Cat Ba Island's Hidden Gem: Thuỷ Anh Hotel & Restaurant - Unforgettable Stay!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I’m about to take you on a rollercoaster ride through the delightful chaos that is Thuỷ Anh Hotel & Restaurant on Cat Ba Island. Prepare your eyeballs, because this review is going to be less pristine brochure and more… well, more me.
The Unforgettable Stay (Spoiler Alert: It Almost Was!)
Let’s be real, finding the perfect hotel is like trying to find a decent cup of coffee at an airport. You’re usually settling. But Thuỷ Anh… yeah, it almost broke that mold. Almost.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Like My Dating History
Truthfully, I’m not dealing with accessibility issues myself, but I did spot the elevator – which is a HUGE win! – and noticed a few… ahem… “considerations” for guests with mobility challenges. (The website needs to give more specifics, frankly. Let's be real, this is a major thing.) This being Vietnam, you'll want more concrete info on Facilities for disabled guests, and how user-friendly the Elevator really is.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized to a T? Maybe.
Okay, I’m a bit of a germaphobe, deal with it. And Thuỷ Anh, bless their cotton socks, tried. The whole COVID thing is still kicking, right? They had all the usual suspects: Hand sanitizer everywhere, visible First aid kits, and staff (seemingly) rigorously following Staff trained in safety protocol. They even used Anti-viral cleaning products, and the rooms were supposedly Rooms sanitized between stays and offered a "Room sanitization opt-out available" (which, honestly, I appreciated – I like to feel like I have some control, even if it's just the illusion of it).
Then there was the Daily disinfection in common areas and they had Professional-grade sanitizing services. Honestly? I felt pretty safe walking around. The Sanitized kitchen and tableware items was a real win. They seemed to have thought of everything, which eased this germ-loving soul.
BUT…and there’s always a but, isn’t there? I did see a rogue dust bunny or two attempting to make a daring escape under the bed. Oh, the horror! (Okay, I'm being dramatic. It was probably the humidity.)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Stomach’s Takeover
This is where Thuỷ Anh really shines. Are you ready? Because I’m not. I gained five pounds. FIVE. But it was glorious!
Restaurants: Plural! They have a few different options, which is amazing.
Asian cuisine in restaurant: Absolutely delicious, authentic Vietnamese food!! I went feral.
Western cuisine in restaurant: Decent, if you're craving something familiar. Don't come to Vietnam to eat a burger!
Breakfast [buffet]: Holy mother of all breakfasts. I piled my plate high with everything.
Coffee shop: Got my morning caffeine - super important.
Poolside bar: Happy hour! Good times! I'm especially fond of a Happy hour.
Room service [24-hour]: I may or may not have ordered a midnight snack of spring rolls. Don't judge.
Desserts in restaurant: Oh sweet baby jesus! I almost don't want to tell you about them, because I want them all to myself. But you MUST try the mango sticky rice.
Vegetarian restaurant: Options!!!!
A la carte in restaurant and Buffet in restaurant.
Alternative meal arrangement - I like that. Not everyone eats the same things!
Bottle of water - very generous with these bad-boys.
Coffee/tea in restaurant.
Salad in restaurant.
Snack bar.
The flavors!!!! They were fresh, and the spices danced on my tongue. I spent a solid portion of my trip just…eating. This is my happy place.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Thuỷ Anh really thought of everything, even the things I didn’t know I needed.
- Concierge: Super helpful with booking tours and answering questions.
- Currency exchange: Very convenient for quick transactions.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was spotless every single day. MAGIC.
- Laundry service: Essential after the aforementioned food coma.
- Car park [free of charge], and Car park [on-site].
- Elevator and even Facilities for disabled guests.
- Luggage storage: A lifesaver when you arrive early or depart late.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Got some things to go home with!
- Air conditioning in public area.
- Cash withdrawal.
- Contactless check-in/out.
- Convenience store.
- Doorman.
- Dry cleaning.
- Facilities for disabled guests.
- Food delivery.
- Invoice provided.
- Ironing service.
- Luggage storage.
- Outdoor venue for special events.
- Safety deposit boxes.
- Smoking area.
- Wi-Fi for special events.
- Xerox/fax in business center.
