder featuring thousands of hexagonal basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity, resembling a giant honeycomb stretching into the sea and the whole coastline of the province is dotted with pristine beaches like Bai Xep and Bai Mon, where you can relax on golden sands without the crowds. And the phrase “without the crowds” is really the key here.
Bãi San Hô is remote, authentic and fabulously beautiful, a 245-acre nature and beachfront resort with a strong focus on enriching the cultural experience of its guests, as well as holding the Green Globe certification for sustainability. Those looking to rest and indulge on-site will be in their element, with endless leisure activities (including watersports like kayaking and snorkelling) plus an expansive Spa on offer. And, with three unique dining experiences, there’s something to delight every gastronome.
Nature and culture lovers won’t be at a loss either, with a range of tailored excursions at their fingertips - from guided nature walks to discovery tours of the locality, including Cham Ruins, local fishing villages and temples; community experiences to culinary exploration with cooking classes, market visits, bespoke outdoor meals and fishing trips. An ideal escape for those seeking to experience Vietnam’s raw beauty in perfect peace.
Accommodations
The resort boasts 73 individual villas, each one taking one of three styles of classic local life as inspiration for its architecture and location:
Paddy Field Villas - these 1-bed villas are built to resemble the traditional huts of local fishermen, each with a private outdoor terrace, lush garden setting and views over rice paddy fields.
Hill Pool Villas - with 1 and 2-bed options, these spacious villas are inspired by traditional mountain longhouses, with exclusive outdoor living areas and private plunge pools.
Grand Bay Pool Villas - boasting 3 or 4 bedrooms, these high-end villas take the Hill Pool offering to the max, with panoramic views and family-sized accommodation.
Beachfront Villas - the Cham fisherman-inspired 1 and 2-bed beachfront villas line the mile-long powder-white coastline, with private beach access, private plunge pools and terraces and luxurious outdoor showers.
Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion: A Sanctuary of Wellness in the Heart of Nature
In the foothills of the Truong Son mountains, where hot springs bubble in the forest, you’ll find Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion - a stunning sanctuary designed for those who seek rejuvenation of mind and body in an outstanding natural setting. Every element of this beautiful place extends an invitation to reconnect with nature. Locally owned, it has its own organic farm that serves the retreat’s restaurants with ingredients at peak freshness. There is a full holistic wellness programme on site as well as a host of adventure activities for guests to take part in.
The resort boasts its own thermal mineral springs, onsen baths and a range of holistic spa treatments, including reflexology and a range of tailored spa “journeys”, each designed to address different needs (energising, relaxing, healing). The range of rooms and bungalows are all designed to enhance relaxation and comfort, with settings that look over the resort’s Zen Gardens, Lotus Lake and mountain surroundings. And guests can enhance their experience even further by exploring the surrounding forests, strolling the Zen and Japanese rock gardens, meditating by peaceful lakes and practising yoga in the stunning open-air pavilion.
For those who wish to venture out? The ancient imperial city of Hue is just 30 km away - a treasure trove of history and culture with its citadel, majestic imperial tombs and vibrant markets lining the Perfume River.
Accommodations
The Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion offers a serene collection of accommodations, each designed to immerse guests in nature and peace, including:
Bungalow Rooms - These cosy bungalows, nestled amidst lush gardens, are inspired by traditional Vietnamese countryside homes. Featuring private terraces with views of the surrounding greenery, they provide a peaceful retreat with easy access to the resort’s thermal springs and wellness facilities.
Hilltop Villas - Perched on a hill with sweeping views of the valley, these spacious villas offer 1 or 2 bedrooms, private outdoor living areas, and exclusive access to an infinity pool. Designed with a blend of modern comfort and traditional aesthetics, the villas ensure a secluded and luxurious stay.
Garden Rooms - These elegantly appointed rooms are set within the resort's verdant gardens, offering a serene and intimate atmosphere. Each room features a private balcony or terrace, ideal for enjoying the tranquil sounds of nature and the crisp mountain air.
L'Alya Ninh Van Bay: Secluded Luxury on a Remote Peninsula
Perched on a pristine peninsula and accessible only by boat, L'Alya Ninh Van Bay offers an intimate and luxurious escape amidst the rugged tropical beauty of Ninh Van Bay - and, being close to the stunning, palm-fringed shoreline, bustling fishing villages and vibrant nightlife of Nha Trang, it’s a best-of-all-worlds spot. With breathtaking views of the bay’s emerald waters and lush jungle-clad mountains, this is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Adventurous guests can kayak through the bay’s calm waters, hike to hidden waterfalls or embark on snorkelling adventures to discover vibrant coral reefs. For those looking for something more chill, yoga classes are held in a beautiful forested pavilion - plus there’s a stunning on-site spa with a full range of treatments to indulge in. The food here is delicious, with many ingredients again grown in the retreat’s own organic gardens - a “farm to table, table to soul” ethos. And, for something really special, a choice of private dining experiences can be arranged; in the villa, on the pool deck or on the beach.
