I liked everything and that is the truth straight from my heart. Everything from the room, food, hospitality, recommendations, local area knowledge, and especially the people, were outstanding. The family who owns and runs are a bungalow took me into their family and made me feel like I truly found my home away from home. They even took me to the local music carnival with their family to drink sugarcane! If personally catered hospitality and a real family experience is what excites you, look no further than Areca bungalow. Oh and the swing in the backyard along the river was worth the stay by itself. Next time I’m in Phong Nha Areca Bungalow will be the only place I stay.

Absolutely nothing. Everything was catered to and well thought of.

Nice and spacious room, friendly and helpful staff. We stayed here after our 2d/1n trip with Oxalis, and the location was awesome -- just next door! The two staff ladies there when I arrived didn't speak much English, but they video-called someone who spoke perfect English (and helped us the next morning). We asked if they had somewhere we could wash our muddy shoes and they took them and cleaned and dried them for us overnight for a very reasonable fee. Breakfast was excellent.

Some drain blockage issues in the bathroom sink and shower; there was a lot of water on the floor after we both showered but we used the provided sandals.

Areca bungalow is a great place to stay for a few days. The room was very clean, as was the bathroom. The bed was comfortable, and we were in a room that had a view of the river. The room was large, and had a fan and AC. Also our hostess was very helpful, and helped arrange a ride from the airport, and to other activities. We could simply WhatsApp if we needed anything.

As other reviews have stated the drain for the bathroom is far from the shower, so the whole bathroom floor gets wet.

Nice family run place directly overlooking the river. Organised our ongoing trips and a couple of local ones too. clothes washed and dried over night. All happy to help. About 15-20 minutes walk from the centre but well within easy reach of alternative bars and restaurants.

Water in shower runs out of the cubicle , in front of sink then toilet and finally into plug hole,so always wet feet each time you step into the bathroom.

I have been to Phong Nha three times. The second time I came I stayed at Areca Bungalow. It was so nice. I decided to stay there again the third time also, despite many other options. The very high ceilings give a good feeling of openness and spaciousness. If you can get one of the two bungalows that face the river, it is a beautiful morning to wake up on the bed looking at the river. The cooking is fantastic and good prices. One night, after I returned from a multi-day cave tour, they were fully booked. I still went there for dinner.

The only suggestion I have is: more tables with protection from rain. I only remember two tables if it is raining.

Really enjoyed our stay for the most part, nice bungalows and friendly people, breakfast was good too.

On our last day we waited around 30 minutes to pay to leave meaning we didn’t have time for breakfast as it would’ve taken time for them to cook etc. and we had a bus to catch, this was because only one person there is able to take orders and payments (we had even asked if we could pay when we first arrived and told to wait until we left).

I enjoyed everything.It has to be the Premium Location in Phong Nha.Amazing View.Close but also far away enough from Town Centre.Breakfast was basic but so tasty.I found it incredible value for $$.Staff were very pleasant and helpful.Especially Yen who had good English and was so helpful with my day tour and Sleeper Bus Bookings.It was without doubt my favourite place so far in Vietnam and I will come back to relax for 3-4 nights in the Future.I’d say don’t miss Phong Nha on your Vietnam Holiday and definitely stay at Areca Bungalows.. Tony…Australia

Nothing….For the price it was 10/10

This was a beautiful, quaint little place just outside the main part of town, yet easily walking or biking distance. There was a beautiful view from the patio to watch the sunset over the mountain and right on the river. The bungalows were cute, adequate space, comfy beds, hot shower. We arrived late in the evening, but they were able to arrange comfortable private transport from the airport, and then serve us dinner. The included breakfast was delicious. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. Phong Nha was a mid-point in our trip and they were able to wash and dry our laundry. Yen also arranged a motorbike for us to use one day (when the key fell out somewhere on our ride, she was able to get a new one to us - we found the key on the road on the way back though!). Bicycles were provided so we could ride through town. They also arranged our departure bus ahead of time and drove us to the bus stop at 6:45am, grabbing us fresh baked bread for breakfast on the way. The price is very reasonable, for a private, quiet place on the river - and once again - the staff is exceptional. Great respite from the craziness of the bigger cities.

Everything was great, but just a small nit is that the toilet seat was the wrong size and kept slipping sideways and the toilet paper holder was broken. No big deal though.

Yen was a great host, very accommodating and responsive. She invited us to a family dinner on the second night because of the new year holiday coming up and that was really nice.

The shower doesn’t fully drain so the floor takes a while to dry and the hot water doesn’t last for one person to shower but it’s a great value nonetheless.

This was a great spot to spend a night before and after a cave tour with Oxalis! The views are INCREDIBLE and can't be beat and the family that runs it is very kind! The bungalow was clean, had a good amount of space, and powerful AC. We enjoyed many meals here and the pho was delicious and the coffee was nice and strong! They only accept cash, so come prepared so you don't have to quickly bike down the street (they have some free bikes) to the ATM to get cash before your car to the airport leaves (they helped us arrange this)!