During a trip to Vietnam in early January, I stayed at Ana Mandara Cam Ranh Resort. Conveniently located just a 15-minute drive from Nha Trang Airport, the resort offers good accessibility.
[Ana Mandara Cam Ranh]
Booking, Check-in & Check-out
I booked a Deluxe Garden View Twin Room via Agoda, and after applying cashback, the cost was approximately $120 USD per night. Check-in starts at 3 PM, and check-out is at 12 PM.
Upon arrival, staff took care of our luggage and directed us to a seating area with tables and chairs. While they processed our passports and check-in details, we were served welcome drinks and dessert. The check-in process was quick, so we didn’t have much time to enjoy the refreshments. Afterward, they called a buggy to take us to our building, which was efficient and fun. Buggy services were available throughout the stay and could be requested from the reception desks located in every building.
The resort provided a map at check-in. If the weather is nice, taking a stroll along the resort paths is highly recommended. I enjoyed walking through the beautifully landscaped gardens, as the cool breeze and sunlight made it an enjoyable experience.
Rooms
The room exceeded expectations in terms of size and featured a modern design. I stayed in a second-floor room with a great view of parts of the resort and the walking trails. The bed was comfortable yet felt slightly small. Due to the large windows, securing them properly is essential, as wind noise can be significant. January in Vietnam is relatively cold and windy, and the room was a bit chilly, with the heating system seemingly not functioning well.
The bathroom had a separate bathtub and shower. Amenities like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothbrushes, combs, and cotton swabs were provided.
Dining
- Ana Sand House
This is the main restaurant offering all-inclusive meals, primarily operating as a breakfast buffet. It serves a wide range of dishes, from Vietnamese traditional food to Western options. Breakfast runs from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM, lunch from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, and dinner from 5:30 PM to 10 PM. - Ana Beach House Bar & Restaurant
Located near the main pool, this restaurant offers lunch and dinner menus, including salads, Thai cuisine, and Italian pizzas. Lunch is served from 11 AM to 5 PM, while dinner is available from 5:30 PM to 10 PM.
I had breakfast at Ana Sand House, which offered a diverse menu with excellent food quality. The made-to-order omelet was so nice. The sushi and charcuterie were kept in an air-conditioned room to manage the temperature, which was a thoughtful touch. There is also a coffee bar inside the buffet, and they offered the best Vietnamese coffee I ever had.
Swimming Pool & Private Beach
The main pool area was well-designed but it was smaller than I expected. The pool featured a bar where you could enjoy drinks while swimming. The depth was manageable, with the deepest area reaching adult chest height, making it comfortable for swimming. A shallow pool was also available for kids.
The sunset view of the pool was stunning. However, as it was January the weather was chilly and even during the day, the water temperature was too cold. After about 15 minutes of swimming I ended up taking photos on the beach because it was freezing. If you visit Vietnam in January, bring a jacket as daytime temperatures are akin to early autumn.
Beyond the pool lies a spacious lawn with sunbeds where you can relax while listening to the waves or enjoy food and drinks from Ana Beach House. Evening yoga classes seemed to be held here, but I arrived too late to participate. The lawn also featured a mini soccer goal, which families with children seemed to enjoy.
The private beach is located past the lawn and is slightly farther away. Guests can use the sunbeds, while villa guests have access to a separate area with hammocks. Due to the windy and rough seas in January, I wouldn’t recommend swimming, but the beach is livelier in summer. Be cautious of broken seashells on the sand and wear shoes when walking.
Shuttle Bus
- Airport Pickup/Drop-off Service
This paid service must be reserved at least six hours in advance. The shuttle runs according to a set schedule. - Nha Trang City Shuttle
The free shuttle service requires a reservation at least 48 hours in advance and operates on a fixed schedule. The trip to Nha Trang city takes about 40 minutes.
The shuttle times didn’t align with my schedule, so I opted for Grab rides instead. For reference the shuttle to the city departs at 9 AM and 11 AM, while return trips are at 4 PM and 7:30 PM. Airport transfers were also comparable in price to Grab, making it a less attractive option.
Overall Impression
While not overly large, the resort’s harmonious layout of buildings and gardens combined with excellent food quality made the stay enjoyable. But its somewhat remote location makes it better suited for a relaxing end to your trip, especially if you’re heading to the airport afterward. The serene and uncrowded atmosphere made it a perfect spot to unwind: I would definitely recommend this resort.
Millie the Nomad 
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