In a quiet riverside lane along a secluded stretch of the Do River lies Casa Rio...an enchanting living space with unparalleled riverside serenPrrtisanship with pleasing amenities and modern comforts, Casa Rio is an idyllic convergence of location, convenience and charm...designed with an eye for detail for wanderlusters, traveling familes, romantics, yoga enthusiasts, nature lovers and anyone who seeks an exeptional and personalized private holiday home.
Casa Rio is a 2 bedroom bungalow filled with endearing features and value-adding services, including:
Custom kitchen with large peninsular bar and cooking station - fully equipped with modern and attractive cookware, stocked pantry and other necessities for the home cook
Expansive verandah and outdoor patio with idyllic river-facing dining, meditation, yoga, or just listening to the ambient sounds of serenity
A luxurious custom spa bathroom - featuring large soaker tub, foot spa, locally handmade soap, shower gel, scrubs and bath salts - that will leave guests in pampered splendor following a busy day experiencing Hoi An
Beautifully hand-loomed soft furnishings sustainably and ethically sourced from hilltribe artisan groups in Vietnam
An enchanting garden with over 30 species of orchids and roses, and organic vegetable and herb patches for use and enjoyment by guests
Optional customized bespoke itineraries in nature & wildlife viewing, yoga & meditation, cultural awareness and other innovative tour options, designed and delivered by conservation professionals, wildlife experts, certified yoga teachers and other guides with decades of experience in Vietnam
Other features and amenities include:
Free airport pick-up and drop-off (5 day stay or more)
Free Wifi
Daily housekeeping
Washing machine on premises for guests to use free for themselves (washing services by housekeeper available at a small service charge)
Complimentary welcome pack of food and drinks
Fully stocked pantry of food staples, condiments, kitchenware and cookware essentials, recipe ideas and more; convenient daily food delivery from a wide range of vegetables, fruits, meats, noodles, dairy products, beverages, specialty food items etc.
Large 180cm projector screen, laptop computer (with complimentary Netflix and Spotify streaming) and high quality portable bluetooth speaker
Committed to environmental sustainability and eco-friendly living; no single-use plastics policy; innovative local model for low impact, nature-based tourism
Suitable for a range of traveling styles and experience - from family travelers to adventurous wanderers; from nature enthusiasts to photo-toursist and foodies - Casa Rio offers the quintessential convergence of location, ambiance, convenience and charm. We hope you will come and experience this charming and spacious bungalow yourself.
Open Air Kitchen and Living Space:
Casa Rio's customized kitchen was designed and built for travelers who like to cook inside their own private home. An expansive marble counter-top and adjoining peninsula bar provides ample space for preparing and presenting your favourite dishes and drinks. On-site cooking classes can also be arranged.
Guests receive a complimentary welcome package of food and beverages, tailored to their taste, to help get settled in to their home in Hoi An. We also liaise with Hoi An's organic farming community, bakeries, delicatessens and other food suppliers to provide an easy and convenient food ordering service, offering a range of Vietnamese and Western supplies - from local fruits, vegetables and traditional noodles, to homemade baked goods and imported specialty items. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available and no problem at all!
Bedrooms and Bath
The beds in both bedrooms are large (193cm x 204cm) Kind Size platform storage beds - fitted with luxurious, soft and breathable 100% Egyptian 1200/600 thread count sheets (silk/cotton) - with full assortment of quality pillows. High standard mattresses are Goldilocks-approved...not too soft and not too hard either...to support a restful and restorative sleep. With each bed including two large drawers each, this provides over two square meters of space for clothing and accessories. Both rooms include a clothes rack, and locks are equipped on all doors.
The custom spa bathroom features a large tub, foot spa and a walk-in shower with both rain and handheld shower heads (with working hot water!). Luxury spa bath and hand towels are plentiful. Complimentary, locally made & eco-friendly shower gel, soaps, bath salts and scrubs are available for all guests.
