A charming forest get-away in Hoa Binh strays a little too far away from comfort for the price.
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A group of 50 some holiday-goers excitedly loaded onto a roomy tour bus to head for the promise of an overnight getaway in nearby Hoa Binh Province, eager to get away from the heat of summertime in Hanoi.
The destination: La Ferme du Colvert in Hoa Binh, described online as a “Vietnamese - French resort set in wild countryside” and as a place “ideal for those who need a break from the noisy busy cities.” I’ll happily attest to the natural appeal of the land and the peace and quiet. However, the establishment’s problems with supplying power and inability to respond adequately to the needs of guests indicate that it’s got a ways to go before becoming the truly spectacular oasis it has the potential to be.
Guests were given a range of choices in rooms; some went for the cheaper beds in rooms with only fans; others chose to pay a premium for the promise of a cool night’s sleep.
Our arrival and welcome from the staff was pleasant, if oddly complicated by a two-step queuing and check-in procedure. Everybody was shown to their rooms, oohing and aahing over the rustic charm of the grounds and the abundant vegetation (think jack-fruits the size of small poodles growing overhead).
The décor is a quirky blend of traditional Vietnamese textiles combined with carved wooden signs and nautical trinkets like wooden ducks and large-scale model ships. The rooms themselves range from basic (and a bit dingy) to grand, complete with old-fashioned carved wooden beds.
After check-in most guests reconvened around the pool, beneath overhanging branches of bamboo and palm. Beer was discovered, and serious relaxation began.
