Da Kao

The Hotel Des Arts—located in the heart of downtown amidst the Opera House and Notre Dame Cathedral—is an aesthetic throwback to Vietnam's French colonial past. The polished herringbone floors and white paneled walls in each room—custom designed by Vietnamese artisans—are peppered with original artwork, and create a calming, retreat-like ambiance to counter the city's chaotic spirit. Elaborate marble bathrooms, a neutral palette, and the highest thread-count bedding add to the vacation-like feeling of total relaxation. The real draw, however, is the hotel's restaurants and bars—the Cafe Des Beaux-Arts oozes a kind of charm and glamour of a bygone era with its hand-carved bar and grand piano, the more industrial-looking Saigon Kitchen is designed to mimic the street food experience, while the upper floors house a more formal restaurant and rooftop bar with panoramic views. Ho Chi Minh is definitely a late-night city, but for those looking to relax, the Hotel Des Arts spa offers Korean, Japanese, and English-style treatments, plus the rooftop infinity pool is pretty breathtaking.