The whole world talks about Japan, South Korea, Indonesia and Thailand when it comes to top Asian destinations. One country is often totally left out and in my opinion really underestimated: Vietnam! I’ll tell you why Central Vietnam is an absolute insider tip and how luxurious relaxation can be uniquely combined with authentic insights into the culture and cuisine of this fascinating country during a stay at the TUI BLUE Nam Hoi An.
Table of contents
Arrival at the TUI BLUE Nam Hoi An
The journey from Europe can take between 14 and 20 hours depending on the flight connection. There are two airport options, a landing in Da Nang, about 85 km away or alternatively and a bit closer the small airport Tam Ky/Chu Lai in about 25 km distance from the hotel. After nearly 20 hours of travel with a stopover in Ho Chi Minh City, I landed at Tam Ky. We were the only plane on the small airfield and I felt that already totally exciting and unique. Just not as crowded as many other Southeast Asian hotspots. And yes the journey can be exhausting, but let me tell you one thing: It is so worth it!
At the latest when you drive along the driveway to the super modern, stylish oasis of relaxation of the TUI BLUE Nam Hoi An begins an absolute dream vacation. The welcome by the staff in the breathtakingly large lobby is so warm. The hospitality is really unique here, everyone is very accommodating and helpful, which strikes me super positive immediately upon arrival. What I also find totally great: The employees at the lobby wear authentic, typical costumes and now at the latest you know: Oh yes, I’m in Vietnam!
If your room is located a little further from the lobby, for example in one of the beautiful beachfront villas, the dear Quoc will drive you with the golf cart.
Hotel complex TUI BLUE Nam Hoi An
The spacious grounds of this 5-star hotel really leave nothing to be desired. During my 7-day stay, I probably walked through the complex at least twice a day and I’m pretty sure I didn’t step on every square meter.
One thing I particularly like is that despite the spaciousness, you can get to the pool from any room within a few minutes thanks to the central location of the pool area. In addition to the main pool, there is also a relaxation pool with massage beds (my absolute favorite!) and a family and children’s pool. By the way, the main pool has a special feature thanks to optical illusion. You can see what it is in this TikTok.
Rooms in the TUI BLUE Nam Hoi An
The room selection at the TUI BLUE Nam Hoi An also surprised me positively with the various options available depending on individual wishes and requirements. My room of the category “Duo Superior King” was super stylishly furnished with my personal highlight, the bathtub with a view of the hotel’s own organic garden, just perfect for coming down in the evening.
But for you I could also catch a glimpse of the Royal Villas with private pool and I must say, wow! If you want to enjoy a very special and intimate time with your partner or family, I can highly recommend these villas and suites. Especially for occasions like a marriage proposal or a honeymoon I imagine this room category (although “room” is really understated here) very suitable. Because here you can enjoy your privacy and still swim in the pool with a view of the sea without leaving the villa.
A special highlight here is certainly the possibility of a floating breakfast (keep your smartphones ready, Instagram alert!). I can tell you, it not only looks good, but also tastes delicious!
Food at TUI BLUE Nam Hoi An
Of course, not only the Floating Breakfast tastes great but also the breakfast buffet in “The Restaurant”. I would describe it as a perfect mix of European-continental breakfast with Vietnamese accents. Whether French croissant, Dutch cheese, American pancakes or regional fruits and vegetables from the hotel’s own organic garden, vegetarian and vegan alternatives as well as the world-famous Pho soup, which by the way tastes super delicious, there is everything at the buffet.
At lunchtime, you can choose between the “Green & Grill” restaurant, where you can choose from international classics and classic Vietnamese dishes, and a selection of light meals at the pool bar.
In the evening you can choose between “The Restaurant” and the à-la-carte restaurant “Lemongrass”. However, my personal highlight was definitely the Beach BBQ in the “Green & Grill” restaurant. On selected days and depending on the weather, you will find a very special buffet with freshly grilled seafood and fish, meat specialties and an excellent appetizer and dessert buffet.
