VIE T N A M HID EA WA Y Written by Ottocina Ryan
I don’t know what I’m eating but it’s the most flavorful thing I’ve ever tasted. If there were a tagline for my trip to Vietnam and stay at Banyan Tree Lang Co, that would be it. From the breakfast offerings—lotus and shrimp salad, dim sum, pho, century eggs, sweet banana soup, etc., to the spicy seafood room service enjoyed on the patio of my beach villa overlooking the personal plunge pool with an ocean view, most everything I ate was unfamiliar and as amazing and authentic as the setting. The endless breakfast spreads displaying well-labeled yet exotic traditional Vietnamese specialties and tropical fruit started off each day on an adventurous note. I quickly gave up trying to figure out what everything was and trusted that their sauces and oils make everything delicious and perfectly spicy. On my second morning, I set out to explore Lang Co. I headed up a trail through the impossibly lush jungle to a small waterfall, enjoying views of the resort and golf course on the way. It was a quick hike and as it started to rain I retreated to my villa, which was surrounded by what seemed like a mini jungle and gated. Despite the floor to ceiling windows lining the bedroom and bathtub, I had the utmost privacy. The resort is perfectly suited for celebrities (the manager noted that
there were many) as you could be satisfied staying in your villa with everything brought to you on a silver platter. The service throughout my stay was par none, even casual mentions materialized. As relaxing as the hideaway was, I went to Vietnam to not just try the food and relax, but get a taste for the culture. The hotel arranged a car to Hoi An, an ancient town a couple hours away. Driving through the Central Vietnam countryside, we stopped for a break near Marble Mountain, to shop for marble vases and statues before reaching the picturesque town where paper lanterns are strung over the foot traffic only streets. Tiny shops selling souvenirs, bars, and street food vendors line the sidewalks of Hoi An. I popped in a boutique called Sunday to find minimalistic yet beachy handbags, clothes and home decor in pastel shades. I bought mango cakes from a street vendor sitting on the ground, only to try them and return for more. As the sun went down the lanterns swaying overhead lit up, creating a magical atmosphere for a memorable last night in this cultural mecca where I would happily spend a year learning what makes everything so interesting and delicious.
*
banyantree.com/en/vietnam/lang-co 76 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019
