No visit to Vietnam is complete without spending time on its ample coastline, but with so many beach towns it can be difficult to know where to stay in Quy Nhon.
Quy Nhon is often overlooked in favor of its flashier, more well-known neighbor, Danang, allowing this calmer coastal town to maintain its ‘hidden gem’ among travelers. Locals, however, have been flocking to this beach town for decades, lulled by the tranquility and the beauty of the pristine beaches without the crowds and chaos of Danang 200 miles north.
Getting to and from Quy Nhon
By Air
Phu Cat airport is located in the Dinh Binh province and has flights to and from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city, serviced by VietJet Air, Jetstar and Vietnam Airlines. It is located just short of 20 miles from the hotel, a 45 minute drive by car.
By Train
Taking the train through Vietnam is a splendid way to see the countryside, and the journey to or from Quy Nhon is no different. There are a few options to access Quy Nhon by train, and they can vary drastically in price and experience.
–Local train: The Dieu Tri Railway Station is about 25 minutes from Quy Nhon’s city center and has a variety of trains leaving throughout the day. Seats are offered in 4 comfort levels, starting at $29 USD. Full route schedule here with current ticket prices.
–Luxury train: Vietage is an ultra luxurious rail experience, complete with 3 course meals, unlimited wine, cocktail and mocktail service, and includes a 15-minute head and shoulder massage treatment. The trip between Danang and Quy Nhon is 6 hours and starts at $340 per passenger.
By Bus
Traveling by bus is a convenient and budget-friendly way to get between towns, especially with the frequency of departures seemingly all hours of the day. The bus station can be found at the southern end of Quy Nhon, serviced by a multitude of companies.
My husband and I rode a bus from Dalat which took about 7 hours, and after taking a short coffee break when we landed at the station, opted for a Grab to get to the hotel because navigating sidewalks with luggage can be a challenge neither of us were up for after a long bus journey.
By car
Private cars are the fastest option to get to and from Quy Nhon apart from flying. Despite the elevated cost compared to taking a bus or train, the convenience of flexibility in schedule and bathroom, meal and snack stops whenever you want may be well worth it if it fits into your budget.
Getting Around Quy Nhon
Quy Nhon is far easier to navigate than some of the larger, more frenetic cities. Walking and biking are common modes of transportation, as well as Grabs and taxis. For the more seasoned, motorbikes were of course very commonplace, but also available to merely be a Grab motorbike passenger as well.
Le Mint Hotel Quy Nhon
- Name: Le Mint Hotel
- Address: 01-03 Trần Khánh Dư, p, Quy Nhơn, Bình Định 59000, Vietnam
- Phone number: +842563686688
- Prices: Doubles start at $22
- Website: https://lemint.vn/
- Instagram:@lemint.hotel
Hotel Location
I was relieved to see that this coastal town had a far more relaxed vibe, and crossing the street was not a constant inherent risk as it had been in Dalat or HCMC. As the driver navigated through the streets on the way to the hotel, I was happy to see that there were plenty of restaurants, stores and markets spitting distance from the hotel.
Only 1500 feet from the beach, it’s was a quick walk down the street to get to the waterfront boardwalk.
This boutique Quy Nhon hotel is situated just off one of the main roads, tucked a few buildings down a small street. Though initially alarmed when the car turned down what looked like an alleyway, I was quickly reassured when the car pulled up in front of the hotel.
Bookings and Reservations
Booking through third party websites limits the ability to book dates if they fall into the following year. I reached out to the hotel directly about this, and they informed me that unless I was able to book through Facebook (which they seem to be partnering with- when I tried to book directly through the Le Mint website, the pop up had me log into Facebook), that I would have to wait a few months until the following year’s dates opened up.
Once the end of the year rolled around, I was able to book through a third party site. I started with Priceline, but eventually moved the reservation to Booking.com, since the rooms offered differed by website and I specifically had my sights set on the Junior Suite which was only available on booking.com.
Hotel
Like many buildings in Quy Nhon, the hotel was tall and narrow- a tower of cream colored stucco. The entryway and the adjoining patio were inviting with its high ceilings, statuesque columns and recessed lighting. Low benches lined a partial perimeter of the patio, and teak chairs and small tables clustered on one end. Lush palms and vibrant greenery burst vibrantly from their planters.
From afar, the building is striking- ferns and palms exploding from every balcony.
The lobby was simple and elegant. The interior was a graceful blend of old and new design- ultra high ceilings, vertical wood slatting and the warm lighting somehow paired harmoniously with the towering columns and cobblestone walls. Despite the incredible affordability of the rooms, the hotel gave a delightfully elevated feel.
The Staff
At Le Mint, the staff was never anything less than extraordinary. From the moment we arrived, every person we encountered was kind and helpful, going out of their way to accommodate us and meet our every need.
