A Culinary Adventure through Vietnam and Thailand

Nestled on the Cồn Ba Xã Islet in Hoi An, Namia River Retreat is thoughtfully crafted with private pool villas, locally inspired dining experiences and stunning pools with Thu Bon River views.

Namia River Retreat

Tranquil and classic French colonial style enfolds you at the Anantara for an intimate stay. Scenically positioned on the banks of the Thu Bon River and right in the heart of the city of Hoi An, you are ideally situated to explore the treasures of this charming region. 93 rooms and suites are housed in a two- and three-story white pillared building and come with river or garden views. Rooms are comfortable and gracefully furnished with a host of modern comforts and feature spacious balconies. The airy terrace of the Riverside Café is a great spot for a light lunch as you gaze out across the river, while the Heritage Bar in the courtyard is the place to grab a pre-dinner cocktail. For something really special, take advantage of their ‘dining by design’ service where you can dine al fresco with your own private chef. Pretty gardens and an outdoor pool are perfect for when you want to simply relax and unwind and there is a spa where you can create a ‘spa journey’ and indulge in a series of tailored treatments. For those who want to get out and explore, you are just a short stroll from the centre of this historic port town.

Anantara Hoi An

Within 35 hectares of tropical gardens set on the pristine shoreline of Ha My beach, sixty one-bedroom villas and forty pool villas make up this exclusive and palatial hotel. As well as a place for indulgent relaxation, Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai is also well located for exploring the charming 15th century town of Hoi An that sits a few short miles away. While away your days here next to one of three expansive infinity pools or take a dip in the tranquil Gulf of Tonkin. Then, rejuvenate with an Oriental ritual therapy treatment before dining at one of the three varied and excellent restaurants. The Beach restaurant is particularly recommended in the evening to sample the day’s freshest catch. If you are after something extra special, the pool villas come with their own private butler. From romantic candle-lit dinners on the beach, to Hoi An’s finest tailors custom fitting your formal attire, to private Vietnamese cooking classes, your butler will ensure you experience every touch of sophisticated decadence during your stay. Hoi An and its UNESCO World Heritage Site old town are minutes away and a delight to explore the pretty streets steeped in history and culture. Those in search of gifts and souvenirs can shop quality silk, jade, pearls and quality linen from the riverside stores.

The Nam Hai

Pool and exterior, Fusion Maia, Hoi An, Vietnam

Danang

TIA Wellness Resort

A private enclave surrounded by high granite walls with direct beach access and daily complimentary spa treatments, TIA Wellness Resort is a sophisticated, spoiling and tranquil haven 20km outside Hoi An. The focus here is on allowing guests to completely switch off, offering a discreet but impeccable service. Its pool, spa and beach villas are minimal and modern in design and feature outdoor courtyards and private plunge pools. Pool villas are perfect for couples or friends while the two-bedroom spa villas and three-bedroom beach villas are ideal for families or groups of friends. One of the real highlights of TIA Wellness Resort is the spa, set within the lush, tropical gardens. A range of treatments are available, totally tailored to suit you, and there is an outdoor pool for relaxing in before or after. When it comes to dining, it is all about fresh, vibrant food made with the highest quality ingredients. Enjoy the fusion menu at the Fiving Dining Room as well as grilled seafood and salads at the aptly named ‘Fresh’ poolside restaurant. There is also the option to experience destination dining and enjoy a delicious meal in a special and unique location. Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s most enchanting towns and there is a shuttle bus to take you back and forth for when you want to explore. When you want to simply relax and unwind, indulge in a spa treatment or sit back with a bucket of popcorn and enjoy a film in the hotel’s very own HD cinema.

Enjoy your stay at this boutique retreat which reflects the essence of Hoi An ancient town’s characteristic style. Set amid green rice fields and winding village lanes, near the Thu Bon River and a short walk from Hoi An old town, Las Siesta boasts colourful tropical gardens and handcrafted dark teak furniture.

La Siesta Hoi An Resort and Spa

Make it mine

Market Tour

Farm Tour

A person in a conical hat sorting fresh vegetables at a colorful open-air market stall filled with produce.

Private market tour and cooking demonstration

Chef and proprietor Duc Tran from Mango Mango restaurant is a passionate and talented chef with in-depth knowledge of the Hoi An food scene. Duc will take you on a foodie adventure, starting at Hoi An’s colourful market to meet the vendors who supply him with some of the finest and freshest ingredients in Vietnam, before a cooking demonstration and meal at his boutique restaurant.

