Hostel Tom House: Your Epic Vietnam Adventure Starts HERE!
Hostel Tom House: My Vietnam Adventure Started… Messily, But Beautifully. (SEO-fied Review!)
Okay, so let's be real. Finding the perfect hostel in Vietnam? That's like finding a perfectly ripe mango in every market. Impossible. But Hostel Tom House: Your Epic Vietnam Adventure Starts HERE!? Well, it gets pretty darn close. Especially if you're, like me, someone who prioritizes adventure over pristine perfection. (And, let's be honest, who doesn't want a solid SEO boost for their review? 😉)
First Impressions & Accessibility (Because let’s get real, it matters):
Right off the bat, the "Epic Adventure" tagline is… ambitious. But hey, I’m here for it. The hostel itself might not be a sprawling palace, but it's got a vibe. A busy vibe. Getting there was easy enough; they offer airport transfer (thank GOD after a 15-hour flight!) and taxi service is readily available. They advertise car park [free of charge], which is nice if you rented a scooter (which you should!). But the real win? The elevator. This is HUGE if you’ve been lugging your backpack around for days. They also have facilities for disabled guests, not just token ones, mind you, judging with the elevator and the way the staff greeted me, this place shows commitment to be accessible.
Cleanliness and Safety: Is it Actually Clean?
Okay, honesty time. I’m a germaphobe. Maybe not as bad as Howard Hughes, but I definitely judge a place by its cleanliness. And Tom House delivers here. Big time. The daily disinfection in common areas and the rooms sanitized between stays gave me serious peace of mind. They even use anti-viral cleaning products! They also boast Hygiene certification, bonus points from this reviewer. They even have individually-wrapped food options making this a good place in terms of eating. Plus, they have hand sanitizer everywhere. And that’s not just for show. The staff trained in safety protocol and the professional-grade sanitizing services are a major plus. Seeing CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property also helped me feel secure, but in Vietnam, you always want to be aware of your surroundings.
Oh, and the Safety/Security Features? They're everywhere. Smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, safe deposit boxes… all the usual, but reassuring. This is not one of those places where you feel like you're playing Russian Roulette with your belongings (or your life).
Rooms: Comfy Enough to Sleep Off That Banh Mi Coma?
My room wasn't a palace, but it was clean and functional. It had air conditioning (a MUST in Vietnam!), a private bathroom (yes!), and free Wi-Fi (duh!). Wi-Fi [free] in the rooms is the best and the fact that it works is even better! The bed wasn’t the best bed I'd ever slept on (hello, back pain!), but it wasn't terrible. The blackout curtains were KEY for sleeping in after a rowdy night in the bar at first floor. You also get the usual suspects: towels, toiletries, a desk for work (if you must), and, thankfully, a socket near the bed (essential for charging your phone and all the electronics). As well as the hair dryer to freshen you up!
What I really loved in the rooms: the little touches. They had complimentary tea, a mini bar, and – my personal favorite – a reading light. Details, people! Details!
Also, a quick note: Non-smoking rooms are available (thank goodness!), and they had soundproof rooms, which is a life-saver if you’re near the bar.
Food, Glorious Food (and Drinks!): Eating My Way Through Vietnam (and Tom House!)
Okay, buckle up, because this is where Tom House shines. Let's list off the food and drinks and the places to have them first.
- Asian breakfast
- Asian cuisine in restaurant
- A la carte in restaurant
- Bar
- Bottle of water
- Breakfast [buffet]
- Breakfast service
- Buffet in restaurant
- Coffee/tea in restaurant
- Coffee shop
- Desserts in restaurant
- Happy hour
- International cuisine in restaurant
- Poolside bar
- Restaurants
- Room service [24-hour]
- Salad in restaurant
- Snack bar
- Soup in restaurant
- Vegetarian restaurant
- Western breakfast
- Western cuisine in restaurant
First off, let's talk about the breakfast [buffet]. It's good. Not gourmet, not life-changing, but good enough to fuel an entire day of exploring. Plus, the coffee/tea in restaurant is decent. And they, of course, have the big standard Western breakfast and Asian breakfast options.
But the real fun happens in the eating area. The restaurants serves everything that you'd like. They have a Happy hour, I’m not a big fan of those, but they do have one, and in the poolside bar I had a blast! (see below).
