Vietnam’s Michelin-Starred Hotels: A New Era of Luxury Hospitality

When it comes to luxury travel in Asia, Vietnam has officially stepped into the global spotlight. On October 8, Michelin announced its first-ever Michelin Key ranking for hotels, the hospitality equivalent of the Michelin Star for restaurants. Thirteen hotels and resorts across Vietnam were honored for redefining excellence in design, service, and experience. Leading the list are two names that represent the pinnacle of Vietnamese elegance: Capella Hanoi and Amanoi Resort in Ninh Thuan, each awarded the prestigious 3 Michelin Keys — a mark of an “exceptional stay.”

What Is a Michelin Key?

Think of the Michelin Key as the hotel industry’s Michelin Star — a symbol of exceptional quality and artistry in hospitality. The system evaluates more than 7,000 hotels across 125 countries, setting a new global standard for accommodation excellence.

Michelin’s assessment is based on five core criteria:
- A gateway to discovery: The hotel should connect guests with the spirit of its destination.
- Outstanding design and architecture: Both aesthetics and functionality matter.
- Quality and consistency in service: Including comfort, maintenance, and attention to detail.
- Value alignment: The experience should match or exceed the pricing.
- Authenticity and character: Each hotel must reflect a distinctive identity and local essence.

Hotels are classified into three levels:

1 Michelin Key: A special stay.

2 Michelin Keys: An exceptional stay.

3 Michelin Keys: An outstanding stay - a destination in itself, the kind of experience worth traveling for.

Vietnam’s 3-Key Marvels: Where Excellence Meets Experience

Capella Hanoi – 3 Michelin Keys

Located in the heart of Vietnam’s capital, Capella Hanoi is an art deco masterpiece that evokes the glamorous spirit of the 1920s. Designed by the renowned Bill Bensley, the hotel combines theatrical interiors with personalized service that makes every guest feel like a star. Each suite is themed after a famous opera artist, and every detail — from the hand-painted murals to the vintage crystal chandeliers — tells a story.

Guests are treated to refined dining at Backstage Restaurant, afternoon tea in Diva’s Lounge, and spa experiences inspired by Vietnamese and Indochine traditions. Capella Hanoi isn’t just a place to stay; it’s an emotional journey through art, history, and hospitality.

Amanoi, Ninh Thuan – 3 Michelin Keys

Nestled between the lush Nui Chua National Park and the crystal waters of Vinh Hy Bay, Amanoi redefines serenity. With its minimalist architecture and seamless blend of nature and design, Amanoi creates a sanctuary for the senses. Villas feature infinity pools overlooking the ocean, while the Aman Spa offers wellness journeys rooted in Vietnamese healing traditions.

Described by Michelin as a place offering “an exceptional stay,” Amanoi embodies understated luxury — where exclusivity, privacy, and nature converge.

Other Michelin Key-Winning Hotels in Vietnam

Beyond the 3-Key winners, Vietnam’s hospitality scene shines with several 1 Michelin Key properties, including:

- Azerai Ke Ga Bay (Binh Thuan) – A peaceful coastal retreat blending modern minimalism with timeless charm.
- Legacy Mekong (Can Tho) – A riverfront sanctuary that redefines boutique travel on the Mekong Delta.
- Six Senses Con Dao (Ba Ria-Vung Tau)  – Sustainable luxury surrounded by pristine beaches.
- Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi – A historic landmark offering old-world charm and contemporary elegance.
- Park Hyatt Saigon – Synonymous with sophisticated urban luxury in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Six Senses Ninh Van Bay (Khanh Hoa) – Iconic for its overwater villas and island seclusion.
- Regent Phu Quoc (Kien Giang) – Where modern design meets tropical indulgence.
- Hotel de la Coupole – MGallery (Lao Cai/Sapa) – A whimsical, French-inspired mountain retreat.

These properties showcase how Vietnam’s hospitality landscape blends international sophistication with authentic local experiences — a balance increasingly sought by travelers looking for bespoke travel planners and boutique travel agencies to curate immersive journeys.

Explore our full travel guide to Vietnam’s Michelin One-Key Hotels here.

Why This Matters for Vietnam’s Luxury Travel Scene

For years, Vietnam has captivated travelers with its natural beauty, dynamic cities, and cultural richness. Now, with Michelin Key recognition, the country cements its status as a global luxury destination — on par with icons like Paris, Tokyo, and New York.

This achievement signals that Vietnam’s hotels aren’t merely about lavish amenities — they’re about storytelling, craftsmanship, and connection. Whether it’s the nostalgia of Capella Hanoi or the meditative calm of Amanoi, these properties embody the essence of boutique travel in Vietnam.

Reasons to Visit Vietnam Now

With its blend of world-class hotels, Michelin-rated restaurants, and breathtaking scenery, Vietnam offers countless reasons to visit:
- Cultural immersion: From Hanoi’s heritage streets to Hoi An’s lantern-lit charm.
- Luxury wellness: Spa retreats and holistic sanctuaries along the coast.
- Culinary exploration: Michelin-starred chefs and local street food legends.
- Sustainable escapes: Eco-luxury resorts preserving Vietnam’s biodiversity.
- Luxury Golf Courses: World-class courses designed by legends like Greg Norman and Sir Nick Faldo stretch along stunning coastlines

Experience Vietnam, the Michelin Way

Luxury in Vietnam is no longer defined by opulence alone — it’s about authenticity, design, and emotion. Let our boutique travel agency design your next journey through Vietnam’s Michelin Key hotels, where every stay is a story, and every story becomes a lasting memory.