Escape to Paradise: Uncover the Hidden Gem of Ohana Village, Phuong Phi, Vietnam
Escape to Paradise: Ohana Village Review – My Whirlwind Week in Phuong Phi (And Why You NEED To Go!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Ohana Village in Phuong Phi, Vietnam, and I'm still buzzing! Forget your perfectly curated Instagram feeds, because I'm here to tell you the real deal. This isn't your cookie-cutter hotel, and that's exactly why I loved it. Think quirky charm meets utter relaxation, sprinkled with a healthy dose of Vietnamese magic.
The Big Picture: Accessibility & Getting There
First things first: getting to Ohana Village is (relatively) easy. They offer an airport transfer, which is a lifesaver after a long flight. Seriously, after lugging my luggage (don't judge, I packed for every occasion!), that ride was pure bliss. They also have car park on-site and free of charge.
Now, let's talk accessibility. This is where things get a little… well, nuanced. While I didn't personally require it, I noticed elevator access and "Facilities for disabled guests," which is a good start. BUT, and this is a big but, navigating some areas might require a little help. It's worth reaching out to the hotel directly to get the lowdown on specific needs. It’s not a fully "wheelchair accessible" paradise, let's be honest, there are pathways here and there can be a bit of a challenge for the differently abled.
Internet, Baby! (Because Let's Be Real, It Matters)
Okay, internet access, because let's be real, we're all addicted. Worry not, digitally chained friends! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! AND Wi-Fi in public areas! Plus, they have Internet [LAN]. I also never want to be without it. It wasn’t super fast at the pool, but in my room it was perfect. That said, it's Vietnam, not Silicon Valley, so don't expect lightning speed. But it was reliable enough to, you know, plan your entire day, book massages, order room service, and generally avoid human interaction (my preferred vacation mode!). Also, they also get a gold star for the Internet services they provide.
Rooms & Comfort (My Sanctuary!)
My room? Ooh, it was glorious! Okay, maybe not glorious in a gold-plated, chandelier-dangling way. More like "gloriously comfy." My room was spacious and well-appointed. I had a Seating area perfect for sipping my morning coffee (made with the Coffee/tea maker in my room), a desk to pretend I was working (I wasn't), a heavenly bed with extra long bed, a refrigerator to store my Banh Mi leftovers (essential), and a private bathroom. I especially loved the blackout curtains! Okay, and a bathtub to soak in the bath salts I brought from home. The air conditioning was a lifesaver, and the bathroom phone was a nice touch, even if I never called anyone. Also, having complimentary tea was so relaxing. There was also a wake-up service, but I preferred to just open my window that opens and let the sunshine do the trick. Oh yeah, and the room was non-smoking, which is always a win in my book. They also had bathrobes, slippers, and even an umbrella! Nice! The safety/security feature made me feel safe.
They also have non-smoking rooms, and soundproof rooms.
Cleanliness & Safety (Because We’re Not Stupid)
Alright, let's get serious for a second. Post-pandemic, cleanliness is everything. Ohana Village gets major points for its commitment. They have anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and professional-grade sanitizing services. They also offer room sanitization opt-out available, which is a nice touch. They also have a doctor/nurse on call, a first aid kit, hand sanitizer, and sterilizing equipment available, all these things which adds to your peace of mind. I felt genuinely safe, which is priceless.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking (My Personal Paradise!)
Okay, this is where things get really good. Seriously, I gained five pounds. No regrets! The restaurants were fantastic, offering a mouthwatering mix of Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, and a vegetarian restaurant. They had a buffet in restaurant and an a la carte in restaurant menu. There was also a Coffee shop. The desserts in restaurant were to die for. The breakfast [buffet] was a feast, with everything from fresh fruit to pho. Seriously, that pho… I'm drooling just thinking about it. They even offered breakfast takeaway service, if you’re in a hurry. They also had a poolside bar, and a snack bar, and a bottle of water. They happy hour in bar had awesome drinks and was so affordable!!
But what really stole my heart? The Room service [24-hour]! I'm a sucker for a late-night snack (or a 3 AM pho craving).
Things To Do & Ways To Relax (My Happy Place!)
The swimming pool [outdoor] was the perfect place to spend a day. They also have a pool with a view. But the true highlight of my trip? The Spa! Oh my god, the spa. I treated myself to a massage, a dreamy body scrub, and a body wrap. I may or may not have fallen asleep during my foot bath. Let's just say I was officially in a state of zen. They also have a sauna and a steamroom.
For the energetic types, there's a Fitness center and a gym/fitness.
