7 sensational swimming pools in Vietnam

Best for laps: Intercontinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, Da Nang

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With a name like The L_o_n_g Pool, you might come to the signature pool at the Intercontinental in Da Nang with some expectations. Rest assured, they’ll be met. Not only is the pool long, it’s also lush, with striped blue loungers set on private platforms over the water, a separate Jacuzzi pool, and sweeping views of the beach and its calm, turquoise water. Claim a spot and relax with the jungle sounds and fresh breezes off Son Tra Peninsula.

Best for epic views: Topas Ecolodge, Sapa

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The two mountaintop pools at Topas Ecolodge redefine the term ‘infinity pool.’ Instead of dropping off into an ocean setting, the blue of the water blends into the sky above the peaks of the Hoang Lien National Park. The photogenic upper pool is heated via eco-friendly technology, while the lower adult-only pool comes with a Jacuzzi. You may spend longer than expected sidling up to the edge and feasting your eyes on dramatic landscapes -- not a bad thing!

Best for beachside luxury: The Four Seasons Nam Hai, Hoi An

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Three tiers of tempting infinity pools await at The Four Seasons Nam Hai. Wondering which one to try first? We recommend the Beachfront Pool, also known as the Purple Pool, an Olympic-sized oasis surrounded by plush brown loungers and shaded by tall palms. Let your troubles melt away as you soak up the brilliant blues of the East Sea. If you’re feeling peckish, mouthwatering Vietnamese bites await at La Sen Restaurant nearby.

Best for escaping into nature: Amanoi, Ninh Thuan

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Some pools are all about the views, and that’s the truth at Amanoi in Central Vietnam. While this five-star sanctuary offers another infinity pool on its cliffs, the 50-metre infinity pool at its Beach Club showcases the rugged coastline of Ninh Thuan and Vinh Hy Bay to full advantage. Swims here are heightened by the sight of wild birds, fishing boats, and rocky boulders, adding an unforgettable sense of place.

Best for family fun: Intercontinental Phu Quoc Long Beach, Phu Quoc

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The Intercontinental Resort in Phu Quoc gives guests a choice of four pools, but the Vista Pool is our favourite of the lot. Vine-covered cabanas with daybeds create the perfect haven to relax, perhaps with afternoon tea or a scoop of the resort’s homemade ice-cream, and sun loungers float above the water, shrouded by flowering shrubs and greenery. Sea breezes coming off Long Beach rustle the palms overhead, creating a soothing soundtrack for long, leisurely hours.

Best for classic poolside vibes: Victoria Hoi An Resort & Spa, Hoi An

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This Indochine-inspired beach resort in Hoi An is a long-time favourite among travellers. In no small part due to the pool. Victoria’s pool is the centre point of the property, beautifully framed by palms and backdropped by the waves and Cham Islands on the horizon. The classic blue and white theme echoes a graceful, bygone era of travel, and from inside the pool, the sea views are simply stunning.

Best for tropical bliss: JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, Phu Quoc

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You may have seen pictures of the Shell Pool at the JW Marriott in Phu Quoc, but for real water babies, the resort’s glorious Sand Pool -- overlooking a pristine sweep of Khem Beach -- is where it’s at. Like everything in this beachside wonderland designed by Bill Bensley, the swimming pool is a fanciful and luxurious experience, but it’s the tropical touches, frangipani trees, and flowering bushes that make swimming here simply delightful.