That Poolside Bar… A Glorious Disaster.
So, I’m not a big swimmer. But the pool at Tom House is gorgeous. And the poolside bar? AMAZING. I had like, five cocktails there. Maybe six. I’m pretty sure I made some new friends. And I distinctly remember attempting, and failing miserably, to do a handstand. (Don't judge me; it was a good night). They had snacks too! Food, drinks, great company, and a view. It was perfect. Pool with a view is accurate!. It had air conditioning in public areas! I was never hot, I was always having the time of my life!
For the Kids & the Family:
I didn't travel with children, but I saw plenty of them at Tom House. It's family/child friendly, with babysitting service available. They also had kids meal options.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference
Tom House offers a bunch of services that make your stay easier. They have currency exchange, laundry service, luggage storage, and even dry cleaning. They give you essential condiments. They have a convenience store (perfect for those 3 AM snack cravings, which, let’s be honest, happen to all of us), and a gift/souvenir shop (for grabbing those last-minute presents).
Things To Do and Ways to Relax: Spa Day, Anyone?
Okay, so this is where Tom House goes from "pretty good" to "WOW." Seriously, they seem to have everything.
- Body scrub
- Body wrap
- Fitness center
- Foot bath
- Gym/fitness
- Massage
- Pool with view
- Sauna
- Spa
- Spa/sauna
- Steamroom
- Swimming pool
- Swimming pool [outdoor]
If you're into pampering, GET THE SPA TREATMENT. The spa/sauna is top-notch. The massage was heavenly. Forget the handstand, forget the cocktails, the Spa, gym/fitness and the swimming pool [outdoor] will change your life!
The "Epic" Factor: Does it Deliver?
Okay, back to the original question: Is this an epic Vietnam adventure starter? Honestly? Maybe. It depends what you’re looking for. If you want a perfectly polished, sterile experience, this ain’t it. But if you want a clean, comfortable, fun, and affordable base for exploring Vietnam? A place where you can meet other travelers, enjoy good food and drinks, and maybe even attempt a handstand or two? Then, yes. Tom House is a winner.
Quirks, Quirks, and More Quirks:
- The music selection at the bar could use a little work. (More classic rock, less… whatever that was.)
- The staff is always cheerful, even when they're clearly exhausted. Their energy is infectious, and the doorman is helpful!
- You’ll probably get lost a few times trying to find your room. It's a labyrinth!
The Verdict: Book It!
Look, Hostel Tom House isn't perfect. But it's got heart. It's got energy. And it's got a killer spa. It's a place where you can truly unwind and enjoy your stay. Couple's room are available in this place, so I would suggest you take your partner to this place! I’d go back. And, hey, your epic Vietnam adventure could start HERE
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the glorious, chaotic mess that is a trip to HOSTEL TOM HOUSE Xom Bai Diep, Vietnam. Consider this less of an itinerary and more of a slightly-unhinged travel journal sprinkled with a whole lotta "WTF?!" moments.
Day 1: Arrival & Immediate Regret (Just Kidding… Mostly)
- Morning (aka "Wake Up and Question All Life Choices"): Landed in Da Nang. The humidity hits you like a warm, sweaty hug. I swear, my hair instantly tripled in volume. Finding a taxi felt like trying to win the lottery – overpriced, stressful, and ultimately disappointing. He tried to overcharge me, naturally. Cue internal screaming followed by some very aggressive haggling. Victory! (Sort of. Probably still got ripped off.)
- Afternoon (aka "Where Did I Leave My Sanity"): Landed at Tom House! Holy moly, this place is…an experience. It's got that "rustic charm" that really means "probably hasn't seen a proper scrub in a while." But the vibe is…well, it's something. Met a girl from Sweden with a face like she'd seen a ghost. "The mosquitos are… intense," she whispered, eyes wide. Excellent.
- Evening (aka "Trying to Be a Cool Traveler"): Initial plan was to hit the beach (because, vacation). Reality involved me, utterly defeated by the heat, collapsing on a communal beanbag and watching the sunset. It was beautiful, I guess. But mostly I was worried about the swarm of tiny, bloodthirsty insects that had decided I was a buffet. Found solace in a cheap beer and some instant noodles. Comfort food, always.
