Unbelievable Thanh Dat Resort: Your Cần Thơ Dream Vacation Awaits!
Unbelievable Thanh Dat Resort: My Cần Thơ Dream Turned… Well, Maybe Not Dreamy, But Definitely Interesting! (A Brutally Honest Review)
Alright, folks, buckle up. I just got back from a stint at the Unbelievable Thanh Dat Resort in Cần Thơ, and let me tell you, the “Unbelievable” part… well, it’s accurate, alright. Mostly in ways I didn’t expect. Let's dive in, shall we? Because you deserve the real deal before you book that Cần Thơ getaway.
Accessibility: (The Good, the Confusing, and the "Well, We Tried")
Okay, let's start with the important stuff. Now, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I always appreciate hotels that consider accessibility. The website claims to be wheelchair accessible, which is… tricky. The elevator is a definite plus, thank goodness. Walking around the resort itself? Mostly flat, which is good. But then I saw some narrow pathways and what felt like a million little steps here and there, and I started to wonder. So, Facilities for disabled guests? Officially, yes. Practically? Call ahead and really quiz them. Don't be shy!
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Erm… the layout seemed pretty open, BUT again, that question of steps. Check on this VERY carefully.
Internet Access, Free Wi-Fi, Oh My! (Or, the Great Wi-Fi Hunt)
Internet access – wireless? Yep. Internet access – LAN? Apparently, you can still get it. Wi-Fi in public areas? Supposedly strong. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? They promise it! The reality, though? Let's just say I spent a considerable amount of my vacation wandering around the resort like a digital pirate, desperately seeking a signal. It comes and goes. Bring your own hotspot if you absolutely need reliable internet for things like, oh, I don’t know, work! (Shudders.)
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: (From Bliss to “Meh”)
Okay, this is where Thanh Dat tries to shine, and sometimes, it almost does.
- Swimming pool: Yes, and it's a Pool with view! Looking out at the water was kinda nice. Definitely a highlight! The Swimming pool [outdoor] was definitely appreciated in the Cần Thơ heat.
- Fitness center & Gym/fitness: Okay, so, the gym. Let's be kind. It's… functional. Plenty of workout equipment. It does the job if you're really dedicated to staying fit. Don't expect anything fancy.
- Spa/sauna & body treatments (Body scrub, body wrap): This is where Thanh Dat could have truly excelled. They have the facilities (a Sauna, a Steamroom, a Spa). I went for a massage, and… the staff were incredibly polite, but the massage itself was… gentle. Very, very gentle. A little more pressure wouldn't have gone amiss. But I loved the Foot bath. I may have fallen asleep.
- Things to do: There were lots of brochures for activities to do in the area.
Cleanliness and Safety (The COVID Angle):
This is where Thanh Dat really tries, and they actually do a pretty good job. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol. Check, check, check! I even saw them using Professional-grade sanitizing services. They take this seriously, which is a massive relief. Rooms sanitized between stays? Absolutely. They also had Individually-wrapped food options (more on that later). Physical distancing of at least 1 meter was attempted in most places. I wasn’t completely terrified of catching something, which is a genuine victory. The fact that they offered Room sanitization opt-out available was a nice touch, too.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (The Buffet Blues & the Salad Surprise)
Ah, the food. Where to begin?
- Breakfast buffet: Okay, the Asian breakfast was… plentiful. Tons of options. The Western breakfast… well, it was there. I wouldn't call it gourmet. But look, it’s FREE, and I didn't starve. Maybe slightly overwhelmed by the sheer volume of options, but I managed. The Breakfast [buffet] had a good selection of food.
- Restaurants & Menu Adventures: There are Restaurants. Asian cuisine in restaurant was prevalent. International cuisine in restaurant. Western cuisine in restaurant. A la carte in restaurant, a Buffet in restaurant. The best surprise was a simple Salad in restaurant. Honestly, it was delicious.
- The Bar & Booze: Bar… yeah, they have it. Poolside bar too. Happy hour? I’m not sure if they have an actual happy hour, I didn't see one.
- Beverages: Bottle of water, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Poolside bar, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant. They keep you fed and watered.
- Room Service: Room service [24-hour] is a godsend. Especially after a long day exploring.
