Escape to Paradise: TARU Homestay, Gia Lam, Vietnam - Your Dream Getaway Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: TARU Homestay - Gia Lam, Vietnam: My Honest (and Messy) Review - Your Dream Getaway… Maybe?
Okay, so, "Dream Getaway" is a bold claim, right? And after spending a week at TARU Homestay in Gia Lam, Vietnam, I can tell you… it’s… well, it’s something. Let’s dive into the mess, shall we? (And trust me, there's a delightful mess to wade through).
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- Title: TARU Homestay Review - Gia Lam, Vietnam: Honest Thoughts on a Dream Getaway (and Hidden Quirks!)
- Keywords: TARU Homestay, Gia Lam, Vietnam, Review, Homestay, Spa, Pool, Accessibility, Food, Honest Review, Quirky, Vietnam Travel, Best Homestay, Gia Lam Accommodation
- Description: A candid review of TARU Homestay in Gia Lam, Vietnam, highlighting the good, the bad, and the delightfully messy. From pool views to internet woes, accessibility to culinary adventures, discover if this homestay truly lives up to its "Dream Getaway" promise.
Accessibility - The Good and the Slightly Clumsy
Right off the bat: Wheelchair Accessible? Honestly, it's a bit of a mixed bag. The website says they have Facilities for disabled guests in the Services and conveniences section, but, well, let's just say the definition of "disabled-friendly" can vary. I wouldn't go expecting perfectly smooth ramp access everywhere. And, while there's an Elevator, the journey to the elevator might be a little… uneven. I did see a Facilities for disabled guests and a few signs - but it's advisable to check detailed access options with the homestay itself before booking to ensure it meets your precise needs.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: This kind of falls in line with the accessibility - it's there, but don't expect a perfectly seamless experience. Be prepared for some maneuvering and perhaps a helpful staff member (which they do have, thankfully!).
Cleanliness and Safety – Feeling Safe-ish
Okay, big points here. Post-pandemic, I'm basically a germaphobe. I was relieved to see the precautions in place. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays – check, check, check! They've got Hand sanitizer stations everywhere, which is a massive plus. And the Staff trained in safety protocol actually seemed to take it seriously.
Room sanitization opt-out available: I appreciated this option - it shows respect for varying comfort levels, which is always a win!
Hygiene certification - I did not specifically see this but the overall cleaning protocols, plus the care with sanitizing, gave me confidence.
However, the Safe dining setup and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items was a little bit… let’s say, enthusiastic. I’m not sure if the enthusiasm fully translated to “perfectly done”, but they tried!
Safety/security feature, the Security [24-hour], CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, Smoke alarms, Fire extinguisher are all there and give the impression that you are well looked after.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Fueling the Adventure (and Sometimes Disappointment!)
Let's talk food. This is where things get… interesting.
The Asian breakfast was good – fresh fruits, local coffee, and the occasional mystery meat (which, let's be honest, is part of the fun!). Breakfast [buffet] - the buffet wasn't overly extravagant, but the basics were present. I appreciated the Vegetarian restaurant option, which, in a country that loves its meat, is a HUGE plus.
The Restaurants themselves are decent. You can have A la carte in restaurant or Buffet in restaurant. I had to try the International cuisine in restaurant, and this is where the adventure really begun.
The Poolside bar is a winner. Sipping a cocktail with that view? Pure bliss. And they have a Snack bar to keep those hunger pangs at bay. (But be prepared for those poolside drink prices. They’re not outrageous, but still… budget accordingly.)
I'M REMEMBERING that one time I tried to order room service at 3 am. I think the person who answered had probably been through a long shift, and struggled to understand my English (and I, in turn, struggled to speak slowly) but eventually – by the magic of the internet – I got a plate of something.
Services and Conveniences - Efficient or Chaotic Charm?
The Concierge was genuinely helpful. From arranging taxis (Taxi service) to giving directions, they were stars. The Luggage storage was perfect. The Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, and Ironing service are a serious blessing.
The Cash withdrawal service was surprisingly useful - always a bit nervous about running out of local currency and easy to have access to a local ATM in the homestay is very convenient.
Internet Access - The Wi-Fi Whisperer
Okay, this is where the “paradise” dream got a little… pixelated.
The Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a flat-out lie. Kidding. They have promised Free Wi-Fi in all rooms, but the signal strength fluctuates more than my mood after a bad cup of coffee. Internet Access – wireless - don't bank on streaming Netflix in your room. However, Internet access – LAN is available, but I did not have a chance to use it. The Internet overall, can be spotty, so bring a book (or, you know, accept the digital detox).
