It will be news to no regular readers of this website that we have a soft spot for Vietnam. And if you happen to be in the country in the next week or so, you might want to check out a special evening at the Azerai Can Tho, just a few hours from Saigon, in the Mekong Delta.
On September 21, the resort hotel invites guests to a five-course wine dinner. The package, priced at VND 7,600,000 (about AU$490) includes accommodation, dinner with wine for two at The Grill, and breakfast the next day.
Or if you’re in the area, you can have the dinner only, without accommodation, for about $110 per person.
Either would be a perfect introduction to the Azerai, a brand that sets out to blend tourism and local life. With boutique hotels and resorts in three areas of Vietnam, guests – especially nature, culture, history and food lovers – can get to the essence of their destination with home-style accommodation and curated experiences.
On a private islet in the Mekong Delta, in Vietnam’s deep south, Azerai Can Tho is accessible only by boat. Opening its doors in 2018, it quickly became a popular retreat where guests can relax in nature and enjoy a slower pace of life.
This five-star hotel features one- to five-bedroom pool villas, a restaurant, spa, and yoga pavilion, all surrounded by gardens with banyan trees.
Take a private wooden boat to explore the Mekong Delta, known as the “rice bowl of Vietnam”, passing quaysides and fishing villages on the Hua River before reaching Cai Rang floating market, where locals have been buying and selling goods for almost a century. It’s a great place to experience daily life and pick up fresh produce and traditional handicrafts.
The resort also offers visits to local chocolate farms, where guests can experience chocolate making, from picking cacao beans to tasting the final product, led by the resort’s pastry chef.
History in Hue
Discover the legacy of Vietnam’s last dynasty in Hue at Azerai La Residence, Hue, a restored French colonial mansion by the Perfume River. Open since February 2019, this hotel offers a peaceful escape and access to Hue’s UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Imperial Citadel and Forbidden City.
Explore the 1920s at Princess Ngoc Son’s Garden House or take a boat cruise to Thien Mu Pagoda. Visit the tombs of Khai Dinh and Emperor Minh Mang by car.
Food lovers can enjoy a culinary tour by cyclo, tasting local dishes like banh khoai in Kim Long village.
A Wellness Package includes a two-night stay, breakfast, healthy drinks, a tour to Tu Hieu Pagoda, yoga sessions, spa treatments, a vegetarian lunch, nutritious meals, and a cooking class.
On the beach
Discover the serene beachside lifestyle at Azerai Ke Ga Bay, a boutique resort just 2.5 hours from Ho Chi Minh City. Opened in December 2020, it offers chic pool suites, a seafront spa, a restaurant, and an oceanfront terrace, all steps from a 5km-long secluded beach.
Guests can enjoy water sports, visit local attractions like salt fields and dragon fruit farms, and explore the traditional fishing village and local temple. The resort also offers cooking classes showcasing Vietnamese cuisine, teaching guests to make dishes like fresh rice paper rolls and caramelised fish.
Azerai Ke Ga Bay provides an authentic, tranquil experience, perfect for those looking to explore Vietnam’s nature, culture, and cuisine.
About Azerai
Azerai is a luxury hotel brand created by Adrian Zecha. The name combines his initials and part of the Persian word “caravanserai,” meaning historic inns. Azerai offers elegant design and discreet service in culturally rich locations. For more details on the three resorts in Vietnam, visit azerai.com.
