Vietnam in October is at its best: pleasant temperatures of around 30 degrees, a few short rain showers in the morning: ideal for exploring the country from south to center.
My route took me from Saigon via Côn Đảo Island to Quy Nhơn - with some exceptional hotels that made every stage special.
After a direct flight to Saigon and a short onward flight to the island of Côn Đảo, my trip began with a real highlight: the Six Senses Con Dao. The journey from the small airport takes just a few minutes, and you can feel the tranquillity of the island as soon as you arrive.
The resort is located in the middle of a protected national park, directly on a long, almost deserted beach. My villa with private pool offered exactly what you would expect from a Six Senses: simplicity with an eye for detail, sustainability without sacrificing comfort.
I was particularly impressed by the hotel's commitment to nature conservation - among other things, it runs a turtle breeding station. With a bit of luck, guests can watch them hatch, which unfortunately happened on my trip exactly one day after my departure.
The spa is one of the most beautiful I've ever been to, and the food was just right too: fresh, aromatic and healthy on request. Con Dao was the perfect way for me to get in the mood for Vietnam - relaxed, authentic and with service that is attentive but never overbearing.
My trip ended at the Zannier Hotels Bãi San Hô - and it really was the perfect ending. The complex is located in a private bay, nestled in 98 hectares of nature.
73 villas are spread across hills, rice fields and stretches of beach - each individually designed, inspired by the traditional architecture of different regions of Vietnam. The design is simple, high-quality and unagitated.
The beach is fantastically beautiful, framed by rocks, and even offers a small house reef for snorkeling. I found the tranquillity particularly pleasant - despite its size, the resort never feels overcrowded.
Whether it's yoga in the morning, a massage in the spa or simply a coffee on the private terrace - every detail is just right here. For me, the Zannier was the place where everything came together: Nature, style, atmosphere and a sense of arrival.
Vietnam surprised me with its diversity. From the quiet island of Côn Đảo to the dynamism of Saigon and the tranquil coasts of central Vietnam - each destination had its own character.
The Six Senses Con Dao remains my favorite because everything here meshes together: location, beach, service and atmosphere. But the other hotels - from the Zannier to the Anantara - also show how multifaceted luxury travel in Vietnam can be.
The country is perfect for a combination of culture, nature and relaxation - and October is an excellent time to visit!