Riverfront Setting
One of the most striking features of Casa Rio is its location facing the Do River - a wondrous ecosystem of Nipa palm mangroves and brackish water habitats...cycling nutrients, mitigating impacts from climatic events (floods and erosion), and supporting the life cycles of a range of birds, fish, reptiles and other animals. Relax at the riverside at sunrise or dusk and spot kingfishers, finches, herons, lizards, frogs and many more species. The riverside also provides an enchanting setting for meditation, such as Mindfulness of Sound, Walking Meditation, Body Scan and Open Awareness.
Garden
The garden at Casa Rio has been cultivated with tender loving care and is just simply enchanting to be around. With over 30 types of roses, orchids and other plants, guests can’t help feel even that much more serene and grounded in their special holiday place.
Guests are invited to enjoy fresh produce from Casa Rio’s back yard organic garden, offering a variety of seasonal and year-round vegetables, fruits and herbs, including: eggplant, tomato, cucumber, long beans, basil, dill, cilantro, chilies, limes, kumquat and more. Use these in your favourite dishes including new recipes you have picked up in Hoi An.
Bespoke Nature-Based Tours
Leave the tourist trails behind with deeper itineraries grounded in nature and wildlife. Casa Rio is owned and managed by conservation and sustainability professionals with decades of experience working in Vietnam on environmental sustainability and eco-tourism. We are enthusiastic to apply this knowledge and expertise in offering our guests optional customized nature-based experiences that are replete with amazement and delight but light in their ecological footprint. We partner with the very best, proven and experienced wildlife guides and naturalists to deliver a variety of special experiences and connections to nature - memories to last a lifetime - tailored to any age or ambition level. These include:
Wildlife viewing at Son Tra Mountain (“Monkey Mountain”) to view the population of Red Shanked Doucs - an Endangered Old World monkey among the most colourful of all primates - as well as viewing other wildlife found in this coastal rainforest ecosystem inside Son Tra Nature Reserve, including a variety of birds, reptiles and even the occasional small carnivore like slow loris, ferret badger, civet and leopard cat.
Extended wildlife viewing trips, including overnight and 3-day packages visiting other wildlife hotspots including Bach Ma National Park and Nui Thanh forest restoration area (grey shanked doucs); we also specialize in custom itineraries for birders.
Marine biodiversity safari at Cham Islands Marine Protected Area, including full diving and/or snorkeling delivered by top professionals and including local expert(s) who will share and discuss the status of - and threats to - the marine ecosystems around Hoi An. Itineraries can include a visit with local community members who are actively engaged on marine conservation issues and monitoring of the corals, seagrasses and other indicators in support of the local Cu Lao Cham MPA management team working hard to conserve this special ocean place.
Hoi An Natural World Safari - starting at the riverbank at Casa Rio, an interpretive nature tour of Hoi An animal life, including lizards, frogs, birds, insects and other critters. And yes...maybe snakes too (note: snakes are NOT here to jump on you!). Guided by an experienced naturalist, you will be amazed at the natural world right in front of our eyes...but that we do not always know, see or listen to. This tour can be especially inspiring and informative for kids...and for all ages an opportunity to observe and understand the natural world.
Yoga & Mindfulness Meditation
Casa Rio is an idyllic setting for customized itineraries in yoga, meditation and mindfulness. We are honored to partner with Nomad Yoga to offer our guests on-site yoga and meditation classes designed to improve physical and mental fitness, train attention and awareness, and achieve a mentally clear and emotionally grounded state - for long-term benefits and for providing guests with an overall holistic traveling experience. On-site classes may also be meshed with health and wellness activities as well as guided nature-based excursions, further delivering a rounded, personally-rewarding experience during your stay.
A variety of classes are available, suitable for all ages and levels, including: Mindfulness & Yoga; Hatha Yoga; Gentle/Beginners Yoga; Restorative Yoga; Yin Yoga; Relaxation Yoga. The quiet riverside setting is perfect for guided Meditation classes. With its full amenities and features, Casa Rio is also ideal for an extended Yoga Retreat. Other wellness options, including juice cleanse and on-site cooking classes focused on health and wellness, are available.
Other Adventures
The Hoi An tourism industry has really taken off in recent years, and so it can be challenging for visitors to navigate the noise and traffic and to be assured the services or places they have picked are worthwhie and legit. We are always available and happy to share with guests our insights, tips and suggestions...no strings or heavy sales pitches attached.