Offers TUI BLUE Nam Hoi An
Activities and adventures at TUI BLUE Nam Hoi An
For those who prefer an active and adventurous vacation instead of relaxing by the pool or the sea, the BLUE app makes it easy to view the daily program and book activities. In addition to daily BLUEf!t fitness classes, kayaking and stand-up paddling, on various days, for example, a cooking class with the chef is also offered. Several times a week there is also a guided bike tour to the muralist village and the fisherman’s market. A unique highlight for all cooking and cosmetics lovers is certainly also the participation in the course for the production of coconut oil. For authentic insights into the culture and cuisine of Vietnam, the hotel really has an enriching offer for you.
Excursion to Hoi An
One of my absolute favorite highlights of our stay was definitely the visit to Hoi An, 50 km away. With a transfer organized at the reception, it takes about 60 minutes to this special city, which is (still) an insider tip. My recommendation, be sure to plan an entire day and evening for Hoi An. The hotel also offers various guided day trips to Hoi An such as the Hoi An Walking or Street Eats Tour. You can find all the information in the app, but of course the lovely staff at the reception will be happy to help you.
Bach Dang Street
We planned our city tour on our own and started in the famous Bach Dang Street. Here you dive with all your senses directly into the Vietnamese culture: Accompanied by the smell of delicious street food (more on that later!), the Vietnamese conversations at the market and souvenir stalls and stores underlain by the ringing of the small one-person-seat bicycles, your eyes will light up at the sight of the colorful lanterns and boats on the Thu Bon River. It’s best to stroll down the street here at a slow pace to take it all in.
Souvenirs
If you want to bring back a souvenir for yourself or your loved ones at home, I can highly recommend two things that you can buy almost on every corner in Hoi An: First, the typical Vietnamese cone hats (Vietnamese: called Nón lá). They do not only look good, but they are also very practical against the sun or the rain and very easy to carry ! If you prefer a colorful eye-catcher in your home, you are spoiled for choice from thousands of different colorful lanterns, which are very characteristic for Hoi An in particular. Whole stores are specialized in the lanterns and the very courteous sellers will be happy to advise you on the selection.
Vietnamese street food
Walking makes you hungry, and here I can really only say, dare to try the authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Surely you already know one or the other national dish from the hotel, but Vietnamese street food has a completely different flair, promised. The hygiene of the individual stalls along the Thu Bon River can of course not be checked.
Rooftop with a view over Hoi An
No matter how you spend your day in Hoi An, you should definitely save two things for the evening. First, a visit to the Rooftop 92 Station Café, preferably at sunset! This is a secret tip from a Hoi An local, which we gratefully accepted: You walk into a nondescript cafe three stories up on the rooftop. From here you have a phenomenal view over the streets of Hoi An and a great photo spot! We drank on recommendation a Coconut Ice Coffee – that was so delicious! Absolutely heart recommendation, if you visit Hoi An.
Lantern boat trip on Thu Bon River
The crowning glory of the day was of course the famous Hoi An lantern boat ride on the Thu Bon River. In the dark, it really looks like hundreds of lanterns floating on the river, but of course they are actually boats that allow tourists to take a little night tour on the river. You can book the boats directly at the riverside and indulge in the magic of this experience – absolute highlight and a must do in Hoi An!
TUI BLUE NAM HOI AN: Is it worth it?
With all these fascinating insights, it was back to the hotel for us and I must say, after all the noisy impressions of the big city, I was also glad to return to our quieter oasis of relaxation of TUI BLUE Nam Hoi An. But that’s exactly what makes staying at TUI BLUE Nam Hoi An so unique. You don’t have to choose. One day you can enjoy the tranquility of the relax pool, the next day you can be more active and participate in the sports program or a small excursion in the surroundings of the hotel or even discover larger cities such as Hoi An or Da Nang.
A symbiosis of relaxation and adventure. I really enjoyed this unique stay with many enriching experiences and have not experienced this combination in any country before. If you decide to visit Central Vietnam, I wish you many great experiences and lots of fun in this wonderful country!
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