An Lam Retreats Saigon River, Near Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam - Explore & Book

"Basking in flourishing tropical grounds on a straight stretch of the serpentine Saigon River, An Lam is a 25-minute speedboat ride from downtown Saigon or 40 minutes by road. Its welcoming embrace is the perfect antidote to the city’s high-energy antics, historic sights and chaotic streets.Popular with expats and locals seeking a weekend escape, the beautifully designed rooms and standalone villas are dotted around gardens crisscrossed by large stepping stones and studded with banyan and banana trees. Life focuses around the small yet pampering spa, the riverfront restaurant and the central swimming pool, where daybeds, shady tables and chic rollercoaster-shaped sun loungers made from water hyacinth gaze out over the shore. We think it’s perfect for couples who want an idyllic setting, luxurious living and total relaxation - and, when you want to venture out, the complimentary thrice-daily boat service is on hand to whisk you straight into the heart of Saigon. Highs A feel of real luxury - there’s a butler service, and all rooms and villas feature huge sitting areas plus balconies or terraces; some also have private plunge pools and river-facing decksAttractive grounds, with birds-of-paradise plants, coconut palms bowing over the water, and Khmer sculptures in wooden plantersDelicious Vietnamese farm-to-table food, plus riverfront terraces for meals with a viewThe beautiful teal-green pool, embedded in a raised wooden platform and overlooked by frangipani trees whose delicate white flowers spiral down into the waterThe sense of serenity away from the frenetic activity of downtown. We loved sitting back with drinks and watching boats chug past Lows There’s little to do in the immediate area and no restaurants nearby; you’ll have to journey into the city if you want to eat outService can be a little slow, particularly at mealtimes, and the indoor dining room lacks ambiance (guests tend to dine outside)A couple of little niggles - the pillows are too bouncy, and the blinds aren’t thick enough to block out light The riverside location attracts mozzies - nets are provided, but it's worth packing repellentFull prepayment is required on reservation" - Claire Boobbyer