The Anam Cam Ranh Resort in Vietnam-The Real Review

The Anam Cam Ranh Resort in Vietnam-The Real Review

 

The Anam Cam Ranh Resort in Vietnam-The Real Review 

  

*The author of this review Axel Ritenis publisher of the Sydney Times & Connoisseur Magazine was a guest of the Anam Cam Ranh Resort  

 

Itinerary and Brief Overview

Day 1 -My Experiential visit/stay at the Resort started off with a 10.00 am transfer, from the fabulous Alma Resort just 7 kms down the road, and I was picked up in a chauffeured black Mercedes sedan.It was a typical bright sunny and hot day so typical of summer in Vietnam which has 300 sunny days a year…off to a good start.The check-in procedure at The Anam Cam Ranh was handled smoothly and efficiently by my resort liaison person and the General Manager Laurent Myter. They warmly welcomed me, as is customary in top-end hotels and resorts, especially for prominent guests. From 13:30, I explored the various resort services and facilities, and at 19:00, Geoffrey Crabbe – the Culinary Director, hosted me for a guided dinner at the relaxed Beach Club which has a casual ambience and is a good place to “hang out and chill” over tasty food and cocktails or Beer.Here, Geoffrey Crabbe – the Culinary Director, gave me a briefing about the Restaurants at the resort and treated me to a delicious Resort Wagyu Burger, along with fries and a local Saigon beer served with ice.“I reckon it was probably the best burger that I ever did have and for uninitiated, I can tell you that Wagyu minced beef in the right hands can produce a very flavoursome and tender beef burger, and this was the real article-cooked to perfection!”

Day 2 – On Monday, 22 January at  7:00 am I enjoyed a hi-end breakfast at The Colonial Restaurant comprising a range of delicious foods. I started with a delicious Fresh Tropical Fruit with Yoghurt and some great coffee,a double Espresso. I then ordered the Eggs Florentine,poached eggs on a bed of spinach topped with hollandaise sauce, which was perfectly presented by the charming and helpful server.Then, at 9:30 am, Mr. Trung – Marketing Manager took me on a tour of the entire resort.Between 10:40 and 11:40, I had a booking for a “Signature Spa treatment” at The Anam Spa, and the staff delivered it politely and professionally,but by 12 midday,…I had already worked up an appetite just in time for a guided restaurant experience with the culinary director Geoffrey Crabbe who attempted to impart some knowledge about Vietnamese cuisine lunch at the Lang Viet Restaurant & Bar. Here I discovered the gastronomic pleasure of a true Vietnamese Noodle Bowl with various “bits and pieces”,..and it was excellent working on contrasting flavours and textures.Between 15:00 and 16:00 afternoon, tea was served at the Colonial Restaurant. After this, I had some free time to swim, relax, and catch up with emails, news, and a bit of entertainment broadcast on the two enormous Plasma TV screens in my villa.From 19:00: I was treated to a dinner at Lang Viet Restaurant & Bar Tuesday, 23 January 2024 in the company of the culinary director Geoffrey Crabbe, who introduced me to the intricacies of the very extensive, diverse Vietnamese Cuisine served at the resort. After perusing the Menu I understood the richness of the national cuisine, which is derived from all the various regional variations.

Day 3 – From 7:00am I presented for a Hi-end Breakfast at The Colonial Restaurant and after checking my extensive Photo Gallery I and a quick swim in the main pool, I was almost ready for the 10:30 check-out and farewell with Senior management and Staff. My transfer to Cam Ranh International Airport by Resort Mercedes for AirAsia direct flight to Bangkok was comfortable fast and efficient.

Indochine Finesse at The Anam Cam Ranh -Introduction

 

“Elegant in design terms the 212 villas, rooms and suites at The Anam feature spacious balconies or terraces, aqua and yellow colour accents juxtaposed against crafted antique-style tiling, sustainable local hardwood finishes and original paintings by a renowned Vietnamese artist give a true sense of place and indulgent luxury.”

