Escape to Paradise: Luxurious Duck Homestay in Ben Tre, Vietnam
Escape to Paradise: A Duck Homestay That’ll Make You Quack with Delight (and Maybe a Little Frustration) - A Review!
Okay, so you're thinking about Escape to Paradise: Luxurious Duck Homestay in Ben Tre, Vietnam? Let me tell you, the name? Nailed it. But, as with all things in life, the reality is… well, a bit more, shall we say, layered than the brochure photos suggest. Prepare for a deep dive, my friend, because I’ve got opinions, and apparently, a whole lot of them.
Accessibility: (Mostly!)
Alright, first things first. This place tries on accessibility. The entrance? Pretty good, manageable ramps and all. Inside? The elevator… well, it's there. I wouldn't bet my bottom dollar on its consistent availability, but hey, it’s a start! Other areas, like the pool, might require a little more… creative maneuvering. This isn’t a fully-fledged super-accessible resort, but they're trying.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: This is a maybe. The main restaurant area? Fine, but getting to a specific table might involve dodging a stray duckling or two.
Wheelchair Accessible: See above. It's not perfect, but it's better than some places.
Internet: (Bless Its Heart)
Oh, the internet. In a word? Spotty. There's free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, yes, and they shout it from the rooftops. But let's just say the signal sometimes decided to go on a spontaneous beach vacation, leaving you with pixelated YouTube videos. The Internet [LAN] option? Apparently, a thing. Did I bother looking for the cable? Nope. I was too busy chasing that elusive Wi-Fi dream. Internet services in general though, are… present. Just don’t rely on them for any life-or-death video calls.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: (Spoiler Alert: Ducks!)
This is where things get interesting. They've got the basics:
- Pool with view: Ah, the pool. Gorgeous! Especially at sunset, when the palm trees frame it perfectly. However, the view is primarily of the surrounding lush greenery, which honestly, is stunning.
- Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Spa, Massage: Lots of options to relax.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Yep, it’s there. Clean, refreshing. Exactly what you want in the Ben Tre heat.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: I walked past it. It looked… functional. Let’s just leave it at that.
- Foot bath: Ah! This was a highlight. Soothing. Relaxing. Definitely try this one.
- Body scrub, Body wrap: Never underestimate a bit of pampering.
But then there are the ducks. Oh, the ducks. They are everywhere. Warning: If you are not a duck person, this is not the place for you. They waddle around. They quack. They might, on occasion, try to steal your breakfast. Seriously, they are charming but sometimes a little too present.
Cleanliness and Safety: (Impressive)
Okay, this is where Escape to Paradise truly shines. Especially post-pandemic. The Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hygiene certification, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment … it's all there. I felt genuinely safe. Hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and the staff seemed actually concerned about cleanliness. The room sanitization opt-out option is cool, but let's be honest, who's not taking advantage of the thorough cleaning?
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: (A Culinary Adventure, with Ducks)
Okay, the food. It's good. Not Michelin-star good, but definitely above average. The Asian cuisine in the restaurant is what you should focus on. Fresh ingredients, authentic flavors. Delicious. The Asian breakfast, Buffet in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], are decent. The A la carte in restaurant offers a bit more variety if you're bored of the buffet, but honestly, the buffet is good. Salad in restaurant is a lifesaver when you're overeating.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Bottle of water, Complimentary tea, Coffee/tea maker, Free bottled water: Hydration is key in the heat. Always great to have options.
- Happy hour, Poolside bar: Nice add-ins, but I was on the early side, so can't speak to the evening vibe.
- Desserts, Soup in restaurant: Sometimes you just need an ice cream and a decent slurp.
- Room service [24-hour]: Always appreciated after those long activities.
- Vegetarian restaurant: There are some selections, but not hugely impressive.
- Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: It's there, but eat the local stuff.
