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Experience A Night At A Homestay In Vietnam: What To Do With Locals?

Why book homes from local hosts?

Spending a night in a homestay in Vietnam has become a familiar experience for many world travelers, especially "backpackers". Choosing to stay in homes from local hosts in Vietnam offers various benefits, such as a reasonable budget, unique accommodation, and direct exchanges with the locals. So, should you consider staying at a homestay in Vietnam? Discover what to do with locals in Vietnam during a homestay experience with Autour Asia below!

I. What is a homestay like in Vietnam?

In recent years, homestays in Vietnam, or staying with locals, have become increasingly popular among travelers. If you think homestays in Vietnam are less comfortable than hotels, think again!

The homestay concept has grown significantly, offering a wide variety of rooms with diverse architectural styles. In some places, you will even have the chance to share meals with the locals, providing a wonderful opportunity to enjoy local cuisine while interacting with them to discover their culture and way of life.

Here are 2 popular types of homestays in Vietnam:

  • Homestay in ethnic villages in northern Vietnam or rural areas: simple facilities, but an authentic immersion in the atmosphere of ethnic minorities.
  • Homestay in tourist cities: more modern and comfortable, with a unique regional touch.

II. What to do when staying in a homestay in Vietnam?

1. Meeting and interacting with the locals

What to do when staying with locals in Vietnam? Talk to the locals

Every trip is a precious experience. Staying in a homestay in Vietnam will be an opportunity to discover fascinating aspects of the places you visit. Meeting the locals will allow you to learn things you may never have heard or read elsewhere. You can chat with your hosts, learn a few basic phrases in Vietnamese, and thus build friendships with the locals.

Moreover, the Vietnamese are truly warm and greet international visitors with a lot of kindness. They welcome you as if you were a member of the family returning home, wishing for you to relax, explore new things, and enjoy delicious meals. So don't be surprised by the warm hospitality you will receive during your homestay in Vietnam.

2. Cozy and friendly accommodation experience

In addition to the modern and comfortable 4 or 5-star hotels, homestays in Vietnam often offer a cozier and more welcoming atmosphere. You can enjoy your vacation in a wooden house, with blankets and cushions hand-embroidered by the locals. Or, you might sleep in a room with a stunning view of the Mu Cang Chai rice terraces or the sea of clouds in Sapa. All of this promises an unforgettable experience.

The essence of a homestay in Vietnam lies in the concept of "staying with locals", meaning the architecture and interior design are often spontaneous. The hosts choose a style that is closest to their daily life, allowing travelers to live in an environment like real locals.

Cozy and friendly homestays in the ethnic villages of northern Vietnam

3. Tasting authentic local cuisine

If you enjoy discovering unique and typical dishes of different regions, staying in a homestay in Vietnam will allow you to fulfill that wish. You will have the chance to taste the dishes that locals eat every day, and even participate in meal preparation with them, exploring the ingredients and variety of spices used in Vietnamese cuisine.

A typical meal in Vietnam includes many dishes: rice as the main element, accompanied by meats or fish, vegetables, soup, and especially fish sauce for seasoning. Don’t hesitate to ask the hosts how they cook; they will be happy to share all their recipes with you.

Cooking classes - An interesting activity at a homestay in Vietnam

4. Exploring hidden gems on an authentic tour 

The tourist activities organized in homestays in Vietnam are experiences not to be missed. It could be a hike to explore areas known only to the locals or a bike ride to admire the daily life of the Vietnamese people.

The hosts can also be your local guides, accompanying you to discover hidden treasures. If you prefer to explore on your own, they will be there to recommend places to visit, organize a tailored itinerary, or suggest an excellent local restaurant for your meals. Their advice will certainly make your trip to Vietnam unforgettable.

