Laguna Landing

Alex Jenkins takes an early look at Laguna Lang Co, a rugged Nick Faldo design on Vietnam's Central Coast that is set to officially open in March 2013

The Banyan Tree Laguna Lang Co looks set to raise the bar of luxurious resorts

TRIP PLANNER

GREEN FEES

Resort guests (Weekday/Weekend): HK$580-758
Visitors (Weekday/Weekend): HK$684-906
Caddie Booking Fee: HK$40
Cart Fee: HK$260
Note: The recommended caddie tip is VND250,000, which is approximately HK$100

COURSE INFO

Yardage: 6,958
Par: 71
Fairway Grass: Zoysia Manila
Green Grass: Bermuda TifEagle

Designed by Faldo Design

WHERE TO STAY

Eventually, Laguna Lang Co will be home to six upmarket hotels, but on completion of phase one (scheduled for March 2013), the accommodation options will include the already-opened Banyan Tree, comprising 49 all-pool villas, and the Angsana, a low-rise, five-star resort with some 200 rooms and suites. Aimed at the well-heeled and sophisticated traveller, the Banyan Tree has been designed to celebrate the opulence of Vietnamese dynasties past and each villa features traditional Vietnamese architectural elements, finishes and furnishings. Vietnam's Central Coast is not short of luxurious resorts – the coastal road to the south of Danang is lined with numerous examples – but the Banyan Tree Laguna Lang Co looks set to raise the bar even further.

GETTING THERE

At the time of press, visitors from Hong Kong must transit through either Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi airport in order to connect with regular Vietnam Airlines flights to Danang (one hour). Vietnam Airlines and Dragonair both offer daily flights to Hanoi (one hour, 45 minutes), while Vietnam Airlines and Cathay Pacific both run services to Ho Chi Minh City (two hours, 15 minutes). A direct flight to Danang from Hong Kong has long been rumoured, and it is thought – but not yet confirmed – that Dragonair will commence the route in early 2013. The transfer from Danang's new airport terminal to Laguna Lang Co takes one hour.

CONTACTS

Laguna Lang Co Golf Club www.lagunalangco.com/golf 
Banyan Tree Laguna Lang Co www.banyantree.com
Angsana Lang Co www.angsana.com
Vietnam Airlines www.vietnamairlines.com
Dragonair www.dragonair.com

Pages

Written by Alex Jenkins

Photography by Richard Castka; Sportpix International

Click here to see the published article.

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