Victoria Can Tho Hotel Address: Cai Khe Ward Can Tho, Vietnam Tel: 84-71-810-111 Fax: 84-71-829-259 96 Rooms

On the far bank of the river from Can Tho proper, the Victoria is by far the best lodging in town. Completed in 1998, the three-story, colonial-style building seems much older, which actually adds character. The tropical open-air lobby, riverside hammocks and alfresco dining further adds to the French colonial ambiance. If you arrive by road, you'll pass a residential area down a rutted dirt road. You'll be convinced you're going the wrong way, or if it's the right way, that you've surely made a mistake choosing this hotel! Fortunately the Victoria provides complimentary shuttle boat service to and from Can Tho, a five-minute ride.

Rooms are charming, with wooden ceiling fans (as well as air conditioning), wood plank flooring and French doors that open to a private balcony. If there's any complaint, its the constant throb of river boat traffic - but hey, this is Can Tho! The staff is attentive and speaks surprisingly good English given the relative back water location.