Ninh Van Bay - choosing a resort
The three boutique resorts of Ninh Van Bay are the antithesis of the concrete, steel and mass tourism of nearby Nha Trang. They make the most of their natural setting and they're only accessible by boat. Remoteness adds to the appeal - but it also means you’ll be isolated. Don’t come here expecting nightlife or exploration. These places are for those looking to escape.
All three resorts are boutique in scale and at the high-end from a price perspective - starting from around $300USD per night. You won’t have eating options outside your resort either. Eating and drinking prices are on the high side.
A high-end backpacker resort called Ninhvana opened in another part of the bay in 2017.
For more on the resorts of Ninh Van Bay, read on.
Six Senses Resort Ninh Van Bay
The original Ninh Van Bay property is still the most appealing - in a natural, rustic kind of way. It’s also the most expensive in our list.
With more than a decade of operation, Six Senses has mastered uncluttered and unpretentious luxury.
Photo: Mark Bowyer Six Senses Ninh Van Bay
Photo: Mark Bowyer Beachfront Pool Villa, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay
Photo: Mark Bowyer Water Pool Villa, Six Senses, Ninh Van Bay
L’Alyana Resort Ninh Van Bay
L’Alyana, (formerly An Lam Ninh Van Bay), like its neighbours, enjoys a beautiful natural setting overlooking the bay. We’re especially fond of the Hill Rock pool villas - which are set in the forest. They may be excessive in size for two people, but they're an excellent escape.
The beach isn’t great for swimming here (that’s a feature of the whole bay). Not sure about the lagoon as a natural attraction either.
There are good discounts for advance bookings which make it good value.
L'Alyana is locally managed.
We haven’t stayed here for several years so can’t comment on food, service and the guest experience.
Photo: Mark Bowyer L'Alyana Resort Ninh Van Bay
Photo: Mark Bowyer L'Alyana Resort Ninh Van Bay
Photo: Mark Bowyer L'Alyana Resort Ninh Van Bay
An Lam Retreat - Ninh Van Bay
An Lam Retreat opened in mid-2017. We’re told the owner formerly owned L’Alyana nearby.
An Lam Retreat makes makes a bigger splash on the landscape than its Ninh Van bay neighbours, with a dramatic timber restaurant that is intended to resemble a lotus flower.
It's visible from a long way off and represents a departure from the low-impact approach of the other resorts of the bay. The rest of the resort is well hidden in forest.
There are just 33 villas - all with private pools. They’re built in to the mountain - some are quite elevated so prepare for steps. The decor is clean and modern.
The views are spectacular but the beach isn’t so impressive for swimming. You’ll likely use the communal pool or your private pool.
An Lam Retreat is locally managed.
We haven’t stayed here - we visited for an hour and checked the place out. It hadn’t opened during our visit in June 2017.
Photo: Mark Bowyer An Lam Retreat, Ninh Van Bay
Photo: Mark Bowyer An Lam Retreat, Ninh Van Bay
Photo: Mark Bowyer An Lam Retreat, Ninh Van Bay
Ninhvana Backpacker Resort
A backpacker party colony on a remote and picturesque patch of Ninh Van Bay, NinhVana is one of the more unusual accommodation concepts we’ve seen in Vietnam. We’re not completely sure what to make of it. Prices are much higher than what you’d normally expect of a backpacker dorm - though it is all-inclusive
Guests soak up sun by day and party hard by night - and pay a fair all-inclusive penny for the privilege. There’s a mix of dorm and private accommodation - most things are included in the price. It’s a slick, all-inclusive colony, miles from anything except a pretty patch of bay and a fishing village.
Dorm beds start from around $70US - with all the inclusions. That money would go a long way in Vietnam - so the party must be very good. Private rooms and bungalows start from an amazing $200US per night - just below the nearby luxury resorts - with the inclusions. Who said backpackers are stingy?
Photo: Mark Bowyer Ninhvana Backpacker Resort, Ninh Van Bay
Photo: Mark Bowyer Ninhvana Backpacker Resort, Ninh Van Bay
Photo: Mark Bowyer Ninhvana Backpacker Resort, Ninh Van Bay - Fully inclusive dorm beds from around 80US
Disclosure
We visited all these resorts and stayed at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay for one night without charge. We were charged for food at Six Senses and spent well over $100USD without alcohol on very normal resort dining. We didn’t stay in the other properties. We photographed the resorts as they were presented - there's no production and no preparation. It's our hope to represent them as accurately as possible to our readers. These are the resorts as they really are. No money changed hands for these listings.
![[Video] Afternoon cycle along the coast in Nha Trang, Vietnam](https://www.rustycompass.com/uploads/video/second/133-75/nha-trang-cycle-0115_14213831299.jpg "[Video] Afternoon cycle along the coast in Nha Trang, Vietnam")
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