Each interaction felt genuine and warm, and we felt truly cared for.
We promptly utilized the laundry service upon arrival, and they returned our clothes far faster than they had originally promised. When we asked for restaurant recommendations they pulled the manager into the conversation to ensure clarity in case of any language barriers.
The Room
The hotel offers a wide variety of rooms, but since I had been eyeing this stay with extra anticipation, we booked the Junior Suite, complete with its own balcony. While a room like this would have been a splurge back home, our gorgeous suite cost just under $30 USD per night, including breakfast for both of us.
It turned out to be one of the most beautiful and affordable stays we had on our entire three-week trip.
Our suite was located on the seventh floor, and when the elevator doors opened, I was delighted to see an airy corridor, wide walkways, with the same open-air concept as downstairs. Again things were filled with lush plants and natural light.
When we opened the door to our room, we were immediately greeted with the aroma of lemongrass, my smile widening with my continued awe at this hotel.
After having waited so long to come to this hotel, my expectations had soared, and I had become fearful of the high bar and I had unintentionally set for it. But already within minutes of arrival, Le Mint hotel was far surpassing all my unrealistic hopes and was an instant standout for the entire trip.
The room itself was spacious, even with a king-size bed.
Abundant closet space, a bench, and a comfortable chair in the corner. The sprawling bathroom was divided into three separate areas: a separate toilet room, a sink with a wide vanity, and a beautifully tiled wet room, complete with shower a deep soaking tub that looked out onto the leafy balcony.
The balcony was impressively large for a hotel patio, but, like the rest of the establishment, was decorated with vibrant tropical plants that made it feel like my own private oasis. The wide, cozy day-bed was perfect for relaxing with my book and beer.
Breafkast Buffet
Breakfast was included in the nightly rate and served on the 9th floor, in the dining area that wrapped around the rooftop pool. Throughout our 4-night stay, the breakfast offerings changed daily, allowing me to try an assortment of fruits, sides and soups. Fresh pho was available each morning, and despite the heat, we could not refuse the flavorful broth and ample toppings.
The coffee was especially memorable at Le Mint- it was strong and thick, and even for an avid coffee drinker, I capped myself at two cups a day for my own well-being. Adding condensed milk to my coffee everyday is a ritual my tastebuds long for- however for my own longevity, I’m relieved to have left this daily luxury behind me.
Beyond coffee and teas, there were always a few rotating fresh fruit flavored waters.
The breakfast service was equally memorable each day. After clearing plates, one of the women working the breakfast bar would come by and leave my husband and I each a banana on the table. Whether bolstering you with a future snack, or safeguarding against tummy troubles (which I imagine was often for travelers), this gesture was warmly received and those bananas were always consumed by end of day.
Rooftop Pool
The rooftop pool is by far a true stand-out feature of the hotel, and the thought behind putting the dining area around it was a remarkable choice. The top floor of the hotel is stunning in its woodwork and simple concrete design.
Minimalist with clean lines and uncomplicated features, the sleek aesthetic allows for the vibrant plants and open sky to do most of the talking.
I appreciated the variety of seating for breakfast, allowing guests spread out and never feeling on top of one another. At the opposite end of the rooftop from the breakfast buffet was a separate sitting area, complete with tables and cozy chairs, and doors that could open or close depending on level of privacy desired.
Final Thoughts
Le Mint hotel has lingered in my mind as it was a truly exceptional stay. The value of the hotel has left a lasting impression, and the beauty of the hotel itself has been unforgettable. The location was supreme- just blocks from the water and plenty of businesses just steps from the door.
If you stay at Le Mint Hotel, do check out Thom Cocktail Bar , as it is steps from the hotel and serves up drinks in a cool, intimate setting. The cocktail menu is hand-drawn, with expertly illustrated depictions of each drink, every last detail called-out.
The dimly lit bar had an incredible amount of character- dozens of kinds of vintage glassware were displayed in the glass case that made up the bar top. Books, small statues, stuffed animals and trinkets of every kind packed the shelves and every corner of the bar. Yet somehow the space didn’t feel cluttered, just tastefully adorned with the passions of the people that work there.
I strongly encourage a visit to Quy Nhon if you’re traveling in Vietnam, especially if you’re in the market for a more peaceful beach town compared to Danang. After the busier cities we had been in- Ho Chi Minh City and Dalat- it was a huge relief to not feel like I was risking my life every single time I needed to cross the street.
While there are hundreds of hotels to choose from, the stylish Le Mint hotel in Quy Nhon ranks high in affordability, comfort and location. For anyone looking for a Vietnam coastal getaway, Le Mint hotel is an experience that you won’t want to miss.
