Living and working in vibrant Ho Chi Minh City can be thrilling but exhausting. Thankfully, southern Vietnam is rich with luxurious weekend retreats, all within a convenient three-hour drive or short flight from the city. From tropical islands to mountain retreats, these seven carefully selected upper 4-star luxury destinations provide expats with unforgettable experiences and rejuvenation.
1. An Lam Retreats Saigon River (Thuận An)
Just a short 20-minute speedboat ride from Ho Chi Minh City’s bustling center, An Lam Retreats offers an intimate riverside escape. The resort features beautifully designed villas with private pools and lush garden surroundings. Guests can unwind with yoga sessions, Vietnamese cooking classes, or serene boat tours. Dining by the riverside, enjoying exquisite Vietnamese and international cuisine, completes the luxurious experience.
Insider tip: Opt for villas with private plunge pools for ultimate relaxation.
2. InterContinental Grand Ho Tram (Ho Tram)
Approximately two hours from Ho Chi Minh City, InterContinental Grand Ho Tram combines beachside relaxation with Vegas-style excitement. The luxurious resort boasts spacious rooms, multiple pools, a world-class golf course, and a vibrant casino. Food lovers can enjoy diverse dining options from gourmet seafood grills to authentic international cuisines.
Insider tip: Book an early tee time at the acclaimed golf course for cooler temperatures and spectacular sea views.
3. Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa (Mui Ne)
Just under three hours away, Mui Ne is ideal for beach lovers seeking luxury. Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa is renowned for its lush tropical gardens, elegant villas, and excellent spa services. Visitors enjoy kitesurfing, dune adventures, and culinary delights served beachfront or in romantic settings under the stars.
Insider tip: Schedule a sunrise visit to the White Sand Dunes to enjoy breathtaking views and quiet solitude.
4. Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa (Dalat)
A short one-hour flight from Ho Chi Minh City brings expats to Dalat’s cool highlands. Ana Mandara Villas Dalat offers luxurious stays in restored French colonial villas, surrounded by pine forests. Activities include golf, scenic hikes, spa treatments, and exploring Dalat’s charming cafes and markets. The resort’s restaurant is especially romantic, serving sophisticated French-Vietnamese cuisine.
Insider tip: Try the afternoon tea for a delightful culinary experience in serene surroundings.
5. JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay (Phu Quoc Island)
Accessible via a one-hour flight, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay is a whimsical luxury resort blending imaginative design with world-class amenities. Enjoy private beaches, themed pools, spa treatments, and uniquely designed suites and villas. Dining at Pink Pearl, the resort’s lavish French restaurant, provides an unforgettable gourmet experience.
Insider tip: Join the daily “University Tour” to fully appreciate the resort’s imaginative concept.
6. Six Senses Con Dao (Con Dao Islands)
Just 45 minutes by flight, Six Senses Con Dao offers ultimate seclusion and luxury on a pristine island. Its sustainably built private pool villas overlook turquoise waters and lush mountains. Activities include snorkeling, diving, turtle conservation experiences, and holistic spa treatments. Dining here highlights organic ingredients and local seafood in idyllic beachfront settings.
Insider tip: Participate in turtle hatching experiences during the nesting season for a once-in-a-lifetime memory.
7. Azerai Can Tho (Mekong Delta)
Only a three-hour drive away, Azerai Can Tho offers expats luxurious riverside tranquility in the heart of the Mekong Delta. Set on a lush private island, accommodations are elegantly minimalist. Enjoy boat tours to bustling floating markets, wellness treatments, culinary classes, and dining experiences emphasizing fresh, local ingredients.
Insider tip: Don’t miss the floating breakfast served in your private villa pool for a memorable morning treat.
Each of these seven luxury weekend getaways offers a distinct flavor of Vietnam (and beyond), catering perfectly to expats seeking quality travel without long journeys. From the French-colonial romance of Dalat to the castaway-island feel of Con Dao, from a quick cityside spa retreat on the Saigon River to the excitement of Ho Tram’s all-in-one resort – the variety ensures there’s an escape for every mood.
Best of all, they’re all reachable within roughly three hours from Ho Chi Minh City, meaning you can leave work on a Friday and be sipping a cocktail by the beach, mountains, or river by sunset. Here’s to discovering the diverse luxury experiences Vietnam has to offer, and returning to Saigon recharged and inspired. Enjoy your weekends in style!
