Vietnam & Cambodia Highlights Holiday

Opened in 1925 as Saigon’s most luxurious hotel, the Majestic Hotel Saigon has gone through several reincarnations over the years, reflecting the tumultuous history of Vietnam.

Former haunt of foreign correspondents, spies and once home to Graham Greene, the Majestic Saigon Hotel exudes history, tradition and romance.

In a great location overlooking the Saigon River, the Majestic Saigon remains a hotel of tradition, hospitality and elegance with an aura steeped in its French colonial era roots.

The Saigon Opera House, Re-unification Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral and Ben Thanh Markets are all also just a short walk away.

The Majestic has a beautiful art-deco era lobby, with stained glass, chandeliers and period furniture. Tiny, antique lifts lead to the rooms in the Classic Wing, which has wide corridors, beautiful carpets and artworks on the wall.

Rooms at the Majestic are a good size and the Saigon River View Rooms in the Classic Wing are very popular so book well in advance for these if possible. In fact many of the room types are booked well in advance.

The Majestic Saigon Hotel is the ‘Grand Dame’ of Saigon's colonial-era hotels, in an excellent location by the Saigon River with plenty of restaurants, shops and bars close by.

We love the Majestic’s rooftop bar, which has a nice view over the Saigon River and is a great spot for pre-dinner drinks. Like everything at the Majestic – it’s a little bit old fashioned but the river views are great.

Lonely Planet described the lobby as ‘like an old lady trying to hide her wrinkles’ which we thought summed it up nicely until renovations really lifted the look of the hotel. The old lady has a twinkle in her eye again!

• Images

Credit: HotelMajesticSaigonhttp://majesticsaigon.com/

Credit: HotelMajesticSaigonhttp://majesticsaigon.com/

Credit: HotelMajesticSaigonhttp://majesticsaigon.com/

Credit: HotelMajesticSaigonhttp://majesticsaigon.com/

Credit: HotelMajesticSaigonhttp://majesticsaigon.com/

Credit: HotelMajesticSaigonhttp://majesticsaigon.com/

Located in a beautiful old whitewashed building, Phnom Penh’s historic White Mansion Boutique Hotel occupies the former residence of the American Ambassador to Cambodia.

This Phnom Penh boutique hotel is a real classical beauty in the heart of the city and offers a very elegant place to stay.

From the grand sweeping staircase to the spacious high-ceilinged rooms, a stay at the White Mansion evokes echoes of yesteryear.

Rooms are spacious, uncluttered and classically designed with quality fittings and furniture.

The White Mansion is extremely well managed and the French Bakery and café on the ground floor are a real bonus – especially for coffee-lovers. White Mansion Phnom Penh offers a small pool and massage facilities.

We love the style of this superb boutique hotel in Phnom Penh. You’ll enjoy taking the stairs up to your room just to admire the spectacular staircase.

The location is pretty good and there are restaurants and boutique shops within walking distance. There are some great places to eat on nearby 278 Street.

• Images

Credit: WhiteMansionHotel

Credit: WhiteMansionHotel

Credit: WhiteMansionHotel

Credit: WhiteMansionHotel

Credit: WhiteMansionHotel

Credit: WhiteMansionHotel

Shinta Mani Angkor is an intimate and stylish 39-room luxury boutique hotel in Siem Reap.

Shinta Mani Angkor is not only one of the best boutique hotels in Siem Reap; it also does a sterling job in supporting the local community through providing free hospitality industry training for young people at risk in Siem Reap.

Shinta Mani Angkor was thoroughly overhauled and expanded a few years ago, with a brand new wing added and the hotel upgraded to reveal fabulous new luxury rooms, and a design straight from the studios of renowned hotel designed Bill Bensley.

Shinta Mani Angkor is located in a tranquil and leafy setting in the centre of Siem Reap, which means that markets, shops and restaurants are all right on the doorstep. The temples of Angkor are 15 minutes or so away by tuk-tuk.

The hotel has a great swimming pool – a welcome treat after a long day touring the ruins. The spa offers a range of treatments including foot massages for the temple-weary.

Shinta Mani Angkor Bensley Collection

Shinta Mani Angkor Bensley Collection consists of just 10 luxury private pool villas set amongst the shade of the trees of the former Royal Palace in Siem Reap, an annex of the Shinta Mani Angkor hotel.

Designed by legendary hotel designer Bill Bensley, these villas offer the height of luxury in Siem Reap - ideal for honeymooners or for those looking for style, intimacy and privacy in the heart of Siem Reap.

As always with Bill Bensley, the design is meticulous, including, according to Bill, 'the most comfortable beds imaginable', dressed with luxury Khmer linen.

