7 Best Hotels in Halong Bay and North-Central Vietnam, Vietnam

The closest thing to a luxury option in Ninh Binh city, this sparkling hotel doesn't disappoint. Those who are acquainted with luxury hotels in smaller Vietnamese towns will know the drill—a whole lot of marble, plenty of fairy lights, and a plethora of rather garish touches. Nevertheless, these are minor quibbles in the overall context of what is a very acceptable hotel. Rooms are very well appointed and feature king-size beds. Recreation facilities include a good-size outdoor pool and a gym. The hotel can arrange tours to nearby attractions such as Trang An and Tam Coc and the resident guides come highly recommended.

This well-known brand does a sterling, if unflashy, job, and as it's on Bai Chay Beach, it offers a stunning outlook over Halong Bay from many of its guest rooms, most of which come with a balcony. The style throughout is neutral and innocuous. The hotel's helpful information desk can assist with booking everything from Halong Bay tours to cooking classes. The hotel's main restaurant, The Square, specializes in seafood from the bay and offers buffet and menu options.

It is all about the welcome at this smart, family-owned hotel, overseen by manager David, who studied in Canada—hence the hotel's name. Ask him for recommendations for tours and excursions from Ninh Binh. Indeed, David is a fountain of knowledge about the Ninh Binh area and Vietnam in general. Rooms are spotlessly clean and feature flat-screen TVs and private bathrooms. The hotel is centrally located but is tucked away up a little side street so a degree of detective work is needed to track it down.

With 10 rooms situated around a lovely and peaceful courtyard, and just 100 meters away from the beach, you will be hard-pressed to find a better place to rest on the island. Friendly owners collect guests from the ferry port, and barbecues can be arranged on the beach.

A glass-fronted entryway looks out onto the bay from the spacious front lobby at this modern luxury hotel close to the ferry landing. Most of the rooms also have views of the bay, although some face the more industrial rear side. All are comfortable and clean, with wood-trimmed beige walls and floral linens. Bathrooms in deluxe rooms have a sunken bath and glorious views of the ocean and the spectacular Bai Chay Bridge—surely the most opulent bathing in town. The hotel has a decent range of dining and drinking options, including the main Four Seasons restaurant, which offers buffet and à la carte dining, and a French bakery where loaves of bread and decadent desserts are served.

This ocean-facing hotel has all the amenities you’d expect and more, including a kids' pool to compliment the kids' club and a fitness center overlooking Halong Bay. The lobby is stunning, most rooms have bathtubs and balconies, and the location is prime. The design is well thought-out; this hotel is distinguishing itself quickly.