Services and Conveniences (The Good, the Bad, and the… Interesting)
- Doorman, Concierge, & Front Desk: The staff are incredibly polite and very helpful, from the Doorman to the folks at the Front desk [24-hour]. Always greeted with a smile!
- Laundry Service: Laundry service? Yes, but plan ahead.
- Daily housekeeping: Daily housekeeping was immaculate. My room was spotless every day.
- Currency Exchange & Cash Withdrawal: Yep, they have the basics covered. Cash withdrawal is available.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Check, but confirm!
- Gift/souvenir shop: A few bits and bobs if you need a last-minute gift.
- Car Park: Car park [free of charge] is a definite plus.
- Airport Transfer: Highly recommend using their Airport transfer. Made arrival and departure super easy and streamlined.
- Security: Security [24-hour] made me feel safe.
- Miscellaneous: Dry cleaning, Elevator, Luggage storage, Air conditioning in public area, Ironing service. They literally have everything you need!
For the Kids (Family Adventures!)
Family/child friendly? Pretty much. They claim to have Babysitting service, although I didn’t use it. Kids meal options are available. It looked like a good spot for a family vacation!
Available in all rooms (A Room with a View… and… Things)
- Air conditioning? Yes, thank heavens. Alarm clock? Check. Bathrobes? A nice touch!
- Bathroom phone? Yes. I’m not sure why. To order more room service, I guess.
- Bedtime comforts: Blackout curtains? Good for sleeping in! Extra long bed? Good for tall people!
- The essentials: Coffee/tea maker? Yes. Complimentary tea? Delicious! Desk, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Mini bar, Refrigerator, Slippers, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, and Wi-Fi [free]. All there, all functional.
- The "Nice to Haves": Mirror. Non-smoking. Seating area, Sofa. Telephone, Toiletries. Some rooms have a Bathtub, some have a Shower, some have a Separate shower/bathtub, and some are… interesting.
- The technicalities: Daily housekeeping, Internet access – wireless, Laptop workspace, Linens, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Satellite/cable channels, Smoke detector, Soundproofing, Toiletries, and Wi-Fi [free].
The Quirks (The Stuff They Don't Tell You)
- Mosquitoes: Bring DEET. I repeat, BRING DEET.
- Noise: Some rooms face the street, and Cần Thơ is a lively city. Soundproof rooms are worth paying extra for.
- The Little Things: The “free bottled water” was… sometimes. Sometimes not. The Daily disinfection in common areas was reassuring.
My Verdict: The "Worth It" Factor
Look, Unbelievable Thanh Dat Resort isn't flawless. It probably won’t be the dream vacation you've always envisioned. But:
- It tries really hard, and the staff are genuinely lovely.
- They take cleanliness seriously.
- The pool is great.
- The location is decent, and generally
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is my chaotic, beautiful, probably-a-little-sunburnt Cần Thơ adventure plan, and it's a work in major progress. I'm at Thanh Dat Resort, and honestly, the only thing "planned" about this whole thing is that I'm here, breathing, and desperately hoping the Mekong Delta doesn't swallow me whole.
Day 1: Arrival and "Maybe I Should Have Brought Bug Spray" Vibes
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Can Tho Airport (VCA). Apparently, it's "modern". I'd call it "functional," which I'm taking as a win, considering I'm still functioning after the flight. Grab a taxi (negotiated the price – felt like a seasoned pro, even though I probably got ripped off. Whatever).
- 1:30 PM: Check into Thanh Dat Resort. The reception is… well, let's just say my English wasn't exactly their strong suit, and my Vietnamese is restricted to "xin chào" and "cà phê sữa đá, làm ơn" (which, honestly, is all anyone really needs). The room is… okay. View of the pool. Which is currently shimmering invite-ingly. But, like, way too many mosquitoes buzzing around. Note to self: buy industrial-strength bug spray. Today. Before I become a walking buffet.
- 2:00 PM: First foray into the resort's restaurant. Ordered bánh xèo. It was delicious. Crispy, savory… and possibly the reason I'm already wearing my stretchy pants. Seriously though, the food here is phenomenal. I ate almost everything, with a lot of fish sauce, and a satisfying burp.
- 3:00 PM: Pool time! Ah, bliss… until a toddler with boundless energy decided to make me his personal jungle gym. Worth it, though. The water was perfect.
