Just 10 minutes from the Phong Nha caves, the family friendly Phong Nha Lake House commands a wonderful setting overlooking the picturesque Dong Suon Lake. Guests can choose from lake view villas, bungalows and dorm rooms, with all of the options offering great value and great views.

A warm welcome awaits on check-in from the local staff  (and Milo the puppy!) who can arrange sightseeing to the caves and offer 24 hour service with a very big smile. All of the rooms at the hotel are comfortable and feature WiFi and air-con, with our favourite being the lake view bungalows; a little bit quieter and great balconies to enjoy the views. All of the buildings are constructed using local materials, making the resort extremely charming but beware, there are quite a few steps and hills to climb around the grounds!

During the day enjoy a stroll through the tropical gardens, swim in the lake or the sizeable swimming pool or take a kayak out to explore Dong Suon Lake.  Meals are served in the resort restaurant – a building purportedly used as the HQ by the Vietnamese General fighting the French, and the food gets great feedback from guests. Enjoy some Vietnamese classics and some delicious seafood dishes.

The downsides? The staff can be a little slow (common in rural areas in Vietnam) but they do try their best and give out a big friendly smile each time they see you, so we can easily forgive them!