Pandanus Resort

Opened in 2004, the Pandanus Resort has an appealing mix of contemporary design and traditional local features. Champa-inspired architectural elements are found throughout and a Cham band playing in the lobby and the restaurant adds an air of liveliness. Despite occupying almost 25 acres of manicured gardens, the hotel’s low room count allows for a quiet, uncrowded atmosphere. 

In addition, the resort focuses more on relaxation and wellbeing than on entertainment to the sound of pop beats, with free yoga and tai chi classes daily, free Mui Ne walking tours, and a large, quiet pool with waiter service. This mellow vibe makes it a good pick for those seeking some relaxation. We saw plenty of sun-worshipping European and Russian couples around the pool when we visited the resort at the end of the winter, but Vietnamese families seem to prefer the summer months, when the wind isn’t as strong and the sea is calm enough to go swimming with the children. The hotel also gets its good share of groups, including a number of corporate groups on company retreats every year. 

Although the Pandanus is not an ultra luxurious hotel, its all-inclusive rates have all the bells and whistles of resorts in a much higher price range, covering everything from minibar items to daily spa treatments and all premium imported drinks. Still, those on a tighter budget may want to compare rates at the Muine Bay Resort, which features hotel rooms as well as bungalows, a large pool, and direct access to a pleasant stretch of beach. The Cliff Resort & Residences is also a good upscale option in the same price range as the Pandanus, with big rooms and villas (many of which have full kitchens), a small kids’ club, and large pools. Travelers looking for something less secluded may want to consider the Bamboo Village Beach Resort & Spa, which features a lovely spa and beautiful lush grounds.

Pandanus Resort is located on a small street off the main road running along the coast in the Phan Thiet area. There are a few other beachfront resorts in the area, but no restaurants, bars, or shops within easy walking distance. The sand dunes, one of the area’s attractions, are just a five-minute walk away. The center of Mui Ne, known for its quaint fishing harbor and seafood restaurants, is a five-minute drive away. The hotel offers free shuttle service and daily walking tours of the area, as well as free transfers to Phan Thiet and the Fairy Stream, a creek famous for its red-and-white walls. Ham Tien, known as the city center among tourists, is the area’s main drag, offering a wide array of beachfront restaurants, fun bars, travel agencies, and shops. The famous Cham Towers are about 20 minutes from the hotel by car. The nearest airports are in Ho Chi Minh City and Dalat, each about a five-hour bus ride away. Private and group airport transfers can be arranged at the front desk.

The 110 rooms are spread over four two- and three-story buildings, and the 24 cute bungalows are tucked away behind palm trees, making them feel more private. All rooms were renovated in 2015 and have simple decor with off-white tiled floors, dark wooden furniture with clean lines, and a few chocolate brown accents. Thoughtful touches include dandelion-yellow accent walls, brick details, and embroidered silk-like pillows. Bungalows were renovated in 2016 and are the most luxurious of all room types, with four-poster beds, traditional straw ceilings, and an earth tone palette. All but Economy Rooms feature balconies, and bungalows have small furnished patios with garden views. Most top-floor Family Suites offer sea views. At 860 square feet, Executive Apartments are the largest rooms at Pandanus Resort, complete with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a living area. The hotel is eliminating the Economy Room category in late 2017.

In-room amenities include free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, minibars, flat-screen TVs with international channels, electric kettles, and safes. Free coffee, tea, and bottled water are replenished daily. Bungalows also have Bluetooth speakers. Bathrooms are simple, but clean, with glass-encased rain showers, small sink areas, hairdryers, and an array of toiletries such as combs, cotton swabs, and toothbrushes. Bungalows have beautiful outdoor bathrooms with big stone tubs, separate rain showers, and lots of natural stone and wood accents. 

Two of the hotel’s four buildings offer smoking rooms. 

The hotel offers some of the most comprehensive all-inclusive packages in the region, covering not only all drinks and food but also a wide array of great perks that add tons of value. Included drinks range from the most basic local soda and fresh fruit juice to expensive imported liquors. Food can be ordered at any time of the day or night both at the restaurants and bars or delivered to rooms free of charge. The all-inclusive package also offers daily spa treatments, free use of boogie boards, all minibar items, and one cooking class per stay. 

The hotel is home to one of the largest freeform pools in the area, complete with a shallower area for children and a big deck with a long row of cushioned lounges and umbrellas. A bar with indoor and outdoor seating areas provides drinks and snacks during the day, and waiters come around the pool to take orders. A fun band plays music in the evening six nights per week, and barbecue dinners are held here every few days. The 24-hour Cafe Blue Lagoon is the hotel’s main restaurant, known for its huge, excellent breakfast buffet offering everything from Vietnamese pho, to sausages and bacon, to fried rice, and homemade pastries. The lunch and dinner menus include Vietnamese and international options, and the adjacent deck houses a seafood market in the evening, where guests can pick their favorite fish to be grilled right in front of them. 

The spa is small, but pleasant, with a soft, fresh scent, soothing instrumental music, and both indoor and outdoor massage rooms. A sauna, a steam room, and a couples’ room complete with a whirlpool are also available. The fitness center is airy and well-equipped, with cardio and strength-training machines and free weights. Free yoga and tai chi classes are available daily free of charge. Guests can also borrow bikes and boogie boards for no additional charge. 

Wi-Fi is free of charge throughout the property.