For the Kids: Not My Area of Expertise (But They Seemed Happy)
I, thankfully, don’t have children. But I saw a few families enjoying the hotel, and they all seemed pretty happy.
Available in all rooms, like Air conditioning, and Internet Access – wireless
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Day! (Or Attempted Spa Day)
I’m all about relaxation. So, I was ALL IN on the spa.
- Spa/sauna: The spa!
- Massage: OMG, the massage.
- Sauna.
- Steamroom.
- Body scrub.
- Body wrap.
- Foot bath.
- Pool with view: They call it a "view" but it's the sea. Amazing.
- Swimming pool [outdoor] - I literally spent all day here.
- Gym/fitness: I tried to go to the gym. I really did. But the pool bar kept calling my name.
Okay, the massages were divine. Seriously. I had one. Then I had another. Then I thought about another! (I blame the mango sticky rice). The spa was clean, the atmosphere was chill, and the masseuses were incredibly skilled. Definitely carve out some time for the spa! The sauna was pretty good, too. I didn't use the steamroom. I'm not a fan. Sorry. ;)
Rooms: Cozy, Clean, and (Mostly) Modern
My room was… well, it was nice. Clean, well-maintained, and comfortable. The Air conditioning was a lifesaver in the humid climate. They had a desk, a seating area, and a TV with Satellite/cable channels. The best part? A Private bathroom. I also appreciated the complimentary tea. Other notable mentions:
- Air conditioning.
- Alarm clock.
- Bathtub.
- Blackout curtains.
- Closet.
- Coffee/tea maker.
- Complimentary tea.
- Daily housekeeping.
- Desk.
- Extra long bed.
- Free bottled water.
- Hair dryer.
- In-room safe box.
- Internet access – wireless, Wi-Fi [free].
- Ironing facilities.
- Laptop workspace.
- Linens.
- Mini bar.
- Non-smoking.
- Private bathroom.
- Refrigerator.
- Seating area.
- Separate shower/bathtub.
- Shower.
- Slippers.
- Socket near the bed.
- Sofa.
- Soundproofing.
- Telephone.
- Toiletries.
- Towels.
- Umbrella.
- Wake-up service.
- Window that opens.
Now, let's get to the quirks. The walls weren't perfectly soundproofed, and I may have heard a karaoke session at 3 AM. (It actually made me chuckle – it’s Vietnam, after all! Embrace the chaos!)
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
- Airport transfer: This was a massive convenience!
- Taxi service.
- Car park [free of charge]. This is a huge plus; parking on Cat Ba can be a nightmare.
The Bad Bits (Because I'm Honest, Dammit!)
- The karaoke. (I'm still recovering.)
- The slight dust bunny uprising.
- The (minor)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because we're about to dive headfirst into a gloriously messy, chaotic, and utterly unforgettable adventure at the Thuỷ Anh Hotel & Restaurant on Cat Ba Island, Vietnam. Forget your perfectly curated Instagram grids; this is the real deal. This is a trip that’ll likely leave you sunburnt, slightly lost, and craving banh mi at 3 AM.
(Warning: May contain excessive enthusiasm, moments of existential dread fueled by cheap beer, and general travel tomfoolery.)
Day 1: Arrival - The Great Cat Ba Caper (and a near-miss with a rogue scooter!)
Morning (ish): We flew into Hanoi. Hanoi airport, right? Always a sensory overload. Smells of pho, the buzz of a thousand conversations, and that humid air that just… hugs you. The transfer to the Hanoi train station was an adventure in itself, dodging motorbikes that seemed to exist solely to make your pulse quicken. The train ride? Oh, the train ride! Think rickety tracks, beautiful scenery (which, admittedly, I spent most of the time staring at through my phone), and the constant hum of Vietnamese chatter. I tried to understand, I swear! But my attempts at language usually end in me ordering something completely random.
Afternoon: Arrived in Hai Phong! The journey through Cat Ba Island felt like a scene from a movie. The ferry was packed. The locals watching us gape at the beauty. We finally reached Cat Ba Town, and the Thủy Anh Hotel. Let's just say its website photos were… generous in their depictions of the place. But honestly? That’s part of the charm! It had character, which, after the trip, was all you needed. Our tiny room, overlooking the not-so-sparkling bay, was… well, it was a room. It had a bed, and that was the most important thing after the trip. The view, however, was surprisingly good.
