Part of the famous Banyan Tree group of hotels, Banyan Tree Lang Co in Vietnam is a must-visit resort. It also participates in the Accor All Live Limitless loyalty program, which represents some of the best hotels around the worldt. Not only does it represent the health and wellness principles that the Banyan Tree group focuses on, but it also enjoys a beachfront position. From here, you can explore the sandy waterfront, enjoy watersport activities or just relax by the pool.
These are among the top reasons why the Banyan Tree Lang Co is worth a visit for your next resort stay.
The villas
With only 62 villas, this property is pretty special. It feels like you have the entire resort to yourselves. And you really do. There are as many staff watering the flowers, pruning the greens and serving vacationers as there are guests.
The design of the resort is around the lagoon channel with only a handful facing the sea. But, this layout actually proves more private and entertaining since guests have their pools to themselves.
Nearly half of the villas face the main lagoon, which is a swampy area that is serene and private. Do not expect lush waterfalls and river views, but instead, it is a peaceful setup of swaying palms and chirping birds. While this view may not be for everyone, it is a great alternative for those that have been pairing their trip with sea breezes elsewhere.
All of these lagoon-facing villas sit in a heart shape overlooking the main grounds of the hotel. It is easy to walk between them, but the option to ask a team member for a buggy ride is always available.
Just over a dozen face the beach and another dozen are positioned on the hillside with aerial views of the water. All of the villas have private plunge pools, and while they are not heated, they remain warm with the natural sunlight. There is also an al fresco shower that seems more for refreshing after a dip than for a morning rinse.
Do not be worried about mosquitos. They normally delight themselves on me, but that was not the case here. The resort does a solid job with pest control in all corners of the property, which is often a question that people ask when visiting tropical locations.
No matter your villa type, the greenery around you protects you from others peeking into your private pool area. There is no need to worry about swimming naked here. And many families from the Middle East and Asia appreciate the additional privacy of these pool areas.
The villas themselves follow the brand’s standard layout without ample room completely surrounding the bed. They showcase traditional Hue decor with things like Dong Son drums, embroidered silk and Champa sandstone sculptures filling the space.
Desks with ample power ports are behind the bedframe while seating areas on either side. Sliding doors open to bathrooms with natural light in their shower and soaking tub areas.
It’s all quite elegant and tropical. Extras like flip flops and beach bags (plus bug spray) just add to the appeal. Each villa has a butler, and they connect with guests via WhatsApp so that you can request anything you need during your stay.
The food
Dining at the resort is exceptional. And that is good news for a resort that is nearly an hour from Danang’s bustling nightlife and food and beverage scene. The main buffet restaurant opens for three meals a day and leans into Vietnamese cuisine.
During my visit, however, I was so impressed about how the chef would make the rounds throughout the dining to make sure people were enjoying her recipes. If not, she wanted to get it right and make something they liked. How often is it that you see that?
In addition to the main restaurant, there is also one by the pool with al fresco dining facing the beach. But, back to breakfast. Each morning, the buffet areas change with different selections from around Asia including breakfast favorites from parts of South Korea, Japan and Thailand. It’s hard to pass up on the local favorites though. The chef wanders around the restaurant checking on guests and explaining some of the Vietnamese dishes.
You can blend your own fresh fruit and vegetable juices or order from the smoothie station. Vietnamese coffee, which comes with condensed milk, is a real hit with guests, but it can be strong. Fancy something stronger? There’s a Champagne and Bloody Mary station, too.
Later in the day, the main restaurant switches to Vietnamese and south Asian fare for lunch and dinner. This was one of my favorite meals of the trip, and I ordered the same thing two days in a row (pho with all the toppings) plus fresh Vietnamese spring rolls.
Up on the hill overlooking the bay, the Thai restaurant was my personal favorite for its range of delicious southeast Asian flavors. Another option for something more romantic is to organize a private dinner on the beach or a villa barbecue.
Of course, you can always opt for a floating breakfast in your private villa pool, too.
The grounds
This luxury resort is part of the larger Lang Co development that also includes Laguna Golf Lang Co’s famous golf facilities and the Angsana Lang Co Resort, which is a sibling to Banyan Tree. Guests at Banyan Tree have access to all of the resort amenities and facilities although those at the more affordable Angsana property must pay a fee to use the Banyan Tree’s amenities.
It’s nice that guests can charge food, drinks and services to their room from any of the resort properties.
One of the cutest features of the resort is the artificial river that runs through the resort. Guests can hop a river shittle to get between different stops along the resort property, from the private residences to the spa and main pool. This adds a bit of flair to the resort’s layout as there are several bridges that crisscross the waterway.
Guests can also go via bike, ask for a golf cart transfer or walk through the flower and lush green-lined grounds. It feels like you are living in a small village in the countryside.
Sustainability is a major focus here, and the resort does all it can to support the environment. It also helps the local community, too. An onsite bottling and water-purifying system supplies the entire resort with clean water. They also share it with their neighbors, including regular donations to nearby schools providing them with enormous tanks of clean water for their use.
The activities
The spa draws many takers for its long menu of wellness treatments. This also includes things like yoga, meditation and traditional massage and beauty services. Biking or kayaking around the resort is popular. There are also cultural activities like visiting rice plantations or the famous Hoi An town.
Each day, a rotating list of activities is available for everyone, including activities for kids and cultural experiences, including a complimentary Vietnamese afternoon tea. A lifeguard stands watch on the beach, and there are some palapa huts for shade.
Free snorkeling lessons are a fun way to see the underwater sea life. Nonmotorized water sports are available for rent. The main swimming pool is in the sunshine for most of the day, and the water is quite warm. The staff sets up lounge chairs and delivers cold water and towels. The pool at Angsana, which Banyan Tree guests can use, is much larger and has a lazy river and pool sports.
The golf
For many people, this is the main reason that they come here because Laguna Golf Lang Co is considered the premier golf destination in Vietnam. Sir Nick Faldo designed this 18-hole, par-71 championship course, and it was laid out in such a way that it challenges advanced players while still being accessible and enjoyable for beginners.
Faldo has designed two courses in Vietnam, and this one has been celebrated for its rugged, yet lush, terrain. The scenery is especially unique with rice farmers working in the fields with their animals in the distance. Rolling sand dunes, beach dunes and a mountain backdrop add to the appeal.
The out-and-back layout makes it convenient so that golfers can play in the morning and be back to their respective resorts by lunch. That way they can enjoy the pool, beach or other activities (or go back for another round). And for those looking for a more relaxed pace, there is a shorter set of tees.
Several stay-and-play packages with resorts within the complex are available. They include rounds of golf as well as other perks for non-players joining the golf-loving traveler.
