Description
The
atmospheric former French hill station of Tam
Dao nestles amongst forested hillsides rising
up from the rice fields of the Red River Delta
just 90km from Hanoi. Tam Dao, meaning three
islands, describes the three magnificent
limestone peaks that appear whenever the
clouds clear.
Room
The
European-managed Mela Hotel has 20 comfortable
guestrooms with balconies offering panoramic
views of the mountains and forests. Some of
the rooms have their own fireplaces while
others are equipped with radiators for cool
winter evenings. Not only does the Mela
provide the best accommodation in Tam Dao but
it also has the best eating-place in town, the
Bamboo Restaurant. As its name implies the
Bamboo Restaurant is furnished with bamboo as
well as local handicrafts. The amazing thing
about the Bamboo Restaurant however is its
incredibly extensive menu offering everything
from a bowl of Vietnamese noodle soup to
French cuisine, pasta dishes, couscous and
even an excellent fish and chips! There is
also a well-stocked bar and a terrace for al
fresco dining on summer evenings.
All
that remains of the former holiday homes of
colonial days are some ruined buildings and
crumbling walls amongst the tangled vegetation
and advancing forest. However the attractions
of Tam Dao are natural not man made. Because
of its isolation from other mountain ranges
the dense primary rainforest of Tam Dao has a
unique flora and fauna and scientists from
around the world are only now busily
cataloguing it. Tam Dao’s forests are of
particular interest to bird and butterfly
lovers who come in search of some of the rare
and localized species. Tam Dao Mountain
itself, 1,593 metres above sea level, is a
four-hour trek from the town. Along the way it
is possible to encounter some of the 30 plus
species of reptiles and amphibians that were
unknown to the outside world just 15 years ago
as well as some spectacular scenery and
cascading waterfalls
Cosy and elegant spacious room with nice view.
Facilities & Services
Tour operation
office:
Tour arrangement, air and train ticket.
Safety
deposit boxes, 24 hours security, money
exchange.
