Located close to the Cambodian border and set into the hillside of Sam Mountain (Núi Sam in Vietnamese), Victoria Nui Sam Lodge provides the perfect atmosphere to relax, unwind, and reconnect with nature.
We were greeted with warm Vietnamese hospitality. All of the employees we encountered during our stay were friendly and professional. The hotel serves as a training academy for future employees with the Victoria Group. Victoria Hotels & Resorts has several properties throughout Vietnam and Laos, with Nui Sam Lodge being the most recently built.
The layout of the property is uniquely designed providing scenic views at every turn! Each one of the 36 stone bungalows and villas has a private terrace offering panoramic views of the abundant rice paddies and countryside below.
Unfortunately there is no elevator on site, so potential guests are encouraged to contact the lodge with concerns about mobility issues. Some of the units require a few flights of stairs to get to, but again, the personalized view makes it all worth it!
Even though bustling Chau Doc is only 4 miles (7 km) down the road, you definitely feel worlds away at Nui Sam. Experience peace as you practice tai chi or yoga or as you simply sit among the lush and picturesque surroundings of the lodge.
There are 3 spacious room types to choose from: Superior, Deluxe, and Family rooms. The family-style rooms are located in semi-detatched villas and are perfect for large families, as there are additional beds and the possibility of adjoining rooms. We would recommend a superior or deluxe room for couples seeking a more peaceful and private stay.
We were booked in a family-style villa, which was extremely spacious! The only downside for us was the adjoining room and the boisterous family staying next door, as there wasn’t much sound-proofing between the two units. Other than that, the unit was perfect, and the bed… so comfortable!!
The best part?! The views! As mentioned before, every unit has outstanding views from a private patio or balcony. What a refreshing way to wake up with the sun rising over the rice paddy fields below!
The private balcony is the perfect place to enjoy a snack, read a book, or simply stare out at the endless horizon. Look far enough and you can see Cambodia!
After a few hours of relaxation, you might find yourself feeling up for a little adventure! Rent a bike from the lodge and discover the local highlights!
There is also a ‘Health Trail’ on property for you to explore! Put on your walking shoes and follow the green = identifying the path that encircles the lodge.
Keep your eyes peeled for little critters and creatures, as we saw quite a few!
You’ll want to stop every few feet and simply take in the views…
… just watch your step, because a few parts of the trail get a little steep!
Eventually you come upon the spice and herb gardens used by the lodge kitchen staff to flavor the scrumptious regional cuisine at the on-site restaurant.
Just before the trail terminates, you’ll find yourself atop an impressive overlook complete with a lily pond! The health trail was a short little hike, enough to get the blood pumping, but definitely a recommended activity while at the Nui Sam Lodge.
A visit to the pool was just what we needed following a walk along the trail. Remember how we said there are amazing views everywhere you look at Nui Sam?! Well, the pool is definitely no exception!
It’s the perfect place to unwind and soak away any worries you may have.
After you’ve been rejuvenated, it’s time to to get nourished at La Giang Restaurant & Bar. We enjoyed the nightly (5-7 pm) Happy Hour with 2-for-1 drinks along with our dinner. Our favorite meal (pictured below) was the Rau Chien Gion, deep fried crispy mixed vegetables, sauteed with sweet and sour sauce served with steamed rice. YUM!
The breakfast buffet served each morning was equally delicious! With fresh fruit, made-to-order eggs, bacon, sausage, bread, pastries, yogurt, and a wide assortment of jams and spreads, there was certainly plenty to choose from!
Sunset is a particularly magical time of day at the Nui Sam Lodge. Secure a spot on one of the many boulders just past the pool and enjoy the view! We’re surprised there weren’t more people out with us.
It’s the perfect way to close out the day!
We recommended you take a trip to the nearby Tra Su Forest (pictured below) during your stay in Nui Sam. We did a full-day tour with Buffalo Tours that included a stop here and it was a definite highlight during our stay in Southern Vietnam.
To reach Victoria Nui Sam Lodge from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, you can either take a bus (4.5 hours) or speedboat (5 hours). (You will need to obtain a Vietnam passport prior to departure.) You can also reach Nui Sam via overland (bus) travel from Ho Chi Minh City (5 hours) or Can Tho (3 hours).
This review of Victoria Nui Sam Lodge first appeared at www.ForgetSomeday.com
