Unbelievable Ninh Binh Stay: Thanh Dat Homestay Awaits!
Unbelievable Ninh Binh Stay: Thanh Dat Homestay Awaits! - A Review That’s Actually Honest (and a Bit Messy)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your average, sanitized hotel review. We're diving deep into Thanh Dat Homestay in Ninh Binh. And trust me, after my stay, I’ve got opinions. Lots of 'em. Prepare for a wild ride, because my trip was definitely a rollercoaster.
Accessibility: The Good, The Confused, and the Uh-Oh
Let's get the boring stuff out of the way first. Wheelchair accessibility? The listing says facilities for disabled guests. And there is an elevator (a lifesaver, honestly, after the trek from Hanoi!). HOWEVER… I didn’t see obvious ramps everywhere. I'd strongly recommend contacting the homestay directly and asking specific questions. No assumptions, folks. Don't be me. On a related note, the elevator was… well, it worked. Slowly. Like, really slowly. Sometimes I felt like I was waiting longer than I did for my visa.
On-site accessible restaurants/lounges: Unsure. This is one of those areas where direct contact is paramount. The restaurant area looked potentially accessible, but again, I didn't assess it with that criteria.
Internet: Wi-Fi Everywhere (But Sometimes… Not)
Okay, this is a funny one. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Yep, that's what they advertise. And generally, it's true. Internet access [LAN]? Nope, didn't spot any Ethernet ports in my room. Internet services? Simple. The WiFi was there, and that was all I needed. Wi-Fi in public areas? Absolutely, and usually pretty decent. BUT - and this is a big BUT - there were times, especially during peak dinner hours, when the connection would… well, it would vanish into the ether. Picture me, desperately trying to upload my Insta-worthy photos of the Tam Coc boat trip, and just… nothing. Pure digital silence. It was like the internet just went on a lunch break. Frustrating, yeah, but hey, you're in Vietnam, not Silicon Valley. Embrace the occasional tech hiccup!
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Day… Almost!
Right, let's get to the good stuff. Body scrub, body wrap, massage, sauna, spa, spa/sauna, steamroom, pool with view, and swimming pool [outdoor]. YES! Essentially a mini-resort. I love the pool. The view? Stunning. Mountains, rice paddies… pure Instagram gold. The Fitness center was… passable. I didn't expect a state-of-the-art gym, and I didn't get one. But there were treadmills and some weights. Fine for a quick sweat session. And the massage? Ah, now that was worth the wait. After a grueling day of cycling and hiking, the masseuse worked miracles. I walked in stiff as a board, and emerged feeling like a jelly baby. Literally. They had foot bath's. Never had one before, but the experience was very nice.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized… Mostly
Listen, I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so this section is important to me. Anti-viral cleaning products? That’s great, glad to see that. Daily disinfection in common areas, professional-grade sanitizing services, rooms sanitized between stays, and staff trained in safety protocol? They were trying. You could tell. Hand sanitizer was readily available, and the staff wore masks. Hygiene certification. Tick. Sterilizing equipment. Tick. You could tell they were doing their best to keep things clean and safe.
Room sanitization opt-out available… I'm glad they offer this option. I'm very ok with it, good to know.
Rooms sanitized between stays good to know.
The safe dining setup was appreciated.
Cashless payment service – A huge win! Makes everything so much easier.
Shared stationery removed: Always a plus.
However, and this is a minor quibble, my room always smelled of cleaner, like someone was constantly trying to scrub the dust off. It was a bit overwhelming at times, but hey, better than the opposite, right?
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food! (And Beer!)
Alright, the food. Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant… So I'm a sucker for a good breakfast buffet, and Thanh Dat Homestay delivered. Fresh fruit, pho, omelets… the works. A la carte in restaurant. They did that too. Bar? You betcha! You're in Vietnam, which means cheap beer, and lots of it. The poolside bar was the perfect place to sip a Bia Hoi and watch the sunset. Bliss.
One thing, though: Happy hour. The timing could be a bit… random. I stumbled upon one by accident, but others I missed completely. More reliable happy hour times would be a major plus.
I also ordered Breakfast in room one day. Pretty nice!
Services and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag
Airport transfer? Yep, they arranged it for me, and it was smooth and efficient. Concierge? Always helpful, especially when I needed help finding the best place to rent a motorbike (more on that later). Cash withdrawal? There was a bank nearby. Daily housekeeping? Yes, and they were thorough. Doorman? Friendly and welcoming. Laundry service? Super convenient.