Biking tours in Vietnam

III. Best places for homestay experience in Vietnam

1. Ethnic villages in Northern Vietnam

For homestays in northern Vietnam, you can consider homestays Sapa, homestays Ha Giang, or homestays Cao Bang. These homestays in ethnic villages offer a unique experience immersed in local culture. You’ll have the chance to meet ethnic minorities, learn about their customs, and stay in spaces decorated with traditional motifs. In addition to that, the experience of a homestay in the northern mountains of Vietnam will allow you to live in the heart of grand natural landscapes. Whether it’s a homestay in Sapa or Cao Bang, nestled on the mountainside with a view of the highlands, or a homestay in Ha Giang and Mu Cang Chai to admire the beautiful rice terraces, each option promises an unforgettable immersion.

Additionally, homestays in tourist cities such as Hanoi and Ninh Binh also attract many visitors due to their central locations and affordable prices. Contact the Vietnam travel agency Autour Asia to learn more now!

2. Tourist cities in Central Vietnam: Hoi An, Da Lat, Quang Binh

In central Vietnam, homestays Hoi An, homestays Hue, and Da Nang attract many travelers with their unique charm, whether through their architecture, original workshops, or exciting tours. For example, cooking or lantern-making classes in Hue and Hoi An, or motorbike tours to explore the beautiful coastal city of Da Nang. All of these experiences are accessible by staying in a homestay in central Vietnam.

Homestay Hoi An

3. Mekong Delta in Southern Vietnam

For the south, a homestay Mekong Vietnam will be an ideal choice to authentically discover the beauty of this region. Depending on the province, homestays in southern Vietnam offer different characteristics. For example, a homestay Can Tho, homestays Ben Tre or a local house in Cai Be will take you into a peaceful natural setting, immersed in the unique atmosphere of the floating market. On the other hand, a homestay in Saigon will plunge you into the hustle, noise, and vibrant nightlife of the city, while offering modern comfort that is highly appreciated.

Homestay Mekong Vietnam

IV. Useful tips for choosing a homestay in Vietnam

To have a memorable vacation, here are some tips to follow when choosing a homestay in Vietnam that suits you:

  • Book in advance on a reliable website (Agoda, Booking, Traveloka) and read reviews about the homestay (TripAdvisor, Google Review).
  • Carefully check the photos of the rooms, and don’t hesitate to ask for pictures of the room and the bathroom.
  • Make sure to keep your valuables in a personal safe at the homestay.
  • Be open-minded to discover the local culture.
  • Respect the rules when staying with locals in Vietnam.

Spending a night in a homestay in Vietnam will certainly be a new and unique experience that every traveler should have at least once. I hope the information shared above will be useful, especially if you wish to stay with locals in Vietnam. So, start your adventure in this beautiful Southeast Asian country now! Let’s go!

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Author:
Nhan Do, known by his pen name Noah, is a English French-speaking tourism marketing expert at Autour Asia. Born in 2000, he graduated from Hanoi University (HANU), where he specialized in French studies. He is fluent in both French and English and combines his passion for travel with his expertise in tourism marketing to create informative, engaging, and valuable travel content. Passionate about travelling and discovering new destinations, Noah has a particular interest in local cultures, traditions, lifestyles, communities, and regional specialties. His curiosity and love of exploration have helped him develop extensive knowledge of destinations across Southeast Asia, allowing him to share practical insights and detailed information with international travellers. Noah is one of the most prolific contributors to the Autour Asia travel blog. His articles are appreciated by international readers for their detailed information, practical recommendations, and regular updates reflecting real travel conditions and local developments. Currently living and working in France, Noah contributes to the development of Autour Asia's French-language content, bringing together an understanding of European travellers' expectations and a strong appreciation of authentic experiences in Asia. 🌏 Why Trust This Guide? ✔️ Content shaped by a genuine passion for travel and an in-depth interest in the destinations, cultures, traditions, and local communities of Southeast Asia. ✔️ Detailed, practical, and regularly updated information reflecting real travel conditions, seasonal changes, prices, and local developments. ✔️ French and English language expertise, supported by his academic background at Hanoi University (HANU) and his experience in tourism marketing. ✔️ One of the most prolific authors on the Autour Asia travel blog, contributing informative articles for French-speaking and international travellers. ✔️ A dual perspective between France and Asia, helping bridge European travellers' expectations with authentic local experiences and destination knowledge.

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