The Door To Design

Design Tales from Vietnam

Having just returned from an amazing trip through Vietnam with bags full of sand and memories, I couldn't resist sharing some images and experiences with you.

On my travels, I came across some cool exteriors and interiors along the way, from grand hotels and secluded island resort to an old junk boat and a floating school.

My adventures started in Hanoi and I was fortunate to stay in the region's few remaining hotel's of it's era, Hotel Metropole, Hanoi.

Image by Hotel Metropole

The Metropole is a beautiful French Colonial style hotel in the heart of the city centre and it boasts of a classical white facade, green shutters, original wrought iron detail, wood paneling and a lush courtyard lawn.

It has been carefully modernised in keeping with the city's colonial history. Dark woods elegantly feature in every room and colour and texture has been added by feature wallpapers, wall panelling and accessories.

Image by Katja

Luxurious bathrooms feature gorgeous freestanding, roll top baths. Marble and mosaic have been used to decorate and protect walls and floors.

Image by Katja

French colonial architecture still very much dominate Hanoi's old quarter with it's tree lined boulevards, villas, mansions and public buildings. A master example is Hanoi's grand Opera House.

Image by Katja

Even the entrance to the 'Hanoi Hilton" caught my wondering eye.

"Hanoi Hilton" was used as a prison during the Vietnam War and most of the building has now been rebuild into a modern skyscraper. Luckily one part of this historic building still remains and has been opened to the public as a museum.

Halong Bay

Leaving Hanoi behind, our journey took us to Halong Bay, one of the Unesco World Heritage Sites and one of the new seven wonders of the world.

Halong Bay includes some 1600 island and islets, forming a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars. As the area is so vast, most of Halong Bay is uninhabited and unaffected by human presence except a few little bays that are occupied by local fishing families and communities.

Image by Katja

Fishing boats in Halong Bay

Image by Katja

Local family accommodation - Halong Bay

Image by Halong Violet

The best way to take in the beauty of Halong Bay is to step onboard a junk boat and cruise around admiring the breathtaking scenery of different bays overnight.

In all honesty, I didn't quite know what to expect from my chosen junk boat, but as it turned out, it was a far cry from junk. This luxury vessel had the perfect combination of traditional and modern touches, with meticulous details embedded in the decoration style and interior furnishing.

Image by Katja

Luxury cabin onboard Halong Violet

Dark mahogany furniture complimented with lush full lenght silk curtains and accessories.

Image by Katja

Halong Violet

Beautiful copper detailed washing bowl with tap designed from ordinary pipes.

Ninh Van Bay

Six Senses

Ultimate paradise, Six Senses Resort and Spa was our final stop before catching a flight back home from Ho Chi Minh city.

Image by Katja

The Six Senses brands are synonymous with a unique style – authentic, personal and sustainable, and in harmony with individual surroundings.

A complete getaway from the busy every day life.

Image by Katja

Hill Top Pool Villa

Villas featuring plunge pools, facing the mountain ranges and offering views of the sea.

Elevated bedrooms are all open plan with walk-in closet and vanity areas. En suite bathrooms are all fitted with handcrafted wooden bath tubs.

Sustainable, local materials have been used to design and build each villa's exterior and interior in fine detail. And each villa has organically merged into the dramatic landscape.