BUT… Business facilities were minimal which is expected.
Invoice provided - check.
Luggage storage, safe deposit boxes – no problem.
The biggest downside? Food delivery. While they offered it, the options were limited, and I yearned for some authentic street food.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly…ish
Family/child friendly they advertised it. Babysitting service, Kids meal, Kids facilities (not much) and I thought I should highlight that. Although I didn't see a playground or dedicated kids' area as such.
Getting Around: Motorbikes of Joy (and Terror)
Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking, Bicycle parking…
Okay, so here's where the Thanh Dat Homestay experience really shines (or, perhaps, slightly ignites in a fiery explosion of adrenaline). They offer motorbike rentals. And renting a motorbike in Ninh Binh is an absolute MUST. It's THE way to explore. Imagine yourself, wind in your hair, cruising past rice paddies, feeling like a local, and then…
…you realize you’re on a death machine.
Seriously, the roads aren't always amazing. The traffic can be chaotic. And let's just say my driving skills? They are… evolving. I had a few moments. Let’s just say I did get stuck. But hey, it was exhilarating! (And my nerves eventually recovered.) The point is, the motorbike rental was easy, convenient, and essential for experiencing Ninh Binh fully.
Available in All Rooms: The Usual Suspects (Plus Some Quirks)
Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
My room was comfortable. The bed was comfy. The blackout curtains were amazing – perfect for sleeping after a day of temple-hopping. Complimentary tea? Yes, and it was surprisingly good. The refrigerator and free bottled water were essential, especially after a sweaty bike ride.
BUT, there was a persistent issue with the TV remote that was… temperamental. Getting it to work was an exercise in patience. Annoying, but not a deal-breaker.
For the Lovers: The Unromantic Proposal Spot
Couple's room, Proposal spot (I'm guessing they do this) and the Room decorations (the room felt very nice to be in for two people.
Security: Safe and Sound (But Probably Doesn’t Need a 007 Level)
**Access, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Exterior corridor, Fire
Escape to Paradise: Meaco Royal Hotel Taytay Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your sanitized travel brochure. This is the raw, unvarnished truth of Thanh Dat Homestay in Ninh Binh, Vietnam. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable decisions, and probably a whole lot of me getting lost. Let's get this hot mess started.
Thanh Dat Homestay: Operation "Find My Inner Zen (and Maybe a Decent Bowl of Pho)" - Chaos Edition
Day 1: Arrival and Utter Confusion (and the Phantom Rooster)
- Morning (aka Whenever the Plane Landed): Landed in Hanoi. The usual airport circus, the sweaty shuffle through customs, getting ripped off by a taxi driver who "didn't understand English" until it came to the bill. Already, I'm questioning all my life choices.
- Afternoon (aka The Train Ride of Endurance): Found the train to Ninh Binh. Or rather, attempted to find it. The station was a swirling vortex of hawkers, confused tourists, and the constant, insistent honk honk honk of Vietnamese traffic (which, by the way, is a national sport). Eventually, with the help of a very kind, very patient local woman who probably thought I was a lost cause, I boarded. The train ride was… an experience. Think crowded, bumpy, and soundtracked by the rhythmic clicking of the tracks and the constant chattering (mostly unintelligible, of course) of the locals. Ate a mystery meat sandwich that may or may not have been entirely safe. Fingers crossed.
- Late Afternoon (aka The Quest for Thanh Dat): FINALLY arrived in Ninh Binh. Took a taxi (this time, I haggled like a pro, I learned!). Pulled up to Thanh Dat. First impression? Beautiful. Lush greenery, a little pond filled with lily pads, and the distinct feeling of "I've escaped the madness… for now." Checked in, and the staff was incredibly sweet and smiley. The perfect welcome, even if I was still a sweaty, rumpled mess.
- Evening (aka The Case of the Missing Rooster): Chilled in my bungalow. It was simple, clean, and had a mosquito net that actually worked. Ate dinner at the homestay – simple and delicious Vietnamese food. My first real meal in Vietnam. And then… the rooster started. Or rather, didn't start. Everyone raves about the rooster at Thanh Dat. Apparently, he's a legend. But he was SILENT. Where was this mythical fowl? I swear I heard him in some dream, a distorted memory of a loud, proud crow… Was it even real? Am I hallucinating from jet lag?
