9 Best Hotels in The Northwest, Vietnam

One of the highest rated hotels in Sapa, the Aliana Boutique delivers fantastic service and well-designed rooms. Their fitness center is top-notch and guests are treated like royalty. Breakfast is catered to all and no detail has been overlooked.

This is arguably the most relaxing retreat in the valley—surrounded by green hills and rice paddies, the property is both luxurious and sympathetic to its environment. Built entirely from natural materials, the buildings have thatched roofs, bamboo interiors, and wooden furniture. The private bungalows are built in traditional Thai stilt-house style and have outdoor jungle showers, emphasizing the "back-to-nature" ethos. The restaurant serves some alluring Vietnamese dishes as well as a smattering of White Thai specialties.

The only five-star luxury resort in Sapa, this modern-day castle is close to perfection. Laid out like a small town, the Silk Path boasts two restaurants, a heated indoor pool, duplexes, and bungalows alongside standard rooms, and caters to the luxury traveler. The grandest hotel in Sapa by far, Silk Path impresses with sincere design touches.

If Sapa town is too busy for your liking, this luxe Scandinavian-style resort within Hoang Lien National Park has private bungalows arranged around the summit of a small hill, guaranteeing absolute seclusion and some fabulous panoramic views. The private one-bedroom lodges are not exactly the last word in luxury, and the beautiful balconies would benefit from some comfortable seating, but the prime location is the only one of its kind. A range of treks can be arranged at reception for a price higher than in town. The resort's infinity pools and spa are also quite popular with guests.

With spacious and comfortable rooms, this centrally located hotel is right next to the main town square and offers a lot of value. The downstairs restaurant and bar are great additions.

On the main road leading through the valley, this is the most luxurious lodging option in Mai Chau, with the best restaurant in the area, which specializes in Vietnamese cuisine and has a pleasant, shady dining area. The main building's rather hulking structure won't be to the taste of everyone, but the interior is far more elegant. Rooms are tastefully decorated with traditional art and come with polished wooden floors and high ceilings. Facilities include a nice pool, and the lodge can organize trekking and biking trips.

This snazzy hotel complex has cornered the (admittedly limited) business market in Dien Bien Phu due to its clean rooms and immaculate service. The grounds include a tourist office, gym, karaoke, sauna, and even a large pool out back. Breakfast is included in the room rate and there's a decent Vietnamese restaurant as well as a barbecue terrace. Promotional rates can go as low as 800,000d.

Stepping into Pao's, you may feel that you've found an otherworldly art gallery: the large structure is meant to resemble rice terraces, and the swooping architectural design is inspired. Each room comes with a private balcony and garden, and the window seats are a nice touch. Its spa and heated pool are still being perfected, but the views are stunning.

These bungalows are quiet and peaceful, and the outdoor pool is great for traveling families. The on-site restaurant is nice, as well as the balcony views of rice paddies and natural beauty. Ask for an extra blanket in winter, as the rooms can get quite chilly.