Nha Trang is just 30 minutes away - but the true allure of Ninh Van Bay lies in its sense of isolation and the opportunity to disconnect from the outside world while immersing yourself in nature’s wonders.
Accommodations
The resort’s 35 boutique-style villas are designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, their authentic Vietnamese style featuring classic bamboo structures and leafed roofs, and include:
Hill Rock Villas - Hidden within the lush hillsides, these multi-level villas offer 1 or 2 bedrooms with expansive living areas and private plunge pools. Designed to blend into the surrounding jungle, each villa features outdoor terraces and spectacular views of Ninh Van Bay, perfect for those seeking tranquillity and seclusion.
Lagoon Villas - These villas are set on the edge of a serene lagoon, offering a peaceful retreat with a close connection to nature. Each 1 or 2-bedroom villa includes a private pool, outdoor shower, and large sundeck, making them ideal for relaxing in complete privacy.
Beachfront Villas - Located directly on the beachfront, these luxurious villas provide direct access to the pristine sands of Ninh Van Bay. With 1 or 2 bedrooms, private pools, and open-air living spaces, these villas are designed for those who want to experience the ultimate in beachside luxury and comfort.
Amanoi: A Serene Oasis in Nui Chua National Park
A standout destination for those looking for a unique and ultra-luxurious escape where they can disconnect from the world and indulge in the highest levels of comfort, Amanoi boasts all the hallmarks of an Aman property - unparalleled privacy, serenity and personalised service, minimalist, beautifully considered accommodations and seamless integration with the surrounding environment.
Amanoi itself is set in the untouched wilderness of the UNESCO-protected nature reserve in Ninh Thuan. Overlooking the sparkling azure waters of Vinh Hy Bay, it’s a far cry from the main tourist routes. Here, guests will find an array of experiences designed to connect them with their natural surroundings and the local culture; from trekking the park’s diverse ecosystems and private boat trips around the hidden coves and pristine beaches of Vinh Hy Bay to visiting Vinh Hy village and meeting its friendly inhabitants.
At the resort, with its focus on luxury wellness, a strong emphasis is placed on farm-to-table and plant-based eating, the three exceptional restaurants working closely with local farmers to create variations on Vietnamese cuisine that are the ultimate celebration of its fragrant herbs and aromatics.
The Aman Spa offers two, fully kitted lake-view hydrotherapy suites and an extensive spa menu alongside a state-of-the-art gym and fitness facility, dedicated studio space for Pilates and yoga and floodlit tennis courts for moments of extra energy. And for those looking for the ultimate in opulent wellness? There are even a pair of Wellness Villas in the accommodation options, each an extension to the spa offering private spa experiences with dedicated therapists and integrated spa facilities.
Accommodations
As you’d expect, Amanoi offers a range of exquisitely designed accommodations that embody the serenity and elegance of its surroundings in Nui Chua National Park, including:
Ocean, Mountain and Lake Pavilions - each with combined bedroom and living areas and spacious outdoor decks with fabulous views that provide the perfect spot to unwind and take in the natural beauty of the area.
Ocean and Mountain Pool Villas - designed for those seeking the utmost in privacy and luxury, these villas come with 1 to 4 bedrooms, private pools and expansive living areas. Each villa is positioned to offer stunning views, and a stay here includes personalised services to cater to every need.
Southern Vietnam: Seclusion, Sophistication and Sea
Azerai Can Tho: A Riverside Retreat in the Heart of the Mekong Delta
Heading now to South Vietnam, a property which encompasses an exploration of the Mekong Delta is a must - and the Azerai Can Tho is the best around. Set on a private islet in the Mekong Delta, this intimate retreat sits serenely in the lush waterways of Southern Vietnam - a minimalist masterpiece that blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Accessible only by boat, Azerai Can Tho is characterised by clean lines and open spaces - designed to allow guests to fully appreciate the beauty of the Mekong’s verdant landscape, it’s the perfect base for wider discovery.
Just 2.5 hours from Ho Chi Minh City, the retreat is minutes from the city of Can Tho, with its vibrant markets, historic temples and the iconic Cai Rang floating market, one of the largest and most famous in the delta. From the resort itself, guests can take a boat tour through the intricate network of canals, visit a scenic cacao factory or cycle through the region’s fertile countryside, where rice paddies, orchards and traditional villages offer a glimpse into local life.
