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Visiting Vietnam had always been on my bucket list. Its popularity as a pocket-friendly international getaway has made it a top pick among Indian travellers. I manifested my Vietnam wishlist this September when I explored this beautiful country. After exiting the bustling Ho Chi Minh City airport, our group was greeted with a "Xin chào" (hello), as we reciprocated with a "Namaste" in a gesture of cultural bonhomie.
The damp weather made us all a bit cranky until we were served a soothing Vietnamese iced coffee to reboot us for our journey to The Grand Ho Tram, where we stayed.
The Southeast Asian country impressed us with its manicured roads, primarily dominated by two-wheelers, based on the sustainable urban mobility model. From electric bikes to motorcycles, these vehicles presented a postcard view of a regular day in Vietnam. On the one hand, the pagoda-style buildings validated its Buddhist roots, while on the other, several shops and houses with charming architecture, such as a slanted rooftop and expansive windows, showcased its colonial roots when the French ruled here.
Peering out the bus window left us with many "same-same, but different" moments as we joked about how the flyovers here were no different than the ones in Delhi. But it was the smooth traffic flow that left us amazed. Vehicles calmly queued and moved sans the need to honk unnecessarily.
The weather got pleasant, with more greens, empty roads and fewer eateries as we inched closer to our hotel. But gradually, the city's quaint charm caved in, and I realised that we had entered the offbeat side of Vietnam, perfect for anyone seeking a peace retreat.
To me, a hotel experience has always been worldly in a way that the lavish rooms would impress me with their décor and exquisite interiors. However, last year, my stay at an upscale hotel acquainted me with the evolving holiday preferences, which are now more about immersive experiences. Guests told me they prefer spending quality time together on a weekend and opt for hotels where they can relax in a pool and enjoy a good meal without the need to hop from place to place.
And it was pretty much evident at The Grand Ho Tram, too. A promising start as beautiful as a sea view adjacent to Asia's top-rated golf course, "The Bluffs," made me realise how a room view certainly makes for a significant travel tale. With the thoughtfully curated suite placements, such as the sea view, Ho Tram rooms will mesmerise patrons, as was my case. The complex has three five-star resort towers: The Intercontinental, The Holiday Inn Resort and Ixora Ho Tram, and there is no shortage of options ranging from classic rooms to luxury villas.
With about 1200 rooms, including suites and residences, the complex is ideal for business travellers and families. And that's not it. A tour of the exclusive property will familiarise you with the "one-stop" feel of this place, where an in-house shopping mart, play zone, boutique, theatre or kids quarter are redefining the dynamics of hospitality.
As Akshay Moza, Vice President of Ho Tram's Commercial Division, agreed, it is not your regular hotspot. "Typically, it's a weekend destination. However, the occupancy rate varies throughout the week. On the weekdays, we focus a lot on MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) business. Thursday, you will see a different footfall; Friday, it will be 60 per cent; by Saturday, it will be 90 per cent."
The footfall transition kept our group curious as we walked through different corridors, discerning a handful of guests on Thursday, the day we arrived. From cafes to the casino, the empty spaces were visible in the afternoon, while by evening, guests poured in. And as Moza said, the percentage shoots up further during weekends. The casino, where most of the guests are from China, becomes the most-frequented spot by Saturday, followed by in-house restaurants and cafes. The complex comes to life by Sunday, offering travellers a perfect blend of work-life balance.
Speaking to the guests, I sensed that the complex is the go-to place for business travellers after a hectic work week. "From shopping and partying to experiencing a rejuvenating spa session, I usually stay here with my family over the weekend," Stacy, who lives in the main city, told OT. Along the same lines, Moza reiterated how they aim to popularise the property more as a MICE and bleisure (business+leisure) destination.
Ho Tram's business model doesn't rely on a peak tourist season. It's a pure weekend destination. "The monsoons are when we see an increasing flow of visitors. The vibe of the property amid rain is worth experiencing. People have the luxury of enjoying it here at our beach without the hassle of rushing to Ho Chi Minh," said Moza. Amenities like a play area for kids, in-house apparel stores, and properties like Holiday Inn attract a lot of families. While Ixora is much quieter, offering comfort, sweeping ocean vistas and crimson sunsets.
"Our focus is to make it into an entertainment complex so that when people come in, they get the best of both worlds. For example, at Intercontinental, 80 per cent of the guests are casino players. And that's the priority for us," said Moza.
The casino is a major drawcard for international guests. Opposite it is a cigar shop, where guests can unwind over drinks and imported cigars. Reiterating that the casino is essential to the hotel revenue, store manager Ethan said he looks forward to the weekend rush. "The casino is the lifeline of the hotel, where guests from different countries try their luck. In 2023, our cigar business earned a profit between 20-30 per cent."
From a thoughtful approach to having leisure offerings such as a casino, golf course, spa or fitness centre, the complex stands out with its versatile facilities. But its location is a disadvantage, as a couple from the Philippines pointed out. "This is the best place to spend time with your family. It is peaceful and less crowded. The cinema, pool, and café make it a one-stop shop for everything. However, its location is a major drawback as travel time increases, and there is nothing else to do besides enjoying the property's charm," they added.
One can explore the complex offerings for a day or two. However, the urge of inbound travellers to explore Vietnam as a country, experience its local culture, or visit popular tourist spots may remain unfulfilled if they stay at the property. Situated 2 hours 30 minutes from the Ho Chi Minh airport, it is not cost-effective to move back and forth. Hence, staying at the complex and discovering nearby attractions like a monkey temple, whale cemetery, a local market, or a fishing village seems doable.
Cecilie Nguyen, Vice President of Hotel Operations, agreed that the location is a minus. However, the under-construction Long Thanh International Airport, expected to be operational by 2026, will reduce travel time by approximately 45-50 minutes, making this exclusive location more accessible, she said.
Ho Tram is your luxury weekend getaway meant to make patrons feel at ease with their world-class amenities. It's not your regular hotspot but a weekend outing for local or inbound tourists/business travellers to spend time with their families. Soon, the complex wishes to establish itself as an emerging wedding destination like its other Southeast Asian counterparts and envisions becoming a filming location, too.
Address: Duong Ven Bien, Phuoc Thuan, Xuyen Moc, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Vietnam
For more details, visit thegrandhotram.com/