- Bedtime Story: Sat chatting with a group of people. One guy was an overly-enthusiastic cyclist, and another was a local, and they had some fantastic arguments about the best way to cook noodles.
Day 2: Hoi An, History, and Hummus Hijinks
- Morning (aka "Hoi An or Bust"): The plan was to rent a scooter. The reality involved me nearly running over a chicken, stalling the engine, and generally looking like a complete idiot. (Not unusual, tbh.) Finally, success! We were off! (Slowly.)
- Afternoon (aka "Chasing Ancient Vibes"): Hoi An is STUNNING. The tailor shops, the lanterns, the oh-so-instagrammable scenes… It felt like stepping into a movie. I spent far too long haggling over a silk scarf that I'll probably never wear. (Worth it.) Ate the most AMAZING banh mi. Then I tried to find a cafe with hummus. This was a mistake. Found one. It was… questionable.
- Evening (aka "I Love Strangers, and Mosquitoes"): Back at Tom House. The mosquitoes are thriving. I am covered in bites. Went over to a street food market and bought a few, I think I'm going to get sick, but hey, it's an experience. Decided to watch a film on the common room.
Day 3: The Beach, Boredom, and a Big, Fat Food Coma
- Morning (aka "Beach Day (Maybe)"): Decided to get up early and go to the beach. I swear, the sand was so hot it could fry an egg. Found a shady spot under a palm tree but was instantly besieged by vendors selling everything from sunglasses to massage. (They were… persistent.) Fled back to the hostel after about an hour.
- Afternoon (aka "The Great Hostel Nap"): Slept. A lot. Seriously, I blame the heat and the mosquito bites. Woke up feeling vaguely guilty about not "experiencing" enough.
- Evening (aka "Feast of Champions"): A truly brilliant idea. Did a cooking class. The chef was a tiny, elderly woman who had the patience of a saint. (I, apparently, did not.) We made spring rolls, pho, and some sort of dessert that involved a suspicious amount of sugar. Ate so much, I was convinced I'd explode.
- Bedtime Story: Got chatting to a guy who'd been traveling for six months. He was one of those effortlessly cool people. I felt like a total disaster. But he said he loved my cooking.
Day 4: Xom Bai Diep & Absolute Chaos
- Morning (aka "My Mind is a Swirling Vortex of Confusion"): Decided to explore near Tom House. Wandered around some rice paddies, which were pretty, I guess. Then I got lost. Really, really lost. Started to panic silently. Met a local woman who spoke zero English but managed to point me in the right direction. She was surprisingly helpful.
- Afternoon (aka "Diving into the local scene"): Tried to go to the market that they had for the local people. It didn't go well. There were things to try, but I am not an adventurer when it comes to food.
- Evening (aka "Karaoke? Seriously?"): The hostel decided to have a karaoke night. I am not a singer. (Understatement.) But drunk me had other ideas. I ended up belting out a truly awful rendition of some terrible pop song. The entire hostel participated. It was glorious mayhem.
- Bedtime Story: The Swedish girl and I had become fast friends. We laughed until our stomachs hurt. And then we tried to kill the mosquitoes. I didn't sleep that night.
Day 5: Departure & The Aftermath
- Morning (aka “Regret and Farewell”): Woke up with a killer hangover. Said goodbye to the Swedish girl, and a few other people.
- Afternoon (aka “Contemplating Life Choices”): Back to Da Nang. Got on my flight.
- Evening (aka “The Trauma of Travel”): Looking back, it's a blur of heat, mosquitoes, questionable food, and moments of glorious connection. Would I go back? Probably. Would I recommend it? Depends if you're into chaos.
Final Thoughts:
HOSTEL TOM HOUSE Xom Bai Diep, you beautiful, slightly-malfunctioning beast. You challenged me. You frustrated me. You gave me some of the best – and worst – memories of my life. And frankly, I wouldn't have it any other way.
Fely's Transient House: Your Palawan Paradise Awaits!
So, what *is* this whole thing even about? (And why am I here?)