“With “Indochine Charm” and “Modern Luxury” as its watchwords, the group blends colonial-era aesthetics and attentive Vietnamese service with modern comforts and convenience. “The Anam” today is a reference to another name, “An Nam”, which was the name of Central Vietnam during the French Indochina era. The Anam is the first five-star colonial beach resort in Cam Ranh – a sanctuary of contemporary luxury that harks back to a bygone era. An award-winning seaside haven with emerald lawns, sparkling pools and warm-hearted Vietnamese service, where you can discover stylish décor beneath Imperial-style roofs that evoke an age of nostalgia and old-world Indochine charm with time-honored traditions celebrated through its culinary and authentic experiences.”

The Aman Cam Ranh Resort, located right by the ocean seaside, offers both colonial era charm and a relaxed atmosphere, where guests can briefly transcend day-to-day stress, worries, and financial concerns. Everything has been thoughtfully designed and planned, allowing guests ample space to relax and unwind, and enjoy each other’s company amidst the scenic magic of a tropical holiday escape. I couldn’t help thinking this is an ideal place for a romantic getaway or a honeymoon or anniversary and, in fact, they do actually cater for weddings and the ensuing celebrations.

The 12-hectare Anam, an Indochine-era inspired resort with 77 villas and 136 rooms and suites overlooking Long Beach on Cam Ranh peninsula, has received many glowing reviews from the most prestigious magazines worldwide. The resort is next to Bai Dai (Long Beach) and is the first five-star colonial beach resort in Cam Ranh. Green palms and great landscaping design surround the whole resort, and impeccably maintained grounds enhance its beauty.

This correspondent enjoyed his “respite from the drudgery of everyday life ” in this tropical paradise, after several days of action-packed activities in Hoh Chi Minh City (Saigon) exploring the various museums and cultural institutions. After my “meet the people visit to Saigon and Vietnam orientation.”

If I had to condense my review into 3 words, after my stay at The Anam Cam Ranh Resort ,there are three words that spring to mind,.. that best encapsulate this magnificent Vietnamese Resort- “Peace, Tranquility and Harmony!”

As a hard-working publisher and occasional travel writer I did my initial reading and research and discovered that the 12-hectare Anam, has received a near-perfect 99.41 out of 100 in one of the world’s prestigious Travel magazine’s based on votes from readers worldwide.

“In addition, only a handful of Vietnamese resorts have clinched spots in the Conde Nast Traveler 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards, with The Anam coming in as the highest-ranking Vietnamese resort on their “Top 30 Resorts in Asia” list.

 

 

Starting with a welcoming check-in the Indohchne colonial styled  lobby.

Indochine Architecture and Design 

After starting my visit with a welcoming check-in the Indochine colonial styled lobby I had time to admire the Indochine Architecture and design

“The elegant design aesthetics within the villas, rooms and suites features spacious balconies or terraces, aqua and yellow colour accents juxtaposed against crafted antique-style tiling, sustainable local hardwood finishes and original paintings by a renowned Vietnamese artist give a true sense of place and indulgent luxury.”

The resort really exudes “Indochine Charm” and modern Luxury” as stated in its well-honed publicity blurbs and the group seeks to blend the colonial-era aesthetics and attentive Vietnamese service with modern comforts and convenience for the “well heeled guests.”

“The Anam” today is a reference to another name, “An Nam”, which was the name of Central Vietnam during the French Indochina era. The Anam was the first five-star colonial beach resort in Cam Ranh – and is a bit of a sanctuary of modern luxury that harks back to a bygone era.

“An award-winning seaside haven with beautiful lawns, sparkling pools, and warm-hearted Vietnamese service, guests can discover stylish décor beneath Imperial-style roofs that evoke an age of nostalgia and old-world Indochine charm.

They can experience time-honored traditions celebrated through the resorts’ nicely curated culinary and authentic experiences.”

Fortunately, on day one, the management left me to my own devices in order to familiarize myself with the resort grounds and facilities. The first thing that strikes you about this place, is the fact that it is the “quintessential designer made tropical paradise”. Apparently, all the 700 plus palm trees at the resort have come from elsewhere and were replanted here at this coastal resort-amazing!

It is overwhelming and all-encompassing,and you feel you have been immersed in the exotic tropical beauty and tranquility.

However, as one writer observed, sometimes you visit places or have certain experiences where “everything just fits”.

I have received invitations from many luxury hotels and resorts around the world,and for me, those experiences are rare.

The Anam is one of those rare places.

