Quoc Khanh Bamboo Homestay — Hotel in Ninh Bình Province

We’ve been travelling around the world for 1 year and a half now, we’ve seen plenty of things in various countries that shocked us - sometimes have to respect that these things are cultural traditional things, but other times, these things may just be completely cruel, for no apparent reason or genuine excuse. Though the location was good, the experience was completely ruined by the fact that the owners were keeping a WILD snake in a cage for literally no apparent reason beyond their own greed or entitlement. We noticed the snake pretty much straight away, stuck in a cage at the entrance, right next to the main road that motorbikes go flying down every day. The snake is a Python Molurus Bivittatus. It’s kept in a metal barred cage, around 1m x 50 cm x 60m, & the snake is at least around 1m in length. The cage is placed in direct sunlight, the animal is exposed to the constant 30C+ heat every day with no sufficient shade, no natural vegetation, or even water in the cage to mimic any sort of natural habitat the animal usually lives in. There was an empty dish placed inside the cage, which I assume was for water, but it was bone dry so was just a pointless ornament. Next to the cage were a set of petrol cans used to fill up motorbikes. The smell of petrol around the cage was intense, you could smell it from meters away. Some containers had their lids off so if knocked over, would be spilled across the cage & into the lake which is only meters away. Everything was just so careless & arrogant with absolutely no consideration for their surroundings. Even after any sort of research, you would discover vital pieces of information about this animal that could perhaps help to improve its pretty miserable experience, or maybe even deter it from being kept in the first place. That particular species of snake depends on a constant water source, not only to hunt for food, but to fully submerge to regulate its body temperature. Usually, these snakes are very calm & timid, laying dormant for most of the day, but this particular snake was extremely restless, constantly pushing its head against the bars & corners of the cage in search of a way to escape, and constantly moving around which is a sure sign of distress. We don’t know about other people who visit this place & what they feel towards something like this, but we personally can’t lounge around on a deckchair sipping on cocktails, selectively enjoying the nature, when a wild animal is clearly in distress - being kept in dirty cage only feet away. No matter how beautiful the view is, it’s something not to be ignored as it’s very ironic & cruel! I spoke a member of staff (manager?) about the snake, keeping the chat friendly so she’d be honest. She told me that “the staff had caught the snake in the marshland a few km away & had brought it back & put it in the cage to keep it as a pet” - so far it had been there for at least 1 month. I asked her why & she flippantly replied “because it’s pretty”. I then asked her how often they feed it, she told me “every 2 weeks with a rat”, but she was absolutely adamant that the animal didn’t need any sort of water - refusing to fill up the empty dish inside the cage. I tried to explain to her that it did, she herself had just told me it was caught in marshlands proving it is dependent on water to survive. She still continued to tell me no, I told her it was cruel & it’s a wild animal that should be released (I even offered to buy it from her), but she literally just stood there & laughed in my face, telling me that she will not release it because “it’s her pet now, just like a cat or a dog”. I explained that cats & dogs are not kept in cages in the direct sun without any water & this animal WAS A WILD ANIMAL before they pointlessly decided to keep it, simply for the fact that “it is pretty”. By that point she just stopped talking to me & started talking to another member of staff in Vietnamese, only for him to then look at me & laugh too....

Quoc Khanh Bamboo Homestay - A Tranquil Oasis in Ninh Binh

My stay at Quoc Khanh Bamboo Homestay in Ninh Binh was an exceptional experience that left me with unforgettable memories. Nestled in the lush landscapes of Ninh Binh, this homestay offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, warm hospitality, and modern comforts.

Location: Situated in the heart of Ninh Binh, the homestay is surrounded by stunning scenery, including limestone karsts, lush greenery, and serene waterways. Its location offers convenient access to popular attractions like Tam Coc, Trang An, and Mua Cave, making it an ideal base for exploring the region.

Accommodation: The accommodation is a harmonious blend of traditional Vietnamese architecture and modern amenities. My room was spacious, impeccably clean, and well-furnished with comfortable beds, air conditioning, and a private bathroom. The use of bamboo in the design added a unique and charming touch, creating a cozy and authentic atmosphere.

Facilities: Quoc Khanh Bamboo Homestay offers a range of facilities to ensure a comfortable stay. The on-site restaurant serves delicious Vietnamese cuisine, and the outdoor pool is perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing. They also offer bicycle and motorbike rentals, which made it easy to explore the surrounding area at our own pace.

Service: The service was outstanding, with the staff going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. They were always ready to offer recommendations for local tours, arrange transportation, and accommodate special requests with a smile. Their warmth and attentiveness made me feel truly at home.

Activities: The homestay offers various activities to enhance the experience. I particularly enjoyed the cooking classes, where I learned to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes. The staff also organized boat tours to explore the nearby caves and waterways, which were breathtaking.

Value: Considering the level of service, quality of accommodation, and the beautiful surroundings, Quoc Khanh Bamboo Homestay offers exceptional value for money. It is an affordable option that doesn't compromise on comfort or quality.

Conclusion: If you're seeking a serene retreat with personalized service and easy access to Ninh Binh's attractions, Quoc Khanh Bamboo Homestay is the perfect choice. It offers a unique blend of local culture and modern comfort, making it a must-stay destination...

the only good things about this place are the location and breakfast. it's quiet and has a really great view of the mountains and the lake. but everything else is really below average.

the day I arrived, one guy leaving told me they tried to overcharge him. same thing happened to me while checking out. they tried to put some extra on the room and also on the dinner. and let me tell you this, check-out took 30 minutes because they could not actually calculate the amount I should pay. a lot of phone calls later, they tried to charge more than I should pay and when I did not agree on the price, it took them 10 more minutes to correct. so checking-out was not easy. if you have any bus to catch, just keep that duration in mind.

and dinner was just horrendous. I asked for fried noodles, and I got indomie :) also, it is not that clean. no soaps in common toilets. and nobody speaks english, which makes...