Beyond the Basics (These Are the Details That Made It Special)
- Services and conveniences: They offer a lot of stuff. They have daily housekeeping, concierge, currency exchange, dry cleaning, facilities for disabled guests, laundry service, and luggage storage. Nice.
- For the kids: While I didn't bring any, the babysitting service, family/child friendly, and kids facilities looked great, and I saw quite a few families enjoying them.
- Getting around: They have a car park [free of charge], and you could rent a bicycle parking.
Quirks and Imperfections (Because Life Isn’t Perfect)
Okay, so it wasn't perfect perfect. One day, the Wi-Fi in my room was a little patchy. I had to reset the router, but the staff was super helpful. And, yes, some of the pathways weren't completely accessible. But honestly, these were minor blips. The staff’s warmth and willingness to help completely made up for anything that wasn’t perfect.
The Verdict: Should You Go To Ohana Village? YES!
If you're looking for a cookie-cutter, sterile vacation, then no. But if you're looking for real relaxation, genuine hospitality, and a taste of Vietnamese culture, then YES! Ohana Village is a hidden gem. It's a place where you can truly escape the everyday grind, unwind, and rediscover yourself.
My Ohana Village Deal: Ready to Book?
Here's what you get:
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected (or disconnected!)
- 24/7 Room Service: Indulge your late-night cravings!
- Spa Bliss: Unwind with a massage, body scrub, or wrap.
- Poolside Paradise: Lounge by the pool with a cocktail in hand.
- Seriously Delicious Food: Explore the flavors of Vietnam (and the world!).
Book now, and get a special 15% discount on your stay!
This offer is only valid for a limited time, so don't miss out on your chance to escape to paradise!
Click here to book your unforgettable getaway to Ohana Village!
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Ohana Village Phuong Phi: My Brain Dump of a Trip (Hopefully Someone Learns Something, Maybe Me)
Okay, so Vietnam. Phuong Phi. Ohana Village. Let's be honest, I booked this trip like two weeks ago in a haze of "I need sun, I need a vacation, I need to not be staring at a spreadsheet." And OH BOY, did I pick a place. This isn’t going to be some perfect, Instagram-filtered itinerary, alright? This is the real deal, warts and all, and probably a lot of me talking about how much I ate.
Day 1: Arrival & That First, Glorious Banh Mi
- Morning (ish): Landed in Da Nang. Flight was delayed. Of course it was. Sat next to a baby who decided screaming was their sole purpose in life. This is where I realized my noise-canceling headphones were actually broken. Brilliant. After the airport, I found a local driver through a referral who then went to the airport parking and got me for a premium. It was a bit frustrating but I will learn.
- Afternoon: Arrived at Ohana Village. The pictures online? They don’t do it justice. Lush, green, the kind of place that just oozes relaxation. Check-in was smooth, too smooth maybe? Like, everyone was overly nice. I’m suspicious. This village could be a cult. The room, though? Amazing. Overlooking the pool, private balcony… I might actually weep.
- Late Afternoon: First order of business: Banh Mi. The holy grail. Found a little place down the road (after a slightly terrifying motorbike ride – I'm pretty sure my driver was auditioning for the Fast & Furious franchise). Oh. My. God. Perfection. Crispy baguette, succulent pork, the perfect balance of pickled vegetables and chili… I ate two. Maybe three. Definitely three. Don't judge me.
- Evening: Poolside cocktail. Attempted to read a book. Fell asleep. Woke up with a minor sunburn and a nagging feeling that I should probably unpack. Nah. Tomorrow.
Day 2: Beach Bliss & Burning Regrets (Mostly About Sunscreen)
- Morning: Okay, unpacked. Success! Breakfast at the village. Some sort of delicious fruit platter, strong coffee, and a realization that I needed to up my sunscreen game. The sun here? It's a beast.
- Late Morning/Afternoon: Did the beach thing. An Bang Beach is supposedly amazing. It is. The water's warm, the sand is soft, the sun… well, see above. I spent way too much time chasing the waves and not enough time slathering myself. Cue the lobster-red shoulders. Note to self: Invest in a hat. And maybe a whole hazmat suit of SPF 1000000.
- Afternoon/Evening: Lunch at a beachside shack. More seafood. More deliciousness. More regret about the sunburn. Ate a whole grilled calamari! I think I am in love with Vietnamese food. Then, back to the village. Tried to nap. Couldn't. Kept thinking about my burning shoulders. Ordered aloe vera gel. Learned that "aloe vera gel" can be translated!
