2 weeks relaxing in Asia - suggestions?

[goldenhorn]

Great write up. Agree with your sentiments regarding Vietnam and how status guests are looked after. Even a couple on your list that we haven’t stayed at and we have been to Vietnam several times.
If you do go back I thoroughly recommend the Sofitel Legend Metropole in Hanoi as they have looked after us amazingly everytime and it’s a fantastic hotel IMO. Some others we haven’t stayed at stayed at are the Banyan Tree LangCo, Pullman Vung Tau, Novotel HaLong Bay and Novotel Saigon and all were good.
I’m the odd one out it seems as many people prefer the Grand Mercure DaNang but I still think after staying at both that the Novotel DaNang is better and hence we have returned there a couple of times since

Thanks! We actually had lunch at the French restaurant inside Sofitel Legend Metropole yesterday - La Beaulieu. It was very good - what a gorgeous space and hotel!

But even with the Accor+ 50% discount applied, it was a little overpriced. But glad we had the experience of seeing and dining in the hotel. Greg Norman was also dining there yesterday and we saw the Swedish ambassador for Vietnam, so clearly it’s a place to be seen!

That’s a great list of other hotels I’d like to try next time. TY!

Although we didn’t try the Novotel Danang, I do think its location is much better than the Grand Mercure Danang, which is a little isolated out on that island. although with Grabs so plentiful and cheap, it was never hassle getting around.

We tried to go to the Novotel “The Square” restaurant buffet on Sunday night. It was booked out when we tried to book. But compared to the buffet in the GM Danang, it was double the price (including A+ discount) but the reviews are very good. We ended up going back to the Golden Dragon all-you-can-eat dim sum for the 3rd time.

I would definitely consider staying at the Novotel Danang next time for a few days to try it out.

 

[Flyfrequently]

Great write up. Agree with your sentiments regarding Vietnam and how status guests are looked after.

Have had excellent email response from Saigon and Pullman, very welcoming and informative.
Pullman apologised for not having a Lounge but have invited us to their Friday Canapes & coughtails.

I’m the odd one out it seems as many people prefer the Grand Mercure DaNang but I still think after staying at both that the Novotel DaNang is better and hence we have returned there a couple of times since

We are beach people @jase05 otherwise I would have happily tried Grand Mercure Danang

 

[Flyfrequently]

Although we didn’t try the Novotel Danang, I do think its location is much better than the Grand Mercure Danang.
But compared to the buffet in the GM Danang,

I note Accor + has some good dining offers in Vietnam

We ended up going back to the Golden Dragon all-you-can-eat dim sum for the 3rd time.

ST25 Koto is on our list @goldenhorn
Tommy Pham is an Australian chef

 

[goldenhorn]

I note Accor + has some good dining offers in Vietnam

ST25 Koto is on our list @goldenhorn
Tommy Pham is an Australian chef

For the majority of our meals, we tended to use Accor restaurants with a 50% discount. There were so many to choose from.

And for the hotels that had lounges, there was so much food on offer that we didn’t have dinner those nights.

It’s amazing because we’ve come home from this holiday and didn’t spend anywhere near the allocated budget we put aside for meals. Win!

 

[Quickstatus]

Da Nang in Vietnam is pretty laid back.

And as upmarket as you would like

 

[Captain Halliday]

Rather than start a new thread, hoping that @goldenhorn doesn’t mind me building on this one with some questions about Da Nang.

We (2 adults & 1 child) will be travelling to DAD in late March, departing 11 days later.

I’m particularly interested in people’s thoughts on Novotel (~AUD220/night) vs Grand Mercure (~205/n) vs Pullman (~392/n +rollaway cost).

With no EL and no bed for Miss H, I can't see Pullman being worth the premium, but am I missing something besides it being on the beach?

@jase05 I note this comment...

Have stayed at both those properties in Da Nang and 9 nights in Da Nang does seem excessive. The Pullman is ok and a nice place to relax but we have always had great status recognition at the Novotel and it also has a good EL plus a very good breakfast selection.

What duration would AFFers suggest in Da Nang and why?

Any recommendations for a second location that's easily accessible from Da Nang that we should consider for a few days?

@goldenhorn I note your review of Grand Mercure Ba Ha Hills upthread. Besides the sunrise photo, any significant benefit of staying there vs a day trip from Da Nang? (we have one night in MNL on the way up and one night in SIN on the way home, I suspect more check-in/check-outs will be a hard sell with Mrs H, but maybe there's a good reason)

Also tagging members I know have been to Da Nang, or who I have seen comment on Da Nang in other threads @GarrettM @Austman @Ansett Nostalgic @Flyfrequently. Input welcome from others of course...

 

[Flyfrequently]

We did 10 days in Da Nang last July @Captain Halliday
3 nights at Grand Mercure in a suite, so a separate area for Miss H and not overly expensive.
It is not located in the main "hub" like the Novotel (went there for a swim) but Grab is cheap and could get there ~ AUD3-4
Lounge was excellent, plenty of food and coughtail offerings - could easily fill up.

Also ate in their restaurants reasonably priced and delicious food, particularly Vietnamese Veranda - back when dining discount was 50%

Moved to Pullman Danang for a week - we do like a beach and to swim.
Agree, no Lounge but Friday night GM hosts "Sundowner" with drinks and canapes for Accor Gold guests and above - oh and Vodka for breakfast if that's your thing

We did a day trip to Hoi An. Many say Hue is worth a visit.
Also did the sights, can recommend our driver Dung
It was pretty humid in July so the beach for us was a winner.
Did a TR July 2025 and Accor Elite Guest thread reviews. Feel free to hit me up with any particular questions

 

[Flyfrequently]

To add @Captain Halliday
We had a hectic 4 days in HCMC doing all the touristy things so relaxing was high on our list for DaNang
@GarrettM travelled with kids and did an excellent TR