Tucked away along the east coast of Vietnam, Hoiana Resort & Golf is a hidden gem that offers affordable luxury that encompasses its rooms, dining options, and experiences.
My stay in Hoi An feels like a fever dream – it was vibrant, emotional, and over before I knew it. While Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi offer metropolitan flair, Hoi An holds an authentic hospitality unique to Vietnam’s culturally rich core. This understated charm permeates every aspect of life in Hoi An and shapes the operations of Hoiana Resort & Golf. From minimalist but luxurious rooms and authentic Vietnamese gastronomy to the warm and friendly staff, everything falls into place to make a stay here feel like home.
First impressions
The drive from Da Nang International Airport tells a story of transformation. Leaving Da Nang City’s hustle behind, our car navigated through a lively stream of local motorbikes – some laden with groceries, some balancing towering boxes on one arm, others chatting cheerfully as they cruise. Soon, high-rises and concrete motorways give way to decorated bridges and roads with history etched into its cracked edges and faded paint. Then come sprawling fields and the occasional grazing cattle.
Leisure took many forms along Hoi An’s streets. An open doorway and gathering on a front porch are frequent and welcome sights, promising an intimate and relaxed stay that reconnects you with nature and community. While tropical resorts often project an air of exclusivity and architecture that sticks out like a sore thumb, Hoiana seemed different. The transition into the resort was incredibly smooth, its design effortlessly blending sophistication with everyday pleasures.
Hoiana: A complex built from scratch
As a relatively young holiday destination, Hoiana Resort & Golf has transformed the sprawling fields, shrimp farms, and villages of coastal Hoi An into a luxurious complex. Each of the four properties cater to a specific crowd, complete with an 18-hole golf course overlooking the East Vietnam Sea. While the New World Hoiana Hotel suits budget and group travellers, Hoiana Hotel & Suites appeals to casino-goers, and Hoiana Residences is ideal for extended visits, my personal experience is a delightful sojourn in a Superior Ocean View suite in the New World Hoiana Beach Resort.
The rooms: Quiet luxury abounds
As a Hong Kong native, my experience with “integrated resorts” usually conjures the glitz and glam of Macau’s Cotai Strip. While Hoiana offered a different kind of glamour, its tranquil, upscale beachside setting exuded a distinct sense of luxury. My room was a haven of quiet elegance, with floor-to-ceiling views of the beach and spacious living and sleeping areas, accented with dimmed jade tones and wooden fixtures.
The spacious balcony is a personal highlight, featuring comfortable deck chairs, a table, and even plug sockets. Though clearly designed for leisurely morning coffees and sunset drinks, I find it surprisingly conducive to focused work and reading.
The food: Where local and international delicacies meet
In Hong Kong, Vietnamese food usually comes in the forms of pho, banh mi, and rice paper spring rolls. While these are undisputed staples, Hoiana broadens the palate with a lesser-known variety of delicacies. Inspired by the royal feasts of ancient Central Vietnam, the resort’s forte is Hue cuisine, a collection of distinctive yet underappreciated flavours that champions fresh ingredients, subtle profiles, and authentic combinations.
The Seafood Shack offers a genuine taste of Central Vietnamese cuisine – think go-to dishes that local families fall back on when they’re unsure what to cook. I was generously treated to a smorgasbord of Northern and Central delicacies, but my favourites are the Claypot Fish and Seafood Fried Rice, crafted with fresh catches from the coasts of Hoi An and nearby Cham Island. These dishes resonated with its blend of vibrant yet deeply comforting flavours.
Another standout restaurant at the resort is Grill, a classy steakhouse featuring an open kitchen where local and imported cuts are expertly prepared. Blend, on the other hand, offers a buffet spread that encompasses global cuisines plus Central Vietnamese specialties like quang noodles and bun bo. As for cocktail lovers like myself, Quang Nam House Lounge & Bar presents a menu inspired by local flavours and impresses with its inviting, homey ambience that makes you feel like you’re enjoying a tipple at your best friends’ house.
The experiences
Dive deep into Hoi An’s diverse culture
Experiencing the local culture and history is a highlight of my travels, and Hoiana’s proximity to key sights coupled with comprehensive tour options significantly enhanced my stay. The professional and knowledgeable guides are adept at tailoring itineraries to personal preferences. As a first-time visitor to Vietnam, my guide recommended we focus on Hoi An’s top attractions.
