When it comes to touring Vietnam, most visitors tend to only focus on the famous Hanoi capital, the quintessential Ha Long Bay cruise, the romantic Hoi An Ancient Town, or even the bustling Ho Chi Minh City. Little do they know that in central Vietnam lies a beautiful hidden gem called Da Nang. It is a coastal city known for its pristine white sand beaches and there is no better place for a holiday vacation than at Naman Retreat. Here is a full review on what makes it the perfect choice for where to stay in Da Nang and why you will not want to leave once you check-in!
Naman Retreat
Address: Truong Sa Road, Hoà Hải, Da Nang, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam
Phone Number: +84 236 3959 888
Website: https://namanretreat.com/en/retreat/
Check-In Time: 2:00PM
Check-Out Time: 12:00PM
Reservation was made for 1 night in One Bedroom Pool Villa.
About Naman
Gift shop.
As part of the Small Luxury Hotels collection, Naman Retreat is a luxurious five-star accommodation with rich Vietnamese heritage and contemporary minimalist charms. Its traditional bamboo architecture has received countless awards and recognition across the world including but not limited to the International Architecture Awards 2016.
At Naman, the staff are committed to providing a luxurious living space where guests can “calm their minds, heal their bodies, and renew their souls.” From relaxing on the beach with a mojito in hand to retreating into deep relaxation in a tranquil cocoon at their Pure Spa, one weekend at Naman is all it takes to reset the chaos in your life and begin anew.
Getting Here
From Da Nang International Airport, the drive is about 30 minutes give or take. Naman does offer shuttle services and below is their pricing:
- 450,000 VND (~$20 USD/$25 CAD) for two guests, one-way
- 900,000 VND (~$40 USD/$50 CAD) for a private car (maximum 3 guests), one-way
Alternatively, guests can take advantage of local taxis or Grab (aka the Uber of Southeast Asia). Prices are more or less about the same, but Grab tends to be a tad cheaper.
A great thing about Naman Retreat is that it is conveniently located for easy access to both Da Nang city center AND Hoi An. That said, it takes approximately the same amount of time getting here from Hoi An Ancient Town. They do have free shuttle services, however, and guests are given a special Coco Bus Tour ticket at the resort concierge before boarding. I would double check and confirm with the resort for further assistance on transportation options from Hoi An.
Check-In
Check-in, as mentioned above, starts at 2:00PM. Early check-in is available upon request, but it does depend on the status of your room. I.e. how early the previous guests check-out and how fast the room gets cleaned.
For us, we landed at the airport around 7:20AM. We were lucky that the previous guests checked out early, but we still had to wait what felt like a good 1.5-2 hours. If you don’t wish to wait, the resort can store your luggage and feel free to venture out and about.
Our One Bedroom Pool Villa
The one bedroom pool villa occupies 100sqm of space and features one king-size bed. By standard, it is a double occupancy room, but can fit a maximum of 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. Charges apply for extra beds.
And of course, the most important part of our pool villa… The actual pool itself!
Complimentary Breakfast
Breakfast is buffet style at Hay Hay Restaurant. It is complimentary and runs every morning from 6:30AM to 10:30AM. Whether you like Western breakfasts with eggs, bacon, and pancakes, or you’re a foodie enthusiast ready to explore local flavors, there is something for everyone.
Another dining option is B-Lounge (à la carte style). from 7:00AM to 10:00AM. Advanced reservation is required.
Other Restaurants & Bar
Hay Hay Restaurant
For lunch and dinner, Hay Hay Restaurant offers traditional Vietnamese delicacies with a creative spin. The dishes are heavily influenced by Northern flavors of Hanoi as well as unique tastes of Hue and Ho Chi Minh City.
B Lounge
B Lounge regularly serves dinner in the style of Asian-fusion tapas. The venue itself screams self-indulgence and the Vietnamese silk lanterns create a special romantic ambiance.
Coffee Club & Sitini Bar
Coffee Club.