Things to Do, Ways to Relax - Spa-tastic (Mostly)
This is where TARU shines. The Pool with view? Amazing. The Fitness center? Basic, but it gets the job done. The Spa/sauna, the Sauna, Steamroom? Pure indulgence.
I splashed out on the Body scrub, Body wrap and Massage - and it was divine. Seriously, the masseuse knows her stuff. I went to the Spa several times, each time feeling renewed.
The downside? It can get pretty busy, especially on weekends. So book your treatments early!
For the Kids - A Family Affair?
I didn’t travel with kids, but I noticed they have a Babysitting service. The Kids facilities seemed fun, and the staff were definitely welcoming to families.
Available in all rooms - The Details
Air conditioning – Thank goodness! It was sweltering, and the AC worked like a charm.
Hair dryer - present and correct. Free bottled water – always appreciated!
The Little Annoyances (and the Quirky Charms)
- The Slippers: They provide these, and they are… well, they’re slippers. But the kind that make you feel like you're walking on glorified tissues. Still, better than nothing.
- Random Noises: You might experience some noise from the exterior corridor. (bring earplugs, if you are a light sleeper).
- Window that opens – a lovely touch, but be prepared to battle the humidity.
The Emotional Verdict - Is it Paradise?
Look, TARU Homestay isn't a perfect paradise. It has its flaws. The internet can be a pain, there are the occasional minor hiccups, and accessibility could be improved. But the overall experience? It’s charming. It’s comfortable. It’s… let’s say, authentically Vietnamese.
It’s a place where you can relax, be pampered, and (eventually) connect to the outside world when the WiFi decides to cooperate.
Would I recommend it?
Yes. With caveats. If you’re looking for pure, unadulterated luxury, this might not be it. But if you’re seeking a comfortable, welcoming, and slightly quirky base for exploring Gia Lam, then TARU Homestay is definitely worth considering. Just pack your patience, a good book (just in case), and prepare to embrace the glorious mess!
Osaka's Hidden Gem: Ebisu's Shirakabanoyado w/ Dining Table (Max 6 Guests)!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're going to TARU Homestay in Gia Lam, Vietnam, and let's just say, I'm expecting a vibe. Here we go, the chaotic symphony of my potential Vietnamese adventure:
Day 1: Arrival (and Utter Discombobulation)
- Morning (6:00 AM): Alarm goes off. I'm *pretty sure *I set it. Maybe. Half asleep, I'm already regretting this whole "waking up early" thing. Drag myself out of bed, stumble to the airport, and try not to lose my passport in the process.
- Anecdote: Last time I flew, I spent 20 minutes trying to find the ticket I'd printed hours before. Turns out, it had fallen out of my pocket and was stuck to my shoe. I’m not exactly known for my organizational skills.
- Mid-morning (10:00 AM): Flight! (Hopefully… I'm a nervous flier. Every little bump and creak makes me imagine the plane's about to disassemble mid-air.) Praying for a window seat so I can stare out the window and silently judge everyone else.
- Quirky Observation: The airport pre-flight snack situation is a crucial indicator of the trip's success. Bad airport food = bad trip karma. (This is a known scientific fact.)
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Landing in Hanoi! (Assuming we make it. Don’t jinx it!) Breathe a sigh of relief (and maybe a second one, just to be safe). Immigration is always a crapshoot. Trying to look confident while internally screaming, "DO I HAVE THE RIGHT PAPERS?!"
- Afternoon (2:30 PM): Taxi to TARU Homestay. Praying the driver understands my (very limited) Vietnamese, and that he isn't a serial killer. (Look, I've watched a lot of true crime documentaries. You never know.)
- Emotional Reaction/Rambling: The first thing I want to do is collapse. I’m going to be jet-lagged and utterly useless. Also, I hope TARU is as gorgeous as the pictures. Like, really hope. Because if it’s not, I might cry. I pack my expectations in a small carry on.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Check-in. (Fingers crossed the room actually looks like the pictures the place posted online.) Drop bags. Explore the homestay. Hopefully, it's as charming and Insta-worthy as I’ve been dreaming.
- Opinionated Language: I'm hoping for a place that feels cozy and authentic, not some sterile, generic Airbnb. Something that feels like a real experience, not just a place to put your head down.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Dinner at a local restaurant near TARU Homestay. This is where things get REAL. I'm expecting noodle soup (pho), spring rolls, and maybe some mystery meat I'm too afraid to identify.
- Messier Structure: Okay, this is where it could go horribly wrong. Street food is either going to be a culinary revelation or a stomach-churning disaster. I'm ready to take the risk though. Bring on the adventure (and maybe the Pepto-Bismol).