Each villa consists of two pavilions (56 sq. m total) and features floor to ceiling windowed bathrooms looking out onto the private gardens, outdoor bathtub and rainforest shower.

Villas all feature custom designed furniture, exclusive works of Khmer art and handcrafted fittings and furnishings.

Have the second bed set up on the rooftop deck and spend the night under the stars if you wish.

Each villa is attended by a private 'Bensley Butler'.

• Images

Locating right on the edge of Hoan Kiem Lake in the centre of Hanoi, Apricot Hotel offers a superb, sweeping view of the lake from its rooftop swimming pool.

This neo-classically designed luxury hotel in Hanoi has a real sense of style, nods more than a quick glance at the arts and offers comfort and refinement in its rooms and dining venues.

Rooms are spacious and comfortable and the hotel is large enough to have plenty of facilities.

The choice of rooms ranges from the cosy and bijou (25 sq. m.) ‘Sketch’ rooms through to Premium Suites, the twice as large ‘Gallery’ suites.

We were very impressed by the Apricot Hotel and it represents excellent value for money.

The very large swimming pool is a real bonus and a great place to relax after a day touring around Hanoi.

• Images
• Video
• Rooms
• Facilities
• Restaurants

Rooftop Swimming Pool Credit: ApricotHotel/Facebook High on the 10th floor of Apricot Hotel, beyond the green leaves and bustling life of Hoan Kiem Lake, is the only rooftop pool in the heart of Hanoi. Offering one of the most stunning panoramic view of the famous and romantic lake, our rooftop swimming pool is an oasis of peace and luxury.

Credit: ApricotHotel/Facebook

Credit: ApricotHotel/Facebook

Hotel Lobby Credit: Apricot Hotel

Apricot Hotel Hanoi Credit: Apricot Hotel Located at a historic location on Hang Trong Street, with sweeping view of the legendary Hoan Kiem Lake, Apricot Hotel is a prime destination to explore the quintessence of Vietnamese art and culture.

A'telier Lounge - Lobby Credit: Apricot Hotel

Greenery view from 9th floor Credit: Apricot Hotel

The Library Credit: Apricot Hotel

Sketch Canvas with City View Canvas with Lake View Gallery Junior Studio Studio Masterpiece

Looking out across the hotel’s courtyard, Sketch room encompass Apricot’s tasteful décor and stunning original artworks. Set to luxurious surrounding, an utmost level of comfort await guests in this Sketch room category.

Featuring a fantastic view of the city’s bustling lifestyle, each room comes equipped with high-class facilities and amenities in a neo-classic design. The exquisite renowned artworks, added essentials and relaxing atmosphere will elevate guest stay to its utmost comfort of home.

Our elegantly appointed rooms feature fabulous views across the lake with original artworks by famous Vietnamese artists. This upper delux premium rooms with added essentials will elevate guest stay to its utmost comfort of home.

Our premium suites harmonize French design with magnificent prospects of and thought-provoking local artworks and sculptures. All rooms come with a spacious living room, while selected rooms have private gardens where you can enjoy your own views of ‘s skyline.

Prepare to make yourself comfortable for a long and pleasant stay with our apartment rooms which feature all the built-in facilities of a premium studio apartment: a living room, dining room and kitchenette, all with Apricot’s refined finishing touches.

With a generous 56 square meteres of space, Studio room offers a luxury ambience for extended stays in Hanoi. The lavish apartment room provides a home-away-from-home vibe with a living room, dining room, kitchenette equipment and a bath tub in an artistic design.

As Apricot’s optimum level of luxury accommodation, the grand Masterpiece Suite offer views of that eclipse any other in the city. These genuine Masterpieces possess a milieu of luxury, tranquility and all the refined essences that define the true fine art of living.

Property Facilities

24-hour Security, Activity Desk, Bar, Gym, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Library, Pool, Restaurant

Room Facilities

Air Conditioning, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Hair Dryer, Laundry Service (Available), Mini Bar, Safe, Satellite / Cable Television, Shower, Smoking Rooms, Tea / Coffee

Available Services

Foreign Exchange, Room Service, Travel Desk

Activities on Site

Fine Dining, High Tea, Massages

Activities Nearby

Child Friendly Activities, Fine Dining, Massages

A'telier Lounge L'Artiste Restaurant Palette Restaurant

A’telier is inspired by the French name for an artistic space, serving an exclusive selection of teas from around the world to accentuate the Afternoon Tea experience. The lobby lounge offers a fare of sweet delicacies set to an opulent backdrop in a relaxed atmosphere.

In France, L’Artiste is a place where art is born, and the namesake restaurant offers a true fine dining experience with an open-style kitchen where hotel's chefs create classic masterpieces cooked to order.

