At Azerai Ke Ga Bay, the South China Sea is more than a backdrop—it’s a classroom, a kitchen, and a portal into the rhythms of local life. Perched along a five-kilometer stretch of pale sand, this all-suites-and-villas resort isn’t just about infinity pools and ocean views (though it has those too). It’s where ancient fishing traditions meet contemporary barefoot luxury.

One of the most surprising offerings at Azerai is a guest activity that asks you to ditch the spa robe and pick up a traditional Vietnamese fishing net. The experience begins with a cultural deep-dive into the regional fishing heritage—then it’s your turn to cast from the shore, hoping to haul in a silver flash of success. For those craving deeper immersion, the resort takes it up a notch: guests can climb aboard a circular basket boat, a humble yet iconic vessel that’s long been part of coastal Vietnamese life.

“We’ve created these activities to echo Azerai’s hospitality philosophy, encapsulated in our tagline: ‘The destination is just the beginning,’” says Julian Moore, General Manager of Azerai Ke Ga Bay. “Our guests experience a way of Vietnamese life that’s been passed down for generations.”

That spirit continues into the kitchen. While your catch won’t be on the menu, a new oceanfront cooking class ties the whole experience together, focusing on coastal herbs and market-fresh seafood. Or, for those who’d rather eat than cook, a Vietnamese BBQ set menu showcases classic southern marinades and locally sourced ingredients. The resort’s private beachfront dining—introduced last year—offers the ultimate way to enjoy this sun-drenched setting: toes in the sand, grill sizzling, and waves whispering nearby.

Just 2.5 hours from Ho Chi Minh City via a new highway, Azerai Ke Ga Bay is tucked into five hectares of tropical gardens. It’s bracketed by the historic Hon Ba Island lighthouse to the east and majestic dunes to the west. The Times (UK) named it one of Southeast Asia’s best boutique hotels this year, and Luxury Travel Advisor recently ranked it the No. 2 “Most Instagrammable Hotel in the World.”

But Azerai’s cultural playbook doesn’t end on the coast.

Housed in a 1930s colonial mansion along the Perfume River, this 122-room heritage hotel is redefining what it means to cook with soul.

Executive Chef Nguyen Dong Hai, who was named “Master Culinary Artisan of Vietnam” in April, leads updated Vietnamese cooking classes that draw on herbs grown in the hotel’s own garden. Among the star dishes? Bánh khoái, a golden, crispy pancake once served to emperors. Stuffed with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, and paired with a thick peanut dipping sauce made from ground peanuts, pork liver, sesame, and fermented soy, it’s a dish that captures Hue’s royal past in every bite.

Guests looking to fully embrace the imperial vibe can don regal costumes and indulge in an “Imperial Feast” at the hotel’s Le Parfum restaurant, accompanied by the haunting melodies of traditional Hue Royal Music.

“Hue is the culinary capital of Vietnam,” says General Manager Minh Phan Trong. “During the Nguyen dynasty, the Emperors summoned the finest chefs to the Citadel. As a result, Hue is home to roughly 2,000 of Vietnam’s approximately 3,000 national dishes.”

For those seeking a more spiritual path, the hotel’s new “Ancient Capital Pilgrimage Package” offers a two-night stay that includes a guided tour of sacred sites around Hue. Guests can participate in rituals, receive blessings, and explore the spiritual undercurrents of Vietnam’s former imperial capital.

From shoreline traditions to royal feasts, Azerai’s dual destinations offer something rare in today’s hospitality world: an invitation not just to observe local culture, but to live it—even if just for a few days.