Day 2: Tam Coc, Tiny Boats, and a Questionable Banana Smoothie
- Morning (aka The Tam Coc Adventure): After barely sleeping (the roar of the scooter engines, the sound of people chattering away, the fear of the phantom rooster), I had breakfast at the homestay. The food was good, but I'm still haunted by the mystery meat sandwich. Today's mission: Tam Coc, the "Halong Bay on Land." Hired a bicycle. The ride was beautiful, through rice paddies, past towering limestone karsts. Glorious, really.
- Mid-Morning (aka The Boat Ride of Doom… and Beauty): Arrived in Tam Coc. Got on one of the tiny boats, piloted by a local woman who rowed with her feet. Seriously. Feet. It was astonishing! The scenery? Unreal. Towering rock formations, shimmering water, and the feeling of being utterly insignificant in the face of nature's grandeur. I actually had a moment of genuine awe. Then came the inevitable. The vendors. I could't avoid them. It felt like a trap. I gave some money to try to get rid of them.
- Lunch (aka The Banana Smoothie Mishap): After the boat ride, I stopped at a little restaurant. Ordered a banana smoothie. Which tasted, let's just say, interesting. It definitely had a… tang. I'm choosing to believe it was the extra fruit that I didn't see.
- Afternoon (aka The Bike of Regret): Tried cycling back to Thanh Dat. Let me tell you, the "easy" bike ride became a grueling test of endurance as a storm rolled in. Torrential rain! I got soaked to the marrow, covered in mud, and nearly taken out by a rogue motorbike. I was miserable, questioning everything.
- Evening (aka Roosters? or No Roosters?): Back at Thanh Dat, shivering and bedraggled. Ate dinner (more delicious food!). And… still no rooster. It's become personal. This fowl better be real.
Day 3: The Dragon Cave, Trang An and the Search for Inner Peace (and the Chicken)
- Morning (aka The Dragon Cave and that Chicken of Destiny): Decided to follow some other travelers and go to the Dragon Cave. The hike up was brutal, but the view was… well, again… stunning. The Dragon Cave was more impressive than the journey there.
- Mid-Morning (aka Tranquility achieved): Went to Trang An. More boats. This one on a bigger scale. This time, there was something… calming. The sheer scale of the place! It's so peaceful! I was in a daze of beauty. I was happy.
- Afternoon (aka The Homestay Finale – and the Rooster's Revenge?): Spent some time just lounging at the homestay. The sun was shining, the air was warm, and I finally, genuinely relaxed. That afternoon, as I was preparing to leave, I heard it. The rooster. A proud, loud, defiant, cock-a-doodle-doo! It was real! The legend! I was elated.
- Evening (aka Farewell and a New Beginning): Left Thanh Dat, feeling a combination of weary, happy, and slightly shell-shocked. I did it. I survived. I conquered… the mystery meat sandwich, the tiny boat, the rogue motorbikes. And I found the rooster.
Final Thoughts:
Thanh Dat Homestay? It's not perfect. The rooms are basic, the mosquito situation can be a bit dicey, and getting around takes some effort. But… the location is stunning, the staff is lovely, and there's just something about the place that makes you feel… good. Messy, wonderful, human good.
Would I go back? Absolutely. Just maybe with a better immune system and a stronger aversion to mystery meat. And next time, I'm bringing a rooster call, just in case.
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Unbelievable Ninh Binh Stay: Thanh Dat Homestay Awaits! (AKA "Did I REALLY Just Live There?") - FAQ (With ALL the Feelings)
Okay, Okay, So... What *IS* This Thanh Dat Homestay? Is it actually unbelievable?!
Right, deep breath. Thanh Dat... Okay, picture this: you're in Ninh Binh, that stunning Vietnamese region that basically IS Jurassic Park (minus the dinosaurs, thankfully). And you want a place to crash that *isn't* some soulless hotel. Thanh Dat is that place. It's a homestay, so you're LIVING with a family. And honestly? "Unbelievable" might be a teensy bit of an exaggeration... But, the scenery?! Yeah, believable. Jaw-dropping, actually. The homestay itself... it’s charming. In a, uh, *rustic* kind of way. Think cozy, not consistently-functioning-hot-water-in-the-morning cozy. (More on that later! Heheh...) But the LOCATION! You'll be waking up to rice paddies stretching as far as the eye can see, and those iconic karst mountains jutting out of the landscape like… well, like majestic, pointy things. It's all very… picturesque. And trust me, that does make up for a lot.
The Food! Tell me about the food! Because I'm ALWAYS thinking about food...