- 6:00 PM: Sunset on the river. I swear, the light here is different. Softer. Warmer. Like a giant, fuzzy hug. Almost made me cry from happiness. Almost. The mosquitoes, however, were definitely embracing the moment.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Ordered goi cuon and was very happy. Stuffed myself on deliciousness. That's all.
Day 2: Floating Markets and Existential Dread (In a Good Way)
- 6:00 AM: Wake up to the sound of… well, everything. Roosters, motorbikes, the gentle lapping of the river. Actually, it's kind of beautiful. Except, I'm not a morning person. Ugh. Coffee, stat.
- 6:30 AM: Join a tour to Cai Rang Floating Market. Ugh. I'm not a morning person, but the tour said it was the best experience.
- (7:00 AM): After a quick, very strong coffee and a slightly less successful attempt at haggling for a boat tour, get on the small boat. It was actually amazing. Seeing the boats crammed together, shouting and trading, the smell of fruit and fuel. I bought a pineapple, which was probably the best pineapple I've ever had in my life. It wasn't the most instagrammable experience but the experience was so pure and original.
- (8:30 AM): Back to the resort, I had to change my clothes and get some more energy and fresh air. It was too perfect.
- 10:00 AM: Honestly, just collapse on a sun lounger. Brain is fried from the early wake-up call and the sheer bustle of the market. Just, breathe.
- 11:00 AM: Exploring the resort. Getting lost in the resort gardens. Finding a hammock and promptly falling asleep. Woke up sweating, covered in leaves, and convinced a lizard had just crawled on my face. (It hadn't. Probably.)
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Back to the restaurant for more bún riêu. Feeling like a total local at this point. Or, you know, the hungriest tourist in Cần Thơ.
- 2:00 PM: Decide to get a massage at the resort's spa. Figured I deserved it after the early wake-up. Turns out, the massage also involved some intense stretching that left me feeling like a rag doll. Worth it.
- 4:00 PM: Bike ride to the city, and trying to navigate the traffic. I almost died a few times. I am just not built for driving in Vietnam.
- 8:00 PM: Back at the resort for dinner, or I wish I was. I had a lot of small meals in small portions. It was delicious, it was the only thing I care about.
Day 3: Culture Shock (and Maybe Food Poisoning?)
- Morning: Feeling… iffy. Might have been the street food I bravely (or stupidly) tried last night. This is the part of the itinerary where I contemplate my life choices.
- Morning/Early Afternoon: The most perfect day. I did more than I thought I could. I think I went to the place, but I don't know.
- Evening: I had dinner.
Day 4: Departure (and the Bitter-Sweet Smell of Adventure)
- Morning: Last breakfast. Sigh.
- Morning: Checkout. Say goodbye to the staff, who are now probably used to my frantic gesticulating and questionable Vietnamese.
- Afternoon: Taxi to airport. Reflect on the chaos, the beauty, the sheer exhaustion.
- Afternoon: Flight back home. Already planning my return. (With, this time, industrial-strength bug spray.)
Disclaimer: This itinerary is subject to change. Like, a lot. Spontaneity is the name of the game. If it involves delicious food, a hammock, or avoiding a mosquito-related coma, consider it a win. Wish me luck! And maybe send mosquito repellent. Seriously.
Bogor's Hidden Gem: Urbanview Hotel Sagara - Unbelievable Views!
Okay, so, is Thanh Dat Resort really as… 'unbelievable' as the name suggests? Seriously?
Look, let's be honest, right? "Unbelievable"? That's a bold claim. I went in with, like, a *healthy* dose of skepticism. My expectations? Moderately high. The reality? Well...it swung wildly. Some bits were genuinely lovely. Think sunsets painting the Mekong Delta in gorgeous hues, the air smelling of jasmine and… well, frankly, a little bit of river. Authenticity, you know? Other parts, though? Let's just say the "unbelievable" might have been more about the *lack* of hot water one morning. (Cue my internal scream!) There were definitely a few moments of… 'interesting' plumbing decisions. But hey, it's part of the charm, right? Maybe? Maybe.
What are the rooms *actually* like? I'm picturing cramped with a questionable air conditioning unit...