A farmer in a conical hat walking with cattle in a vibrant green rice field with misty mountains in the background.

Tra Que herbal farm tour

Start your morning with a leisurely bike ride through the countryside, heading to Tra Que vegetable village, named after a sweet scented herb used to flavour Hoi An specialties like Cao Lau noodles. Get your hands dirty and venture into the garden, learning the traditional gardening methods from the farmers.

Days 6–8

Two nights in Ho Chi Minh

A booming economy has given Ho Chi Minh city (often still referred to as Saigon) a new energy and lease of life. Socially the city is flourishing, with a sophisticated café culture, an exciting dining scene and burgeoning interest in eclectic art.

Where you could stay

Ho Chi Minh

Park Hyatt Saigon

With its French, colonial style and wonderful location overlooking the Saigon Opera House, the Park Hyatt is one of the city’s most iconic and elegant hotels. Its 245 rooms and suites are sophisticated in design with plenty of handcrafted details such as custom designed rugs, fine linens and huge windows with white wooden shutters that fill the space with natural light. Many rooms come with private terraces that look out over the lush gardens and outdoor pool and they all feature mini iPads and Nespresso coffee machines for added comfort. Square One offers authentic Vietnamese cuisine which you can see being cooking in the integrated show kitchens. On balmy evenings, guests can
choose to dine on the terrace surrounded by twinkling lights. Opera is a more casual trattoria-style restaurant serving a range of mouthwatering pasta dishes and pizza fresh from the wood-fired oven. There is a also a pastry boutique offering delicious home-made delicacies and a bar and lounge serving some of the best cocktails in Ho Chi Minh. With some of the city’s landmark sights such as the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica and the Reunification Palace just a short stroll away, you’re ideally situated to explore this buzzing capital. Alternatively, relaxing and unwinding has never been easier with a fantastic pool and tranquil spa offering treatments inspired by the herbs, grains and fruits of the Mekong Delta.

Ho Chi Minh

Hotel des Arts Saigon

A stylish new addition to Ho Chi Minh’s luxury hotel scene, the Hotel Des Arts Saigon is well located a little outside District 1 and within walking distance of the city’s best attractions and buzzing nightlife. Hotel Des Arts is as much an art museum as it is a top-end boutique hotel and guests can peruse the owner’s personal collection of paintings and antiques that adorn the walls and hallways. 168 rooms and suites all feature chic details, crisp white linen, elegant bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows and spectacular city views, but the real gem is the Social Club up on the roof – a buzzy bar and trendy restaurant by the city’s highest infinity pool – exclusive to hotel guests. Sit back and relax at the sophisticated Cafe des Beaux Arts which evokes plenty of old-world charm and enjoy afternoon tea and cocktails, pluck a book from the shelves, or simply enjoy the live music as the resident pianist tickles the ivories. Vietnamese and Western dishes are prepared in the open kitchen at the Saigon Kitchen Restaurant, where one wall is covered in French Provencal tiles and the others in works of art that represent the harmonious blend of cultures in Vietnam. There is also a modern gym and sumptuous spa with hammam, Jacuzzi and a solarium for some relaxation after a day exploring the city.

Exterior night shot of hotel by a river with large trees

Ho Chi Minh

An Lam Saigon River

Located just a 25-minute boat ride from the busy centre of Ho Chi Minh City, An Lam Retreats Saigon River is a luxury resort tucked beneath a serene tropical canopy.

Make it mine

Saigon Life

Vespa Street Food

A vendor in a conical hat tends to a large display of lychees on a bicycle amidst blurred city traffic.

Bonjour Saigon Tour

Rise with the locals and zig zag through the streets to reach the city’s largest flower market, Ho Thi Ky, filled with colourful roses, lotuses, lilies and orchids. Head to Tao Dan Park where people come to practise the graceful movements of Tai Chi and join in, if you wish. After a coffee break, wind your way to a family run noodle shop to enjoy a fresh, steaming bowl of pho for breakfast.

A cook from behind wearing a straw hat prepares food on multiple smoking clay stoves with a stack of wood nearby.

Evening Vespa Street Food Tour

Get ready for a fascinating ride, as a passenger to your drive guide, by vintage Vespa to discover busy Saigon after dark, together with delightful food tasting in the most authentic local restaurants. Experience Southern Vietnam specialities before continuing to zig-zag through the hustle and bustle of the streets, ending your night at a cosy speakeasy bar to taste some signature cocktails (or mocktails).

