THOR Advantage
Southeast Asian Gem: Discover Vietnam’s Vibrant Cities & Cultural Riches
By Patricia Kaowthumrong

Vietnam is known for its energetic megacities, diverse and avorful cuisine and complex yet fascinating history — and there’s never been a better time to plan a trip to the vibrant southeast asian country. THOR’s 2018 Worldwide Hotel Program offers a wide range of celebrated accommodation options that are guaranteed to serve as the perfect headquarters for all your adventures in Vietnam, from Hanoi to Danang. Here are just a few ideas.

New World Saigon Hotel

Ho Chi Minh City

While Ho Chi Minh City is probably best known for its role in the Vietnam War, Vietnam’s most populous city has transformed into a future-forward metropolis. However, the city’s bustling shopping malls and towering skyscrapers thrive amid beautiful 19th-century French Colonial landmarks. To reside near the culturally rooted city’s greatest treasures, book a stay at New World Saigon Hotel. Super-soft beds and marble bedrooms add elegance to their standard guestrooms, while Residence Club Deluxe Rooms boast more space and privacy and three suites oer luxe accommodations.

Those who reside in Residence Club Deluxe guestrooms or suites enjoy the perks of the Residence Club, which includes a complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails and horsd’oeuvres. Additionally, a tness center equipped with modern equipment, an outdoor pool, tennis court, and hydrotherapy area with massage showers, a steam bath, sauna and Jacuzzi make it easy for guests to stay active while they’re away from home.

How to soak up local culture nearby: Book a market tour and culinary experience with Saigon Cooking Class, located just a 15-minute walk away from the hotel. Embark on an excursion to the famously bustling Ben Than h Market to pick up ingredients for your lesson, then learn how to cook a fourcourse Vietnamese meal.

What to eat and drink: New World Saigon Hotel has ve pristine dining options, including three sit-down restaurants. Please your palate with authentic Cantonese dishes like suckling pig and braised abalone at Dynasty (also a great locale for dim sum on the weekends). Or unwind in the stylish Lounge, which has an extensive menu of drinks and snacks; we recommend the James Bond, a mix of vodka, prosecco and Angostura bitters.

Sightseeing tip: Take advantage of their complimentary city shuttle service — or if you’d like to travel in high style, book a Mercedes-Benz® limousine transfer, which comes with amenities like in-car Wi-Fi, access to iPad® devices and refreshments.

Sotel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Hanoi

Centuries-old Vietnam culture mingles with strong Chinese and French inuences in Hanoi. In fact, the Sotel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel’s show-stopping French colonial building has stood at the heart of downtown Hanoi since 1901 and has welcomed an impressive roster of ambassadors, heads of state and entrepreneurs. Guestrooms in the historic Metropole Wing maintain the hotel’s original splendor, while rooms in the Opera Wing exhibit a neo-classical beauty. Chic timber oors and colorful accents brighten rooms, and coveted amenities like Sotel’s signature MyBed, DVD players and complimentary Internet access add comfort.

A treatment at the Le Spa du Metropole is a must — opt for a massage or Turkish bath (Hammam) enhanced by essences created by a renowned parfumier in Grasse, the French hamlet known As the world capital of perfumes. Other oerings include a sauna, workout facility, swimming pool, one-of-a-kind Path of History tour and transport options via a eet of BMW 7 series automobiles.

How to soak up local culture nearby: The hotel is steps away from Hanoi’s French Quarter, known for its tree-lined streets, swanky shops, hotels and restaurants — and some of the city’s most stunning architecture, built in the late 19th century during the French occupation. Check the schedule for the stately Hanoi Opera House, which typically oers concerts at reasonable prices.

What to eat and drink: The Sotel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel’s three critic-approved eateries satisfy any food-focused traveler. Some of the most authentic French cuisine in the country graces the plates at Le Beaulieu Restaurant (try the pan-seared foie gras) and tasty Vietnamese specialties delight at the Spices Garden. Snag a table at Angelina for modern Italian dishes, and don’t miss the to-die-for French pastries at L'Epicerie du Metropole.

Entertainment tip: Spend an evening at the Le Club Bar, a cocktail lounge overlooking the pretty hotel courtyard that hosts jazz performances every day (except for Mondays). During the day, the bar impresses with afternoon tea and a “chocolate library” that’s as decadent as it sounds.

Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa

Danang

Home to renowned historical sites and serene beaches, the budding city of Danang is quickly becoming a popular coastal destination in central Vietnam. Nestled On a gorgeous stretch of white sand, Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa is ideal for all types of travelers, from romanceseeking couples to families with little ones in tow. All of the resort’s 194 guestrooms and suites have breathtaking sea views and reect a contemporary design heightened by Vietnamese-style elements.

Five different pools, including one with a water slide for those looking to make a splash, and a world-class spa facilitate ultimate relaxation. Kiddos love Camp Hyatt, a program for youngsters ages 3 to 12 with a great schedule of activities, including face painting, yoga, movie time, kite ying and crafts like ceramic and T-shirt painting and cookie decorating. Parents can reserve a time to leave their little ones in the care of the experienced counselors to hit the VIE Spa or appreciate a romantic dinner.

How to soak up local culture nearby: The Marble Mountains, ve pagodatopped marble outcrops representing dierent natural elements, are located just a 20-minute walk (or ve-minute car ride) from the Resort. And Hoi An Ancient Town, a preserved trading port dating back to the 15th century and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just a short drive away. Consult the friendly hotel sta for directions and transportation options.

What to eat and drink: There are many on-site options for deliciousness, from the casual Baguette Bakery and Deli with a menu of just-baked pastries, cakes and breads to the on-the-sand Beach House featuring uninterrupted sea views and super-fresh seafood (you won’t regret ordering the seafood on ice). Meanwhile, the Green House serves up comforting Italian, the Pool House oers local avors and Terrasse is the perfect spot for pre- or postdinner cocktails.

Golfing tip: Calling all links lovers. Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa is near two incredible golf courses: The BRG Da Nang Golf Resort is built on sand dunes amid stunning sea views and Montgomerie Links Vietnam is a championship-style links course for golfers of all levels.

Exhilarating urban escapes, tranquil beach getaways, insightful cultural expeditions — these are all unforgettable experiences for all types of travelers in Vietnam. What will you discover?

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