Hotel Dengan parking di Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam

This is a heartwarming story of a lost and found. This trip itinerary covered three places: Hanoi --＞ Ninh Binh (2.5-hour drive) Ninh Binh --＞ Ha Long (3-hour drive) Ha Long --＞ Hanoi Airport (2-hour drive) For two nights in Ninh Binh, I stayed at a place called ”Mai Luxury Hotel.” Judging by the name, it sounds grand, but in reality, it was more like a family-run, small-scale single-building guesthouse. However, the room was of 4-star hotel quality, so it was acceptable. After checking out, I had been on the way to Ha Long for about two hours when I realized I had left my Insta 360 camera in the hotel lobby. Knowing there was no way to go back and get it, I had to wait until I arrived in Ha Long before calling Mai Luxury Hotel. After confirming with them that I had indeed left it at the hotel, we started looking for a solution. Initially, they followed me on IG (their hotel IG only had 4 followers). We chatted via DM, and then they added me on WhatsApp to discuss. Originally, they wanted to find a driver that very evening to bring it to my hotel in Ha Long Bay. But because it was a holiday, they couldn't find a driver. Later, they found out I would be leaving Vietnam the next day, so they started looking for any drivers heading to the airport the following day. Not long after, they actually found a driver. They even sent me the driver's and vehicle's details. They also said they had already wrapped it up securely. At this point, I was inclined to believe they genuinely intended to return it. However, if the driver turned out to be dishonest, it could still go missing. On the final day, I arrived at the airport around 1 PM and received a message from the driver. After that, I didn't hear from him again. I grew increasingly anxious inside, thinking maybe he was still driving? Or perhaps he had already kept the camera for himself. Around 4 PM, I finally received a call from the driver. He even captured a photo of my anxious expression while waiting for him. As previously arranged with the hotel, I was to pay him 500,000 VND (about 150 HKD). At that moment, the driver actually handed me back 200,000 VND. Before I could react, he had already gotten back in his car and left. When I looked at the returned item, I could hardly believe it! The hotel had used a ”Happy New Year” bag to hold a ”Happy New Year” box. Upon opening the box, the camera was wrapped in cloth. The level of care and thoughtfulness was truly perfect. The feeling of joy from recovering something lost is truly indescribable. Of course, I wouldn't dare say that everyone in Vietnam is good, but at least on this trip, whether it was the hotpot restaurant owner, the tour guide on the boat, or the hotel staff, they all made me feel the warmth and kindness of the local people.

An absolutely fantastic hotel! Service, ambiance, rooms, and dining are all top-notch. Dining: The breakfast was exceptional; the rice noodles were authentic and delicious, and the fruits and vegetables were plentiful and fresh. Service: The staff at the front desk and in the restaurant were incredibly welcoming and provided attentive service, far better than most hotels in China. Ambiance: Absolutely beautiful! The lush greenery and diverse flowers create the feeling of being in a beautiful botanical garden. Facilities: The rooms are spacious, bright, and impeccably clean. The color scheme and design are beautifully coordinated, demonstrating a high level of aesthetic taste. There aren't many reviews yet for this new hotel, but I believe everyone who comes here will fall in love with it. The hotel also offers bicycles for a fun-filled countryside ride!

I had a wonderful stay at this family owned homestay and it truly felt warm and welcoming from the moment I arrived. The location might be slightly difficult to find at first, especially if it’s your first time visiting the area, but it’s actually very convenient. There are many businesses that open past midnight: food options, convenience stores, shopping spots, massage places, laundry services, and drinking places nearby. One thing that really stood out to me was how thoughtful they were when I asked for milk during breakfast. Even though they did not have regular milk available, they still made the effort to find an alternative and served me soy milk instead. I was genuinely happy with that gesture because it showed how much they cared about catering to their guests’ needs and making them feel at home. The breakfasts were one of the highlights of my stay. They served a traditional Vietnamese rice noodle dish one morning, and honestly, it was the best one I had during my entire stay in Vietnam. It tasted fresh, authentic, and homemade, which made the experience even more special. Because it is a new establishment, the rooms look and felt much better in person than in the pictures online. Everything was clean, cozy, spacious, and beautifully maintained. Another great feature was that they provided electric-powered bicycles, which made it very convenient and enjoyable to explore the surrounding area. Overall, this place exceeded my expectations in every way. The genuine hospitality from the family, the delicious homemade breakfasts, the comfortable rooms, and the thoughtful amenities made this a truly memorable experience. I would definitely recommend this homestay to anyone visiting the area. Edit: super love the rocking chairs by the pool

**A Hidden Paradise in Ninh Bình** I honestly didn't expect to find something this peaceful. Tucked between towering limestone mountains and a quiet river, this resort feels like a true 世外桃源 — a world away from everything. The pool is one of the most beautiful I've seen: spotless, calm, and perfectly framed by palm trees and thatched-roof bungalows. Every morning I'd sit by the water with the mountains rising just behind the rooftops, and it genuinely felt like the outside world had disappeared. What made the stay truly special, though, was the service. The staff were warm, attentive, and constantly going out of their way to make guests comfortable — from a relaxing complimentary foot soak by the river to little touches like fresh tea and local snacks served in traditional bowls on the bamboo table. Nothing felt rushed or transactional; every interaction felt genuine and kind. The surrounding scenery is stunning — bamboo groves, a floating pavilion over the water, and mountains wrapped in mist most mornings. Sitting there with tea and watching the light change over the hills was one of my favorite moments of the entire trip. Rooms are simple but comfortable, blending naturally into the landscape with earthy tones and thatched roofs that suit the setting perfectly. It's the kind of place where you slow down without even trying. If you're looking for a peaceful escape with genuine hospitality, clean facilities, and gorgeous natural surroundings, I can't recommend this place enough. It's a rare find — truly a paradise hidden among the mountains and water.

we stayed here for 2 nights, the room was very spacious with 2 queen beds. a nice little area outside to sit and chill aswell. The owner was a very very lovely and helpful man and his lovely family. he offers motorbike rentals and help with onward travels. the location is very good aswell, just a 30 second walk off of the main street with restaurants clothe shops etc. for the price you cannot complain and would recommend for those who are on a budget.