Early Evening: Dinner at the Thủy Anh Restaurant, the hotel's pride and joy, and a culinary experience which could be summarized as "rustic." The food was okay. Seafood - not bad. The service, though, had no sense of urgency – which, depending on your mood, you either embrace or gnash your teeth at. I, on the other hand, went for it. I mean, I am on vacation. I ordered the fried rice (safe bet, right?). The rice? Surprisingly flavourful. The beer? Ice cold. The sunset over the bay? Pure, unadulterated magic. I could have sat there forever watching the fishing boats bob on the water, the sky ablaze with color.
Night: Disaster almost struck. We decided to explore the town. My partner, bless his adventurous heart, insisted on renting a scooter. Me? I hadn't ridden a scooter since I was 16 and, frankly, I was terrified. Ten minutes into the ride, I had a near-miss with a rogue dog and a garbage truck. I insisted we park the scooter and walk. Cat Ba Town at night, with its neon lights and the constant hum of activity? Pure, delightful chaos. We found a little bar with live music, drank a questionable cocktail called "Dragon's Breath", and laughed until our sides hurt.
Day 2: Halong Bay Day Trip - Floating in Paradise (and regretting that third beer!)
Morning: The alarm blasted. Ugh. But, hey, Halong Bay! We'd booked a day cruise. The pre-dawn rush was a blur of delicious banh mi from a street vendor, squinting into the sun. The boat trip? Epic. The limestone karsts rising majestically from the emerald water? Mind-blowing. I mean, the pictures don’t do it justice. It's like something out of a dream. We kayaked through a hidden lagoon, got sunburnt on the deck (I swear, I put on sunscreen!), and just generally lived the dream.
Afternoon: Lunch on the boat was "okay" but nothing much after we got the banh mi. We also tried the local beer. Then another. And another. I was fine at first. Then, maybe not so much. The kayaking was made even better, it seems. Did I mention kayaking? We kayaked through the emerald water, laughing because we seemed to be moving in a circle.
Late Afternoon: The ride back from the party boat was a blur. I still remember the sun kissing my skin and the wind in my hair.
Night: Dinner at a different restaurant. Oh, and the beer. We sat at a table in the street, watching the world go by, and I finally ordered something in Vietnamese, a dish involving tofu and some vegetables and rice. I don't know if it was the beer or the sheer exhaustion from the day, but it was the best meal I've had in ages.
Day 3: The Cat Ba Cave Debacle (and the triumph of the ice cream!)
Morning: We tried to explore. We booked a motorbike adventure, and even though I managed to avoid crashing, it was still a traumatic experience. We found a cave. The Cave of Surprise! I thought. But it was a cave. What was I expecting?!
Afternoon: After the cave, we went for ice cream. The best ice cream in the world. I made it. I just… sat down, and when I was done, I was ready to face anything. Maybe.
Evening: The last meal at the hotel. Same old faces, same okay food, but… this time, it felt different. I didn’t even mind the slow service. I had the feeling of having seen and done and been through every experience, and that maybe, the hotel had seen us, too. We finally felt we understood how to slow down.
Day 4: Departure – Farewell, Cat Ba! (And already dreaming of a return)
Morning: One last breakfast, one last walk along the waterfront, one last longing look at the shimmering bay. Yes, the Thủy Anh Hotel wasn't perfect. The room was a bit basic. The food was occasionally a little…meh. But the people? The location? The raw, untamed beauty of Cat Ba Island? They were all glorious.
Afternoon: Journey back to Hanoi. The bus ride was long, and the journey was a blur.
Evening: Back home. And already, I’m missing the chaos, the smells, the sounds, and the sweet, sticky feeling of vacation. Going back? Absolutely. I have to get that ice cream again!!
Cat Ba Island's Best-Kept Secret: Thuỷ Anh Hotel & Restaurant - Let's Get Real! (And a Little Messy)
Alright, folks, let's ditch the perfectly polished brochures and dive headfirst into the glorious, sometimes chaotic, reality of Thuỷ Anh Hotel & Restaurant. Prepare for some truth bombs and, let's be honest, probably a few tangents. I'm still recovering from my trip – in the best way possible!