The Anam Cam Ranh Seaview Villa familiarization

After my check-in and quick tour of the resort, the staff provided me with the chance to acclimatize in my large Seaview Villa with a private pool.

The villa comprises big Indo-chine style rooms with tasteful marble bathrooms and bathtubs and a huge queen size bed with superb high quality bed linens. I enjoyed some refreshments that were thoughtfully provided, a lovely bowl of tropical fruit salad, and began studying the mod cons and the facilities that were before me.I was really looking forward to enjoying a dinner with the culinary director at the Beach Club and was curious about the “high end breakfast” that was on offer the next morning in the classy looking Colonial Room.

I was getting curious and excited about my predicament LO,..,.. the chance to sample various dinners and lunches at the resorts Vietnamese and various western style restaurants. As I dozed off in front of the CNN news broadcast about the war in Ukraine and the usual US election news,.. I was already day-dreaming of being blessed with some tasty pork belly Banh Mi’s that I presumed would come my way! Of course I want ignoring the prospect of trying some delicious and authentic noodle dishes or the famous Vietnamese pancake and wonton noodle dishes with prawn and pork and healthy organically grown herbs and condiments that I was keen to sample.

Location,Proximity & Visits to Ngah Trang

Whilst chatting with a charming Swiss couple, I learnt guests could use the daily shuttle bus from the resort to the coastal town of Nha Trang, which takes around 30 minutes’ drive from the resort. Apparently, it is “de rigeur” to take a local taxi back on the return trip. I took a local EV taxi and was surprised to see that the taxi drivers have now equipped many taxis with electronic meters connected to the navigation device on their smartphones. The general standard of this new generation of Vietnamese Taxis is fantastic-almost better than in the west. Most of the vehicles are now EV and apparently the Vietnamese car manufacturing industry is thriving.

If you visit Nha Trang,. There is a lot to see …You can do some shopping and dine at local seafood restaurants. Nha Trang is a coastal resort city in southern Vietnam known for its beaches, diving sites and offshore islands. Its main beach is a long, curving stretch along Tran Phu Street backed by a promenade, hotels and seafood restaurants. Aerial cable cars cross over to Hòn Tre Island, and the nature reserves of Hòn Mun and Hòn Tằm islands, reachable by boat, have coral reefs. If you wish to go inland, you can visit local markets or even visit a mango farm.

 

Magnificent Water pools and Tropical Gardens provide guests with inner peace and harmony

Exploring the grounds of the Resort

As I began “my reconnoitre” to explore the vast tropical space around the villa, I soon discovered that The Anam Resort is on the edge of a serene but often windy beachfront. Upon familiarizing myself with the various reviews,the primary undercurrent emerges pretty quickly. Guests lauded it for its tranquil atmosphere and pristine facilities. Of course, both guests and reviewers (myself included) appreciate the spacious, clean rooms and the personalized service provided by highly efficient, friendly and sincere staff.

The resort’s exquisite architecture, lush gardens, and attention to detail create a truly elegant and nature-respecting atmosphere.

The soothing sound of water fountains and the glistening of the blue aqua pools can mesmerize one, and the gentle manner of the welcoming staff makes your stay relaxing and enjoyable.

No rowdy budget tourists to disturb you here!

This place is as far removed from the crass vulgarity and commercialized Thai resort destinations (like Phuket and Pattaya) that you can get.

As well as the lovely manicured lawns, there are three excellent pools and a fantastic beach area where, (despite often choppy seas and waves), it is possible to have an ocean swim. I was surprised the board surfers hadn’t yet discovered the location. I had a cautions swim with life jacket on, as I understand that in windy conditions there can be an undertow or dangerous undercurrent. However, there is a lifeguard on duty issuing life vests. You can wander around and saunter around the well-maintained gardens, pathways, and lots of little areas with tranquil water features in order to relax.

In the words of another observer:

“It is a sanctuary of contemporary luxury that harks back to a bygone era. An award-winning seaside haven with emerald lawns, sparkling pools and warm-hearted Vietnamese service, discover stylish décor beneath Imperial-style roofs that evoke an age of nostalgia and old-world Indochine charm with time-honoured traditions celebrated through its culinary and authentic experiences.”

Green Tea, Herbal tea or even an Earl Grey are all accompanied by freshly baked Vietnamese Cookies

.