Alright, let's just get this out of the way: I honestly don't know *exactly*. We're winging it. You're here because, maybe, curiosity got the better of you. Or, perhaps, you stumbled in here by mistake, like I once did into a karaoke bar at 2 AM. (Never again. The shame...) And really, this whole "FAQ" thing? It's just me, answering questions (some real, some I'm making up on the spot) about... life? Experiences? Whatever pops into this scattered brain of mine. Mostly, though, it's an excuse to ramble, share, and hopefully, make you feel a little less alone in this crazy existence.
Do you really know what you're talking about? Seriously?
Hah! If I had a nickel for every time I've questioned my own competency... Well, I'd have enough for a slightly-above-average coffee. Look, the truth is, I'm just a person. I screw things up. I make mistakes. I have moments of pure genius (rare, but they happen!). I am NOT an expert. I'm a collector of experiences, a lover of stories, a champion of imperfection. So, no, probably not. But I *am* trying. And that's gotta count for something, right? Besides, who wants to be an expert anyway? Experts are boring.
Okay, okay... but what if I *actually* have a question? Can I ask it?
Absolutely! Fire away. But be warned: I might get sidetracked. I might start talking about that time I tried to bake a cake and set off the smoke alarm. Or, I might launch into a passionate defense of pineapple on pizza (don't judge!). Consider yourself warned. Seriously though, I welcome questions. The more bizarre, the better. I'm not promising perfect answers, but I'm absolutely guaranteeing entertainment.
What's the deal with [Insert vaguely related topic here]?
Alright, now we're getting somewhere... *[dramatic, slightly overacted inhale]*... Okay, so, [Vaguely related topic]. Let's talk... listen, I had this *one* time... a few years back... I was trying to [relate topic to experience and anecdote]. You know how it is, you think you've got a handle on things and then BAM! Life throws you a curveball that hits you right in the face. So, the thing about [Vaguely related topic]… it's complicated. It's messy. It's… well, there's no easy answer. Which is exactly why it's so interesting. What *really* matters is [insert some kind of observation of topic]. Don't sweat the small stuff, they say. But, come to think of it, *everything's* small stuff when looking back from my point of view.
Do you *ever* get anything right?
Oh, man. The pressure! See, the thing is, I’m a work in progress. If I told you that I got everything right, it would be a lie. I *try* to, really I do. But sometimes… well, let me tell you about the time I tried to assemble that IKEA bookshelf… It looked like a modern art installation gone horribly, horribly wrong. But after the dust settled, do you know what I did? I made it usable. And while it looked a little… wonky, it worked! Maybe that's the secret, right? Embrace the wonkiness. Celebrate the imperfections. Those are often the things that make life worth living. Now if you'll excuse me, I need a good cup of coffee, and maybe a nap.
What are your favorite things?
Ooh, this is a fun one! Let's see...coffee, definitely. Books, particularly the kind that make you want to crawl under the covers and forget the world. Laughing 'til my sides split. The smell of rain on pavement. And, if I'm feeling *really* honest? The feeling of accomplishment after finally figuring out how to use a new piece of technology, which is, like, a once-a-decade kind of thing, if I'm keeping it real. Oh, and dogs. Gotta love dogs. They get me.
What's the worst advice you've ever received?
Oh, honey, this one's a goldmine. I've gotten some stinkers in my time. But one stands out. "Just be yourself." Now, I know it sounds great, right? But here's the problem: sometimes "myself" is a giant ball of anxiety and awkwardness. Pretending to wear that badge could be a disaster! Especially when I’m asked to give an important presentation. It could be a train wreck. Now, of course, there are *some* situations where being yourself is the best approach. But sometimes, you need a little… finesse. A little, you know , *acting* .
What's the best advice you've *ever* gotten?
This one's easier. "Don't be afraid to fail." Sounds simple, right? But it's profound. Because, truth be told, failure is rarely the end. It's a lesson. It's an opportunity to learn, to grow, to become better. That time I messed up that presentation? Yeah, mortifying at the time. But hey, I learned a lot about public speaking, and now I can laugh about it. Mostly.
What's the one thing you wish people understood better?
That everyone's just figuring things out. Seriously, we’re all just stumbling around in the dark, hoping we don't trip over something and faceplant. We're all beautifully, wonderfully, imperfectly human. So, cut yourself (and everyone else) some slack. Be kind. Be patient. And for the love of all that is holy, embrace the chaos.
What's next? Where do we go from here?