Apart from the two restaurants mentioned above, Naman also has a Coffee Club and a Sitini Bar.
Coffee Club is all about coffee artisery and homemade pastries. Feeling fancy? Try their afternoon high. OR, if you’re looking to satisfy you sweet tooth, Sitini Bar has tasty ice cream and various decadent desserts.
Public Pool & Beach Access
Apart from the private pool in our one-bedroom villa, Naman also has a public one and is steps to Da Nang’s pristine white sand beach.
Pure Spa
For those looking for a little extra deep cleansing and detox/purification, Pure Spa offers holistic treatments as well as prenatal ones for pregnant mothers. There are a total of 15 treatment rooms in addition to a sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi. Full list of their spa services can be found here and here.
Complimentary Shuttle Service
As previously mentioned, the great thing about staying at Naman is that not only can you explore Da Nang and its local charms, you can easily reach Hoi An as well.
Shuttle services run for both Da Nang city center route and Hoi An route. It is completely free and guests can request for shuttle tickets at the concierge. The Da Nang bus is a two-decked bus (more so like a regular bus). On the other hand, the Hoi An one is a coach with lower luggage storage space (pictured above). This is great for hotel transfers to Hoi An.
Where We Went in Da Nang
When in Da Nang, I highly highlyyyyy recommend trying bánh xèo at Bánh Xèo Bà Dưỡng. Bánh xèo is a Vietnamese-style pancake made from rice flour, water, and turmeric powder. Common stuffings include pork, shrimp, diced green onion, mung bean, and bean sprouts. Vegeterian options are sometimes available too. To eat this special dish, every table is given a booklet (that’s literally what it looks like) of rice paper. You simply wrap bánh xèo along with pickled vegetables, lettuce, mint, Thai basil, and fish mint to make a spring roll if you will. (Or Vietnamese burrito.)
I can’t remember the exact location of the shuttle stop, but simply let the bus driver know you’re headed to Bánh Xèo Bà Dưỡng and you will get dropped off a 10-minute walk away. Here you will see lots of local vendors for fruits and flowers. As you walk closer towards the restaurant, you will find yourself enveloped in quaint streets of Vietnam.
Other Activities Nearby
Da Nang has so much to offer beyond just beaches and luxury resorts. Not to mention, it neighbors other heritage cities like Hoi An and Hue. The staff at Naman can easily help you arrange tours to the following example popular attraction sights:
- My Son Sanctuary
- Marble Mountains
- Hoi An Ancient Town
- Imperial City of Hue
Additional Photos
Final Verdict
Amenities: ★★★★★ (gym, pool, sauna, beach, 3 restauarnts, bar, and meeting spaces)
Cleanliness: ★★★★☆
Comfort: ★★★★★
Proximity: ★★★★☆
Quietness: ★★★☆☆ (see below “Cons” section)
Safety: ★★★★★
Space: ★★★★★
Value of Price: ★★★★☆
Internet Access: Complimentary Wi-Fi
Pros
- Steps to the beach; breathtaking sunset views
- Every corner of the hotel is photogenic. Perfect if you enjoy photography.
- Very accommodating staff. My eyes are always bigger than my stomach so ya bet I grabbed an entire plate of fruits at breakfast and couldn’t finish. Fortunately, I was able to get it in a takeout container to my room. (Note that most, if not all, buffet breakfasts do not allow you to do this. I’m obviously not encouraging you to sneak food out, but the point being is that the staff are definitely very attentive!)
- Convenient location + free shuttle service to Da Nang city center and Hoi An
- Caters to Asian guests – Koreans especially. When researching for my Vietnam trip, I noticed that Da Nang received an incredible amount of Korean visitors. Naman has Korean translation in all of their information/guide books and menus, and also serves Korean kimchi at breakfast! Chinese translation is available as well (English too of course), but the emphasis is heavily placed upon Korean guests. This is fantastic for my hangug chingus out there š
Cons
- Keep in mind that Naman Retreat is NOT an adults-only resort. That said, it can get a little noisy if your next-door neighbors decide to bring their kids on vacation with them. This was certainly the case for us, but you really only hear them outside in the private pool. With the window closed, it’s a secluded paradise. Now this might not bother everyone, but if you’re looking to have a quiet afternoon lounging by the pool immersed in your favorite book, you might be out of luck.