In the words of an observer:

“It is a sanctuary of contemporary luxury that harks back to a bygone era. An award-winning seaside haven with emerald lawns, sparkling pools and warm-hearted Vietnamese service, discover stylish décor beneath Imperial-style roofs that evoke an age of nostalgia and old-world Indochine charm with time-honoured traditions celebrated through its culinary and authentic experiences.”

 

Comfort and stylish Bedroom with giant Queen size Bed with a view over the Garden towards the Sea had a calming effect on the reviewer

“Chez Mois for 2 days in a Sea View Pool Villa”

Room Amenities

As mentioned, I was lucky enough to be staying in a Sea View Pool Villa (as distinct from a resort suite in the main building complex) and I soon discovered that staying in a villa has its advantages !

I must say, the actual villa I stayed inwas superb and tastefully decorated and it had a premium, luxurious quality feel about it and on checking Trip advisor and booking.com tariffs and pricing, I discovered it was definitely not a “cheapie!”

As a guest in The Anam Resort Sea View Pool Villa, the reviewer enjoyed the following amenities:

-Private terrace with sun loungers and a 20 m² pool

-Indoor seating area

-Work desk with stationery set international power and USB charging points

-IDD telephone

-Complimentary Wi-Fi

-Flat screen television

-Separate rain shower and sunken bathtub

-Double vanity and full bathroom amenities

-Luxury toiletries by The White Company London

-Air-conditioning and ceiling fan

-Comfortable Sealy mattress with 300 thread count Irish cotton bed linen

-Pillow menu

-In-room safe

-Minibar and Nespresso coffee machine

-Complimentary water, fruit, French Dammann teas and Nespresso coffee capsules

-Iron and ironing board

-Hairdryer

-Bedroom and beach slippers, beach bag, traditional conical hats

-Bathrobes

-Life vests

-Laundry and pressing services

-Clothes brush and torchlight

-Umbrellas

 

Living area /Lounge Room with all civilized necessities and view out to Courtyard enclosure with Private  Pool

Evaluation: 

Now whilst I don’t want to get too engrossed analyzing every little detail of the above detailed Room Amenities List. I will make the following observations. hopefully useful for readers who are entitled to know what to expect, for their money and this review is meant to give more detail than your average superficial review. 

Working methodically down the List my first observation is in regard to the first item in the List, Resort WI-FI,I don’t use Hotel or any other shared unsecured Wi-Fi because of the lack of security and constant risk of being hacked by some intrusive or malicious individual, …  

As the publisher of a news site in Australia, I know it is a fact of life that I am constantly monitored (sadly this is not Paranoia) and everyone knows that shared networks are not secure,…(it is dead easy to click open the Blue Tooth connection, unless you really understand  your Apple I-phone settings)..but I did test the network as a fallback proposition and it was fine with a good powerful signal.  

I was incredibly pleased with having 2 large Flat screen Televisions with an excellent selection of Cable network TV Channels to choose from. It won’t surprise you to learn that I am constantly glued to the BBC and CNN (and occasionally French or Australian broadcasting services) ,..so that was a real treat,..to watch one TV whilst working in the Lounge/Living area and another on a different channel whilst enjoying the comfort of the huge Queen size bed in the tastefully furnished and appointed bedroom-This was Complete decadence! 

Yes, the Rainwater shower in the massive marble clad bathroom was particularly good as were the Luxury Toiletries by Whitetree,..I mean the Soaps and shower gels ,..sadly I have no need for Shampoo,..but I place a lot of importance on the quality of Toiletries, because for me the olfactory senses are hugely important,...so if I can pick up a whiff of Jasmine ,..(my favorite aroma) or some other exotic fragrance in the shampoo,gel or body lotion on offer I am already on a high,… 

What is that quaint expression about the the simple pleasures in life ? 

“Unfortunately, because of my schedule and the fact I am a swimmer and needed to test the Resorts swimming pools, I didn’t have time to sit in the massive Sunken Bathtub,nor did I have the company to make such an exercise worthwhile”.

At this classy and luxurious Anam Cam Ranh Resort, it is the attention to detail and “thoughtful homely gestures” that make a difference!

 

I found the air-con and fan combination excellent and it allowed a higher AC temperature, so that was a good thing,..and the Queen sized bed and bed linen and pillows were first class and made for a good hugely comfortable sleep. I wish I could have stayed a few days longer.,..

