Saigon Phongnha Hotel

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Rated 2.5 out of 5

Based on 2 ratings and 2 reviews

• Saigon Insectland

  Having arrived in Phong Nha after motorbiking down from Dong Hoi, we were tired, and just looking for a place to crash. Phong Nha is not much of a town, and some of the hotels we saw seemed just seedy, and uncomfortable for two women travelers. Saigon Phong Nha was the only hotel that seemed presentable - the biggest draw is that it is located right by the river. You can't fault the view, staring at the craggy rocks of Phong Nha, and watching the sun set...it was worth it! We were quoted $23, which was princely given what we were offered. The twin rooms were barely adequate, and had a mini balcony. The place would have seemed overpriced even then but we couldn't complain, there was not much of a choice anyway! It was in the evening that the horror story began! There were mosquito nets that pull out from a sort of drawer in the wall, and never did I know I would need them so much! Come dark, the entire room was infested with these small insects. They are flies of some sort but tinier, and can live a nasty sting. The whole of Phong Nha is crawling with them, and leaving the AC on meant that you invite these creatures in. Not leaving the AC on means extreme suffocation in the heat! I am not lying - the entire net was black when I woke up...those dratted insects had gotten inside the net too, and well, it was not exactly pleasant! The staff were ok, a bit disinterested, and don't care much about pleasing guests all that much. Breakfast was ok, but bear in mind that you have to place your order well before. We went for a walk before dinner, and then were told that there would be no dinner since we should placed the order at 3pm! Of course, the staff would not inform you beforehand though! If you do spend a night in Phong Nha, and despite the hotel, the place is magnificent...you would have to stick it out here. It is worth around $13....but sigh...they know they are practically the only ones there. And carry some insect repellent.

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  Saigon Phongnha Hotel reviewed by bunnychip9 (Total reviews: 3) on 29th March, 2009
  Rated 2 out of 5. after a stay here in 2/2009

• So-so, but kayak rental

  The hotel is decent but overpriced. I agree with the Travelfish review. Better just to grab a coffee in the outdoor courtyard with views of the river. Worth noting is that they have two open two-seater kayaks available for rent. It's 70,000 VND for the first hour and 50,000 VND for each hour after that, or 500,000 for the day (not the best option because you probably won't be out for more than 1-3 hours). The prices are from July 2008. The current is not too strong and the water pretty calm, but for the 4.8 km stretch from Phong Nha town to the Phong Nha cave turn off you have to contend with the motorised cave tour boats. The morning was busy on the river. And you cannot kayak into the Phong Nha Cave. However, if you are a strong paddler, and don't mind the trip past the turn off, the river becomes quieter and very picturesque. Well worth the 4.8 km of river traffic, if your arms can take you up river without much difficulty.

  • Cleanliness
  • Facilities
  • Location
  • Romance
  • Rooms
  • Service
  • Value
  • Vibe

  Saigon Phongnha Hotel reviewed by mstevens (Total reviews: 2) on 16th July, 2008
  Rated 3 out of 5. after a stay here in 7/2008