Luxury tourism on the rise, Vietnam adds deluxe accommodation
and experiential travel
We hear it over and over again. Today's luxury travelers want the
world’s most luxury travel authentic experiences and pampering but they also
want off-the-beaten-track adventures with impeccable service.
That's why Vietnam is shaping up as one of the most attractive
destinations in Asia, just behind China, according to a recent survey
of 1200 travel experts during WTM London 2013.
Many luxury travel experts say Vietnam is now one of the top ten
destinations in Asia, with luxury the fastest-growing segment. The
beauty of Vietnam is that it continues to evolve without diluting its
cultural heritage, achieving that delicate balance between modernity and
the past.
Pham Ha, founder and CEO of Luxury Travel Ltd, one of the country's first luxury travel
and tour operators said "today's luxury travelers want to be
entertained and stimulated, rather than simply pampered, and Vietnam offers a
magical mix of tropical beaches, post-colonial charm, a string of World
Heritage Sites, stunning inland scenery, world-renowned cuisine and a
home-grown flair for hospitality. Vietnam has all to offer,"
The luxury traveler is being tempted with new boutique hotels,
experiences and tours, such as flying to Halong Bay from Hanoi by helicopter.
Vietnam's tourism infrastructure has improved dramatically and with iconic
colonial properties like the Sofitel Legend Metropole in Hanoi, a fast-growing
list of modern luxury and spa destinations and recently opened golf
courses, the launch of luxury yacht and river cruise services ensure
stress-free journeys away from the busy roads. Such improvements account for
the the country's recent growth in popularity.
Additionally, Pham Ha says, "Vietnam is still a relative travel
bargain, even for those who don't normally concern themselves with cost." Travelers
on a high-end itinerary can expect to pay from $3,000 to $3,500 per person
for a seven-day tour, although many are priced at more than $1,000 per day, per
traveler.
Experiential Travel
So what are some of Ha's top hotels and activities in Vietnam?
He says his personal favorites are Six Senses Ninh Van Bay Nha Trang and
an overnight cruise on Halong Bay, one of the country's highlights.
"The top ten that seem to leave travelers in awe are the Sofitel
Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel, La Residence Hue Hotel and Spa, Banyan Tree Lang
Co, InterContiental Sun Peninsular Danang, the Nam Hai in Hoi An, the
Park Hyatt Saigon Hotel, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay Nha Trang, Princess
d’Annam Phan Thiet, Six Senses Con Dao and Amanoi," he said.
The next upcoming destination in Vietnam is the archipelago of Con Dao
with its intimate villa resort and undeveloped beaches. "Six Senses Con
Dao has everything you might want, like a much larger resort, but with
fewer rooms and suites, guaranteeing exclusivity."
"The 50 private-pool villas offer space and privacy along with
an uncompromising standard of luxury. Villas are either Ocean View or Ocean
Front (single-level and duplex) offering a choice of one, three and four
bedrooms. There is a great staff-to-guest ratio, which means that there is
always someone around to take care of your needs, whether it is an extra towel
at the pool or a late-night snack. And the staff are locals and make an effort
to make you feel like one, too, while of course being mindful of providing
elite and personalized service."
The first Aman in Vietnam in remote Vietnam
The beach town of Nha Trang is a popular beach heaven for holidaymakers,
and now just 90 minutes north of Cam Ranh Airport is Vinh Hy
Bay where the Amanoi, the latest property by the uber-luxurious Aman
Resorts, is located on a secluded beach. Tucked away in a national park,
Amanoi, which opened in September 2013, nestles within 100 acres of lush
tropical landscape, a tranquil oasis with breathtaking views.
The resort's design feels more like a gracious, private residence rather than a
hotel. The staff are very welcoming and treat you like house guests,
centuries-old antiques and contemporary furnishings adorn public spaces and the
31 individual guest pavilions and five villas are strategically tucked in
the forest, ensuring plenty of privacy and space.
Twin Luxury Properties at Laguna Lang Co
It is located in Lang Co Town, in the central province of Thua Thien Hue,
which is about 1.5 hours from Phu Bai Airport in Hue or a 30 minute drive from
Danang Airport. It’s truly special, framed by three kilometres of beach
and lush countryside. I recommend it for it pristine beauty, tropical jungles
and rugged mountain peaks.
Plus, it is an ideal base for tourists to explore UNESCO-recognised
world heritage sites such as the ancient imperial capital of Hue, Hoi An
ancient town and the relics of My Son.
This unique holiday destination is a world unto itself, comprising the Banyan
Tree and Angsana branded hotels and resorts, award-winning spas, convention
facilities and an array of recreational offerings including a championship golf
course. The 18-hole, par-71 course provide a wonderful golfing experience to
both expert players and beginners alike.
“We have visited our destinations, and have personally checked out
the finest hotels, resorts and restaurants designed for discriminating
travelers. We sell our clients our real experiences. In fact, I am always doing
that, but I recently came back from Laguna Lang Co, and I am very excited to
send guests.” Said Pham Ha
Halong Bay goes upscale with enhanced safety features
Officially recognized as one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the
World in 2012 (and among CNN's top five tropical island paradises), Halong Bay
is a must-see on anyone’s itinerary to Vietnam, thanks to its turquoise
water and thousands of dramatic limestone islands. Still used for fishing,
whole families live in floating villages that are easily visited. Some will
even take you out on a fishing trip.
The best way to appreciate this magical scene is from a boat, leisurely
cruising between the karst cliffs which loom like fairytale castles, complete
with rocky spires and hidden caves. The latest upscale cruise
development in Halong Bay, Starlight Cruise of Oriental Sails Ltd, has a new
luxury cruise ship with 32 sophisticated and tastefully designed
en-suite cabins, a spa, restaurant, bar, two
lounges, library, gift shop, wine cellar and private dining room
with hot tubs and a mini-golf course on the atrium deck.
“Starlight Cruise’s cabins are very spacious, all with Halong
Bay views even from the jacuzzi and bathroom. Its outstanding facilities and
excellent safety record, because of its enhanced safety features, make it an
excellent choice for leisure travelers and MICE groups who want to
experience Halong Bay in style.” commented Pham Ha after his recent
experience on board.
