Glistening rice paddies surrounding Bai San hô are only one indication that this serene, beachfront resort in central Vietnam is going to offer a unique cultural immersion.
Adjoining the flourishing paddies, 73 thatched-roof villas, many soaring high on stilts, are styled to resemble the Ede ethnic group’s boat-shaped long houses. These villas (most boasting private pools) showcase bamboo floor mats, basketry, locally-sourced woods, and offer stunning views of Crystal Bay.
Adventure awaits in those crystal-clear waters. Besides swimming and luxuriating on rocky cliffs looming above the beach, daring guests can eFoil (electric surfboards), snorkel, and paddle far offshore. If relaxation is needed after exhilarating jaunts, just lie on the beach, a one mile long stretch of instant elixir.“We do everything here with the environment in mind,” insists Quentin Guiraud, Zannier Hotels’ Communication Manager. “Bai San hô (opened in 2020) has started a tree nursery with 50,000 shrubs. We work to protect the bay, and 97% of our property (100 hectares) is undeveloped. As our elliptical villas show, we want to sustain the Ede culture.”
“Grand Ma’s House, or the retreat’s homey, sumptuously-appointed main building honors that commitment to the Ede’s matriarchal society. Its rich leathers, woods and intricate basketry celebrate artistry in this part of Pho Yen province. So do the true Vietnamese experiences in Bai Hai, the resort’s gourmet restaurant. Resting on stilts, and using materials made only from grass, Bai Hai is the wood-beamed domain of chef Dung Mai. Eat here! Then meet Mai the following day for a lovely excursion to coastal fishing villages in a Moon Boat. Once the shopping concludes, he will help guests prepare tangy dishes in his kitchen. That’s the distinctive appeal of Bai San hô.
Grandma styled hospitality.
Written By Hieronymous
Photography by @Frederick Wissink
