We arrived at Da Nang International Airport in Central Vietnam at about 6 PM, after a 4 hours and 15 minutes journey by Silkair from Singapore via Siem Reap, Cambodia. My wife and I were invited guests of Banyan Tree Lang Co, under the Banyan Tree Community Reward Stay programme from September 23 to 25.
We were greeted by a couple of slim ladies dressed in the purple ao dai (Vietnamese traditional long gown), before being shown the way to a waiting van that took us from the modern Da Nang Airport to the heavenly resort by a secluded beach north of Da Nang. We were part of a group of 4 couples that arrived on this flight, all bound for a weekend of bliss and pampering at Banyan Tree Lang Co.
Our van made its way slowly through the narrow streets of Da Nang, giving us a glimpse of Da Nang city at night before entering the Hai Van Tunnel, the longest tunnel in Southeast Asia at 6.28 km. Once past the tunnel, it was an hour long journey through the dark countryside. If we had arrived earlier, we would be able to see scenic vistas of rice paddies, grazing water buffaloes, cloud covered mountain ranges and even a lagoon en-route.
We were warmly greeted by the manager, Mr Sree Valsan, and staff of Banyan Tree Lang Co upon arrival. Each guest was presented with a long stalk of lotus flower, signature flower of Vietnam, before being whisked to our villa, on an electric powered golf cart or “buggy” as they called it here, through pathways lit by colourful Chinese lanterns.
Checking in was done in the comfort of our luxury Beach Pool Villa, one of the 17 that lined the shores of a private red sand beach. The best villas of course were the 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms Seaview Hill Pool Villas, perched high up on a rocky spur that provides panoramic views of the East Sea, followed by the Beach Pool Villas and the Lagoon Pool Villas, built round a lagoon offering water activities.
The spacious bedroom of the Beach Villa at Banyan Tree Lang Co with a King size bed. The bath area is behind the large screen with pictures of the lotus flowers and a study area with long writing desk.
Bath area with individual basins and toiletries for Him and Her. There was much attention to details; down to the sizes of the bathrobes, sandals and even which side to place our luggage when they were delivered to our villa.
Each villa has an assigned villa host, whose job includes ensuring that we enjoy a personalised and unforgettable experience. Our villa host served us a welcome drink, cold towels, did the check-in paperwork and ran us through the itinerary of our stay, including the timings of the yoga and spa sessions we had booked prior to arrival. She advised us on some changes in the programme and that we would be going for a guided tour of Lang Co area the next day instead of a visit to a nearby village school.
A sumptuous multi-course dinner at the Azura restaurant soon followed. We were served by the staff of Seedlings, a restaurant operated by Banyan Tree in the UNESCO World Heritage Hoi An ancient town. Banyan Tree is engaged in many projects to support the local community and Seedlings is a company-wide mentorship programme for helping under-privileged young people. All staff members are from marginalised backgrounds and the training provided by the restaurant helps them build vocational skills for a successful career. The food with a fusion of contemporary and classical Vietnamese influences, and drinks was excellent and the impeccable fine dining service provided was flawless.
Another community project is the Green Imperative Fund where guests could donate US$2 per room per night, which Banyan Tree matched. This fund is used to finance environment conservation and community projects.
Guests are encouraged to contribute to the Green Imperative Fund. We could keep the stuffed toy sea turtle as a keepsake. Another sea turtle to add to my Banyan Tree collection.
After dinner, we made a stop at the main lobby to change some money to Vietnamese Dong. We would need the local currency when we visit the two UNESCO World Heritage sites of Hue and Hoi An after our stay at Banyan Tree. Both of these cities are located about one and half away by car, with Banyan Tree located right in the middle of both.
A large pool with water lilies, floating lanterns at the lobby at the Banyan Tree Lang Co.
We decided to take a slow walk back to our villa instead of using the buggy as the resort is so beautifully lit by colourful lanterns at night.
Colourful lanterns hang from trees and over a river that flows through the property.
We could appreciate that the architecture and decor of the resort reflects Vietnam’s Imperial past and the historical Chinese influence in the area.
The bridge across the river is modelled after the famous Japanese bridge found in Hoi An ancient town and is also beautifully lit by lanterns.
There are plenty of activities to keep guests occupied within and outside the resort. These include cooking classes, golf, yoga, excursions to Hue or Hoi An, cycling, water sports or just enjoying the villa facilities.
My wife had signed up for the “yoga by the beach” the next day at 6 AM. Our villa host had taken the initiative to arrange for a buggy to pick us up at 5.45 AM from our villa.