- The free shuttle service doesn’t always come on time. While in Da Nang city center, we also couldn’t find the shuttle stop back to the hotel and had to pay for a Grab ride back.
Like what you see? Check here for availabilities and book today!
And that concludes today’s review! Don’t forget to check out part 1 of my Vietnam journey and I’ll see you in the next post!
Wow, Jasmine, the Naman Retreat looks so tranquil. And you can get there for less than 1,000,000 dong! I would skip the western breakfast items.
Right!? It’s definitely the perfect getaway!
I actually really enjoyed their Western breakfast options like the omelette and fresh pressed juices. Although you’re right about saving your stomach for the local dishes because those were just as mouthwatering!
Jas, awesome style and photography!
How far are the hammocks from the villa? Spectacular view opens there. Love it!
Thanks Oleh! The hammocks are right on the property’s beach š
Such a stunning resort. I think I would spend my time between the B Lounge, our private pool and the stunning location of the public pool with those to die for views. What a delightful stay you must have had in the one bedroom pool villa. Your bathroom looked beautiful. I love large bathrooms with plenty of space. I will certainly keen Naman Retreat in mind when we visit Da Nang next.
It seems like an incredible resort! Usually when my boyfriend and I travel to beach destinations, we love to stay in resorts as well. But this one seems to be of next level. The views are to die for! I wouldnāt get out of the pool at all.
You’re right. I haven’t heard of Da Nang before. Now that I have, I want to go and I would love to stay in Naman! Your photos of it are gorgeous! I love the private pool and the B Lounge that is so colorfully lit! I also love that they provide a shuttle service. That is always important to me. How cool that they have everything in Korean and receive so many Korean guests! I do appreciate the pros and cons list too. It paints a realistic point of view and I’m liking what I’m seeing!
Thank you Heather! Shuttle services are always a nice plus and I really hope you’ll get to book a stay with them the next time you’re in Vietnam š
That’s a beautiful resort. I love the bamboo and wooden accents. Does the resort offer surfing lessons? Or are there surf shops nearby? Those waves look pretty enticing to ride on.
I don’t believe they do, but don’t quote me on that. Even if they don’t, the water’s inviting for a swim regardless š
I heard alot of good reviews, and seen alot of beautiful photos of Da Nang. Really have to visit this lovely town, before it gets over popular. Love your photos ! And this resort and your pool villa are just OMG!
Thanks Jeremy! Hope this will inspire you to spend a night at Naman Retreat!
Last time I was in Da Nang there was really nothing there, I guess it has changed a lot recently. This looks like a very luxurious option for a special stay. I love the bath, was that outside or just beside really big windows?
The bath was indoors! Just with a giant window š
Wow, Naman looks like heaven on earth. I loved your photos of the luxurious bathroom, private pool, the beach and the B Lounge, with its romantic lanterns. I’m not sure I’d leave to explore the area. This truly looks like a place to unwind for a week.
Thanks Cindy! It was basically mission impossible to take bad photos at such a photogenic resort!
Naman looks like a beautiful property. I love that infinity pool by the ocean. It looked perfect until I read the cons part about kids running amok. I am not putting a little rugrat into that scene and it doesn’t play as nice. Still Da Nang and Naman look beautiful and I’d love to visit sometime.
Hahaa we actually didn’t see any kids at the public pool or on the beach so I wouldn’t dismiss the resort just yet because it’s not adults-only. In fact, sunsets here are absolutely romantic and I think you guys would have a fabulous stay here!
Naman looks likes a great find. Da Nang is so pristine and Naman makes it more perfect. I loved the fact that it’s not a adult only resort which might be a deterrent to others.