A mere 20-minute drive leads to the historic Thanh Ha Pottery Village, where streets are lined with shops showcasing handmade ceramics with artisans inviting visitors to try their hand at throwing pottery in humble workshops. Our next stop was Hoi An Ancient Town. Once a popular local retreat, it’s now a bustling tourist hub. Despite the crowds, the town’s diverse historical architecture makes every corner rich with Hoi An’s unique cultural fusion. Wandering through its streets, you’ll encounter Chinese pagodas, Japanese-style bridges, Cantonese temples and “alliance clubs,” alongside a museum dedicated to the prehistoric Sa Huynh culture of Southern and Central Vietnam.
Surf ‘n’ turf: Hoiana Shores Golf Club and Hoiana Beach
Here’s a confession: I never understood the allure of golf, but Hoiana’s meticulously landscaped course has me reconsidering. Beyond the standard experience, an attentive caddy accompanies you from one hole to another, and I particularly appreciated the expertise and willingness of my caddy to offer me tips at every stop. My favourite part of the course is its coastal proximity, especially Hole 17, which overlooks the beach and Cham Island. Be prepared for a four-hour game and if that’s too much, give the mini golf course a go!
Beach-goers will love Hoiana’s private beach, which is a few minutes’ walk away from Blend and offers everything from ATV rides along the coast to paddleboarding, surfing, and waterbiking. As a first time traveller to Vietnam, I picked possibly the worst season to visit Hoi An, coinciding with its sweltering off-season and a pre-typhoon heatwave that made watersports less than appealing. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed reading under one of the beach umbrellas as my companions braved the elements.
Disconnected connectivity: The charm of Central Vietnam
Hoi An is a town in transformation from rurality to urbanity, yet somehow it beautifully retains its simplicity and – pardon the cliche – innocence. During my stay at Hoiana, I have the intense desire to disconnect and be one with nature. Yet, the genuine warmth and curious spirit of Hoiana’s staff and the people of Hoi An foster meaningful connections that kept me grounded in the present. This welcoming atmosphere extends throughout Hoi An, where life unfolds at a gentler pace, strangers share a sense of community, and laughter replaces furrowed brows.
Would I recommend Hoiana? Absolutely. For those, like me, who occasionally find the fast pace of city life overwhelming, this resort offers a restorative sanctuary to pause, realign, and rediscover what truly matters in life.
How to get to Hoiana Resort & Golf: 40 minutes from Da Nang International Airport
Ideal for: Families, couples, friends
Price: From VND 2,496,000 (around HKD 750) per night
Address: Tay Son Tay Hamlet, Duy Nghia Commune, Da Nang City, Vietnam
Where should I travel to next? DM @honeycombershk on Instagram or drop me an email at celia.lee@thehoneycombers.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of traveler is Hoiana Resort & Golf best suited for?
Hoiana Resort & Golf caters to a diverse range of travellers, but particularly those seeking "quiet luxury" and a serene escape from the fast-paced life. It's ideal for those looking to reconnect with nature and enjoy a laid-back atmosphere. With its four distinct properties, it caters to budget and group travelers, casino-goers, those on extended visits, and those seeking a beach resort experience. It's also well-suited for golf enthusiasts due to its 18-hole course, and those interested in watersports and cultural exploration in Hoi An.
How long does it take to get to Hoiana Resort & Golf from Hong Kong, and what's the best way to travel there?
The best way to travel to Hoiana Resort & Golf is by plane from Hong Kong to Da Nang, then by car from Da Nang to Hoi An. The flight from Hong Kong International Airport to Da Nang International Airport is approximately one hour long, and the car ride from Da Nang to Hoi An is around 40 minutes.
What are the unique highlights of the dining experience at Hoiana Resort & Golf?
The dining experience at Hoiana is highlighted by its focus on Hue cuisine, a lesser-known variety from Central Vietnam that emphasises fresh ingredients and subtle, unpretentious flavours. The Seafood Shack offers authentic Central Vietnamese dishes like Claypot Fish and Seafood Fried Rice. Other standouts include the steakhouse Grill, and buffet restaurant Blend, which features international and Central Vietnamese specialties. For cocktails, the Quang Nam House Lounge & Bar offers local-inspired drinks in a homey setting.
