by Le Concierge Orient
Central Vietnam - Hue & hoi an
The Destinations
Hoi An
Vietnam may be an ancient state that dates back over a thousand years but not too many places today bear witness to its passage of time. Next to Hue and Hanoi, Hoi An is Vietnam's last remaining vestige to its long and meandering past, an intriguing confluence of Chinese temples, colonial buildings and even a covered Japanese bridge that remains home to some 120,000 inhabitants today. Every aspect of life in Hoi An in the present age remains rooted to a heritage that stretched from the 15th century, a glorious epoch where the coastal town was etched in history as one of the top trading posts of the South China Sea with maritime trade links to China, Japan, India, Europe and even Egypt. Like all historical entities, its fortunes rose and ebbed and after centuries of prominence it was virtually forgotten for 200 years until conservation efforts began in earnest in the 1990s. When a historic enclave is earmarked for tourism, its impending fortunes and misfortunes often hang in delicate balance. Hoi An as a living portal to Vietnam's glorious maritime past with a wealth of cultural and historical heritage needs to be properly conserved and managed for the future
Hue
The last imperial city of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue is home to some of Vietnam’s most arresting historical addresses, including the imperial citadel, several ornate tombs of the Nguyen emperors and French style architecture raised during its turn as the capital of colonial Annam. Bordered by tracts of mountains with an enviable coastline that stretches for 128km, Hue is a beautiful heritage city with the Perfume River pulsating through its heart. Besides architecture, Hue is also home to the Bạch Mã National Park, widely considered to be a centre of plant diversity in Vietnam that is home to endangered species such as the Asian elephant, white-cheeked gibbon and red-shanked douc langur. It also protects important bird species, especially Vietnamese endemics such as the Vietnamese crested argus, Annam partridge and Edwards's pheasant, which was once thought to be extinct.
The Launchpads
Four Seasons Nam Hai (Hoi An)
When The Nam Hai first opened in 2006, it captured Vietnam's ascendency as the region's resort haven perfectly. An exotic seafront estate fringed by mature coconut trees and tropical splendour with spacious villas bedecked with decadent amenities, this resplendent resort was once upon a time the pride of Vietnamese hospitality. Currently under the management of Four Seasons Resorts, reinforced with signature Four Seasons dedication to outstanding service, the resort's terra is looking lusher and more enchanting than before, especially since extensive villa renovations completed in 2025. The Spa at Four Seasons The Nam Hai is a sumptuous wellness retreat with treatments that are rounded off with an 'Earth Song' performed with synchronised crystal alchemy bowls that purportedly aids healing. There are ample choices for culinary indulgences here - La Sen serves Vietnamese dishes fortified by international options while the artistry of Japanese omakase at NAYUU is on the ascent as one of Vietnam’s latest culinary sensations.
Namia River Retreat (Hoi An)
Namia River Retreat is a boutique hideaway raised on the quiet Cồn Ba Xã Islet in Hoi An, nestled amidst lush landscapes and the shimmering river. Minutes from the UNESCO Heritage maritime city of Hoi An, the resort was conceptualised as a culturally attuned wellness retreat that blends Vietnamese hospitality with the healing prowess of Vietnamese herbology. With only 60 private pool villas fanned out across the islet, Namia differs from most others in the vicinity by offering a sense of serenity and cloistered sumptuousness within these tasteful abodes. Two restaurants offer delectable cuisines ranging from Vietnamese to local seafood but the star attraction here really is the delightful Lumina Spa, an intimate space harbouring 2 Traditional apothecaries, 8 Herbal steam rooms, 2 Indoor relaxation lounges, a cluster of indoor movement studios for yoga and fitness, a river-view terrace with sauna and cold plunge, outdoor wellbeing salas for meditation and yoga and 10 treatment rooms tastefully raised for unique massages and treatments incorporating traditional techniques and intuitive holistic insights to bring balance and harmony within.
Azerai La Residence (Hue)
Set on a two and a half-hectare site along the storied Perfume River, Azerai La Residence is a dreamy colonial confection emanating an elegant, historic milieu. The colonial mansion at the heart of the resort was built in the 1930s as part of the residence of the French Resident Superieure and that the mansion’s distinctive façade, with its long horizontal lines and nautical flourishes, are the hallmark of the streamlined moderne school of art deco architecture. Two wings, harbouring 122 rooms and suites, were added in 2005, offering contemporary accommodations amidst tropical gardens and lawns and a salt-water swimming pool. This excellent resort, with its team of dedicated staff, is currently Hue’s best launch pad for discovery within Vietnam’s last imperial capital. Le Parfum is the resort’s brasserie that serves Vietnamese and Western dishes throughout the day. Le Gouverneur is an artfully designed bar that offers a full range of cocktails and wine perfect for trading travel stories with a tipple in hand. Le Spa at Azerai La Residence is the wellness hideout that includes six stylishly-appointed treatment rooms adorned with eclectic details of the 1930s art deco era.