Anecdote Time: The Duck Incident
One morning, I was enjoying my delightful Breakfast [buffet], when a particularly brazen duck spotted a croissant. Not just any croissant. My croissant. He waddled over, gave me the stink eye, and attempted to take it. I shrieked. The staff rushed over, shooed him away, and brought me a fresh one. Seriously, this happened. It was both hilarious and slightly terrifying. This is your life at Escape to Paradise.
Services and Conveniences: (Pretty Good)
- Air conditioning in public area, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Bathrobes, Bed, Blackout curtains, Bottle of water, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
They've got the basics covered. Concierge, Doorman, Front desk [24-hour]: Smooth check-in, check-out, and any requests are dealt with promptly. Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange: Essentials. Laundry service: Saves you from having to pack a whole wardrobe. Safe deposit boxes: A necessity.
- Baby sitting, and family friendly!
For the Kids:
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal are available. A decent spot for a family trip!
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park, Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: You'll need to arrange your transport, but the homestay is well-positioned for exploration.
Rooms:
- Available in all rooms, Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
The rooms are comfortable, clean, and generally well-appointed.
- Additional toilet, Air conditioning is available.
The Quirk Factor:
This place is charming. It's not a sterile hotel chain. It's got personality. It's got… ducks. Embrace it.
The Bottom Line: Book It (With a Few Caveats!)
Would I recommend Escape to Paradise? Absolutely! The location is stunning. The staff are lovely. The food is delicious (especially the local fare). The cleanliness is top-notch. But… be prepared for the quirks. Be prepared for the ducks. Be prepared for the occasional internet gremlins. Embrace the chaos. And maybe, just maybe, keep an eye on your croissant.
My Rating: 4 out of 5 Quacking Ducks!
Call to Action: Your Escape to Paradise Awaits!
Ready to trade the ordinary for the extraordinary? Book your stay at Escape to Paradise: Luxurious Duck Homestay in Ben Tre today!
Here's why you should choose us:
- **Unforgettable Experiences
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this itinerary is about to get messier than a bowl of pho after a scooter crash. We’re talking Ben Tre, Vietnam, specifically the hallowed, mosquito-infested halls of Vit-co Room at Duck Homestay. Get ready for a trip that’s less "smooth sailing" and more "navigating a rickshaw through a flooded rice paddy."
Day 1: Arrival & Sensory Overload (and Possibly Mild Panic)
Morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM: The Flight of the Damned): Ugh. The flight. Let's just say my pre-flight caffeine fix was…inadequate. Land, grab luggage, breathe. Vietnam. It's hot. Humid. And smells like a glorious mix of diesel, jasmine, and…something I can't quite place yet. Excitement? Maybe. Mostly a vague feeling of being slightly out of my depth.
- Observation: Seriously, the airport air conditioning is clearly in cahoots with the humidity gods. It adds to the sweat, not subtracts!
Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Roadside Romance, or More Like Road Rage): Taxi to Ben Tre. The drive. Okay, so I’m pretty sure the driver was possessed by a particularly aggressive water buffalo. Scooters, cyclists, chickens crossing the road (because, Vietnam), buses playing chicken – it's a sensory firework display of near-death experiences. I’m pretty certain my heart rate hasn't been this elevated since that time I saw a spider bigger than my hand.
Anecdote: I swear, at one point we got boxed in by a herd of water buffalo. The driver just shrugged, lit a cigarette, and waited it out. It was beautiful chaos.
Lunch (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Pho-king Delicious): Finally, Ben Tre! Check into Duck Homestay. Absolutely charming, if a little…rustic. Vit-co Room, here I come! But first, food. Found a little street-side pho shop. The broth? Heaven. The noodles? Perfectly slippery. The little plastic stool I sat on? Gave my butt a thorough massage. Best pho of my life, hands down. This is the stuff of dreams.
