Cham Villas

Despite its location right in the heart of the nightlife and dining scene in Ham Tien, Cham Villas immediately feels serene and romantic. A small, thatched gate flanked by Cham-style reliefs marks the entrance to the hotel, with a small lobby housed in an open pavilion with hardwood floors and furniture across from the security guard’s booth. From there, a long stone path winds through gorgeous manicured grounds towards the beach and between cute stand-alone bungalows with thatched roofs and big verandas. The open-air massage pavilion and the hotel’s lovely pool are each tucked away behind thick tropical greenery, offering a high level of privacy. Cham-inspired details dot the grounds and rooms, with stone statuettes and reliefs, embroidered fabrics in black, red, and yellow hues, and brick accents throughout. 

With its tranquil atmosphere and dreamy feel, the Cham Villas immediately struck us as a place for a romantic getaway rather than for a family vacation, but we did see one or two young couples traveling with toddlers. There are no specific kid-friendly amenities on-site other than the option of adding an extra bed and a crib in the room, but the few kids staying there seemed more than happy to alternate between the adult pool, their rooms’ spacious terraces, and the beach during the day. In the evening the main restaurant hosted a number of young and older couples, while the more casual German eatery, located adjacent to the main entrance, had a livelier atmosphere and was popular with non-guests. 

Rates at Cham Villas reflect the hotel’s upscale feel, gorgeous grounds, and excellent location, but rooms may seem a little too simple for the price. Those seeking something more contemporary may want to compare rates at next-door neighbor Mia Resort Mui Ne, which features stylish common spaces and rooms, an excellent restaurant, and access to the same beach. Coco Beach Resort is a good pick for families looking for a hotel with more things to do on-site for children, as well as for couples on a slightly tighter budget. Travelers seeking something even more luxurious may want to consider the Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa, though it is located a little farther away from restaurants, bars, and shops.

Cham Villas is located right on Ham Tien’s main drag, a two-way road lined with bars, restaurants, shops, and travel agents. There is always some traffic right outside the hotel, but the sidewalks are better maintained and wider than in other areas farther away from the city center. This location is not only convenient for those looking to eat and drink out but also for travelers interested in exploring the area’s main sights. The Fairy Stream, a creek famous for its red and white walls, can be reached in about 10 minutes by car, while Mui Ne -- known for its quaint fishing harbor and seafood restaurants -- is about a 20-minute drive away. The hotel is a 15-minute drive from the historic Cham Towers. The nearest airports are in Ho Chi Minh City and Dalat, each about a five-hour bus ride away. The hotel can arrange transfers to both airports for a fee.

The hotel has a total of 18 villas, each housed in a stand-alone bungalow with a thatched roof, a large veranda with a day bed and chairs, one big room with a four-poster bed, and a spacious bathroom. Decor is perhaps a little simple for a hotel in this price range, with brown ceramic tile floors and white walls, but all rooms have a number of charming local touches, including small Cham-style statuettes and reliefs, embroidered fabrics displayed as tapestries, dark wood furniture, and big paintings of traditional Vietnamese scenes. Air-conditioning, smart TVs with dozens of free international blockbuster movies, free Wi-Fi, electric kettles, and safes are all standard amenities. Minibars are stocked with sodas, beer, water, and wine, as well as an array of snacks and a few small bottles of liquor, and free bottled water, tea, and coffee are replenished daily. Guests don’t generally complain about the beds at Cham Villas, and we found ours comfortable and plusher than the average Vietnam hotel mattress.

Bathrooms are larger than average as well, with deep shower/tub combos with plastic curtains, simple sinks on somewhat older granite counters, and hairdryers. Beige and off-white tiles are a little bland, but a large window by the tub offers views of a tiny private garden with a Cham-style relief in every room, adding some charm.

Cham Villas offers direct access to a lovely, sandy beach with a few cushioned loungers placed in pairs under thatched umbrellas for guests only. A small bar with a few tables under a thatched roof offers drinks and fruit juices along with a few snacks and a short food menu that waiters can deliver to the loungers. Tucked in the gardens and surrounded by tropical plants and palm trees, the pool is one of the hotel’s major highlights. The atmosphere is quiet and relaxing, with just about a dozen padded loungers, a few umbrellas, and no kiddy area. Across from the pool is the main restaurant, housed in a cute open pavilion and offering an extensive international menu with a selection of Vietnamese and German specialties. Our food was tasty and well-prepared, with fresh ingredients, subtle spice hints, and clean flavors. The other main dining option is Ratinger Lowe, which serves an array of delicious German specialties, including schnitzel, sausages, mashed potatoes, and a long list of imported and local beers. An open pavilion set deep in the gardens offers a few body treatments -- including hot stone, Swedish and head massages -- but the hotel lacks a full spa.