So, Thuỷ Anh... Is it ACTUALLY a hidden gem? Or just another tourist trap in disguise?
Okay, listen. I've seen "hidden gems" before. Usually, they involve overpriced cocktails and Instagram influencers. But Thuỷ Anh? It *genuinely* feels like you stumbled onto something special. Yeah, it's in a good spot, which means finding it is *easy*. But the vibe? The people? The food? That's the secret sauce. It feels local, authentic. It’s not perfect (we'll get to that, *oh, we'll get to that*), but the imperfections are part of the charm. Think slightly wonky wifi alongside incredible sunsets and you're getting closer. And no, I'm not being paid to say any of this. I wish! I just really, really liked it.
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they clean? Comfortable? Do they have, like, actual working AC? (Asking for a friend... who is me.)
Alright, the rooms. Truth time. They’re not the Four Seasons. (Good, because I can’t afford the Four Seasons!) They're clean – and that's the most important thing, right? They're basic, but perfectly adequate. I had a view of the sea (worth every single Dong!). Yes, the AC *mostly* worked. One night, it hiccuped, but the guy who owned the place, Mr. Anh (I think that's right, my memory's a bit fuzzy from the delicious cocktails), came running over to fix it with a smile and a bunch of Vietnamese I didn’t understand, but clearly implied, “You’re welcome, enjoy your sleep.” It got fixed! So, expect functional, not luxurious. Expect a decent sleep with the sounds of the ocean. And expect to feel rested.
Let's talk about the food! I've heard whispers. Are the rumors true? Is Thuỷ Anh's restaurant truly divine?
Whispers? My friend, the *screams* of joy are what you should be hearing! The restaurant is... *chef's kiss*. Honestly, the food is INSANE. Fresh seafood, cooked to perfection. Their grilled squid? I’m dreaming about it. Seriously, I need a support group. I ordered it *every* day. The spring rolls? Crispy, fresh, and served with the most amazing dipping sauce. (Okay, I might be drooling a little just remembering it.) The prices are ridiculously reasonable. You'll be eating like royalty without breaking the bank. And the sunsets... eating fresh seafood while watching the sun dip below the horizon? It's a spiritual experience! Just… be prepared to maybe queue a little, it's popular... for obvious reasons.
Anything… *bad*? Because, let's be honest, perfection is boring.
Okay, okay, alright. Nothing's perfect. Sometimes the Wi-Fi can be a little… temperamental. Not the end of the world, but if you're glued to your phone, be warned. And if you like a super-modern, minimalist aesthetic, this isn’t it. It’s got character, let's say! The shower pressure could, at times, be described as "gentle". Also, the stairs are a bit steep. But, I’d trade all of that for the view, the food, and the genuine warmth of the staff any day. Minor annoyances? Yes. Deal-breakers? Not even close.
Tell me about the staff! They're important, right?
The staff… they are GOLD. Seriously. They're incredibly friendly, welcoming, and genuinely seem to care that you're having a good time. Mr. Anh (pretty sure, that's the name) is always around, chatting with guests, making sure everything is okay. And they all were so patient with my terrible Vietnamese. I tried! They helped me arrange tours, recommended places to go, and even helped me with a minor problem I had with my bag. It's the kind of service that makes you feel like you're more than just a customer. You actually feel *cared* for. This is a big part of why I loved it.
Okay, you've got me hooked. But… what’s the "must-do" while you’re at Thuỷ Anh?
Okay, brace yourself. This is my moment of pure, unadulterated obsession: the *sunsets*. And specifically, having dinner at their restaurant while watching them. It's an experience. Find a table on the edge of the restaurant, order the grilled squid (yes, again!), a cocktail (or three), and just… *breathe*. The colors are insane. The whole atmosphere is just… magical. I'm getting shivers remembering it. (Seriously, go. Book a table *now*.) It’s something I’ll carry with me forever.
Worth it? The ultimate verdict?
Absolutely, 100% worth it. If you want a luxurious, cookie-cutter experience, look elsewhere. But if you want charm, delicious food, genuine hospitality, and an unforgettable stay at a place that feels like a secret, book Thuỷ Anh. You'll thank me later (probably while you're eating grilled squid...) Go. Seriously. Go!