That said, we do collaborate with a select group of Hoi An's most accomplished and highly-rated independent tour guides and tour operators to offer other optional itineraries for guests (at discounted prices compared to booking directly) including:
Hoi An Photo Tour - Hoi An’s original and most highly rated photo tour. Spend your days photographing Hoi An with one of Asia’s top photo tour guides; spend you evenings immersed in comfort and convenience at Casa Rio. For photographers of all levels this is a simple formula for an amazing Hoi An holiday.
Local fish market tour - Starting with a sublime sunrise (sharp!) boat trip under the vast Thu Bon River bridge, transecting traditional dropnets harvesting fish in the quiet early morning light, and learning more about local fishing techniques and challenges for communities. Arriving at the busy fish market, things get less ethereal. Your experienced guide will walk you through the vibrant market, and help you select the fresh seafood of your choice to take back to Casa Rio for a seafood brunch featuring your seafood choice, prepared in a traditional Vietnamese dish or style such as roll or hotpot.
Hoi An Hidden Gems interpretive food tour - A 3 hour gastronomic waltz through Hoi An ancient town that you and your taste buds will never forget, as you learn about and sample many delightful foods of Hoi An. Here too you can not only learn about famous noodles in Hoi An...you can make them too!
Hoi An cultural heritage tour (half or full day) - Exploring Hoi An’s history, both the recent past and the ancient; learning about early Champa (Cham) civilizations that once dominated in the region; gaining insight into the bustling major trade hub that was Hoi An (known to mariners throughout the Seven Seas as “Faifo”) a few centuries ago; observing the many unique architectural features of Hoi An’s temples, ancient houses and other historical buildings, and hearing about their history and significance.
Potential itineraries can of course also incorporate an interpretive visit to the popular My Son Sanctuary (the World Cultural Heritage site of abandoned and partially ruined Hindu temples from Champa era) and/or an intriguing overnight trip to CaTu ethnic minority village and market (for a glimpse into the past and current life with one of Vietnam’s 54 distinct ethnic minority groups). These two experiences really are must-do for those interested in history and cultural heritage, and can easily be arranged as part of your Casa Rio experience.
Sustainability
We are committed to preserving nature and the environment and to supporting initiatives and programs that promote conservation, support climate change adaptatio and mitigation, and reduce ecological footprints. While nobody is perfect, and we all have our impacts, we have made certain specific commitments including:
Adopting a no-single-use plastic policy on site (as part of our commitment to say goodbye to single-use plastic, Casa Rio has a RO water filtration system)
Actively recycling and composting food and garden waste for use in our organic garden
Purchasing organically made, natural shower gels, scrubs and soaps (complimentary to guests) from Refillables Hoi An and Hoi An Spice Company, as well as using more eco-friendly detergent and cleaners
Purchasing from local organic farms and food providers; avoiding packing; buying locally whenever possible
Promoting models of nature-based tourism that: i. emphasize quality over quantity; ii. raise awareness about the potential and real impacts of tourism and iii. advocate for local community rights and sustainable livelihoods under a Blue Economy approach
Casa Rio decor and soft furnishings features eco-friendly, 100% hand-loomed natural h**p, indigo batik and vintage fabrics. These exquisite textiles are ethically and sustainable sourced from ethnic minority producer groups (Hmong, Red Dzao, Black Thai) in Vietnam via Villagecraft Planet - a social enterprise that uses a unique incentives-based model for improved market access, environmental conservation, women's empowerment and protection of cultural heritage among Vietnam's hilltribe communities.
Included for all Guests:
Complimentary airport pickup and drop-off (for stays of 5 nights or more)
Free wifi
Use of washing machine and large outside clothes rack (note: guests are free to use the washing machine themselves; our housekeeper can wash and dry clothes for a small service fee).
Iron and ironing board
LED 1080p projector with an easy-to-hang 180cm screen
Laptop computer (loaded with complimentary Netflix and Spotify streaming services) and a Harman Karmon Go+Play wireless boombox speaker
Safe and (optional) CCTV system
Classic board and card games such as Risk, Monopoly and Clue, as well as chess, checkers, cribbage, Uno and other card games are also sure to entertain while at home
Selection of books including contemporary novels, classics, Vietnamese history, travel guidebooks etc.
