Stroll through historical ruins
During the survey of the Ba Vi mountain area, the French assessed that this area had a pleasant climate, less humidity than Tam Dao and had an agricultural production area right below the foot of the mountain, more convenient for food supply than the Sa Pa area. That is why today, we still "encounter" many ruins left by the French on this mountain area.
Ba Vi National Park from cote 600 m overlooking the winding Da River
Melia Resort's Buggy Tour operates daily, taking guests around the 600 m cote to historical ruins.
Governor-General of Indochina
The Governor-General's Palace was the vacation home of the Governor-General of Indochina in the 1930s. This is a mansion of nearly 1,000 square meters.2Located at an altitude of 600 m, it is quite isolated from other areas to ensure quietness.
The mansion is divided into many small rooms including living room, piano room, dining room, large bedroom for the Governor General and bedroom for the entourage with full facilities for rest and entertainment. The remaining vestiges of the French fireplace, the design of 6 symmetrical entrances and the characteristic decoration with materials imported from France show that this place is one of the most luxurious places in Ba Vi mountain resort.
Heliport
According to the French military plan in 1937, a heliport or field airport was built at an altitude of 635 m with the purpose of connecting with the neighboring military area to transport soldiers, food, ammunition, secret documents and even the bodies of French soldiers. Ba Vi heliport has a capacity of up to 5 helicopters and has a strategic view of the areas of Son Tay, Hoa Binh, Hanoi... Therefore, this place is considered the main military assembly and transportation point for the Ba Vi mountain area and the Hanoi military area.
The French also built an observation bunker about 1 meter above ground, the inside was designed like a maze with many narrow passages connected to each other leading to different rooms and escape routes. The loopholes were also designed for defense.
After the battle at Ba Vi Mountain, the roof of the tunnel collapsed, along with the walls and pillars. To serve visitors, the roof and war-damaged parts such as stairs, pillars and walls… have been restored.
French villa area
In 1937, Mr. Regimbaud, owner of the Tong Hotel, was the first to build a small deck on the 600 m area as a summer residence and to try growing vegetables and fruit trees. Gradually, a complex of many villas was formed on the 600 m cote area, in which 11 villas were arranged side by side along the western slope of the mountain.
These villas are the mark of the transition period between traditional Vietnamese architecture (wooden architecture) and modern architecture. The houses perfectly combine European technology and art with traditional architecture to create a resort space with the appearance of their homeland. Most of the villas are built of bricks, with Acdoa thin stone roofs and 60 - 120 cm thick stone walls. The interior is furnished with fireplaces, wine cellars, large windows... in French style. To have this resort, the French sent many Annamese coolies from the provinces of Ha Nam, Nam Dinh, Thai Binh, Hung Yen... up the mountain to build. Today, the villa area only has traces of steps, railings, floors and walls left.
Enjoy these strange and charming "specialties"
Quietly located in the 600 m cote is the Melia Ba Vi Mountain Retreat resort, opened at the end of 2018. Here, in addition to accommodation services, restaurants, spas, gyms, swimming pools... according to international 5-star standards, you will also discover unique "specialties" at the resort's restaurant system - skillfully prepared by creative chefs and bartenders, and served by a team of friendly and attentive local staff.
Resort combines French colonial style and ancient Vietnamese architecture, in harmony with natural space.
Room furnishings are made from environmentally friendly natural materials.
First of all, dishes made from figs must be mentioned - from traditional Vietnamese dishes such as salads, spring rolls, to Western dishes such as salads, pizzas, cocktails... Fig trees are planted in every area of the resort, so it seems not difficult for all visitors to enjoy these dishes no matter what time they come here.
From the firm figs on the tree...
...to the "addictive" fig salad
Figs have a bitter, nutty taste, and when combined with other vegetables and fruits, along with suitable sauces/dips, they create unique combinations. The first bite may confuse you because of the astringent taste of figs, but after one or two more bites, you will suddenly feel a bit of richness and sweetness appear on the tip of your tongue. Salads made from figs are even more addictive because they perfectly blend the light astringency and the sweet aftertaste without being greasy.
Fig Pizza
Fig salad
Cocktails/mocktails made from figs are also a "specialty" only available at Melia Ba Vi. Together with Rum, Martini, and other fresh fruits, you will be completely surprised when these seemingly bitter ingredients are combined to create sweet, fresh, and energetic drinks.
Fig Old Fashioned, Fig Dry Martini and the mysterious Fig Refreshing Mocktail
If Ba Vi is famous for fresh cow's milk, then 1902 Lounge of Melia Ba Vi is no exception. But here, no one serves you a glass of... fresh milk. They only have the freshest seasonal fruits combined together, along with the "treasure" of Ba Vi fresh milk, to create the most refreshing and nutritious mocktails. Rarely can any diner stop at just one smoothie or mocktail - me for example.
When the journey to discover "another Ba Vi" has ended, you can spend a few more days at Melia Ba Vi Mountain Retreat to pamper yourself and recharge your batteries. Not only does it have a green, ancient and peaceful space, the 5-star services and yoga, fitness, spa, karaoke and entertainment activities here are guaranteed to make you want to... forget the way home.