Days 8–10

Two nights in Bangkok

Bustling and energetic, Bangkok has something for everyone. A haven for shoppers, historians, foodies and culture seekers alike, the capital is an integral part of any Thailand itinerary. It has everything from awe-inspiring temples to bustling markets and high-end shopping malls. And, of course there’s the food – renowned as some of the best in the world.

Where you could stay

Elegant and meticulously designed, the Sukhothai reflects traditional Thai architecture for a truly luxurious hotel experience. The hotel takes great pride in its excellent service and seeks to go as far as possible to reflect the legendary Thai hospitality in all areas of its business. Each comfortable guest room faces an inner courtyard area, adorned with lily ponds, and is furnished in teak wood and Thai silk. Your room will feature an oversized bathtub and king-size bed. If you’re looking for a palatial amount of space then book into one of the many suites, with open-plan layouts and a host of special facilities such as terraces, gardens and glass-walled bathrooms. Located in Sathorn, the Sukhothai is a short distance from some of Bangkok’s greatest tourist attractions and close to a series of lively bars and top restaurants.

The Sukhothai

Providing extraordinary service and overlooking the Chao Phraya river, the Mandarin Oriental is undeniably one of the city’s premier hotels. If you’re interested in history, a stay here is a must: it’s the longest established hotel in Thailand and became one of the Mandarin Oriental group’s flagship properties due to its distinguished history. Walk into the hotel’s magnificent lobby, and you’ll be greeted by a spectacular flower display, for which the hotel is famous throughout Bangkok. Choose between a variety of rooms from entry-level luxury in the Superior Rooms to the considerably more spacious State Rooms and Authors’ Suites. Each room is designed in a colonial style with white slatted doors, dark wooden features and light pastel shades. You’ll benefit from a butler assigned to your room during your stay. The hotel also has eight restaurants; take your pick between traditional Thai, seafood, fine French cuisine and many more options. Drink tea in the opulent Authors’ Lounge or enjoy some jazz and cocktails in the Bamboo Bar if you’re looking to unwind after a long flight. In a prime location overlooking the Chao Phraya river, the Mandarin Oriental is close to some of Bangkok’s most popular attractions. Cruise along the ‘Venice of the East’ and take a long boat out onto the city canals, threading your way towards some of the city’s cultural highlights, including the Grand Palace, various temples and the famous Floating Market.

Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

Championing bold contemporary design with Thai, Colonial, Jazz Age and Art Deco accents, the Siam hotel may only have 39 suites but provides some of the most spacious and fashionable accommodation in all Bangkok. It also sports three restaurants, where you can enjoy excellent Thai cuisine in Chon Thai Restaurant (which also hosts a cookery school), an international menu in the stylish art deco-themed Deco Bar & Bistro and indulgent private dinners at the Chef’s Table. The Bather’s Bar next to the hotel’s infinity pool is the place for light snacks and refreshing cocktails after a dip in the waters and to watch life on the river pass by. You can even enjoy a more secluded dining experience out on the hotel pier for a private bespoke meal. Commanding a prime location overlooking the Chao Phraya River close to the Krung Thon Bridge, all suites feature king-size beds, opulent Chinese antiquity, terraces, complimentary Wi-Fi and butler service. The Pool Villas are a perfect choice for those desiring that extra touch of privacy.

Siam Hotel

This hotel is one smooth operator. Combining sophisticated design, top-class service and the one of the best restaurants in the world, the Metropolitan is a truly indulgent choice for your stay in Bangkok. The 171 rooms at the Metropolitan Bangkok are refined yet simple. Expect clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic, with white walls, dark Makha wood and thoughtful details such as window seat daybeds. The more prestigious suites also feature a personalised butler service, and the Executive and Penthouse suites are perfect for families. Nahm (noted in San Pellegrino’s World’s 50 Best Restaurants and Asia’s Top 50 Restaurants 2013) serves some of the best authentic Thai cuisine in Sathorn under Executive Chef David Thompson. The hotel’s second restaurant Glow is the perfect alternative if you’re in the mood for lighter, healthier options.

Metropolitan Bangkok

The product of an innovative collaboration between an award-winning architect and five of Thailand’s leading designers, the Sofitel So Bangkok is a hotel that embodies the epitome of design and modern luxury. 238 rooms and suites come in a variety of sizes and four unique room design themes; Water, Earth, Wood and Metal. Each theme features a different lay-out and decor, styled by world renowned fashion designer Monsieur Christian Lacroix. Depending upon their location within the hotel, rooms offer views of Bangkok city, Chao Praya River or Lumpini Park and come equipped with the latest technology – think electronic curtains and Apple Mac Mini multimedia entertainment. When it’s time to dine, you’ll be spoilt for choice with three restaurants, a rooftop restaurant and bar, a lounge and a ‘Chocolab’ dedicated to tailor-made confectionary, while the 32-meter infinity pool on the 10th floor will give you the impression of swimming in mid-air, high above the bustling city streets. Step outside the comfort of this luxury hotel, and you’ll find yourself brilliantly placed to discover all of Bangkok’s main attractions such as temples, shopping malls, museums, parks, restaurants and street food.