I realized there was a room safe, but as I felt completely secure in the Villa (I don’t think anyone steals passports or credit cards anymore) I never used it. What I found to be of extreme importance (in view of my caffeine addiction) was the very good Espresso machine and the quality of the excellent local Vietnamese coffee,.. I need a couple of caffeine hits around 6 am, so having good coffee in situ,was a real bonus!.

Another thing that I found useful was the ironing board, and easy-to-use clothes Iron,. Having the option to iron a shirt or trousers that have been crumpled in your suitcase before dining at the resort’s informal but classy restaurants is nice.

If you are an Aussie reading this,..this is definitely “not stubby and thongs territory,” but smart beachside casual wear is the de rigeur form of dress.

Of the other comforts and amenities,.. tt is nice to have a hair dryer. Yes, for the other half or your fiancé,,.. and a bathrobe is essential after a dip in the pool or the sunken bathtub-so full marks to the resort for this. I also valued the Bedroom and beach slippers and especially the lovely and tasteful hessian made beach bag which I gifted to my sister-in-law in Bangkok,.. who may well visit this resort in the future based on my personal recommendation..

High quality Nespresso coffee capsules and machine are a necessity for early risers

“Of course, the Resort has a wide variety of Suites and Rooms on offer as well, but if you are in one of the detached Villas, as I was you have a much higher privacy level and elegant and quiet luxury to indulge in this amazing peace and stylish tranquility.

The regular suites and rooms offered in the Main Building,..offer a view of the Sea (in the distance) and the lush tropical grounds, and all guests are free to wander around the very well-maintained gardens, pathways, and explore lots of little areas with tranquil water features in order to relax!

“With Valentine’s Day just passed, I can’t help thinking that the close beach proximity and the comfort and luxuries of these private Villas would delight any romantically inclined couple.

As regards the Private terrace with sun loungers and a 20 m² Pool ,…it goes without saying that they can be enjoyeable and luxurious in the right company,..

“Neither did I have a bottle of Dom Perignon or some beautiful and charming company at the ready, but that should not stop you from planning your next romantic holiday here.”

 

Private terrace with sun loungers and a 20 m²

  

Aqua lovers will be delighted by the close beach proximity and luxuries of this villa retreat that offers a private pool .

Luxury Suite in main Resort Building offers all the comforts and a panoramic view of the Resort grounds and distant ocean

Other Rooms and Suites

Main Building – Rooms and Suites

However, after a tour of the entire Resort with, inspection of the entire Resort and seeing all categories of rooms and apartments that are available, I realized all the rooms are all very tasteful and stylishly decorated, And I would be happy to pay 300 dollars for one of these suites.

They have a soothing view from 4th Floor balcony suite in the Central Resort building and you can drink in the view of coconut palms and tropical gardens or the stunning ocean as you venture out to your private balcony.

 

The Anams, other Suites, and Rooms are all tastefully designed and decorated. They have similar elegantly furnished, air-conditioned rooms which are all equipped with plush bedding, a flat-screen cable TV, mini-bar and ironing facilities. The private bathroom comes with a bathtub, shower facility, hairdryer, and free toiletries. Select rooms include a balcony or terrace. The communal areas like the stairwells and corridors are spacious and airy, and the ethnic reliefs on the walls are also tasteful.

At The Anam Resort, guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for assistance with luggage storage and tour/sightseeing arrangements.They offer private indoor and outdoor seating areas are many and functional work desks with stationery set, international power and USB charging points are available as is IDD telephone. All rooms feature flat screen televisions and provide a comfortable sleeping experience with a Sealy mattress. Bed linen is a high quality with 300 thread count Irish cotton bed linen. Guest enjoy complementary water, coffee, and tea-making facilities in each room.

 

 

Ocean Beach, Swimming Pools, and Recreation

Swimming Pools

There are 3 pool areas (unless you have a villa with plunge pool). One was adults only, which I appreciated, you will, however, encounter young adults who splash around with water wings, and kick frantically, but that is all part of the fun. You can consume beverages poolside,..and enjoy some good Vietnamese snacks in between your swimming.

