Best Places to Stay in Phong Nha, Vietnam
We were REALLY lucky to spend four months in Phong Nha and consider ourselves almost locals there, so we really do know the best places to stay in Phong Nha. What started as a one month break, avoiding Corona outbreaks in Da Nang and Hoi An, turned into one of the best adventures we had during our time in Vietnam. By adding a month, then an extra week in October, we ended up STUCK in Phong Nha during the typhoon season (typically September-November) and then extended our stay to the end of November so we didn't have to worry about travelling in the terrible weather.
During our time here we were fortunate to taste a few different places. These are our picks.
The best place to stay - Phong Nha Farmstay
We spent ALL of our time with Ben, Bich and their family at Phong Nha Farmstay. This place is SPECIAL. Ben was the crazy Aussie with the idea to bring tourism to the middle of nowhere in Vietnam. People told him it couldn't be done. And Ben is what makes Phong Nha the best adventure we ever had. He is so full of energy, he has time and adventure. Ben wants you to have the time of your life. And we totally did.
Phong Nha Farmstay has an awesome vibe. The people it attracts are also pretty amazing. We loved the area by the pool. It has some of the most incredible sunsets over the mountains.
Stunning Sunsets looking over the rice fields and mountains - Poolside at Phong Nha Farmstay.
Gypsy Villa (Jungaloo Collection)
One of my favourite places I've ever stayed was in the Gypsy Villa. I loved the little infinity pool and the really awesome outdoor bathtub!
Gypsy Villa at Phong Nha Farmstay - I think it was named for me, what a great place to stay!
We spent one month in the Gypsy Villa (Little Lies is the neighboring villa with a similar design). This place has comfy beds a kitchen you can cook with, and it's just sooo pretty. It inspires joy, every time you step out the bedroom.
Elements Collection
At the end of August, 2020 we made the decision to move because typhoon season was approaching and Ben kept saying it was the 10 year anniversary of the biggest flood he'd ever seen. Something in my intuition said, 'just move'. Ben was 'pretty sure' the Elements Villa wouldn't flood unless the waters ran higher than the one he'd seen in 2010.
We equally loved this villa, but it was probably more appropriate for our family and the long stay. It was a little more comfortable with a lounge/dining area and full kitchen. It didn't have the outdoor tub though!
The Elements Collection is a short bike ride (or free shuttle ride) from the main Farmstay. This meant that we would have a daily excuse to take out the bicycles. It was also really convenient to the local market. This meant that hubby could easily pop down and pick up supplies for the days when we felt like eating in. We think this is one of the best places to stay in Phong Nha!
Victory Road Villas
We didn't get to stay at Victory Road Villas. But we did have pizza here A LOT. It was fantastic. They have beautiful villas surrounding the pool, and one big lux villa. We will definitely go back and stay sometime in that lux villa!
Above image courtesy of Victory Road Villas
We also really loved the fact you can take out the kayaks from the Villas. It's right across from the river. Other points to note are the carrot cake and cheese cake. Probably the best you'll find anywhere in Vietnam if you are missing these things while away from home.
Phong Nha Farmstay
We also spent about a week in the hotel / family suite of the Farmstay. If you don't need (or want) to cook, this would be fine. It's one room with two sets of bunks and a nice big comfortable bed. It also has a private bathroom and with the pool across the road, (and the dining area with plenty of space) you really don't need your own private pool.
Lake House
We didn't end up staying at the Lake House, however we did eat there quite a few times (we were there four months and needed a bit of variety). We got to see the rooms and the pool apartments. It is a BEAUTIFUL resort. The food, and the pool is lovely. Also, the hosts are fantastic. This would be a great option if you can't find room at the Farmstay.
We made friends with the resident puppy at Phong Nha Lake House - October 2020
Pepper House Homestay
Pepper House is another place that cooks awesome food and has a lovely pool. We had friends who stayed here and they told us it was a lovely stay. Again, this is another place we ate at a few times. Also, wonderful people and stories to be shared about the early days of Phong Nha.
Which is the best place to stay in Phong Nha?
Our vote for the best place to stay in Phong Nga goes to anywhere that Ben from Phong Nha Farmstay can fit you in that works for your family. Ben and his family will make sure you experience the best of Vietnam. If you're wanting to find out what made our trip so amazing, you need to check out this post as it covers the things we did during our time in Phong Nha.