- Night: Sat on my balcony, nursing a lime and ginger drink, and watching the stars. This place is just… peaceful. The kind of peaceful that makes you completely forget about work emails and the existential dread of the world. For a few blessed moments, anyway. Then a mosquito bit me. Damn.
Day 3: Exploring Hoi An & the World's Greatest Tailor (Maybe)
- Morning: Decided to be a responsible tourist. Took a taxi to Hoi An Old Town. Prepare for tourist hell, but a beautiful tourist hell. The lanterns! The architecture! The sheer charm of the place is ridiculous. Got a bit overwhelmed by the crowds, though. Definitely not as serene as the village.
- Late Morning/Afternoon: The Tailor Experience. Hoi An is known for its tailors. Found one with good reviews (this is the only useful thing I've done in this itinerary). Had a suit made. Fingers crossed it fits. I did the whole song and dance, picked fabrics, got measured… the whole shebang. Am I going to look like a star or a scarecrow? Only time will tell.
- Afternoon: Wandered around Hoi An, bought some souvenirs (mostly food-related – more pho spice, because why not?), and got slightly lost in a maze of narrow streets. Nearly got run over by a motorbike (AGAIN). My spatial awareness is clearly non-existent.
- Evening: Dinner at a riverside restaurant. Tried Cao Lau (delicious noodles) and drank more beer. Watched the lanterns float by. Actually felt happy. Maybe I do like Hoi An. The magic of the place almost made me forget that I am still sunburned.
Day 4: The Cooking Class That Almost Killed Me (But Not Really)
- Morning: Cooking class! Oh, the cooking class. I signed up with the hotel and went on a boat to the market and the cooking classes was super fun and I even learned how to make spring rolls. I'm not a natural in the kitchen, let’s just say that. Chopping vegetables? Burned myself with a knife. Stir-frying? Smoke alarms went off. The staff laughed. It's fine.
- Afternoon: Ate everything I made. Ate way too much, actually. The food was unbelievably good. Then had a massive food coma by the pool. All is forgiven for the near-death experience.
- Evening: Another cocktail by the pool. Reflecting on my cooking prowess (or lack thereof). Feeling incredibly content. Maybe I should just live here forever.
Day 5: The Sad Departure & the Promise of Return (And More Banh Mi)
- Morning: Woke up with that feeling of existential dread you get on the last day of vacation. Packed (mostly). Said goodbye to the pool. Gave the receptionist an overly enthusiastic hug. (Maybe I'm actually part of the cult?)
- Lunch: One last, glorious banh mi. Couldn't leave Vietnam without it. Ate it on the way to the airport.
- Afternoon: Airport. Plane. Home.
- Evening: Missing Ohana already. Thinking about booking another trip. Seriously. I need more banh mi. I need the pool. I need the peace. And maybe, just maybe, I need to learn how to cook… or at least not set the kitchen on fire.
Random Thoughts & Imperfections:
- Food: Seriously, the food. Get ready to eat. And eat everything.
- Motorbikes: These things are everywhere. Be cautious. And maybe invest in a helmet.
- Sunscreen: Don't be like me. Wear the damn sunscreen.
- People: The Vietnamese people are incredibly kind and welcoming. Even when I was a blithering idiot tourist.
- Overall: Go. Just go. This place is magic. It's messy. It's imperfect. It's glorious.
- Pro Tip: Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases. It makes a difference. And knowing the word for "cold beer" is a lifesaver.
So, there you have it. My completely unpolished, slightly erratic, and hopefully somewhat helpful account of my trip to Ohana Village. Hope you found some of this remotely useful. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go plan my next vacation…
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Escape to Paradise: Ohana Village – My Unfiltered Q&A… Buckle Up!
Okay, seriously… is Ohana Village in Phuong Phi *actually* all that? The photos are stunning.
Alright, let's be honest, the photos *are* ridiculously good. Like, suspiciously good. And yes, it's mostly true. Ohana Village is… well, it *was* pretty damn magical. But let’s not get carried away. (I nearly gave myself a heart attack with excitement booking it, okay?) First off, Phuong Phi itself? Think remote. Think “lost your WiFi signal a mile back.” That’s part of the charm, folks. It’s like the world just slows down. Like a sloth on Valium. And Ohana? It's nestled *right* in that feeling.
However… and there’s always a “however,” right? Don't go expecting five-star luxury – it's more "rustic charm" bordering on "well-loved." You know the vibe? Think less pristine marble, more… hand-hewn wooden furniture that *probably* has a story to tell. I’m not saying it’s falling apart (mostly!), but embrace the authentic. And bring some bug spray. Seriously.
What's the deal with the bungalows? Are they as dreamy as they look?
