The Mui Ne PeninsulaJust four hours by road from Saigon, the sweepingstretch of sand at Mui Ne is a place wherefishermen still use traditional coracles to bringtheir catch ashore. The micro-climate here meansthis is one of the driest places in Vietnam, asillustrated by its famous sand dunes, baking hot inthe midday sun. Mui Ne receives sun for almostthe entire year, making it ideal as a beach breakfrom the humidity of Saigon or the Delta. A rangeof charming small properties and luxury boutiquehotels line the white-sand peninsula offeringaccommodation to suit a variety of budgets.VICTORIAPHANTHIET, MUINESituated in a secluded area of the peninsula, thishotel is perfect for those seeking a resort with awide range of facilities. Close to Phan Thiet town,this is the place to come for relaxation andpampering. It has a great spa and very few of theother properties in the area offer such an air oftranquillity. The hotel has two pools, one of whichis an infinity pool overlooking the South ChinaSea, the focal point of the resort. The 57 stylishbungalows, including duplex family rooms and apool villa, are dotted over the hillside, surroundedby immaculate gardens full of tropical flowers.ANANTARAMUINERESORTANDSPAThis Anantara property was established as thefirst luxury five star resort along Mui Ne beach.The 89 rooms, villas and suites are set withintropical gardens and offer views of the sea orlagoon. There is a choice of two elegantrestaurants, where fresh seafood is the order ofthe day. The resort offers an exciting array ofactivities for the adventurer including Jeep tours,golf, a fitness centre and a variety of water sports.Nha TrangNha Trang is best known to the Vietnamese asone of the country's biggest fishing ports but it isknown to visitors for its beautiful beaches. Someof the town has succumbed to overdevelopmentand we recommend staying a short distance tothe north, just off the coast at Ninh Van Bay.SIXSENSESNINHVANBAY,NHATRANGAccessible only by boat, this is a unique hideaway.Striking rock formations, the coral reef, the white-sand beach and the soaring mountainsbehind it all add to the sense of being luxuriouslyat one with nature. The elegantly designedmodern architecture reflects the traditions ofVietnam and a commitment to the environment.The 58 pool villas are situated on the beach front,on the hillside and over the rock formations inwhich private swimming pools have been crafted.18Harbour in Nha TrangRock Villa, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, Nha TrangAnantara Mui Ne Resort and SpaSand dunes at sunrise, Mui Ne

Phu QuocSituated close to the Cambodian border, theisland of Phu Quoc offers an alternative beachoption for those wishing to escape traditionalresorts. Although Phu Quoc is beginning to seemore visitors, development is slow and thebeautiful sandy beaches and pristine watersremain unspoilt. Reached by a regular flightservice from Saigon and Can Tho or by hydrofoilfrom Rach Gia, Phu Quoc is easily accessible yetretains a quiet and secluded feel, making this aperfect place to unwind.LAVERANDARESORTANDSPA,PHUQUOCSet on an idyllic stretch of coast, La VerandaResort and Spa has become a firm Audleyfavourite. The hotel has been designed to reflectthe style and ambience of an old colonial mansionand comprises only 43 rooms, villas and suites.Each room reinforces the colonial theme withhigh ceilings, traditional French floor tiles andpicturesque white-shuttered verandas overlookinglush tropical gardens that lead down to the sea.Facilities include a spa, swimming pool, sunset barand a choice of two restaurants offering a widechoice of fresh local seafood, traditionalVietnamese specialities and international dishes.CHENSEARESORT& SPA, PHUQUOCThe Chen Sea Resort and Spa has 36 villas whichare contemporary in design and all have views ofthe beach. This boutique hotel is nestled amongtropical gardens along the white sandy beach ofCua Dong. There is an excellent spa which offersa range of treatments and a large swimming poolthat overlooks the beach.Con Dao IslandsLocated off the southeast coast of mainlandVietnam, 80% of the islands in the stunning ConDao archipelago form part of a marine andnational park. The World Wildlife Foundation has been based in the area for the past decade,establishing a programme for protecting andwww.audleytravel.com/vietnam ?01993 838 140 ?Vietnam19monitoring sea turtle nesting grounds. Other sealife includes the rare dugong. The largest of theislands is Con Son, also known by its colonialname of Iles Poulo Condore. Settled as early asthe 16th century by Europeans, the island has aculturally rich and politically intense history. Under French rule, Con Son was a prison islandand right up until the American War, had aninfamous reputation. Remains of the prisons canstill be seen along with the manicured gardens ofphotogenic French villas. Today, Con Son has atranquil atmosphere, with several lovely beachesand a little touched interior. The island can bereached by a 45 minute flight from Saigon.SIXSENSESCONDAO, CONSONISLANDThis is the first luxury property on the island ofCon Son. The 50 spacious pool villas run along a mile of sandy beach, sheltered by the forestedhills behind and affording stunning vistas of theSouth China Sea. Accommodation ranges fromsingle-level to duplex villas with one to fourbedrooms. The communal guest area recreates a fishing village and incorporates original hand-carved antique wooden panels. Dining optionsinclude a gourmet deli and bakery, Vietnameseopen kitchen and a stunning restaurant by thebeach, complete with a well-stocked wine cellar.A spa as well as a main swimming pool, activityand dive centre and a whole host of excursionswill appeal to families and couples alike.Chen Sea Resort & Spa, Phu QuocLa Veranda Resort and Spa, Phu QuocPhu Quoc IslandShrimp drying in Phu QuocSix Senses Con Dao, Con Son IslandMending fishing nets, Phu Quoc