Guest User
February 1, 2024
Initially I was attracted to book one of the small bungalow hotels in Tam Coc which looked lovely but on taking into account the low temperatures in northern Vietnam in winter I finally decided to book a bricks and mortar hotel as I thought it would offer more comfort if it was cold or wet. Turned out to be a sound decision. It was barely into double figures and quite windy during our three night stay. Being in the town suited us too, easy to reach shops and restaurants and the waterside. It would be lovely to stay there in a different season so that you can appreciate the swimming pool. On arrival we were met by two receptionists, one of whom speaks good English, we were given a welcome drink and snacks, a map and explanation of the area and shown to our room which was on the top floor. Room 302 is spacious, well furnished with plenty of storage, equipped with kettle and tea tray, mini bar and armchairs. The bathroom is also spacious with new fittings. There’s constant hot water but you need to take care in the shower because the floor tiles are definitely NOT nonslip. The balcony is tiny and the doors open outward so you have to squeeze through but we managed to sit out and enjoy a drink on our last day which was a bit milder. The view of the mountains is off to the right; directly in front is a yard full of construction rubble and the old bus that serves as a bar. It’s lit up at night but a bit ugly in daylight. Our only issue was that the reversible a/c really didn’t heat the room and we found it chilly to sit around except on our last day. The staff tried their best to adjust it but I think it just isn’t adequate for rooms with high ceilings in cold weather. In fact throughout Tam Coc with most restaurants and bars open to the elements you can reckon on eating in your outerwear and/or sitting round a smoky fire pit. The breakfast at the hotel was good with plenty of choice, fruit, breads and pastries, basic cereals on the buffet and hot selection cooked to order. The staff kindly made me fresh tea every day instead of from the vacuum flask. All staff were kind and helpful, nothing was too much trouble. We asked reception to arrange taxis on two days to reach the places of interest and our transfer to Hanoi airport. Both worked out well. What we hadn’t appreciated was that Tam Coc is very much on the gap year/ backpacker itinerary so if like us you are of an older demographic you might wish to avoid the bungalow resorts with their dorm rooms, pool tables, DJs and other noise inducing activities and opt for the quiet and comfort of this place.