Vietnam has over 2,000 miles of coastline, and huge swathes of it remain untouched by tourist development. Think white powder beaches, shimmering paddy fields, and seafront hamlets where coracle boats, fishing nets and reed baskets are still crafted by hand. This is one such spot – a half-mile beach at the tip of a spidery peninsula south of sub-radar Qui Nhon – and it's an absolute jewel.
We first visited the bay in 2015, when there were only five villas. Hearing it was slated for expansion, we held our breaths – and then let out a big sigh of relief to hear it was our friends at Zannier, the pioneers behind Sonop, Omaanda and Phum Baitang. These guys have mastered the art of sustainable luxury in spectacular, remote settings. Launched in late 2020, Bai San Ho remains a boutique resort: its 73 villas (from 1 to 4 bedrooms) are comfortably swallowed by a bay this size; the hotel melts into its natural surroundings. The villas are beautifully designed with reclaimed timbers, bamboo, inside-outside living spaces, pared-back interiors and phenomenal attention to detail. The service – be it in the beach bar, the three restaurants (good food and cocktails on tap), the kids club, or the watersports- and activity centre – comes with big smiles and genuine kindness. And those magnificent views, that huge infinity pool! It doesn't really get any better than this.
Highs
- The fine-sand, half-mile beach is the star of the show: fringed by palms and pines, dotted with exquisite shells, crashing waves, and bare minimum visual intrusion
- There's tons to do: tennis, yoga, spa, watersports (from sailing to efoils), fishing villages to visit, even a golf course nearby
- And the snorkelling is superb – the resort's name means 'Bay of Corals' – with year-round warm waters
- Their commitment to sustainability is admirable: recycled building materials, 600 re-planted trees, no single-use plastics, and rice from their own paddies (with excess harvest being donated locally). They are the temporary caretakers of the bay and seem genuinely dedicated to protecting it
- The breakfast buffet is a dream, an epic spread
Lows
- Make no mistake, it's a long journey – an hour from Qui Nhon's domestic airport, 4 hours by road or rail from Nha Trang. We hear an expressway is being built which will reduce the transfer time but is likely to open the area up; enjoy it now while you can!
- Occasional big waves can make sea swimming tricky – but there's a panoramic pool, plus private plunge pools in most villas
- Hillside paths mean it's not suitable for the infirm or for pushchairs, but free bikes and buggies around the resort can assist; if in the hilltop villas you need to plan ahead a little for lifts to the beach and restaurants
- At quieter times of year only two restaurants and about half of the villas are open
- This is a slightly bigger property than most i-escape hotels
Best time to go
This part of Vietnam has 9-10 months of sunshine per year (September to November being the exception), with temperatures around 30C for much of the time. January to April would be our pick; Christmas and New Year are fun too, though sometimes windy. In high summer (June to August), the heat can get uncomfortable - but the villas have air-con. The sea is swimmable for most of the year, though you may encounter big waves from September to December.
Our top tips
After the long journey, the perfect tonic is their signature two-hour Hoa Sen Ritual, which includes healthy teas, a herbal foot wash, a detox mud-based skincare, gentle foot and facial acupressure, and a full body treatment (courtesy of two therapists) using oils infused with ancient indigenous herbs.
If you have the time try and explore the area a little – there are some stunning beaches up and down this coast with nothing but rough and ready fishing villages using them. It’s a slice of pure untamed Vietnam coast which is magical and getting harder to find. Catch it while you can.
If you have the time try and explore the area a little – there are some stunning beaches up and down this coast with nothing but rough and ready fishing villages using them. It’s a slice of pure untamed Vietnam coast which is magical and getting harder to find. Catch it while you can.
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests
We initially planned seven nights at Bai San Ho and extended 2 more as we loved our stay so much. We came here after a cultural trip to Cambodia and Saigon. It was perfect after an exhausting & adventurous time. The team is amazing, supportive and motivated. The management is just beyond professional and super kind as well. We will come back and recommend to our friends and family. We cannot wait to visit Zannier Namibia soon.
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape