Cultural Immersion Through Homestays in Vietnam with Local Hosts

For 15 years, Kampá Tour has offered a more personal way to experience Vietnam: by staying in the home of a local family. This opportunity goes beyond typical tourism, offering a welcoming space where you can connect with the daily rhythms of life and gain a deeper appreciation for our culture through genuine interaction. We find these authentic moments are what create the most cherished and lasting memories of a journey.

Written by Jade NGUYEN, (local expert) Updated on 21-06-2025

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Table of contents

1. Why stay with a local host?
2. Where to Stay with Locals in Vietnam?
3. Comfort
4. How it works
5. What gifts to give

1. Why stay with a local host?

We believe that to truly know a country, one must connect with its people. A homestay offers this profound opportunity, inviting you to step beyond the usual tourist path and into the warmth of a local home.

It is a chance to share stories over a home-cooked meal, to listen and learn, and to see the world through the eyes of your hosts. This is where you find more than just authenticity; you find genuine human connection.

staying with local host of Kampá Tour — *Veronica's family learning how to make Cha Nem - a traditional dish of Vietnam with local host*

This form of travel also fosters a respectful partnership with the community. By choosing to stay with a local family, you ensure your journey contributes directly to their livelihood, creating a positive impact that enriches everyone involved.

2. Where to Stay with Locals in Vietnam?

Homestays are available throughout Vietnam, offering a chance to connect with local life in bustling cities, serene countrysides, and remote mountains. To help you choose, here are some of our top recommendations.

à l''intérieure de la maison locale — *Inside the local house: the welcoming living room and guest bedroom.*

In the Mountainous North

For a truly unique and authentic cultural immersion, we especially recommend the northern highlands. This region is home to many of Vietnam's diverse ethnic groups, and staying here offers a memorable experience.

Some wonderful options include finding hospitality with:

The Thai people in Mai Chau or Pu Luong
The Tay people in Nghĩa Lộ or Bac Ha
The Dzay community in Sapa

The authentic life of the locals in Northern Vietnam — *Mr. Erick Migliaccio's group is experiencing the authentic life of the locals in Northern Vietnam.*

In the Southern Delta

In the South, you can enjoy the iconic homestay experience of the Mekong Delta. Welcoming families in provinces like Ben Tre and Vinh Long invite you to explore the vibrant river life and lush orchards that define this beautiful region.

By staying with local families in both the North and South, travelers can gain a fascinating perspective on the different lifestyles and cultures at opposite ends of the country, appreciating the rich diversity of Vietnam firsthand.

*The houses of the residents in the Mekong Delta.*

>>> Our travel ideas in the high mountains of Northern Vietnam.

3. Comfort

Please note: This homestay experience is designed for travelers seeking an authentic cultural immersion, offering a genuine connection to local life rather than the amenities of a luxury hotel.

*Interior of the local house: the reception room and the guest room*

Our carefully selected host families provide a clean, simple, and welcoming environment. You will have a private room or space within their traditional home (often a stilt house), which includes a mattress, a blanket or fan, and a mosquito net. The shared bathroom, equipped with hot water and bath towels, is typically located just outside the main house.

dormir chez l''habitant à mu cang chai — *The space dedicated to guests*

>>> A Special Note: This unique homestay is an exclusive experience available only as part of our all-inclusive tour packages. If you're interested in adding this memorable adventure to your trip, please let us know so we can build it into your custom itinerary.

4. How it works

A homestay with a local family is so much more than just a place to sleep. It’s an invitation to connect. The real experience comes from shared activities, family-style dinners, and meaningful cultural exchange that leaves you with vivid, lasting memories. If you're worried about the language barrier, don't be. Your English-speaking guide will be there to help with communication every step of the way.

*Mrs. Madeleine Chenette in front of the local homestay in Ha Giang - October trip to Vietnam*

When you arrive, your host family will greet you with a warm welcome. After settling in, you’ll be invited to join one of the day’s highlights: cooking dinner together. This fun, hands-on experience feels like a mini cooking class. You’ll learn how to prepare classic Vietnamese dishes with your hosts, from rolling fresh spring rolls to making crispy bánh xèo pancakes.

*They learn how to make Vietnamese rolls*

Dinner is a lively, communal event, often shared with traditional rice or corn wine. It’s the perfect moment to explore authentic Vietnamese culture and cuisine in a friendly, welcoming setting, as your guide helps you share stories, laughter, and good food with the family.

moving firewood for cooking at the homes — *Moving firewood for cooking at the homes*

cuisine avec les locaux — *Cooking with the locals is an essential experience.*

avis client — *Preparing Nem, a typical Vietnamese dish (group of Christian Giovalle and friends).*

dormir chez l''habitant — *A friendly meal of our traveler Raymond Brée with the local hosts in Nghia Lo.*

5. What gifts to give

*An evening of our travelers (Nikolic family).*

Gifts are not obligatory but are highly appreciated. In Vietnam, European products are well-received. You can offer your hosts something practical that they can use in their daily lives, such as clothing, food items (chocolate, sugar, milk, cooking oil, fish sauce, etc.). Alternatively, a small bottle of alcohol for the men, a small lipstick or soaps for the women, or notebooks, pencils, toys, or candies for the children will always bring joy.