Cover Each property has its own distinctive interpretation of the afternoon tea ceremony, from the elegance of French traditions to the charm of Vietnamese heritage
Each property has its own distinctive interpretation of the afternoon tea ceremony, from the elegance of French traditions to the charm of Vietnamese heritage
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Afternoon tea offers a pause of quiet luxury during any hotel stay. Tatler spotlights a number of Vietnam’s premier destinations where this ritual is expressed with individual flair, from echoes of classic French refinement to thoughtful nods to Vietnamese culture.
Whether part of a journey or simply a moment of stillness during a resort retreat, afternoon tea remains one of the rare, unhurried rituals where silence becomes indulgence. Free of haste and distraction, it’s a setting where flavour meets finesse, the eye meets beauty, and the mind gently returns to a sense of calm. Within the surrounds of a luxury hotel, afternoon tea transforms from a light repast into an immersive, memorable experience.
Tatler selects five elegant hotels across Vietnam where afternoon tea is elevated with style and sensibility, as well as influences that span the grace of French traditions, local heritage motifs, and the scenic allure of garden or bay views.
Park Hyatt Saigon
2 Lam Son Square, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Housed in a building steeped in nostalgic charm, Park Hyatt Saigon hosts its afternoon tea at Park Lounge, an airy venue that looks onto a verdant garden in the centre of the city.
Afternoons here unfold gently, scented by fresh blooms and dappled in soft sunlight. With inspiration drawn from the 18th-century French royal tea ritual, the experience is refined yet modern, a graceful blend of classic spirit and contemporary presentation.
The tea set includes an assortment of sweet and savoury bites crafted from premium ingredients. From mousse to yuzu tart, each creation offers a delightful surprise. Guests can opt for a weekday set or a weekend buffet, with flexible pricing available.
Regent Phu Quoc
Afternoon tea at Rice Market, a restaurant nestled within the Regent Phu Quoc resort, is infused with the essence of the island. Cakes are crafted using regional ingredients, and under the golden glow of the afternoon sun, the tea service becomes a union of tradition and modernity.
What sets this experience apart is the restraint and precision in the crafting of each element. From traditional pastries to sweet treats, everything is made to order, accompanied by homemade jams and a curated selection of Vietnamese teas. Served daily from 14:00 to 16:00, it brings with it a sense of serenity and completeness.
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InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort
Eighty metres above sea level, the “Non La” tables at Citron Restaurant provide the signature setting for the resort’s iconic afternoon tea. With panoramic views across a private bay, accompanied by gentle music and discreet service, the experience is one designed to stir the senses.
Above Citron Restaurant (photo: InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort)
Citron Restaurant (photo: InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort)
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Menus evolve with the seasons, drawing on local organic produce alongside refined Asian and European influences. Expect imported pastries, house-made jams of passion fruit and organic mango, and a choice of fine English teas or crafted cocktails. Every detail from the texture of a pastry to the stillness of the setting is designed for unhurried conversation and quiet indulgence.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi: European imprint at Le Club Bar
Le Club Bar, within the iconic Metropole Hanoi Hotel, preserves a long-standing afternoon tea tradition. Framed by piano melodies and dappled light through antique glass, guests are transported to an era where small rituals were deeply cherished.
The set includes classic cakes with jam and cream, familiar favourites executed with French culinary finesse. Served on weekdays, this tea experience is more than just a menu; it is memory distilled into flavour, evoking timeless charm in the heart of the capital.
JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay
At JW Marriott Phu Quoc, French & Co. offers a seasonal afternoon tea shaped around a chosen ingredient. With the Mango Afternoon Tea, each confection—mousse, tart, fondant—centres on the tropical fruit, yielding a delicate, well-balanced profile.
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The setting blends French architectural elegance with views of the shoreline, allowing guests to sip tea to the rhythm of the waves. Served in traditional English style, the tea is complemented by both sweet and savoury bites, with the option to pair with wine or champagne. Each season introduces a fresh story through flavour, yet consistent throughout is the attentive service and finely considered detail.
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