COASTAL OPTIONS IN VIETNAM
Nha Trang
Nha Trang
Nha Trang
PROS
- Dependably sunny in December
- Hotel is on the beach and offers all kinds of experiences for the whole family (cooking classes, pools, waterslides, cultural excursions, etc.)
- Very close to airport as well as one of country's best courses
CONS
- You're not in the thick of it; the city of Nha Trang (pictured) is about 20 minutes away by car
HOTEL RECOMMENDATION
Alma Resort Cam Ranh
(sprawling, award-winning beach resort with everything a family could want under one roof)
Hoi An
Nha Trang
Nha Trang
PROS
- Offers the best of everything (street food, gourmet food, people-watching, riverfront activity, proximity to beaches, great golf, markets, tailors, etc.) without being overwhelming in the way Saigon and Hanoi (big cities) can be
- Hotel offers a free, daily sunset cocktail cruise
CONS
- Can be very wet in December
- Has become very touristy (especially at night)
HOTEL RECOMMENDATION
Namia River Retreat
(beautiful new resort on a quiet part of the river but still just a short walk, bicycle or boat from town)
LANG CO
PROS: Maybe the best integrated resort in Vietnam ... Way off the beaten path but offers two superb hotels (Banyan Tree and Angsana) and arguably the best golf course in Vietnam (Laguna Golf Lang Co) ... Picturesque setting in the jungle, alongside a 2-mile long private beach ... Great variety of restaurants (8 total), 2 acclaimed spas (one at each hotel) and all kinds of activities to choose from.
CONS: Can be very wet in December (it's north of Hoi An but similar area) ... Miles from civilization, so if you're looking for a slice of Vietnamese life, this ain't the place (but it sure is relaxing and beautiful!)
HOTEL RECOMMENDATION: Angsana Lang Co (family-friendly beachfront hotel with 220 extremely spacious rooms, all of which have their own pool)