InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort. The ultimate in luxury, design, and conservation in Vietnam
The InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort is a design lover’s paradise, and a unique hotel resort to experience absolute five star style, design, endangered wildlife, and amenities.
Nestled within the lush embrace of the naturally striking Sơn Trà Peninsula, the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort stands as a testament to luxury, design excellence, and environmental harmony.
Crafted by American visionary landscape architect Bill Bensley, this breath taking resort is often hailed as his magnum opus and ranks among Vietnam’s premier luxury destinations. The resort provides guests with a map pointing out the top 10 best locations for instagram photos, but there are so many more.

Opened in 2012, The InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort occupies 39 hectares of the Son Tra Peninsula Nature Reserve and continues to captivate with its unique blend of striking mythical design, Vietnamese culture, modern luxury, monkeys galore and ecological sensitivity.
I stayed in January 2025 with my teenage children, and we had an amazing stay not withstanding it rained most of the time we were there. It is at these times luxury resorts are tested, and The InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort has plenty of things for us to engage in not withstanding we could not utilise the pools and the ocean. We will definitely return with pleasure. Everything about this resort is sophisticated.

The Intercontinental club lounge (for use by Intercontinental Club members) was a highlight for us due to the calming white and blue interiors, stunning views, outstanding service and the fact it rained when we stayed there, and the lounge provided an upscale escape, and was the perfect location for us all to spend hours at a time.
During our stay at The InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, the resort was at 92% occupancy but did not feel like it due to the multitude of locations for guests to spend their time.



The karaoke was a surprising hit for us as a family – particularly given the weather. The resort has multiple karaoke rooms which can be used throughout the day at no cost, and are charged from 6pm when drinks and snacks are served – amazing for teenagers.
The InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort is uniquely located within a monkey forest, the critically endangered red-shanked douc langur monkeys are rare, and we were lucky enough to have monkeys visit our balcony, and to spend time watching them in their natural state in the trees around which was very special.
And the property has a fleet of new luxury black Mercedes vans to ferry guests to and from the resort, complete with moist hand towels and water, this made the journey to and fro absolutely seemless – and luxurious.
My son noted the many monkey sculptures that continued down the road on the road side on our way out, another stylistic Bensley touch – and the strong wifi provided by the vehicle door to door. True luxury really is in the little things.

Overall Rating:9/10
Location: 9/10
Located approximately 20 kilometres from Danang International Airport, The InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort occupies a prime position all on its own on the Sơn Trà Peninsula, also known as Monkey Mountain.
Its secluded setting offers guests panoramic views of the East Sea, with easy access to a pristine private 700-meter beach. As mentioned, the location also serves as a sanctuary for the critically endangered red-shanked douc langur monkeys, one of the most endangered primates in the world.
The largest community of these monkeys in the world can be found within the resort, adding a rare and unique touch to its natural appeal. We encountered them throughout our stay on our balcony, and walking around the resort. Children at the resort of all ages – as well as adults were mesmerised.
To accommodate these residents, the resort has implemented wildlife-friendly practices such as planting almond trees for food, building treetop ladders for safe crossings, and encouraging guests to remain still and quiet when encountering these shy creatures. Guests are warned not to feed the primates, and will be issued with US$200 fines if they do as this does not help the primates long term survival.

Design and Style: 10/10
Bill Bensley’s design is out of this world and has to be seen to be believed. He seamlessly blends traditional Vietnamese architecture with contemporary luxury, ensuring the resort exists in harmony with the surrounding natural landscape and wildlife.
Structured across four levels—Heaven, Sky, Earth, and Sea—each tier is interconnected by a funicular railway or cable car that offers guests stunning views and a whimsical travel experience as many times throughout the day as they like. We all loved this daily expedition.
From pagoda-inspired roofs to intricate lantern-lit pathways, and traditional furnishings, every detail reflects Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage so that the entire property whilst super modern still feels Vietnamese.