Oh. My. Goodness. The food. Listen, if I could bottle up the smell of Mrs. Thanh's cooking, I'd be a millionaire. Maybe. Okay, the breakfasts were simple. Usually a banh mi (Vietnamese baguette sandwich) and some delicious coffee. But the dinners... Oh, the dinners. They were family-style, and there was SO MUCH of it! Real Vietnamese home cooking. I remember this one time, they made this incredible braised pork with caramel sauce. I swear, I almost licked the plate. And another day, a massive platter of fresh spring rolls. I'm not kidding, I think I ate like, a dozen. It was a food coma situation, every single night. My stomach's still screaming from that level of amazingness. *Be prepared to overeat. It's inevitable.* And the best part: the family eats with you, chatting and making sure you're properly stuffed.
What are the rooms like? Glamorous? Rustic? More "rustic" than "glamorous"?!
Right, let's be real. "Rustic" is the operative word here. Think simple. Think functional. Think… maybe not the Hilton. My room had a bed (comfortable enough, honestly), a mosquito net (essential!), and a bathroom. The bathroom... well, the water pressure wasn't always the best. And the hot water? Sometimes, you had to wait. Sometimes, you had to sing a little song to the water heater. But hey! You're in Vietnam! Embrace the adventure! It wasn’t the Ritz, it was a place to sleep, which, after a day of trekking through rice paddies and kayaking was all you needed. Let's put it this way: it wasn't the *cleanest* place I've ever stayed, but it was clean enough. And the view from the window? Absolutely worth any minor plumbing issues. Honestly, the simplicity was kind of refreshing. It's way better than being stuck in a bland hotel room.
The Family! I always worry about awkward moments with locals... What were they like?
Okay, this is where Thanh Dat *really* shines. The family is wonderful. Mrs. Thanh is the heart and soul of the place. She's kind, patient (because, trust me, you’ll need it), and an amazing cook (have I mentioned the food?). Mr. Thanh is more reserved but equally lovely. And their kids? SO cute! The language barrier can be a bit tricky (very little English spoken), but they genuinely try to communicate. I remember one evening, after dinner, we sat on the porch, and Mrs. Thanh was trying to teach me some basic Vietnamese phrases. The laughter was non-stop, even though I butchered every single word. It was one of those memories that sticks with you. I even made a friend with her son, and he showed me around the village! It’s these little moments that make a homestay, well, a homestay. It’s not just about a bed and breakfast. It's about connection to the people, and to the place.
What's there to *DO* around Thanh Dat? Because, you know, I can't just eat and sleep... (Well, I *could*, but…)
Alright, get ready to be busy. This area is a goldmine of stuff to do. Rent a bicycle, and cycle through the rice paddies! Seriously, it's a postcard scene and you'll feel like you've stepped into a movie. Visit Tam Coc! It's the "Halong Bay on land" and it's stunning. You take a boat trip through these incredible caves with the mountains looming around you. Super touristy, but do it. It's a must. AND, don't skip Trang An! Similar to Tam Coc, but maybe a little less crowded and more… mystical feeling. Plus, it’s where they filmed parts of *Kong: Skull Island* (I was geeking out). You can also hike up to Mua Cave for panoramic views of the entire region. Be warned, the steps are a killer, but the view is *worth it*. Oh, and the family can absolutely arrange tours and transport for you. Easy peasy. Just remember to book it at least a day in advance.
Transportation! How do I get around? Do I need a motorbike? (I'm kind of clumsy...)
Okay, a confession: I’m not a great motorbike driver. And the roads can feel…well, a little chaotic. So, you don’t *need* to rent one. The homestay can arrange taxis, which is a great option. They're decently priced and you get to relax while someone else navigates the craziness. Plus, it’s a good way to support the local community. You can also rent bicycles from the homestay, which is a fantastic way to explore the immediate area. It's flat, the scenery is gorgeous, and it’s much less stress. I’d lean towards the bicycle. It was the absolute BEST thing I did. Just watch out for those pesky roaming water buffalo! I saw a few people almost collide with one... (Not me, of course. Ha!)
Anything I *shouldn't* forget to pack? (Besides a sense of adventure, duh.)
Mosquito repellent! Seriously. You'll thank me later. Especially if you want to, ya know, not be eaten alive at night. A universal adapter, because you’ll probably need it. (And if you forget, you'll be cursing yourself.) Comfortable walking shoes, because you'll be doing a lot of walking. Sunscreen and a hat – Vietnamese sun is intense. And... a phrasebook or a translation app. The language barrier can be a bit of a challenge, but it's also part of the fun (in a slightly frustrating way). And oneHotel Search Trek
