Hanowood Homestay & Travel

I booked on Booking.com a month before arrival, before applying for my visa, and had told them we might get in late. On the day I was due to enter Vietnam, they messaged me on WhatsApp in the morning about tours they had available. Great marketing. I didn’t answer because I was busy traveling. Two hours later, a different WhatsApp number told me they couldn’t host us that day because the hotel was being renovated and asked me to cancel the booking. What do you mean? I’d booked well in advance, and now you’re canceling because I didn’t reply to a tour message? That’s deeply unprofessional behavior toward travelers. I arrived in Hanoi at 11 pm and had to find somewhere to stay at that hour. That’s why I’m writing this. People travel a long way to this city and country, so canceling their reservation right when they arrive is hard on them. I wanted you to understand that. The renovation must have been a sudden decision. I guess you suddenly decided to drill a hole in the wall. If you book here, there’s a real chance you’ll get a last-minute cancellation message and have to find another hotel for the night.

Lisa was easy to reach and very helpful. We took two tours with her. One was a one-night Da Nang Bay boat cruise. The other included Sa Pa trekking to Cat Cat Village, a Fansipan Mountain cable car ride, and then a second day trekking through three villages near Sa Pa. Our place to stay was close to everything, quiet, clean, and well organized.

We wanted a little space of our own as backpackers and had a brilliant stay. Everything was super clean, the beds were comfy, and the staff were friendly and helpful. The location felt peaceful and spacious, with less of the Old Quarter chaos.

Those beds were super comfortable, and Lisa made the whole Hanoi experience. She’s the best travel facilitator in the city. Feeling truly blessed 🙏