Okay, the rooms. This is where the narrative gets a little… nuanced. I stayed in a bungalow – aim for one if you can, they’re worth it. Seriously. They feel a little more private. Mine was… charming in its own, slightly ramshackle way. Think mosquito nets draped around the bed (essential!), a little balcony that overlooked the pool (score!), and… *ahem*…decor that hinted at a previous decade. The air con worked! Mostly! Sometimes it would decide to take a nap in the middle of the night, leaving me to contemplate the humidity. Also, the bathroom? It had character. Let's leave it at that. (I'm thinking of the shower pressure. Or lack thereof. And the drains. Oh, the drains.) The point is, it’s not a luxury hotel, it's a place to relax, so if you are picky you might not enjoy it.
The pool? Is it actually swimmable? And is it Instagram-worthy?
Okay, the pool! This is a *major* win. It's clean, it's refreshing, and yes, it’s absolutely swimmable. Big thumbs up! And Instagram-worthy? Oh, yeah. You can get some killer shots of the water reflecting the palm trees. I spent a good chunk of my time there, basically rotating between swimming, sunbathing, and sipping on something fruity. There's a bar right there, which is always a bonus. The only minor gripe? Sometimes you’d find yourself sharing the water with a stray leaf or two, but hey, it's nature, baby! And the staff are always on it, trying to clear the pool.
What's the food situation like? Are we talking touristy blandness or authentic deliciousness?
The food... ooooh, the food! This is where Thanh Dat *really* shines. Forget bland tourist fare! We're talking fresh, flavorful, ridiculously affordable Vietnamese cuisine. The resort restaurant has a great view, and you can enjoy your food while looking on the pool. Order the fresh spring rolls; I'm not even kidding, they were the best I've ever had. The fish? Divine. They have a very simple menu but I thought it was enough. And the fruit juices? Forget sugary, artificial nonsense; we're talking the real deal. Warning: You *will* overeat. I may or may not have polished off two bowls of pho one morning. No regrets. My stomach, however, might have a different opinion. (Worth it, though. Absolutely worth it!)
Can you easily access the Mekong Delta from there?
Yes! That's a big part of the appeal. Thanh Dat is perfectly positioned for exploring the Mekong Delta. You can arrange boat trips from the resort itself, or you can take a taxi to the Cai Rang Floating Market! It's an absolute must-do experience. Trust me. Waking up early (and I mean *really* early, like before the sun even thinks about appearing) is a chore, but the vibrant chaos of the market? Floating vendors selling everything from fruit to coffee? Incredible. Just… brace yourself for the early wake-up call. And the crowds. But seriously, it will be *memorable*.
Are there any hidden gems or secret spots around the resort?
Hmm, hidden gems… not really. It is a fairly contained place. But that's part of its charm. The resort is designed to make you relax, and don't go out looking for hidden gems unless you want to explore Can Tho itself.
Okay, let's talk about the staff. Are they friendly? Helpful? Or… well, you know…
The staff! This is a big one. And the answer? Generally, yes! They are super friendly and eager to help. Their English might not be perfect, but they're incredibly patient. I had a minor issue with my room and it was fixed immediately. They always greeted me with a smile and a "Xin chào!" (Hello!). I felt genuinely welcomed. They were particularly helpful with arranging tours and suggesting restaurants. And they did the most during the day. So I would say the staff is very good.
What's the vibe like? Is it a party scene or a chill-out-and-recharge kind of place?
Chill-out-and-recharge, hands down. This isn't a place for wild nights. It's all about relaxing by the pool, enjoying delicious food, and exploring the tranquility of the Mekong Delta. Think reading a book on your balcony, listening to the sounds of nature. The occasional gentle chatter from the pool. It's peaceful. And for me, that's a *huge* win. I went there to get away from the chaos. A place where you don't put the air con on, and just appreciate the quiet.
Would I actually go back?
Honestly? Absolutely. Despite the minor imperfections (and let's be real, every place has them!), Thanh Dat Resort offers a truly authentic and memorable experience. The food alone is worth the trip! The location is perfect for exploring the Mekong Delta. The staff are lovely. It's not perfect, but that's part of its charm. It's a place to relax and escape. I'd go back in a heartbeat. Just… maybe pack a plunger, just in case. You know, for emergencies.