- Emotional Reaction: This pho is the reason I’m here. All the travel stress, the airport misery, the potential buffalo stampedes…it's all worth it for THIS.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Homestay Bliss & Mosquitoes of Death): Settle into Vit-co Room. It actually is quite charming. A charming humidity, that is. Ceiling fan is definitely operating at half-speed. Also, mosquitoes. So. Many. Mosquitoes. I swear they're breeding at an alarming rate. I swear one of them winked at me.
- Imperfection: I forgot the bug spray at the airport. I'm basically a walking all-you-can-eat buffet for the local insect population.
Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: River Tour – The Floating Markets & Coconut Craze): Okay, river tour time! This is what I came for. The Mekong Delta! Coconuts, boats, vibrant markets. We're off to a floating market. The sights, the sounds! The chaos! I buy a coconut – and I learn about all the uses of a coconut.
Quirky Observation: The smiles on the people's faces as they work on the boat is like a sunbeam. How do they manage to get so much of the day's work done?
Evening (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner & Sundown): Dinner at the homestay. The food is sensational, fresh, and bursting with flavours. The sunset over the river is breathtaking. I'm starting to feel like I've finally arrived.
- Rambling: Wait. Is that a fish? I wonder where it's from. Who caught it? What did it eat? Does it have a name?! Where am I, exactly?
Day 2: Coconut Crazy & Getting Lost (with a Smile!)
Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast Bonanza & Bicycle Breakdown): Breakfast at the homestay. Pancakes! Fresh fruit! Coffee stronger than my will to live! Then, a bike ride…a lovely, scenic bike ride…that ended with my chain snapping in the middle of a rice paddy.
- Emotional Reaction: Argh! Seriously? Really?! Okay, deep breaths. This is part of the adventure, right? Right?!
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Coconut EVERYTHING): Embark onto the coconut factory! Coconut candy, coconut oil, coconut everything! Okay, I'm now officially a coconut convert. This is my life now. All coconuts, all the time. In a good way, I think.
- Doubling Down: I'm going to try to learn Vietnamese just so I can communicate with them.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch & Nap of Utter Bliss): Another fantastic lunch at a local restaurant (pho again, obviously – no regrets). Then, nap time. A glorious, mosquito-free (hopefully) nap.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Lost in Translation – & Finding the Best Banh Mi Ever): Decided to wander around town, armed with a terrible map and even worse sense of direction. Got gloriously, wonderfully lost. But on the way, found a tiny little banh mi stall. And honestly, the sandwich was so good, it was almost a religious experience.
Messy Structure: Got lost, found food. Food is good. Life is good. Ben Tre is good. Forget trying to follow an itinerary. This is living.
Evening (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Homestay Relaxation and reflection): Back to the homestay for quiet time and reflection.
Evening (7:00 PM Onward: Final Dinner & Goodbye Sniffles): One last amazing dinner at the homestay. Saying goodbye is hard, but I've got photos and these moments which will last forever.
Day 3: Departure (with a Sigh of Bliss and a Hint of "When Can I Come Back?")
Morning (6:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Last Breakfast & Packing Pains): Last breakfast in paradise. Packing. Always the worst.
Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Departure): Goodbye, Ben Tre. Goodbye, Duck Homestay. Goodbye, Vit-co Room. I will miss that place (and all the mosquitoes). And I'll miss the food more than words can say.
Throughout the Day: Plane ride home. Reflecting. Already planning my return. Definitely coming back.
So, *what* is this all about anyway? Like, what are we *even* talking about here?!
How do you even...start? Like, I'm overwhelmed. There's *so much* to do! (Or *is* there?)
What if I mess up? (And, let's be real, I *will* mess up.)
Okay, but what if I'm just, like, *stuck*? Procrastination Station, population: Me.
How do I stay motivated? Because, honestly, I'm already losing steam...
What if I get... *criticized*? The internet is a scary place.
But, seriously, what if I'm just… not good enough?
Let's talk about *failure*. Like, the actual, face-planting-in-the-mud failure. How do you even *deal*?
