Victoria Nui Sam Lodge

Strung with over-sized, glowing lamps, La Gianga serves a varied menu of western and Vietnamese staples, which can also be enjoyed al fresco on the wrap-around terrace or at a pavilion set just for two. In between sojourns into the countryside, the open-plan lounge is just the place for tea and down the hill, the Sky Pool Bar serves an icy beverages right to your lounger. To make the most of the tranquil views (you can even see into Cambodia!), there's yoga or tai chi on the patio.

Stacked like dominos on the hillside, the chalets feature a four-poster bed raised on a stone platform and draped in a cloud of netting. Decorated in shades of cream with a pop of red, each room is sunny and radiant. There's little to distract from the scenery outside and French doors lead onto an ample balcony with a cushioned banquette to enjoy its best feature - the view. The bathrooms are functional and monochrome with a large tub; while other amenities include a mini bar and TV.

You couldn't ask for a better vantage point to eye out the pagoda-topped peaks and rice paddies speckled with grazing water buffalos. Enjoy a morning meander through Tra Su Sanctuary, where wading birds peak out from the reeds and the peace is tangible. Jump on a mountain bike and follow temple trails or cycle your way through the countryside, where time doesn't seem to matter. Spend a few hours in the heat of the kitchen as you learn to prepare some local favourites and after dinner, be entertained by traditional music.