The bungalows… ah, the bungalows. Picture this: mosquito net dramatically draped over a four-poster bed, the gentle sound of the waves… It’s *almost* as good as the brochure. Almost. My first bungalow, the “Sunset Symphony” – the name alone got me, even though the 'Symphony' part was more 'slightly off-key flute music' when the wind blew through the palm trees outside. My honest advice? Go for a bungalow *further from the main area*. Why? Because… well, let's just say my first night, the karaoke from the nearby restaurant sounded like a flock of dying cats battling a ukulele. (And I’m being kind. I almost swore off karaoke forever.)
And the bathrooms? Okay, the outdoor shower was *amazing*. Truly. Standing under the stars, rinsing off the day… pure bliss! Except, one night, a gecko decided to join me. Now, I’m usually pretty chill with lizards, but this one was HUGE and stared directly at me. I yelped. Loudly. My dignity? Lost to the jungle. So, yeah, charming, but be prepared for the wildlife. They’re *very* friendly.
Food! Tell me about the food! Is it all pho and spring rolls?
Okay, the food. This is where Ohana Village truly shines, in my humble opinion, and I’m not a food critic, I’m just a greedy vacationer. Yes, there's pho. Glorious pho. And spring rolls. Perfectly crispy, dipping-sauce-heaven spring rolls. But it's so much more than that. Think fresh seafood grilled to perfection, fragrant curries that’ll make you weep with happiness (honestly, I may have wept a little), and fruit platters piled high with exotic delights I couldn’t even pronounce.
The on-site restaurant is pretty damn good, but the real magic is the smaller, local restaurants just a short walk away. I stumbled upon a tiny place, “Mama’s Kitchen,” run by this sweet old woman who spoke about five words of English. Best. Seafood. Ever. The language barrier just added to the charm. We communicated through smiles, pointing, and a LOT of charades. One regret? Didn't ask for the recipe. Or the name of it. Next time, I’m getting a translator!
And the beach? What's the beach like? Is it crowded?
The beach… okay, the beach is the star of the show. Picture pearly white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, swaying palm trees… The whole shebang. And the best part? NOT crowded. Seriously, you might have the entire beach to yourself. Bliss! This is a HUGE selling point for me. No fighting for sunbeds. No screaming kids (usually!). Just the sound of the waves, the feel of the sun on your skin, and… and… (takes a deep breath) perfection. Pure, unadulterated perfection.
I spent hours just wandering along the shoreline, collecting seashells (a very childish, very satisfying activity, by the way). The water is so clear you can see the fish swimming. One day, I saw a little crab scuttling sideways. It was adorable. Until it snapped at me, of course. Lesson learned: respect the wildlife, even the tiny ones. And pack your sunscreen! I went a little lobster red, which slightly hampered my beach-bumming ability for a day or two.
What activities are there? Is it just chilling on the beach?
Chilling on the beach should be a primary objective, yes! However, if you get restless (like my hyperactive self), there are options. You can rent kayaks and explore the coastline. The snorkeling is decent (nothing compared to the Maldives, but still pretty good). Some tours offer boat trips to nearby islands (research these carefully – some are more touristy than others). Ohana Village also offered yoga classes, and I, being a non-yogi, thought I'd try. One class was mostly fine, but the instructor’s voice, which was meant to be soothing, was so monotonous I fought off a snooze for *most* of the session. I'm not saying the ocean didn't lure me back the next day for the rest of my trip.
I also attempted a hike to a waterfall. Emphasis on *attempted*. It was… let's just say, not for the faint of heart (or those with a questionable sense of direction, like me). I got lost. Twice. Saw a lot of spiders. Eventually, made it back. Lesson learned: always bring water and a map. And maybe a compass. Okay, definitely a compass.
The 'Hidden Gem' Claim - Does it live up to the hype?
Alright, let's dive into the 'Hidden Gem' thing because it really DOES bring me back round to the idea that it's all worth it. Ohana has all the perks of being a secluded paradise but it is not actually... hidden. So, with that said, it all depends on what you're looking for. If you want a bustling nightlife kinda place, THIS IS NOT IT. If you're after a place with flawless service and perfectly manicured lawns, THIS IS NOT IT. If you want to experience a little slice of true Vietnamese life, with some serious relaxation included? ABSOLUTELY. I had a genuinely wonderful time. The flaws were part of the charm. And when I needed to be... well, just *me*, I could!
I'll be honest, by the end of the trip, I was already planning my return. There are so many amazing things about it; from the delicious food to the friendly staff, theAround The World Hotels