And back at the resort? Expect fine dining, with a whole smorgasbord of gastronomic experiences to enhance your guests’ stay, plus yoga, signature treatments and wellness packages to top off a stay in serene style. All in all, a stay at Azerai Can Tho is a unique opportunity to experience the Mekong Delta’s rich culture and natural beauty in the utmost comfort and luxury.
Accommodation
An oasis of modern luxury with accommodations designed to complement the tranquil surroundings of the Mekong Delta, including:
Garden, Lake and River Rooms - Each offering a peaceful retreat with modern styling and amenities, the spacious rooms feature private terraces perfect for enjoying the serene surroundings of each setting.
Pool Villas - With 1 to 5-bed options, these villas are the epitome of luxury in the Mekong Delta. Each villa includes a private pool, expansive outdoor living spaces and open-air bathrooms - a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor living suitable for all the family.
Taking the family to Vietnam? This unforgettable itinerary is the inspiration you need
Six Senses Con Dao: An Eco-Luxury Escape on a Remote Island
For our final handpicked retreat, we head for the Con Dao archipelago and Con Son island, an unspoilt spot of pristine nature, to explore the Six Senses Con Dao. Set in a protected national and marine park recently declared as Vietnam’s only marine Ramsar Convention environmental site, this luxurious eco-resort offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty and sustainability. Drawing on the feel of a traditional fishing village and with all the quiet opulence you’d expect from Six Senses, Con Dao is just a 45-minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City but it feels like a whole world away. This island paradise is known for its crystal-clear waters, golden sands, vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. That marine life includes endangered green sea turtles - and yes, the resort runs its own turtle conservation programme, so summer season guests might just be lucky enough to see eggs being laid or be able to help with an ethical hatchling release.
A wow-inducing spa and series of wellness programmes complement outdoor fitness options - think yoga and meditation in a nature-immersed pavilion, and soul-enhancing morning runs with the spectacular backdrop of Lo Voi mountain to one side and the endless ocean to the other. Dining is a mix of authentic Vietnamese and “indulgent, contemporary International cuisine” - the Vietnamese by the Market experience, where Chef Ho and her team cook up a range of local dishes with a spectacular Six Senses twist, is not to be missed.
Outside the resort, the nearby town of Con Son offers a glimpse into the island’s history, with well-preserved French colonial architecture and sites related to its past as a political prison during the French colonial era. And of course, there’s a whole plethora of adventures to explore from the retreat itself - from the energetic (boat trips, watersports, golf, hiking and trekking) to the restful and educational (cookery classes, meaningful cultural experiences and a secret jungle movie theatre). This is an extraordinary escape for those seeking to experience South Vietnam’s coastal beauty in a sustainable and luxurious setting.
Accommodation
Six Senses Con Dao has 50 villa accommodations - every one with its own private infinity pool and outdoor bathroom, and ranging from 1 to 4 bedrooms and single-level style to duplex opulence. Can’t choose? Take advice from Six Senses themselves and “go for Ocean View for privacy and Ocean Front to wake up with your feet (almost) in the sparkling sea”.
Options include:
Ocean View Duplex Villas - These split-level villas offer sweeping ocean views, with 1 or 2-bedroom options. Featuring private infinity pools, open-air bathrooms and spacious living areas, they provide the perfect setting for a luxurious island escape.
Ocean Front Deluxe Pool Villas - Positioned just steps from the beach, these villas offer direct access to the pristine shoreline. Each 1 or 2-bedroom villa includes a private pool, outdoor dining areas and expansive decks, perfect for soaking up the sun and sea breezes.
Beachfront 4-Bedroom Pool Villa - The ultimate in luxury and space, this expansive villa is ideal for families or groups. Made up of 3 connected pavilions and with a large private pool, living room, dining room, private garden, direct beach access and multiple outdoor living spaces, it offers unparalleled comfort and privacy in a breathtaking natural setting.
Why Realistic Asia?
Renowned for tailoring unforgettable, immersive experiences, Realistic Asia's high-quality itineraries are unfailingly steeped in the country’s rich culture, history and beauty, taking travellers on journeys beyond the ordinary to explore the land’s most enchanting, unique and off-the-beaten-path experiences in style and comfort. Family-run, community-conscious and driven by an eco ethos, their local knowledge is peerless, their creativity boundless and their whole team’s passion for these legendary lands is demonstrated in every bespoke experience they design - meaning their handpicked hotels are truly a cut above!
Ready to see what Realistic Asia could create for your Vietnam-bound guests? Get in touch today for an introduction to Hien and the team.
