Adding a new dimension to the allure of this South Asian country, The Grand Ho Tram Strip is a luxurious, all-encompassing entertainment hub that could easily be touted as the Vegas of the East.
- Culture & Travel
The Word. Travels…to The Grand Ho Tram Strip In Vietnam
The Grand Ho Tram Strip, Vietnam
For over two decades, curious travellers and thrill-seekers from all over the globe have flocked to Vietnam for its scenic views, cultural individuality, and vibrant cuisine. The raw, unexplored destination quickly rose to fame, owing to its novel experiences. And now, Vietnam has an exciting new address—The Grand Ho Tram Strip, an eclectic mix of luxury stays, endless dining options boasting world cuisine, a 24/7 casino, nightclub, theatre, and an award-winning, world-class golf course, among other things.
A two-and-a-half hour drive from Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, The Grand Ho Tram Strip is an expansive complex, with tranquil surroundings comprising the beach on one side and The Bluffs golf course on another. Indian travellers have the option to take direct flights from major cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Kochi, and Ahmedabad, to Ho Chi Minh City. And once you arrive, you won’t need to step out for any of your needs—except when you want to go golfing, which is a mere three-minute drive from the resort.
A popular weekend getaway for locals, this destination is swiftly becoming a part of the itinerary of international travellers, who have a taste for luxury and desire for unique experiences. The Word. spent a few days exploring this massive property, and its many offerings.
THE SPLENDID STAYS
The moment one steps inside, it is easy to decipher why this mini-city had to have ‘Grand’ in its name. It features not one but three luxurious resorts—The InterContinental Grand Ho Tram, Holiday Inn Resort Ho Tram Beach, and IXORA Ho Tram By Fusion.
We spent the first night at the Holiday Inn wing. Shades of blue define the colour scheme of the resort, reminding one of the colours of the beach it is adjacent to. The nautical-themed interiors led us to our East Sea-view suite overlooking the beautiful waters. The cabana set-up on the balcony is a wonderful addition for those who love slow mornings accompanied by the sound of the waves while sipping on hot tea. This property boasts 561 rooms and suites, catering to all kinds of travellers—especially families with young children as they have taken special care to include amenities to keep them engaged.
For the following two nights, our stay was arranged in the other wing, at The InterContinental Grand Ho Tram. The expansive suite has a bedroom, living room, a gigantic bathroom and a powder room for guests. And with The Buffs Golf Course and the coastal line one’s direct line of vision, it guarantees a pleasant and peaceful stay. This wing, featuring 543 rooms, has a more luxurious vibe and is perfect for couples seeking a serene environment.
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
The USP of The Grand Ho Tram Strip is the massive casino. Spread across 5,000 square meters, it boasts 90 live gaming tables and more than 500 electronic gaming machines. The casino, featuring multiple VIP rooms for high-stakes players, attracts travellers from many parts of the world. You can play everything from baccarat, European roulette, Texas Hold’em Poker, Caribbean Stud Poker, Sicbo, Blackjack, and more. And the best part is that it is open 24 hours a day, so you can try your luck any time you like.
If you’re in the mood for a movie, you can catch one from a selection at The Grand Ho Tram’s very own theatre, aka Beta Ho Tram! Or, head to Jukebox Karaoke to make melodious memories with your family and friends. The complex also has a Game Zone, with a variety of arcade-style games Air-Hockey, Boxing Machine, Zombie Outbreak, along with a full bowling alley; and there’s a separate area for children—the Kid’s Quarter—where kids ages four to 12 can spend time doing arts and crafts.
The Boutique at The Grand Ho Tram offers a wide resort-wear selection by some of Vietnam’s best designers, as well as silk and printed foulards, perfect for a stylish day at the beach—it’s the perfect place to pick up gifts for yourself and your loved ones.
An unforgettable experience that The Word. was privy to during our visit was catching the Angel’s Fighting Championship 25 live. We caught six show bouts of the MMA fights between different nations, and even though we didn’t have an Indian team to cheer for, the energy in the room was infectious, and we rooted for players from South Korea, Brazil, Vietnam, among other countries, while savouring the finest whiskies and wines.
A GASTRONOME’S DREAM
If you’re one of those travellers whose holiday itineraries revolve around food—dining at the best restaurants and bars in town—you are in for a real treat. With over 15 options, you can choose a different restaurant for all three meals for the entire duration of the stay. The Word. recommends trying out the expansive gourmet menu at The Grand Bistro, seafood at Khói BBQ, Asian fusion cuisine at 8 Dragons (located inside the casino), refined cocktails at Churchill’s or Fuel Sports Bar, and traditional Vietnamese specialities at Lemongrass Ho Tram or Ginger. And if you are there over a weekend, you cannot not visit Roxy Night Club, where you can savour choicest spirits from around the world while dancing to great music.
PUTT, PUTT, PUTT
Golfing enthusiasts across the globe are now planning exclusive escapes centred around the sport. And the fact that The Bluffs is just a few minutes away from The Grand Ho Tram Strip makes it a worthy addition to the itinerary of discerning travellers. Designed by golfing legend Greg Norman, a panoramic vision of The Bluffs allows you to assess the expanse of this 18-hole championship link-style golf course. But a bird’s eye view is essential to understand the sheer enormity of this range, which rests on dunes, shaped over thousands of years.
With holes designed to thrill amateur and experienced golfers alike, one can easily spend an entire day at The Bluffs given the variety of experiences on the menu. Head to The Club House after an exciting round of golf to dine at one of the many restaurants and bars, or use the amenities at the locker room to cool off.
The Infinity Restaurant, for one, is the perfect setting for a memorable meal with friends and family. With international and traditional Vietnamese cuisines on offer, this restaurant overlooks the lush golf course and Ho Tram coastline. During the evening, take a trip to the Rare Cask Room, a cosy, luxurious nook, perfect for intimate gatherings. With more than 40 varieties of the world’s most-celebrated scotch and whiskies on offer, enjoy a sensorial whisky journey, complemented with gourmet cuisine.
RELAXATION ON THE MENU
The Grand Ho Tram complex is certainly a treat for water babies as it has multiple pools and offers direct access to the beach. There are also multiple bars and cafes that ensure you don’t need to sprint in and out to satiate your hanger pangs. We love that this property allows you to have a fun day with family by the beach, or grab a few drinks with a group of friends at The Pool Bar.
No holiday is complete without a visit to the spa. And, at The Grand Ho Tram, you can do it twice…that too at two different spas. The Lotus Spa and The Grand Spa are situated in different wings, making it easy for guests to access the one in their respective resorts. They offer everything from face and body treatments to mani-pedis and reflexology massages. The Word. tried the 90-minute body scrub and wrap at The Lotus Spa, which entails a massage, followed by a full body scrub and wrap that leaves you rejuvenated. The hot stone massage at The Grand Spa was another highlight of the trip. The aromatic oils awaken your senses as the therapist works on your sore muscles, and the strategically placed hot stones relax every inch of the body.
The Grand Ho Tram Strip is truly a beautiful blend of luxury and distinct experiences… And trust us when we say this, a couple of days are simply not enough to explore the entire gamut of experiences that await the guests. Once you have stayed at The Grand Ho Tram Strip, you will certainly be back for more.