The main pool which I preferred using was next to the Indochine” which is used primarily for breakfast service and Buffet,.. however The Colonial is diametrically opposite.

The beach facing pool is excellent too, and it was neither crowded nor noisy most times. There are many sun lounges available and these areas were not too busy. Although they were popular with Korean and Chinese family groups, who are considerate and well behaved.There are also many deckchairs by the beach, which is another super tranquil spot,.. However, be aware that the sand can become extremely hot!

The beach is pristine ,..nice and clean throughout and I found the water to be exceptionally clean and as good as a Sydney beach which is saying something. I definitely preferred this beaches to those in Thailand.There are also towel attendants there. They serve fresh fruit complimentary once or twice around the pool areas, which is a pleasant addition.

Activities-Reflexology Park

There is a newly constructed 16-meter reflexology path which winds through the lush gardens, providing a soothing experience that promotes relaxation, stimulates reflex points, and boosts energy levels. Designed to reduce blood pressure and ease stress, the path spans an impressive 179 sq m (about half the area of a tennis court).

 

Guests can partake in sunrise yoga, private sessions, and even children’s yoga  classes

Yoga 

Under the guidance of resident yogi, guests can partake in sunrise yoga, private sessions, and even children’s yoga classes. Next to the studio, an outdoor yoga deck offers breathtaking views of Long Beach.I was tempted to join the yoga class with Umesh the resident yogi, but work obligations bogged me down. However, if you are in a relaxation mode, guests can access other activities like the gym or the movie theatre.

Visit to the Spa at The Anam Resort

The spa transformed the second floor, which used to house a beauty salon, into a state-of-the-art 57 sq m yoga studio. Adding to the spa’s offerings, a brand-new beauty salon has been introduced on the ground floor. Equipped with manicure and pedicure stations, as well as hair washing, drying, and styling services, it caters to guests seeking additional pampering.

Fresh paint, vibrant artworks, and other decorative updates, including new cushions and ceramic tea sets, transformed the spa’s interior, creating an invigorating ambiance for visitors.

Le Thi Lua, Group Spa Director of The Anam Group has remarked “The importance of health and wellbeing has become even more pronounced in the post-Covid era.”

I found the spa very relaxing, and the prices are reasonable for what you may expect from such a resort. They have a steam bath, a jacuzzi, sauna and some beds to relax on après massage ..

As for my own personalized massage-I opted for a relaxing, not strong, therapeutic one,..and it was first class. The spa offers guests a choice of oils with unique qualities and fragrances, and I distinctly remember avoiding the more common Rosemary scented Mediterranean oil.

As a Thai massage enthusiast,..I have a good idea if the Masseuse knows what they are doing, and in this case my masseuse passed the test with flying colors.

The planned relaxation certainly worked, because towards the end of the massage, I fell into a deep slumber, and the masseuse showed me to the recuperation room for some green tea.

Restaurants and Dining

“Guests can tempt their taste buds with a variety of cuisines, starting with the authentic Vietnamese home-style cooking, international gourmet delicacies or grilled prime meats (using Australian Beef) and seafood using a plethora of fresh, locally sourced produce that inspires the chef’s creative impulses with a depth of flavours and textural contrasts that will delight your senses.”

You can  start your day at The Indochine with a breakfast spread before your day’s adventures. You can take your palate on a journey to Vietnam’s cities and provinces as you sample traditional specialities in Lang Viet. Indulgent breakfasts and afternoon tea awaits you  at The Colonial,.. while light bites and handcrafted cocktails are perfect for unwinding at The Saigon Bar. Sea breezes and relaxed dining vibes at the Beach Club make this a popular hangout. Guests can also reserve curated private dining experiences at designated spots or gain insider tips during a cooking class.

I had the pleasure of spending time and familiarizing myself with the various gastronomic offerings of the resorts venues with the guidance of Culinary Director Geoffrey Crabbe joined The Anam Cam Ranh after working as an operational manager and executive chef at The Grand Cathedral Square, in New Zealand’s Christchurch.

The different food outlets have happy hours and offer various deals with a mix of dishes and cocktails or wines and spirits,..at various times of the day.

Be warned,.. however,.. that the Resort’s wine and spirit prices are quite high because of the massive Vietnamese import duties and Alcohol Tax.

