Trang An Aroma Homestay

The rooms were modern, nicely decorated, spacious, and clean. We loved the balcony overlooking the pool and gardens, and the big bathroom had a small wooden bath. The staff were super friendly and accommodating. Check the map before booking: this place is outside Tam Coc and Trang An. We hadn’t checked beforehand and were a little surprised, but it worked out well since we visited both by bike. Bicycles are free at reception, and you can ride through the rice paddies into town. Mua caves are about a 20-minute walk away. There are cafes and restaurants within a short 5-10 minute walk, plus a few small supermarkets. It’s more rustic than the main town. Great value for money. We were up exploring early and didn’t have time for breakfast.

The people seemed nice, but we struggled to communicate with them even using a translator. This was the only place where that happened. Dinner wasn’t available on site. They suggested a restaurant, and it was okay, but without that recommendation we might have gone hungry that night. Our room smelled damp, and the curtains had stains and what looked like active mold. We didn’t get a bathtub, just a pipe sticking out. There was a shower, but the hot water was hit or miss. Keep in mind that even if the photos show a bath, the room you book may not have one. Breakfast was disappointing too. The coffee tasted burnt, there weren’t many options, and after ordering pancakes we got old noodles that were starting to stick together and harden, with fried onions on top. I’m usually up for trying things, but that made me feel sick. Nice people, but be prepared: it isn’t quite the paradise the photos suggest.

After the chaos of Hanoi, it was a relief to spend time somewhere peaceful. The grounds were beautiful and quiet, and the facilities were clean, spacious, and modern. We saw some complaints in other reviews, so here’s what our experience was like. We thought the place deserved its five stars and was great value for money. I usually pack a vacation with activities, but here I actually wanted to slow down and make time to relax. The people working hard to run the homestay were incredibly nice. We heard the pet rooster crow a few times, but someone seemed to put him away at night, so it wasn’t early morning noise. We found him adorable and the sound charming. The bathroom floor does get wet after a shower, as seemed normal to us in Vietnam. There’s a drain, the ventilation worked well, and the room dried within hours, so it wasn’t an issue for us. If the bar looks closed, asking a staff member brought someone over to help. Breakfast was simple, but it was a nice extra: service was quick, the dining room was bright, and there was a good view. It was handy to have something before heading out, though there are loads of all-day breakfast choices elsewhere in Ninh Binh. The homestay isn’t downtown Tam Coc, but there are several places to eat within walking distance, so it didn’t feel remote.

The room was spacious and had a fresh, airy feel with plenty of greenery. The blanket was a little thin, though, and the air conditioner’s heating setting didn’t do much. I felt cold while sleeping. For the price, I wasn’t expecting much more. I’d rate it 7/10.