Day 2: Exploring Gia Lam (Possibly Getting Lost and Loving It)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Wake up (after hopefully getting some decent sleep). Attempt to navigate the homestay's breakfast situation, which might involve mime acting to get my order correct.
- Anecdote: My "ordering food in a foreign country" skills are legendary. Last time, I ordered a plate of… something. Turns out, it was deep-fried grasshoppers. Let's just say it was an experience.
- Morning (9:30 AM): Rent a scooter. (This is either going to be exhilarating freedom or a complete disaster. I'm betting on the latter.) Practice my driving skills on a deserted street, praying I don't crash into a water buffalo.
- Quirky Observation: The traffic in Vietnam is legendary. It's going to be a dance between vehicles, pedestrians, and stray dogs. I'll need to be brave.
- Morning (11:00 AM): Explore local markets! Prepare for sensory overload: the smells, the sights, the bartering! I’m hoping to find some hidden gems and maybe get scammed a little… all in the name of experience.
- Emotional Reaction: I'm genuinely excited about this. I love markets! The chaos, the energy, the sheer life of it all.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch at a street-side eatery. Embrace the chaos. Eat something I can't identify. Ask questions later.
- Messier Structure: Okay, I'm going to be adventurous. I want to try everything. Well, almost everything. Maybe not the durian.
- Afternoon (2:30 PM): Visit a local temple or pagoda. (Depending on what's in the area and how lost I get.) Reflect on life, try to understand the local culture. Maybe get my fortune told.
- Rambling: Okay, I’m not sure what the fortune-telling bit will be like. I hope someone tells me that I’m going to find happiness and eat lots of delicious food. Also, that I won't get arrested for accidentally offending anyone.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Return to TARU Homestay. Rest and relax. Reflect on the craziness of the day.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Head back out and find dinner.
Day 3: Doubling Down on an Experience: Cooking Class (And Total Humiliation)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Cooking class! This is the big one! I signed up for a cooking class at a local school and I'm expecting to learn how to make the pho and spring rolls I so desperately crave.
- Anecdote: I can barely boil water, so this should be hilarious. I fully expect to be the disaster in the class. The chef is going to have to be patient.
- Morning (9:30 AM): Market visit with the chef to select ingredients. Attempt to look like I know what I’m doing. Probably fail miserably.
- Quirky Observation: I love the idea of this. Finding the ingredients at the local market will bring an authentic experience.
- Morning/Afternoon (11:00 AM - 2:00 PM): Cooking! Chopping, slicing, stirring, and hopefully not setting anything on fire. Prepare for a lot of laughter (mostly at my expense).
- Emotional Reaction: Oh god. I'm terrified and unbelievably eager. Imagine the mess I'll make. It's going to be a blend of kitchen chaos and foodie aspirations.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): EAT THE FOOD WE MADE! Hopefully, it's edible. Hopefully, I haven't poisoned myself (or anyone else) with a rogue spice.
- Opinionated Language/Rambling: After the class, I'll be able to make my own version of Vietnamese food. And it will be amazing. Or it will be really bad. Either way, I'll at least give it a go. This is what I want.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Post-cooking class nap. I'll be exhausted from all the hard work (and the stress of trying not to botch everything), a nap is a must.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Dinner (What's left of me? Hopefully I haven't had my last meal!). * Emotional Reaction: After a day in Vietnam and all the food I've eaten. I will start to feel at home in this beautiful place.
Day 4: Departure (With a Heart Full of Memories and a Stomach Full of… Well, Everything)
- Morning (7:00 AM): Wake up, pack, and savor one last breakfast at TARU.
- Messier Structure: Hopefully, by now I would have gotten used to the local culture, and the smells and sounds in the air.
- Morning (8:00 AM): Try to say goodbye in Vietnamese. (Probably butcher the pronunciation, but hey, it's the thought that counts.)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Taxi to the airport. (Praying this driver is less serial killer-ish than the first one.)
- Morning/Afternoon (10:00 AM): Flight home. Reflect on the amazing, chaotic, delicious adventure.
- Rambling/Emotional Reaction: I'm already going to miss it. The food, the energy, the friendly locals. I'll be back for sure. And then, of course, I'll
So, is this "Escape to Paradise" thing *really* living up to the hype at TARU Homestay? I'm a bit skeptical...
Okay, look, I went in with my usual cynicism. "Paradise"? In Gia Lam? Come on. But… *deep breath*… yeah, it actually kinda does. At least, it *felt* that way after I'd been there for a couple of days, and the initial chaos of finding the place (more on that later) had worn off.