 

Executive chef – Nguyen Duy Anh is in charge of all the Resorts restaurants

“The Anam Cam Ranh offers a gastronomic medley that pays tribute to the local culture and its peoples creativity.”

Tôm Thịt Rim Nước Dừa Braised prawns and pork belly with fresh coconut juice in clay pot served at Lang Viet

 

Lang Viet Restaurant & Bar 

The resort’s beating culinary heart, Lang Viet, draws inspiration from centuries-old traditional villages or lang houses that reflect the unique cultures of Vietnam’s diverse ethnic groups. 

Traditional rural coastal villages of diverse ethnic groups have introduced many dishes that formed a significant part of the Vietnamese culinary ecosystem, passed down through generations. Discover heritage specialties from the north to the south of Vietnam as you dine in Lang Viet by the breezy beachfront.

You can encounter the taste and flavours of authenticity with Vietnamese home-style dishes being offered that showcase centuries-old recipes from all regions of Vietnam.

Photo:Shredded young papaya salad with spicy dried beef, roasted peanuts, crispy shallots served with sweet & sour sauce and sesame crackers and Grilled Ocean Prawns

Gastronomic history and Culture

Traditional rural coastal villages of diverse ethnic groups have introduced many dishes that formed a significant part of the Vietnamese culinary ecosystem, passed down through generations. Discover heritage specialties from the north to the south of Vietnam as you dine in Lang Viet by the breezy beachfront. You can encounter the taste and flavours of f authenticity with Vietnamese home-style dishes being offered that showcase centuries-old recipes from all regions of Vietnam.

“The inspiration behind Lang Viet Restaurant & Bar lies in the centuries old traditional village or long houses that reflect the unique cultures of the diverse ethnic groups inhabiting Vietnam.Simple and unimposing these houses are dotted in small towns and villages along the coast and are inhabited by rice farmers and with paddy fields nearby.The heart of each home is the kitchen,where families gathered for meals.Traditional rural villages have introduced many dishes that formed a significant part of the Vietnamese ecosystem.Passed down through the generations these recipes are still celebrated today,You can enjoy the cultural heritage and the gastronomic journey created by the Chef in the kitchen of the Lang Viet Restaurant- as you dine inside or out being  cooled by an ocean breeze.”

 Culinary director Geoffrey Crabbe returns to Vietnam after been in New Zealand for the last 5 years.

 

Guided tour of Dining venues with Culinary Director-Geoffrey Crabbe

Crabbe joins The Anam Cam Ranh after working as operational manager and executive chef at The Grand Cathedral Square, in New Zealand’s Christchurch, where he was tasked with building two restaurants, two bars, a pastry kitchen, bakery, deli and Italian pizzeria. Previously, he worked as an executive chef at a string of high-end hotels and restaurants in New Zealand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Australia, Fiji and South Africa including Anantara’s resorts in Siem Reap and Mui Ne. 

 

You can find a table and breakfast al fresco on delightful terraces bathed with the welcoming morning sunlight,.. or in cooling comfort indoors in the multi-level dining spaces adorned with rich wood accents and luxurious embellishments.

“The Indochine” for Breakfast service and Buffet 

 

Situated adjacent to the main lobby by the turquoise freshwater pool,.The Indochine offers a multi-level dining space that serves up an extensive international buffet breakfast spread with live action stations daily. You can  breakfast alfresco on delightful terraces bathed with the welcoming morning sunlight or in comfort indoors in the multi-level dining spaces adorned with rich wood accents and luxurious embellishments. The Indochine serves up an extensive buffet breakfast spread that includes popular Western and Asian fare, amazing Tropical fruit selections, freshly baked bread, and French pastries with live action stations daily such as the egg station. Coffee is of a good standard and the Juices are good. If you have a desire for European Bread, the charcuterie and cheeses on offer are surprisingly good. 

I noticed that the many Asian guests (including the Koreans and Chinese) tend to favour the delicious Vietnamese Breakfast Menu including such favourites as Crispy Pork with Noodles or, Pho Beef and Noodle  Soup and even the everpresent Banh Mis with Vietnamese cold cuts and salad  including coriander. If you prefer, You can opt for classic western breakfast with eggs done your way at the Egg station. The Tropical fruit selections and French pastries  are all first class...Coffee is of a good standard and the Juices, Breakfast cereals and yoghurts are also good. If you have a desire for fresh baked European style Bread, to go with the smoked salmon or fish ,or  Charcuterie, Cold Cuts  and Cheeses you might be pleasantly surprised.

