I was lucky enough to spend three days at Amanoi, experiencing everything from sunrise hikes and sailing along the coast to waterfall treks and treatments at the lakeside spa.
Located on Vietnam’s south-central coastline overlooking Vinh Hy Bay, Amanoi sits within Nui Chua National Park, surrounded by mountains, sea and protected wilderness. It’s an incredibly peaceful setting and very different from most beach resorts in the region. There’s very little development around the national park, so the landscapes feel raw and untouched. The focus here is really on nature, wellness and having time to properly switch off.
The journey from Singapore is now straightforward. You can fly directly to Cam Ranh International Airport, and from there Amanoi arranges a private transfer to the resort which takes around 75 minutes. The drive is scenic and sets the tone for the stay. Amanoi’s transfer vehicles are extremely comfortable – they even have massage seats and wireless phone chargers – so the journey passes quickly.
On arrival, the team greets you and check-in is done privately in your villa rather than at a reception desk. During my stay I was in a five-bedroom Ocean Pool Residence, which is ideal for large families or groups travelling together. The residence is very spacious with shared living areas, a large pool and beautiful ocean views. It’s the sort of setup where everyone can spend time together but still have their own space.
Arriving at Amanoi
Sunrise at Goga Peak
One of Amanoi’s signature experiences is the Goga Peak sunrise trek, which we did early one morning. We gathered at around 5:30am and started the hike while it was still dark. The walk itself is relatively short and considered Level 1. Personally, I found it quite manageable and if you’re reasonably fit, it shouldn’t be a problem.
At the top, Amanoi has placed a small table and chairs for guests, which is a lovely touch. From there you get a panoramic view across Vinh Hy Bay and the surrounding islands. Watching the sunrise from the peak was genuinely impressive. It’s one of those meditative moments where you simply sit down and take in the view. For guests who enjoy nature but don’t want a long or difficult hike, this is a great experience.
In the afternoon we headed down to the Beach Club for Amanoi’s catamaran cruise. Guests take a short boat ride out to the catamaran before sailing along the coastline of Vinh Hy Bay. Once on board the atmosphere is very relaxed and sociable. Drinks and light bites are included, and there are plenty of activities available – paddleboarding, swimming, floating platforms and even karaoke, if that’s your vibe! Fishing and squid fishing can also be arranged. Once the boat reached its anchoring point the water was calm and perfect for swimming. It’s a very enjoyable experience and works particularly well for families or groups.
Sailing Along the Coast of Vinh Hy Bay
A Cham Blessing and Dinner
That evening we experienced Amanoi’s Sacred Cham blessing ceremony followed by a traditional Cham dinner. The ceremony focuses on wellbeing, protection and positive energy, and it felt very authentic. It wasn’t staged or overly touristy, which I appreciated. Afterwards we had dinner featuring a number of seafood dishes, which makes sense given Amanoi’s coastal location. The food was excellent and the setting made the evening feel quite special. For couples or guests interested in culture and spiritual traditions, it’s a very meaningful experience.
The next morning we visited Rock Park, about twenty minutes from the resort. The scenery here is striking, with large rock formations overlooking the sea and the surrounding national park. The walk itself is easy and mostly flat, so you spend more time enjoying the landscape than focusing on the hike. At the end of the walk, the Amanoi team had set up a picnic breakfast facing the cliffs and the ocean. The food was Western-style and very nicely prepared. The location is incredibly scenic and also great for photographs. For me this was one of Amanoi’s must-do experiences because it’s suitable for almost all guests.
Rock Park and Picnic Breakfast
Ba Tang Waterfall Trek
For guests who enjoy more adventurous activities, Amanoi also offers several more challenging hikes. We tried the Ba Tang Waterfall trek, which is considered Level 4–5 and is definitely more demanding. The hike takes about 1.5 hours each way and involves climbing over rocks and navigating uneven trails. At times there isn’t a clearly defined path, which actually made the experience feel more adventurous. Along the way we passed cows and chickens roaming freely and small rural areas, which was interesting to see.
When we reached the waterfall, the Amanoi team had prepared a small picnic with banh mi, fruits, nuts and ginger beer. We also swam in the pool beneath the waterfall before hiking back down. On the return route we passed through a beautiful paddy field, which was a nice way to end the experience. This trek is best suited to guests who enjoy proper hiking and more rugged outdoor experiences.
After a few days of hiking and outdoor activities, the Amanoi Spa was very welcome. As you walk down towards the spa, the atmosphere changes immediately and everything feels calmer. The spa sits beside a lake and the setting is beautiful. I had the Amanoi signature massage and it was excellent, so much so I actually fell asleep towards the end.
After the treatment we used the hydrotherapy facilities, which include a steam room, jacuzzi and cold plunge. The hydrotherapy suite is private, so you have the entire space to yourself. It’s a really great way to recover after trekking or other outdoor activities.
Time at the Amanoi Spa
Who Amanoi Is Best For
Amanoi works particularly well for guests looking for privacy, nature and time to slow down. The setting within the national park makes it feel very secluded, and the experiences focus heavily on outdoor exploration and wellbeing.
It’s a great choice for:
→ Couples looking for a peaceful escape
→ Families or groups staying in the larger residences
→ Wellness travellers interested in nature, spa and outdoor activities
For guests who appreciate space, privacy and nature, Amanoi is a very special place to spend a few days.
Inspired by Khairil's journey? Speak with our travel experts to begin planning your own restorative escape to Vietnam’s dramatic south-central coastline.
Photography credits: Amanoi; Khairil's own
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