Initially I may not have been immediately impressed as a researcher and weary traveler. First, the hotel, which is a little removed from a convenient city centre access point, located between both Da Nang and Hue city, each of which are well-known destinations within Vietnam. Saying that, it takes only 40 minutes to travel there by car from the impressive Hai Van Pass; a 21 km mountain pass on Vietnam’s National Route 1A. Traffic has been opened through Hai Van Tunnel since 2005 which is the longest highway tunnel in Southeast Asia at 6.28 km between the Da Nang and Huế. Secondly, the hotel is isolated in a quiet and untouched area. Along the 12km road leading to the hotel, there are very few houses and my only encounters were with young trees and a few goat herds. No shopping centers were to be found. Thirdly, most of the hotel staff are young and I almost ignored them them on my first glance. I could not imagine how they would adequately cater for tourists within such a high quality location. After a week staying there, I found that I was totally incorrect in my first judgments, reminding me of the idiom that “Clothes does not make a man”. LAGUNA Lăng Cô is a well worthy experience to embrace indeed.
Truly a home unlike any other
Although the initial transportation is not as attractive with respect its convenience for travel from Da Nang airport to the resort, the pick-up service is extremely comfortable. Within this untouched environment the unspoilt sight-seeing around Laguna Lăng Cô is wonderful and somewhat hypnotic. On one side there are mountains, covered with lush green trees, whilst on the other side there is a great ocean vista. Far from the somewhat polluted and high density experience of Ho Chi Minh city, my heart gets plucked by Laguna Lăng Cô.
Laguna Lăng Cô is a well designed resort complex. It is built on a relatively expansive area and every room is carefully welcomes Vietnam’s sunlight. There are two hotels here. The first is named the Banyan Tree Lang Co, comprised of 32 lagoon pool villas at 131 sqm and 17 beach pool villas at 124 sqm, with the Angsana Lang Co hotel providing 229 stylish suites varying from 52 sqm to 179 sqm in size, with more than 100 of these coming with their own private pools). Nestled on the hills, at an altitude of 25 to 86 metres above sea level, the Banyan Tree villas offer breathtaking panoramic views over the ocean with soaring mountains as a scenic backdrop. Alternatively, the Angsana Lăng Cô commands an unrivalled beach frontage with views of the shimmering East Sea. Vietnam’s rich history and culture permeates the resort with interior decorations such as Champa sandstone sculptures, Dong Son bronze drums, Vietnamese calligraphy, Dong Ho woodblock prints, water puppets, silk embroideries, ceramics and royal purple fabrics.
Like other resorts, gym and spa services are available. What was very impressive was the variety of diverse activities available to ensure a wonderful holiday within the resort which helped me easily escaped from the tempo impression I was hoping to shake off from my daily work. The golf courses, alongside the indoor and outdoor activities for all types of adventurer, including, sports, teambuilding, cultural and handicraft activities and motorised water sports and non-motorised marine sports are extremely welcoming and accessible for all ranges of distinguished guests. There is also a free-of-charge open to Hoi An Town, Hue city and relics of My Son available on a daily basis. Very impressive and engaging.
Providing a high quality service is very much a priority and of course the staff are ever so friendly. Additionally, , unlike in other hotels, the right staff are on duty serving their customers at the right time, and I recognised the Front Desk Manager’s commitment to directly served customers when his employees were very busy within the high season. He kindly helped a customer put on a hand-made bracelet as a gift from the hotel whilst explaining the fact that the hotel had bought it from a charitable organization. During an unusual moment, he also assigned himself to serve as an electric van driver. He explained he felt most happy when his customers were satisfied. Walking around the resort is encouraged, as it is a recommended practice of exercising as it is good for our health. This is not compulsory, as the resort provides electric (eco-friendly) chauffeured vans which can take you to wherever you want inside the resort. Extending the health-related services there a clinic is also available for guests to access if they need.
Opportunity to feel peaceful and to live life in a gentle-paced, slow-lane
Some say that modern technology has turned human beings towards a need for escapism from hard work and to yearn for more free time. What surprises me is that people have become more conditioned towards working more, doing over-time or becoming more obsessed with their career ambitions. The resort atmosphere here creates a unique opportunity to feel more at peace and to savour living life in a slow lane.
As a researcher, my recent project has involved travelling across this country and at staying in some of the top hotels within this fine country. Only Laguna provided me with a distinct and noticeably peaceful feeling of tranquility. Listening to the ocean sounds and waves in the morning was a wonderful start to the day. I became more integrated in the beauty of true nature. I had unforgettable days during my stay here. I even visited a small local farm. I found myself enjoying feeding some of the rabbits, goats, and ducks here. I even gound myself collecting carrots as a local farmer and watering the vegetable beds. I have never done such things before in my life before. Highly memorable new experience, especially as someone who lives their life focusing on their family within in an distinctly urban area.
Beside such activities, I was also able and encouraged to participate in a meaningful voluntary practice that is promoted by the hotel. The hotel invests 1 USD from each day of my stay towards a Green Imperative Fund, utilizing the slogan "Embracing the Environment, Empowering People". This is underpinned by the reputation of an international external auditor. From this green imperative fund, a non-profit restaurant is supported in Hoi An for disadvantaged young people. Another restaurant is planned for Hue City. Within these restaurants, underprivileged young people are trained and provided job opportunities within the restaurant. Interestingly, I also was able to join in an English class, organized by the hotel. I was able to utilize my experience as an English teacher and teach English to local, poor children. Additionally, I was also able to participate in the hotel team to help plant trees locally, that serve to help prevent soil erosion. Needless to say, I had a most wonderful and valuable time here.
Concluding on one of my first impression observations when I arrived, although the staff in Laguna Lăng Cô are quite young and the resort has but 2 year operational experience, everyone has built a unique leading, world class holiday. I had distinctly unforgettable experience in Laguna Lăng Cô.
I usually now tell my friends “You should stay Laguna Lăng Cô before you die”.
By Ms Le Mong Diem Hang and Dr. David L. Ferguson