Victoria Chau Doc Hotel

Right on the river's edge, the pool occupies a quiet corner, fringed by crisp cushioned loungers and hanging umbrellas. Tuck into a range of dishes from Southern Vietnam (and a smattering of European) at the casual restaurant and sip on something refreshing on the brasserie-style bar terrace. The top-floor spa provides a soothing interlude and afterwards, a cuppa while you watch the river flow by. In between outings, there's a colourful lounge where you can relax or play billiards and board games.

Victoria Hotel has 92 rooms, each designed with a nod to Vietnamese tastes. Peachy drapes off-set heavy wooden furnishings and period artwork dons the walls. French doors let in a breeze off the river and the spacious balconies have a private sitting area. En-suite bathrooms are well-sized with marble countertops and sleek showers. The air-conditioned rooms all enjoy a mini bar, coffee/tea facilities and a TV in the lounge. There are just four suites, these are the most spacious option.

Join the chef to pick up ingredients from the market before learning some new skills in the kitchen. Once you've raided the markets for souvenirs, row by sampan through the Tra Su Bird Sanctuary and make the hike to Sam Mountain to see the pagodas that have drawn visitors for centuries. Take a walk through Chau Doc with its pastel-coloured buildings and historic sights.