The ever efficient buggy system within most Banyan Tree properties is the best way to travel within the spacious and well planted resort. Alternatively free bicycles are available for those who wish to burn some calories and explore the resorts and its vicinities at leisure.
Yoga by the beach, under the watchful eye of an instructor.
The yoga is conducted at Moomba Lawn, in the premises of Angsana Lang Co, located just next to Banyan Tree.
Private beach shared by the Banyan Tree and Angsana Resorts.
The Seaview Hill Pool Villas, perched high up on a rocky spur that provides panoramic views of the East Sea could be seen in the back.
View from the lobby of the Angsana Lang Co resort.
Lobby of the Angsana Lang Co resort. The Banyan Tree is positioned as an exclusive, ultra-luxury, “romantic escape” theme resort while the Angsana is positioned more for couples, families and friends.
Colourful lanterns in the lobby of Angsana Lang Co. Such lanterns are a feature in both resorts.
Both resorts are operated by Banyan Tree and shared the same 3 km long private beach, as well as the river that flow through both resorts. Kayaks and other water craft to explore the river are available for those with plenty of energy!
River boats providing an alternative means of transport between the Banyan Tree and Angsana resorts.
As part of the Banyan Tree Community Reward Stay programme, we were treated to an eco-tour of Lang Co after breakfast. The itinerary included a visit to a nearby fishing village in Canh Duong where we learnt about the hard life of the local fishermen, navigate through mangroves in a traditional basket boat, see the beautiful Lap An lagoon and also travel along a winding road up the Hai Van Pass, a journey made famous by an episode of a popular TV programme Top Gear.
Explore Lang Co's beautiful lagoons and the local fishing village, navigating through the mangroves in a traditional basket boat.
Our guide, named Hung, was a knowledgeable young man from Hoi An. I was able to learnt so much about history of Vietnam, Hue and Hoi An during this tour.
We learnt that Banyan Tree hired 70% of staff locally, created jobs and add value for the local community. Most of the staff was from nearby villages, neighbouring cities like Hue and Hoi An or other parts of Vietnam. They lived in the village of Lang Co, a short distance away. Most of their needs are provided by the hotel, including free hourly transport service to and from the village.
We headed back to Banyan Tree's signature restaurant Saffron for Sunday Brunch after the tour. Our group was a bit late for a brunch due to a traffic incident on the way back. No problem. The restaurant extended their operating hours till 3.30 PM. Just for us.
View from Saffron Restaurant, Banyan Tree Lang Co.
Perched on a cliff overlooking the resort property, Saffron offers delicious Thai cuisine and magnificent views.
We had free time to enjoy the facilities of our Beach Pool Villa in the afternoon till it was time for dinner. The exterior of the Beach Pool Villa is surrounded by lush trees shielding wooden fencing from sight, offering privacy and a sense of openness.
Private pool, lounge chairs, parasol, outdoor showers and Jacuzzi at the doorstep of the luxury villa.
A footpath led to the beach but who needs the beach when we had our own private pool, lounge chairs, parasols, outdoor showers and jacuzzi at the doorstep of the luxury villa.
Dinner on the second day was hosted by Mr Valsan, the manager of Banyan Tree Lang Co, in a private room at the Watercourt restaurant where we enjoyed the interactions with our host and other Community Programme guests. We were also treated to performances from a local musician playing a uniquely local instrument made from bamboo.
Making music from bamboo stems!
Returning to our villa after dinner, we were pleasantly surprised by the special turn-down service delivered by the housekeeping team.
The award-winning Banyan Tree Spa is not to be missed. We had time for a 90 minutes full body massage on our last day before check-out. Once again, the spa treatments at Banyan Tree Spa did not disappoint.
Alas, all good things must come to an end. We checked out from this ultra-luxury resort, said goodbye to our villa host, and enjoyed a luxury private car transfer from the resort to our next hotel, in Hue.
Vietnamese countryside near Banyan Tree Lang Co
We got to see the views we missed on our arrival day on our way to Hue. Scenic vistas of rice paddies, grazing water buffaloes, mountain ranges and lagoons.
It had been an amazing weekend at the Banyan Tree Lang Co. We will certainly be looking forward to visiting other Banyan Tree properties in the near future.
Disclosure: My wife and I were privileged invited guests to Banyan Tree Lang Co, under the Banyan Tree Community Reward Stay programme from September 23 to 25. This blog post is voluntary and all views and opinions are my own.
Really nice article. Thanks for sharing with us.
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