Here's the deal: it's NOT the kind of "paradise" with pristine beaches and perfectly sculpted palm trees. It's the "paradise" of slowing down, of genuine Vietnamese warmth, of waking up to the sounds of singing birds and, let's be honest, the occasional rooster. (That rooster… he’s a character, I'll tell you what.)
The hype? It's there. But it's a very specific kind of hype. It's about the *feeling*. You know? Hard to put into words... you feeling more relaxed than you have in years.
Okay, I'm intrigued. But what's the *vibe* like at TARU? Is it all yoga pants and silent meditation retreats? (Please, God, no...)
Nope! THANK GOD. There's definitely a sense of peace, a laid-back feel. Think more "friendly neighborhood get-together" than "monastery." I mean, sure, you *could* do yoga (they had mats!), and they had a very peaceful feel to it. But nobody's forcing you to contort yourself into impossible positions at 6 AM.
It's a genuinely warm place. The family running the show are amazing, and they created a relaxed environment. Seriously, I spent half my time just chatting with them, learning about their lives. The other guests too. I remember, a couple I met during breakfast, then we spent the rest of the day exploring... just casually... no pretense. It was great.
Also, the kids. There were kids running around! Adding life into the picture, it's a welcoming environment, not stuffy. It's a place to recharge, but it's also a place to just... be. And eat a lot of delicious food.
The food! Tell me about the food! Is it going to be bland "Westernized" stuff, or actual, delicious Vietnamese food?
Oh. My. GOD. The food. Okay, so I'm a bit of a foodie, and I'm telling you, this was some of the best Vietnamese food I've EVER had. And trust me, I’ve chomped my way through a LOT of pho.
Forget your bland, tourist-trap versions. This is authentic, home-cooked goodness. And the freshness! Everything is sourced locally, from the vegetables to the herbs. Every meal was an adventure. I vividly remember this one particular dinner... Oh, it was incredible! The flavors, the presentation, the sheer joy of eating it. The family always shared their food with us, letting us in on their personal recipes. I ended up requesting the same thing every night (sorry, guys!).
Honestly, my taste buds *still* dream about the food there. Seriously, pack some stretchy pants. You’ll thank me later.
Getting there: How *do* you actually *get* to TARU! Is it even remotely accessible, or am I going to get lost in rice paddies for a week?
Okay, so here's where things get a *little*… adventurous. Getting *to* TARU is part of the experience, I swear. It's not *difficult*, per se, but it's not exactly a walk in the park through a park either. My advice? DON'T rely solely on Google Maps. Trust me on this one! Because… it can get you lost.
My first attempt involved a taxi, a lot of head-scratching from the driver, and a *very* long, winding, bumpy ride down what felt like a dirt trail. (And then *another* taxi... long story.) But it added to the experience! It felt like an adventure.
The best option, based on my experience, is to arrange a pickup with TARU directly, especially if you are coming from the airport. Their driver is friendly, and he knows the route like the back of his hand (and probably knows all the shortcuts). You can also use Grab/similar. Be prepared for a journey, and embrace the little mishaps. It adds to the charm, trust me!.
What about the rooms? Are we talking basic backpacker digs, or are they a little more... comfortable?
The rooms are charming. They're not five-star luxury, of course. But they’re clean, comfortable, and beautifully decorated in a way that feels totally authentic. And the beds! Oh my, the beds. I slept so well, I actually started getting up early just to enjoy the sunrise. And I'm NOT a morning person.
Imagine waking up to the sounds of nature, with the sun gently filtering through the window. There's AC (thank goodness, because Vietnam gets HOT), and a good mosquito net (essential!). You’re not going to get a jacuzzi, but you will get a real, immersive experience. They're simple, but they are well-maintained, which is more than what is expected.
What activities are there? I get bored easily!
Okay, so, you can *do* a lot, but you don't HAVE to. The beauty of TARU is that it's what you want to make of it. They offer cooking classes, which I highly recommend. That way, you can try to replicate the delicious food from the dinners, which I tried to make a couple of times when I got home.
You could go biking. Cycle out to the rice fields, the local market. There's a river nearby which is also great for a stroll. Just wandering around the lush greenery around the homestay is wonderful, and quite Instagrammable.
But honestly? Sometimes, the best activity is doing *nothing*. Reading a book in a hammock, taking a nap in the afternoon, or just chatting with the family. That's the real magic.
Is there anything I *didn't* like? (Be honest!)
Okay, *fine*. I'll be brutally honest.
The mosquitos can be a bit… persistent. Bring bug spray! I forgot mine, and I paid the price. Actually, I was wearing long sleeves, but the mosquitos had superpowers and got to me anyway.
Also, maybe the dogs barked the entire night. And the neighbor's rooster loved to sing at 4 am. But it’s a minor inconvenience.
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