Sy's Homestay

The staff are really attentive, and it’s great value. If you’re planning a cave tour with jungle boss, this is a great place to stay. I’d definitely recommend it.

The free bicycles were a lovely bonus and made it easy to ride to the other end of town. There wasn’t much nearby for food when I visited in low season, though there may be more restaurants around in high season. It’s a quiet, rustic spot, with bugs indoors and frogs calling outside from the rice paddies. I felt looked after from the moment they picked me up at the bus drop-off point at 2 am. Everyone I met at Jungle Boss Lodge was kind and helpful. My room had a very comfortable bed and plenty of space, though room sizes vary. The bathroom was a bit odd because water spilled everywhere, but the pressure was good. Towels are provided for the shower, just don’t take them on the trek. Breakfast was a little unusual. The pancakes were very oily, so the next day I remembered to order something else. The pool looked clean, but I didn’t use it because it was cool and rainy the whole time I was there.

We stayed in the family bungalow and thought it was really nice. It’s a pleasant hotel, though it seems more focused on operating tours. When we arrived, we had to find someone ourselves to welcome us, which felt a bit strange. They have free bikes for riding into the village centre, but there isn’t much to see there. After dark, the watchdogs are very loud when you arrive, which may not suit you if you’re not a dog person.

I only stayed one night on my way from Hue to Ninh Binh, and I wish I’d had longer. The cabin was clean and comfortable, with a lovely view over open fields and limestone mountains. There were even two showers in the bathroom, one under an open roof, and I enjoyed the breakfast. They can arrange motorbike rental and tour tickets, and the free pickup and drop-off after checkout was very handy. I’d recommend it for couples, families, or a bigger group of friends. I’d love to come back for a longer stay and enjoy the pool.