We stayed one night at this lovely homestay in Hoa Lu, near Ninh Binh, and it was perfect. The owners are so kind and caring — they don’t speak much English, but they make you feel welcome with their hearts. It was the best experience we’ve had in Vietnam. The room was very clean and comfortable, with a nice bathroom and a view of the garden and pool. The food was amazing — we had breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even coffee in the afternoon, and everything was delicious. We also rented a motorbike from the homestay, which was very easy. I really recommend this place if you want peace, good food, and lovely people.

Ninh Binh Harmony Retreat, from our experience, can only equate to an oasis of calm, beauty and tranquillity. The grounds are lush and abundant with surprises at every turn. The staff are exceptional, but that is understating their level of service and commitment. They are like Family and become friends in short time. Chi, the manager, goes far above and beyond any level we have experienced in our many travels. Nothing is a problem and solutions are simple, including locating a lost bag in Saigon. The team who Chi guides throughout the day, are friendly, sociable and genuine and they cannot go far enough . They anticipate any need or want before you realise and create moments and memories that you can only wish would happen in other establishments. Chi, Hunee and Tony, along with other staff whose names we sadly did not get, are the soul and heart of Ninh Binh Harmony Retreat. Being in their presence enhanced the experience. They are a total credit to their employer and business. The Retreat is set back off a main road, down an alley full of laughing children and families. You feel completely detached from the hustle and bustle of Tam Coc town or Hoa Loa Old Town, which are must visits. There is a wonderful pool, suitable for families, an 8 ball table, karaoke, bikes and the most incredible breakfast and coffee. We travel extensively and felt a sincere and genuine personal experience that made us feel truly cared for. We cannot recommend choosing Ninh Binh Harmony Retreat highly enough.

3~4 May 2026 - 4 Pax 1N Narci Resort Tam Coc. Hotel Manager Jenny sent me a WhatsApp message on 2nd May to welcome us and offered her assistance to arrange for private transport & local tour etc.. Am pleased with the extended service provided by the hotel staff. Since I've yet to find a private driver, she helped to arrange for 2-way transport, pick-up from Hanoi hotel ＞ Narci Resort ＞ Hanoi International Airport (reasonable fees). We arrived at Tam Coc around 1pm, dropped the luggage at the hotel & visited Bai Dinh Pagoda. Checked-in the hotel around 9pm. A modern & beautiful resort opened Feb 2026. To our surprise, our 3x Deluxe Garden Rooms were in different villas & all on level 2 without elevator. My mom age 80 were unhappy as she couldn't climb the stairs & my sisters age 60 & 67 were unhappy that we were separated by different villas. Fortunately, there are 2x Executive Garden Rooms on the ground floor were available but one of the room has smell. So, we decided to pay additional fee for upgrade of 1x Deluxe ＞ 1x Executive + 1x FOC extra bed (3 pax), the other sister stayed the level 2 Deluxe Room. Hotel breakfast spread is good & food is delicious. Overall, we were very happy with the hotel rooms & staff service. Would suggest the hotel to state there is no elevator for Deluxe Garden Room (level 2), so that guests who are unable to climb the stairs will select either the ground floor Executive Garden Room or the Tower Standard Rooms with elevator.

The room I stayed in was good, clean and equipped with everything I needed for a comfortable stay. The location is excellent, being close to Bai Dinh Temple and the Trang An river tour, which made exploring very convenient. The property itself is wonderfully peaceful, surrounded by nature and perfect for relaxing away from busy areas. The staff were friendly and accommodating throughout, always happy to help. There was also a very cute dog on-site, which added a lovely, homely touch. Overall, it was a pleasant and enjoyable stay that I would recommend.

Perfect Location & Peaceful Stay This boutique hotel is a hidden gem with about 10 beautifully designed rooms surrounded by greenery and nature-inspired décor. The location is perfect! Very safe and close enough to enjoy great restaurants and local attractions, yet tucked away from the noisy tourist streets, offering a peaceful retreat. We stayed in the spacious triple family room with a private terrace, and it was wonderful. The beds were huge, the mattress was perfectly comfortable, and we slept soundly every night. 🚲 The hotel provides free bike rentals, making it easy to explore the area. Breakfasts were a highlight, with different homemade options each day, ranging from Western favorites like eggs, toast, and pancakes to authentic local dishes such as chicken pho and fried noodles. They even specially made fresh juice for my child each day. 💫 The host was incredibly friendly, attentive, and always ready to help, ensuring our stay was smooth and enjoyable. They helped us book a seamless transfer to Hanoi. If you’re looking for a boutique hotel with the perfect location, quiet surroundings, and warm hospitality, this is the ideal choice. Highly recommended for families and travelers who value comfort and authenticity.