While I enjoy Hanoi’s old world architecture and bustling city streets. Sometimes the crowd and constant noise of speeding cyclos can get tiring especially when one has to deal with the daily routines of urban life and work. A change of pace and a new environment is a welcome change to recharge and find solace in a hectic environment. Just an hour away from Hanoi is the province Vinh Phuc where the Flamingo Dai Lai Resort is located. I may not live in Hanoi, but as a tourist, I found this immense resort with well-maintained gardens, established pathways, scenic lakes, elegant villas and top-notch staff and ideal peaceful getaway near the city.
Flamingo Dai Lai Resort
Only 40km away from Hanoi and 16km near the airport, Flamingo Dai Lai Resort is accessible from the city or upon flying in. With a surcharge, the resort can arrange pick-up guest at the airport. As for our group, we drove in from Hanoi which took only an hour following road signs leading to the resort. When we got out our coaster, cool gust of air under gloomy skies welcomed us along with the staff. We were led to the reception to meet the key people of the resort and soon we rode the golf carts to our cottages.
The cart ride to our rooms and and a short tour of the resort showed us how impressive the place is. A huge 1.2 million square meter land, 4 peninsulas, 2 lakes, 10 forest and 5 hills with cottages. There are also residential areas being developed. I like how the place is so verdant yet fitted with stylish modern facilities.
Hill Top Villa
I love being surrounded by trees and to find our villa amidst the forest got me excited. Our Hill Top Villa has beautiful log walls. There’s a couple of mountain bikes outside guest can freely use. Once I opened the villa, I was filled awe. It’s the kind of elegance I was leaning into, very much country in feel. Almost half of area is occupied by the huge bed where the sliding doors open to our private villa pool. Despite being out in the open, the place feels private. It was a bummer we had limited time of stay here. I made sure I enjoy as much as I can.
The bathroom is also huge and I made sure that I try that marble bath tub. I would have used the outdoor shower but it was already cold outside. I did try our pool for a few minutes and ran back in the hot shower to get ready for our massage. It was also worth to note despite the proximity between villas and the vastness of the place, the whole area is well connected to the internet.
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