Palette paints a picture of South East Asian sensations in a flood of colour inspired by the Spice Route to serve dishes that exhilarate the taste buds.

Paradise Cruises are a step up from most of the vessels cruising Halong Bay and offers a luxurious and more intimate cruising experience.

Choose from Deluxe Cabins, Balcony Cabins and Suites.

On the top-deck, you can laze in the sun, surrounded by the stunning setting of the bay as well as enjoying a barbecue dinner.

The overnight cruise of Halong Bay is the most popular option and offers a great experience of all times of day in one of the most beautiful locations in Vietnam.

A Halong Bay Cruise with Paradise Cruises offers a good balance between leisurely cruising and seeing the highlights of the bay - not too much is tried to be crammed in and most guests enjoy the balance of cruising and shore excursions.

Paradise Cruises depart from an area where only a handful of the cruises on Halong Bay depart from.

This means the sailing itinerary is less crowded and has a more peaceful ambience, with fewer other vessels in sight.

• Images
• Cabins
• Facilities

Credit: ParadiseCruise

Credit: ParadiseCruise

Credit: ParadiseCruise

Credit: ParadiseCruise

Credit: ParadiseCruise

Credit: ParadiseCruise

Activities on Site

Cooking Courses, Kayaking, Walks (Guided)

Deluxe Cabins Deluxe Balcony Cabin Paradise Suites Terrace Suites

The Deluxe Cabins are located on the main deck and feature beds that can be set up in twin and double configurations as required. Each cabin can accommodate two adults and a child under the age of 12 and features an en-suite bathroom with a hairdryer, slippers, and complimentary toiletries. Amenities include central air-conditioning, a personal safe, wardrobe, and complimentary mineral water.

Located on the second deck, the Deluxe Balcony Cabins feature private furnished balconies with expansive views of the surrounds. Twin and double bed configurations are available and each cabin can accommodate two adults and a child under the age of 12. Amenities include central air-conditioning, a personal safe, wardrobe, complimentary mineral water, and an en-suite bathroom with a hairdryer, slippers, and complimentary toiletries.

Located on the main deck, the generously spacious Paradise Suites come complete with a minibar, LCD screen, and DVD player along with central air-conditioning, a personal safe, wardrobe, and complimentary mineral water. Beds are modifiable into twin or double configurations and the en-suite bathrooms feature a hairdryer, slippers, and complimentary bath amenities. Each cabin can accommodate two adults and a child under the age of 12.

Located on the upper deck, the spacious Terrace Suites feature private forward-facing terraces with lounge chairs, offering expansive views of the bay. Beds can be configured between twin and double arrangements and each suite can accommodate two adults and a child under the age of 12. A hairdryer, slippers, and complimentary toiletries can be found in the en-suite bathrooms and amenities include central air-conditioning, a personal safe, wardrobe, and complimentary mineral water.

A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort is a charming boutique hotel in Hue, with a design based on a rustic Vietnamese village.

The feel of Pilgrimage Village is very tranquil, with winding paths, tropical gardens, ponds, a very peaceful spa and an inviting swimming pool.

There is a good choice of rooms to choose from at Pilgrimage Village, including popular Honeymoon Bungalows.

Pilgrimage Village is just 3 miles from Hue centre and offers a really peaceful escape within easy reach of town and the Emperor’s Mausoleums.

The atmosphere at Pilgrimage Village is very peaceful and relaxing - a great escape from the hustle and bustle of youthful Hue. We love the spa, and the yoga pavilion is in a beautiful spot overlooking lotus ponds.

The location means that it's a short drive into Hue town but we think the location is fantastic - it's a very peaceful resort-like atmosphere here but still with easy access into Hue.

• Images

Credit: PilgrimageVIllageBoutiqueResort&Spahttp://www.pilgrimagevillage.com/

Credit: PilgrimageVIllageBoutiqueResort&Spahttp://www.pilgrimagevillage.com/

Credit: PilgrimageVIllageBoutiqueResort&Spahttp://www.pilgrimagevillage.com/

Credit: PilgrimageVIllageBoutiqueResort&Spahttp://www.pilgrimagevillage.com/

Credit: PilgrimageVIllageBoutiqueResort&Spahttp://www.pilgrimagevillage.com/

Set on the banks of the Thu Bon River, just ten minutes walk from the town's historical area, The Hotel Royal Hoi An MGallery offers guests a perfect base from which to explore the UNESCO heritage town.

The property has a mixture of traditional charm and contemporary design, reflected in the 119 comfortable and stylish rooms.

There is a good size pool in the main courtyard as well as several dining options including Wakaku, a Japanese restaurant and the Faifo Cafe serving Vietnamese and international fare. Also featured at this hotel is a gym and spa.

• Images