Food and drink ordering system with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options
Welcome package of selected food and beverage items
Locally made & eco-friendly shower gel, soaps, bath salts and scrubs
House Manual - with key information, recommendations and tip to help get the most out of Hoi An
Key Specs:
380 square meter property (house and garden); bungalow with 2 bedrooms and 1 large (75 square meter) Wooden House (traditional Hoi An design with custom modern features); extra full mattress (floor mattress) and crib available
Air Conditioning and fans: both bedrooms have full AC; modern ceiling fans in wood house; overhead fans in patio / daybed; portable floor fans also on site
Appliances/Kitchenware: washing machine; refrigerator (with freezer compartment); dual-element tabletop stove; microwave oven; outdoor BBQ (brick); rice cooker; toaster; juicer; electric kettle; Italian espresso maker (Moka pot); Vietnamese coffee maker
Water: Extra water storage tanks installed, with both main line and well water access; full hot water available in bathroom and kitchen
Bicycles: two adult bicycles (one with child seat for 2-3 year old) and one smaller (small adult or teenager) mountain bike on site; additional bycycles can be easily arranged for small rental charge
Storage and closet space: 2 pull out drawers in each king size bed (4 large drawers total) available for guests, plus a sizeable clothes rack in each bedroom; one bedroom has a desk
Housekeeping and laundry: daily complimentary housekeeping; free use of washing machine and outdoor drying (clothesline); washing service (by housekeeper) available at nominal charge
Internet, Fun & Games: Free wifi; free use of large HK bluetooth speaker; on-site laptop (Netflix; Spotify); large 180cm screen and 1080p projector; assortment of board and card games including Risk, Clue, Monopoly, cribbage, chess etc. etc.; bocce ball set
Children’s crib: Available on request
Lighting: The wooden house features both a series of track lighting (spotlights) and faders, as well as additional soft fluorescent lights (i.e. optional for task lighting); there is a variety of lighting options as per one’s individual preferences.
Other convenient amenities and features: Eurowindows and full window screens; locks on bedroom doors; portable LED lamp; First Aid kit; fire extinguisher; smoke alarms; hair dryer; reusable food containers and cloth shopping bags; insulated backpack, 5L cooler and plenty of ice packs.
About Casa Rio
Thank you for considering Casa Rio for your private house accommodation in Hoi An. The hosts of Casa Rio are wife-and-husband Huong Hoang and Keith Symington...long-time residents of Hoi An. Keith is Canadian and has lived in Vietnam since 2004, working with WWF and other NGOs and global agencies in the field of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. Huong is from Haiphong, Vietnam, and has been the co-owner and designer at Villagecraft Planet / Natured Designs (a social enterprise specializing in eco-friendly and ethically-sourced textile in Vietnam) since she founded the company in 2010. They have two wonderful daughters, Nina (2009) and Sam (2014).
We love to travel, and wanted to design a holiday house for kindred spirits, whether solo adventurers, honeymooning couples, families with kids etc. We’ve been fortunate to have done a fair bit of traveling - in different styles and modes - and understand that while many traveling realities and needs are universal, each kind of traveling style has its own unique set of criteria for the best experience.
And so we set out to establish Casa Rio as the kind of pilace we would like to stay at - a classy, cozy and peaceful private home; adorned in traditional folkart and tasteful decor with a critical eye for detail; conveniently located close to all the must-do places and experiences (but yet providing full tranquility when at home); super-convenient for families with kids but also designed with a view to hosting solo adventurer travelers, romantic holidays and honeymooners, team building retreats, nature explorers, wildlife viewing enthusiasts and wellness travelers. From our own collective traveling experiences and our longtime connection with Hoi An, we want to offer international travelers a charming, fully self-contained and accomodating place to “come home” to...and managed professionally with hands-on support including offering practical tips and guidance for any who may seek such information.
Wishing everyone joyous and safe travels in Hoi An or wherever life’s adventures and curiosities take you.