SO Sofitel Bangkok

With gorgeous views out over the majestic Chao Phraya River, Capella Bangkok is an urban oasis.

Capella Bangkok

Make it mine

Walking Tour

Dinner Cruise

A person in a wooden boat sells yellow bananas and cooked food at a crowded Thai floating market.

Old Bangkok street food walking tour

Explore tucked away alleys, sampling Bangkok’s famous street food and experiencing the Old Town on foot on this Thailand food tour. Stroll through food stalls to enjoy the diversity of Thai delicacies, sampling various kinds of local food, old-style Thai coffee and Thai sweet desserts, and learn from the shop owners about their secret recipes.

The grand Wat Arun temple complex in Bangkok glows with golden lights at sunset by the river.

Champagne dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya river

See Bangkok from a totally different angle on a champagne dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River. Enjoy a glass of chilled champagne as a welcome drink before sitting down to an exquisite six-course dinner. Enjoy wonderful night-time views of the city as you cruise along – the boat comes with cosy lounge sofas where you can relax after dinner and soak up the views.

Days 10–13

Three nights in Chiang Mai

Explore this wonderful city and spend time enjoying the surrounding countryside. Much smaller and more relaxed than Bangkok, it’s steeped in history – while away the hours wandering around the temples and night markets in the Old Town. If you fancy heading out of town, you’ll be perfectly placed to explore the surrounding national parks and try out a few more adventurous activities.

Where you could stay

Indulgence and modern luxury are at the core of this intimate hotel with its thirty opulent suites which hark back to the Old World of the Orient. The charming guestrooms all come with the lavish features, garden views, contemporary interiors, walk-in closet, Victorian bathtub and open-air shower. Besides beautifully adorned suites, this boutique property also boasts five dining locations. You can feast on both Thai and international cuisine at the stylish Dining Room and enjoy refined high tea at The Parlor Lounge. Breakfast is a personal affair with the option of enjoying it in bed or on your own private veranda. Outside, exotic lush grounds surround the accommodation with an infinity pool sitting by the ‘living garden’ wall. Relaxation and wellness is extended to the Gymnasium and Spa with its many soothing therapies and treatments.

137 Pillars Chiang Mai

Sitting by the Mae Ping River is the Anantara Chiang Mai Resort & Spa. A peaceful and serene oasis in which to shelter from the busy streets outside, the Anantara Chiang Mai Resort & Spa is Chiang Mai’s only five-star riverside hotel, Its modern design creates a stylish flair, while all guestrooms have sleek interiors and spacious balconies. With 52 Deluxe Rooms and 32 Club Suites, you have a large choice of accommodation to suit your needs. As well as waterside balconies, the Anantara Chiang Mai also provides a riverside pool which is surrounded by sun loungers arranged under stylish umbrellas. From the pool and gardens you’ll have a riverside view of the Chiang Mai locals fishing and playing. And adding to the already substantial tranquillity of hotel’s location, its spa can take you to new heights of pampering and relaxation. For more active pursuits, the Health Club has a modern fitness centre with everything from yoga to weights, while the attentive staff are more than happy to organise any local excursions (of which you have many to choose from). Moreover, the restaurant, originally a British consulate building, serves up a dazzling range of cuisine from Indian to Western, to Thai and Korean.

Anantara Chiang Mai Resort and Spa

Just thirty minutes outside of Chiang Mai, the celebrated service and comfort of the Four Seasons invites an exquisitely elegant stay in the Thailand’s rich and modest northern countryside. Ninety eight expansive pavilions and villas make up the flawless accommodation, all designed to complement the scenery and culture that surrounds them, with impressive interiors and traditional Thai architecture harmonising with your mountain and garden views. Besides a number of pools and a state-of-the-art health club, the Four Seasons also boasts a shopping village with five stores, an organic spa and four different dining spots which cook up an international range of cuisine. The Concierge can organise and assist guests with a variety of leisure and sporting activities. Choose from balloon rides, Thai kickboxing, rice planting and garden tours.

Four Seasons Chiang Mai