You’re right. Every resort caters to different travellers and demographics and like I responded to Jenn and Ed above, just because it’s not an adults-only resort doesn’t mean you should dismiss it right away š
Wow! A stay at the Naman Retreat does sound relaxing and very rejuvenating! The architecture and interior is a beauty.. No wonder they got so many awards! The pool and the beach looks great too. Sounds like you had an amazing stay. š
We had a FABULOUS stay and I highly recommend booking a stay with them!
This surely seems like a classy place to spend a week in. Loved the wooden architecture all around. Anyway when in Da Nang, you cant really go wrong. It’s truly a piece of paradise as you put it!
Oh ya bet! š
OMG this resort is heaven! I have a weakness to this kind of vacation and now I will be so excited to visit this as well.
Their bath is similar to Grant Hyatt hotel!
Sounds like somebody needs to book a mini vacation getaway to Da Nang!
Naman Retreat looks pure luxury in nature with and perfect for a getaway from busy city life. I loved its bamboo architecture and how it is well maintained in all places. The rooms look big, spacious and it is good to have a private pool. Breakfast at Hay Hay restaurant looks sumptuous. B Lounge is very photogenic due to Vietnamese silk lanterns.
We definitely took a few too many shots at B Lounge hahaa. But you’re right, it’s so photogenic! Can you blame us XDD
Oh my how luxurious! The bath, the pool, the bedroom! I’ve never stayed anywhere so serene. And that it’s in the midst of nature really makes it!
Does somebody need a vacation getaway? š
Love love love your photos! They are awesome and show so much detail of both the resort and Da Nang overall. All the dining options look great, but I’d be sure to visit the Coffee Club. When I visit Da Nang, I’ll be sure to consider Naman especially if I’m looking to splurge a little š
Aww thanks Kevin! And you deserve to treat yourself a little! If and when you do visit, let them know I sent ya š
On my last trip to Vietnam, I skipped Da Nang. I was close to Da Nang, in Hoi An and the Marble Mountains though. But after reading your post you gave me a good reason to go back to Vietnam and visit Da Nang. The Naman Retreat looks absolutely gorgeous!
As well as you look stunning in that red dress on the beach.
Thanks Milijana! And I feel you. There’s always so much to see yet too little time. It’s basically impossible to get to everything, but you’re so right. Now you have even more of a reason to revisit!
Lovely description and review of the Naman resort … last time I was in Vietnam and stayed on the beach, it was near Hoi An and the resort then was spectacular. There wasn’t much up the coast toward Da Nang at that time (2009). My two friends and I paddled up into the Hoi An harbor and then into the jungle for a bit on some of the waterways and that was a lot of fun. I want to go back and will certainly keep this resort in mind as staying on the beach is so very wonderful!
What an adventure! Da Nang’s has for sure become a lot more developed over the years and that’s not necessarily a bad thing as now you have the chance to stay at an amazing resort like this one š
I have not yet been to Vietnam, but you have sold me on Da Nang with the Naman Retreat! I would like to spend a day on the beach, at the Pure Spa, and B lounge. Those look like my kind of hangouts.
I also love the filter that you use on your pictures and that you included so many–that was a lot to capture in one day!
Thanks so much Melody! Hope you’ll get to make that dream vacation a reality soon!
Oh yes this looks absolutely incredible! Naman Retreat is an absolute hidden gem in Da Nang – shame I didn’t know about it when I was there last year, but next round I am definitely adding Naman Retreat to my to do list! Just from your photos alone, no wonder they have won the architecture award and are part of the Small Luxury Hotels collection. It looks incredible. I do love the absolute beach access that is not filled with hoards of tourists. What bliss!
Bummer but now you know and have something to look forward to on your next Vietnam trip! š
The Naman Retreat looks so tranquil and a paradise in real. Those hammocks man! I would never get up from them. The retreat looks so plush and comfortable. Man, I gotta visit this place soon.
Hahaa I definitely had to drag myself out of the hammocks. If and when you do visit, let them know I sent ya!