Around every corner of The InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort is a new and inspired interior design concept, such as the Coco Chanel-themed karaoke room or vibrant, monkey-themed bars. Bill is regularly on site throughout each year and updates sections of the hotel so it is always fresh.
Black and white is a theme throughout as is the case in many of the interiors Bill Bensley designs. The black and white whimsical yet thoughtful design showcases Bensley’s flair for creativity and cements the resort as one of his finest creations.
Bill took up painting artworks several years ago, and has a stunning art gallery on site and his works feature throughout the resort and are regularly purchased by guests.
Click here to hear hotel designer Bill Bensley’s fascinating podcast with Renae

Food and Beverage: 9/10
The resort boasts a number of excellent restaurants with an additional club option for Intercontinental club members. There are eight dining outlets in total.
Citron is perched high above sea level, it serves authentic Vietnamese cuisine with spectacular ocean views, alongside Mediterranean dishes, with private dining booths offering breathtaking views. Interiors are black, white, yellow and green.
This is where breakfast is served daily with some of the best quality French pastries I have ever tasted outside France. The beautifully designed hazelnut pastry with a light hazelnut butter cream was a daily family favourite, as was the quote on the menu reading “life is short, eat the pastry,” and so we did.
Fresh eggs are cooked on site, fresh fruit is abundant, salads are on offer as well as local favourites and I gravitated to – of all things – the aloe vera jelly, delicious and said to be one of the healthiest things we can eat.

The L_o_n_g Bar was my twin’s favourite place to eat, and hang out. It is A beachfront lounge ideal for creative cocktails, snacks, wines and to hang out in a relaxed setting. Massive couches with tables in the middle create a very relaxing space within which to lounge around eating and drinking and spending hours. The menu is relaxed western with chips, huge high quality burgers and club sandwiches favourites for teenagers.
Barefoot is a beachside dining venue in black, white and pale blue near the beach, and is perfect for relaxed dining, offering fresh seafood, pasta, wood fired pizza and grilled specialties. Grat for families with parents looking for low carb choices.

La Maison 1888 is designed in black and white and is the resort’s show piece, both for its black and white design and for the exceptional food. It is helmed by Michelin-starred chef Christian Le Squer, and this exceptional French fine-dining restaurant provides an exquisite gastronomic journey. Book in advance.
The Buffalo Bar is an elegant spot within La Maison 1888 for upscale pre-dinner cocktails and fine wines.
Tingara Japanese Restaurant is the latest restaurant at the property and is exquisitely designed in green and timber with a seafood theme. It showcases Michelin starred chef Junichi Yoshida’s teppinyaki and and Omakase with multiple course set menus.

Room Service is excellent with eastern and western options, and again something young adults enjoy.
The InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort’s private wine cellar holds treasures such as the 1967 Petrus Pomerol and Vosne-Romanée Cros Parantoux from Henri Jayer 1994, valued at US$75,000 and US$10,000, respectively.
There is a vast list of activities around food and beverage and guests can partake in activities like Vietnamese coffee tastings, cooking classes, cocktail and mocktail making classes and wine tastings.
Whilst the dining options are varied and high quality, prices are high, particularly for families and long stay guests given any dining outside The InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort is at least a 20 minute grab ride away for guests.
This was something guests spoke to me about and something other high end resorts globally have addressed with some more casual, simple and affordable options on site, especially for young adults.

Sustainability: 10/10
Bill Bensley is renowned for preserving natural habitats whenever he builds hotels in South East Asia or anywhere for that matter. This can be see at his extraordinary Shinta Mani hotels in Cambodia.
The InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort demonstrates an exemplary commitment to environmental conservation, particularly in protecting the habitat of the critically endangered red-shanked douc langur monkeys. It means there are a few (scarce but they do exist) locations where the view is partially blocked with a tree, but this is conscious, sustainable design and for good reason.

By planting almond trees and building treetop ladders, the resort ensures the red-shanked douc langur monkeys thrive within their natural habitat.
Guided nature tours by zoologists educate guests on the importance of preserving biodiversity, making this resort a leader in sustainable luxury tourism.
Bensley took an approach where nature of all types is celebrated within his design scope.

