Can Tho, named the Mekong Delta’s capital city, has been enjoying increasing popularity as of late, and has emerged as a new holiday destination for international globetrotters. The newly-opened Can Tho International Airport first welcomed AirAsia flights from Kuala Lumpur in April, making history as the first international service to land in the city. This was shortly followed by a second route from Bangkok.
The opening of the new airport nearly coincides with the opening of the Azerai Resort in the city. The sprawling riverside venue serves as an ideal base for exploring the cultural gems Can Tho has to offer, while providing guests with a comfortable and luxury stay.
The Mekong Delta or the Cuu Long, which means “nine dragons” in Vietnamese, can be traversed by an extensive network of waterways. The people in the region rely on the canals and small river arteries for both their survival and transportation, and it is the rustic simplicity of this lifestyle which draws in travelers. Through the vision of French-Canadian architect Pascal Trahan, Azerai translates the city’s unique cultural identity and its humble allure into a 60-villa resort that blends traditional Mekong scenes with contemporary touches.
Azerai Can Tho is separated from the mainland, situated on an islet within the Hau River, making a short journey by boat necessary to reach the resort. A variety of villas, designed in harmony with its tropical location and surrounding lotus ponds, features earth-toned wooden and stone structures, rattan details, furniture made from local wood, and all the necessary amenities. The resort incudes onebedroom villas, as well as threebedroom to five-bedroom options for bigger groups or families.
The centerpiece of the establishment is a gorgeous rectangular swimming pool that’s sandwiched between a small bar and café. Sunbeds line the pool on both sides.
Staying away from the mainland doesn’t mean being cut off from the local delicacies that the street food parlors on the mainland provide. The café has more than enough resources to savor authentic and flavorful Mekong staples. Select from a number of à la carte options or immerse yourself into the flavors of the region with a three-course tasting menu that highlights traditional ethnic dishes. Highlights include banh tam noodles, which benefits from the use of coconut water in the noodle-making process, as well as Vietnamese caramelized fish fillet, and duck stew with fermented tofu. Western choices are also offered at the Grill Restaurent.
A flight to Can Tho from Bangkok logs in at only one and a half hours, making it the ideal quick getaway for discovering something new. And Azerai is the perfect choice for exploring Vietnam’s Mekhong Delta in comfort and style.