Or if you are in a villa, you can enjoy an indulgent breakfast or afternoon tea at The Colonial.

 

Fabulous and extensive range of Vietnamese and western dishes are served at The Indochine breakfast buffet

 

Delicious Buffet breakfast featuring Scrambled Eggs and Crispy bacon at Le Indochine-Don’t forget the French pastries and the Tropical fruit.

 

 “My introduction to the Beach Club was via a superb The Anam Wagyu Burger, probably the best Burger I ever had in my Life!”

The Beach Club 

Relaxed eatery by day and vibrant candlelit dining by night, Beach Club is the ideal oceanfront hangout. It is the first restaurant that I visited after my arrival and the International relaxed stye with a menu offering Burgers, Steak, Pizza, and pasta was immediately appealing after a fortnight eating Vietnamese cuisine.You can  explore an extensive repertoire of Beers and Cocktails and there is a short but functional wine list including a few prestigious European wine labels. The basic house wine is De Bertoli’s from Australia which is a reasonable  for the price considering the high import duties and taxes.. If you want to be extravagant you can enjoy an epicurean experience here as well,..or just “chill” with beers and cocktails and enjoy easy al fresco dining. During the day one is shaded by palm trees and fanned by the constant refreshing sea breezes. Apparently, a three-piece live band performs with evergreen and contemporary renditions several times a week. 

 

Bún Thịt Nướng -Fresh rice noodles topped with grilled pork, fresh herbs, peanuts, crispy shallots, pickles and fish sauce dressing

The Colonial

Specializing in European and classical French dishes with Vietnamese nuances, The Colonial acts as a club lounge serving complimentary à la carte breakfast and afternoon tea for guests staying in suites and high-end villas. Choose to dine within the elegant interior in cooling comfort or outdoors, shaded beneath the canopy of garden parasols and towering trees.

Eggs Florentine cooked to perfection with a toasted muffin topped by Salmon,poached egg and spinach and paprika infused Hollandaise sauce

 

Specializing in European and classical French dishes with Vietnamese nuances, The Colonial acts as a club lounge serving complimentary à la carte breakfast and afternoon tea for guests staying in suites and high-end villas. (You can choose to dine within the elegant interior in cooling comfort or outdoors, shaded beneath the canopy of garden parasols and towering trees)

I had breakfast here on my first morning and enjoyed the company of a lovely Swiss couple. You can choose to dine within the elegant interior in cooling comfort or outdoors, shaded beneath the canopy of garden parasols and towering trees. The Breakfast Buffet was replete with some excellent delicacies. I started off with some delicious Smoked Catfish and Rye bread ,and some very good smoked salmon with fresh baked baguette.

The standard of the charcuterie was impressive, with a Jamon Serrano Leg on display, and freshly sliced on demand by the staff. There was a large wheel of Parmigiano for Italian cheese lovers and the pastries and fruit on display were to die for.

The coffee was wonderful, and the slightly privileged guests here can order a la carte breakfast from the Colonial Breakfast Menu. As well as indulge in the culinary delights in the venues Buffet.

I indulged in a delicious Eggs Florentine cooked to perfection with a toasted muffin topped by Salmon, poached egg and spinach and paprika infused Hollandaise sauce and self-selected an assortment of Tropical fruit,..oh did I forget the delicious Charcuterie and the fresh baked bread?

If you wish, you can really indulge in the best.

Besides the la carte breakfast, guests can also dine here for lunch and dinner and there is a wide selection of Vietnamese Cuisine and international special dishes.

In addition to the A la carte breakfast guests can also dine here for lunch and dinner and there is a wide selection of Vietnamese Cuisine and International special dishes. 

 

 

The Saigon Bar.

Here, guests,can relax with light bites and handcrafted cocktails– perfect place for unwinding.

Apparently,there is  a three-piece live band performs with evergreen and contemporary renditions several times a week.

“As the reviewer was being extremely abstemious and  basically avoiding alcohol,.. I didn’t experience this bar to full advantage,so am looking forward to returning some day.”

Website:   http://www.theanam.com