Service: 9/10
We found the staff to be super helpful and kind. From the gym instructor to waiters, everyone ensured we had a fantastic stay and that we felt special.
The level of cleanliness and attention to detail in room preparation is commendable. The staff’s efforts to balance luxury service with ecological awareness enhance the overall experience.
However, some guests have noted on multiple reviews I read and from speaking to guests during our stay that there is room for improvement in recognising elite loyalty program benefits – but we were elated with full day use of the Intercontinental Club, a VIP breakfast there, low key high tea and beautiful cocktails all served complimentary.

Rooms and Suites: 8.5/10
The resort has many different rooms, villas and suites, there are 189 rooms, suites, private residences, and multi-room villas.
Rooms are beautifully designed with massive high ceilings, exposed glistening painted black wood floors, large terraces, Illy coffee machines, and luxurious bathrooms featuring freestanding stone baths and rainfall showers.
The beds are huge and comfy, and the design is impeccable. Diptique products are provided in the bathrooms, although they are quite literally stuck down with super glue to cement and brass plates in each bathroom which takes away from their prestige feel. It means if the pump is stuck there is no way to access the product as the containers cannot be tipped out.
The resort’s cable car offers a practical and creatively scenic solution to navigating the hillside, providing fantastic ocean views along the way. It is open very early from 6am which is helpful. A fleet of buggies are also on hand to ferry guests all over the resort.

Wellness and Activities: 10/10
The resort’s wellness offerings are extensive, the highlight being the fitness center with an indoor and outdoor section.
There is a large selection of modern techno equipment, and a staff member on site to assist. There are daily yoga and pilates classes which anyone can attend for no extra charge, and a yoga pavilion on site. The stunningly designed 50 metre pool is ideal for swimming laps.



The Harnn heritage spa offers multiple treatments including hair services which is a bonus on rainy days.
Other activities on offer for all guests at different times of th year include HIIT workouts, pilates, fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, paddleboarding, nature tours, kickboxing, and mocktail-making classes (see above for more in the food and beverage section). There is a daily bus to Hoi An each afternoon and back in the evening for guests as well.
Hoi An is a beautifully traditional Vietnamese town and well worth visiting. One of the highlights is recognising some of Bensley’s genius within what you see there, as he has used so many traditional Vietnamese antiques and relics as inspiration, some of which still exist there.

As already mentioned in the intro, there’s an entire building dedicated to karaoke, with rooms themed after Coco Chanel, Tina Turner, and Brigitte Bardot. And another with a cinema. The InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort has so much to offer.
There is a well equipped kids club that has play stations a climbing equipment and activities. I had a moment where I wished I had brought my twins to enjoy it when they were younger – it looks that good.
For high end travelers seeking an opulent retreat that marries cultural richness with modern luxury, the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort is a premier choice.

Its unique design, exceptional amenities, and commitment to guest experience and sustainability make The InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort one of Vietnam’s most aspirational properties.
Whether you’re lounging by the adults-only infinity pool, savouring gourmet cuisine, or marvelling at the red-shanked douc langurs, this resort promises a memorable and meaningful stay.

InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort Review in Brief:
Who Is Behind It: The property is designed by renowned luxury resort expert Bill Bensley , and owned locally, Intercontinental Hotels manage it.
Insider Knowledge: The Intercontinental Club is exceptional in every sense from service to interiors and food and beverage offerings. Definitely worth the upgrade.
Renae says: This resort is often voted Vietnam’s best and is a design lover and instagrammer’s dream. I loved the fitness centre and spending downtime in our room – magnificent.
Who should Stay at InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort Review.: Families, couples and groups. There are many different accommodation options to make anything work.
Who shouldn’t stay here: Singles – they could get lonely.
Location: 20km from Danang airport
Best culinary delight: The aloe vera jelly at breakfast – super healthy too.
The Highlight: The Cable Car – such a unique feature, especially when the monkeys are playing in the surrounding trees.
The lowlight: Prosecco rather than champagne is served in the Intercontinental lounge during cocktails, unlike every other Intercontinental Club lounge I have experienced. And food prices overall at InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort are very high for this part of the world.
Most Instagrammable location: There are just so many, but Tingara, the newest restaurant is top of the list for me.
Click here to hear a fascinating podcast with Seif Hamdy, the General Manager of InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort


