IvanL313
Google
We spent five nights at Cat Ba Eco Lodge. The lodge sits at the end of a narrow gravel road, just off the main highway, in a peaceful valley with lush green limestone hills all around. There is a footpath to the adjacent Butterfly valley and other hiking destinations. ||||We rented two rooms—a garden-view suite and a double—and found them rustic yet clean and comfy, with the basics like en-suite bathrooms, AC, fridge, and mosquito nets. It’s a no-frills place with a real “outback” feel, yet the hospitality is top-notch, and we felt well taken care of the entire time.||||The staff are like one big, happy family, and they treated us as appreciated family guests. The front desk wizard, CG, deserves special mention. He was super helpful and on top of every single detail, whether it was arranging a boat transfer for a one way hike or whipping up a mango smoothie. The lodge family also included four charming dogs, each with its own personality, who kept us entertained daily.||||We originally thought we’d dine out more, but the on-site meals were so delicious that we ended up having all our dinners at the lodge. Chef Ai’s cooking is truly masterful. The curry, papaya salad, lemongrass chicken, and pho all became favorites, made with fresh veggies, some of which are grown in the lodge’s own garden. One night, we asked to invite friends over for dinner, and the kitchen happily arranged a delicious hot pot dinner. ||||Mornings started off with a simple but tasty breakfast (not included in the room price) that was either a small buffet or made-to-order dishes depending on number of guests. Options included toast, eggs, pho, fresh fruit, tea, and coffee.||||Evenings can get a bit chilly, so bring something warm. Luckily, there is a cozy fire pit where we enjoyed several evenings by the camp fire which is lit on request. There’s a pool table, and some comfy couches where we could relax after a day of exploring.||||The owner, Kiên, also runs a tour operator offering climbing and kayaking trips with professional, English-speaking guides. We did a half-day top-rope climb and a full-day kayak trip. Both were super well-organized and felt really safe. When we wanted to do our own hikes in the National Park, Hiếu recommended the best route and CG helped us sort out taxis and arranged a boat transfer. The facility also offers scooters for rental. The only thing we missed were bicycles.||||Overall, our stay at Cat Ba Eco Lodge far exceeded our expectations. We came for the tranquility, the natural setting, and the convenient location for outdoor adventures, and also got delicious dinners, exceptional hospitality and a blissful atmosphere. If you’re looking for a genuine, laid-back experience on Cat Ba, this is the place. Just remember it’s a rural lodge, not a luxury resort, and you’ll be in for a treat!