Cultural Immersion Through Homestays in Vietnam with Local Hosts

Staying with a local host is a great way to experience the culture and lifestyle of a country. It can also help you save money, make friends, and learn new skills. However, staying with a local host also comes with some challenges and responsibilities. By the end of this blog post, you will have a clear idea of how to stay with a local host and what to expect from this unique travel experience. Let’s get started!

Written by Jade NGUYEN, (local expert) Updated on 25-06-2024

Comments

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?

To better understand the culture of a country, there's nothing more powerful than spending a few nights with local hosts. This type of accommodation is highly appealing to those in search of authenticity, enriching experiences, and meaningful human connections. It's an opportunity to share daily activities, a cup of tea, and especially dinner with warm-hearted local people. You'll discover their way of life, which is undoubtedly different from your own.

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

Staying a night with a local host also demonstrates solidarity by providing the local community with the benefits of tourism. It allows them to directly benefit from the economic impact and improve their quality of life. So, don't hesitate any longer and immerse yourself in the authenticity of a truly unique travel experience.

2. Where to Stay with Locals in Vietnam

You can stay with local hosts in Vietnam almost anywhere, from the cities to the countryside and even in the mountains. However, for unique and authentic experiences, we recommend choosing the mountainous region in the North where several ethnic minority groups are concentrated.

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

Indeed, Northern Vietnam boasts breathtaking landscapes, such as the terraced rice fields of Mu Cang Chai and Hoang Su Phi, the limestone plateau of Dong Van, the inland Halong Bay, and the famous Ba Be Lake. This region is also home to numerous villages of ethnic minorities, where you can choose various options for a "homestay" experience, such as staying with the Thai people in Mai Chau or Pu Luong; with the Tay people in Nghia Lo or Bac Ha; or with the Giay people in Sapa in the Northwest.

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

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 South, you can savor this typical experience in the Mekong Delta region of Ben Tre, Can Tho, or Vinh Long. Unlike the stilt houses and vibrant colors of the northern mountain people, an equally exhilarating experience awaits you in the tranquil riverine countryside of the Mekong Delta. There, you can admire lush landscapes of tropical orchards, listen to the gentle murmurs of the canals, and...

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

3. Comfort

It is likely that this type of accommodation may not be suitable for those seeking high comfort. Indeed, host families, carefully selected by our team, provide only basic yet authentic comfort by offering you rooms or private spaces in their homes (often a stilt house), mattresses, blankets/fans, and mosquito nets. The bathroom, with hot water and towels, and the communal toilet are often located outside the house.

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

4. How it works

Spending a night with a local host is much more than just a lodging experience. It's a total immersion into local life, where you can discover cultures different from your own, share authentic moments with your hosts, and participate in activities such as preparing local meals or buying fresh produce at local markets with your host.

You'll have the opportunity to taste delicious local dishes while interacting with your hosts, who will be happy to introduce you to their way of life and culture. Language barriers can sometimes be a challenge, but don't worry; your English-speaking guide will be there to facilitate communication and help you establish valuable connections with the local residents.

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

In practical terms, upon your arrival at your host's place, you will be welcomed with the warm hospitality typical of the Vietnamese people. After resting for a while, in the late afternoon, you can participate in preparing dinner by making typical Vietnamese dishes with the assistance of your guide and host family. This activity is considered a small cooking class where you can learn how to roll spring rolls, make "Banh Xeo" - a delicious Vietnamese pancake - or create other typical recipes from the country.

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

"Our homestay experience was fantastic; we were warmly welcomed and enjoyed a delicious typical meal of spring rolls and papaya salad that we cooked ourselves. The activities we participated in were very enjoyable." - Review from our dear travelers (Christian Giovalle and friends)

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

The shared dinner is often served in the form of a "round table" and accompanied by rice or corn wine. This experience is an ideal opportunity to discover Vietnamese culture and cuisine in a friendly and warm atmosphere. Your English-speaking guide will always be there to assist you in communicating with your hosts and promote enriching exchanges.

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

You can learn their language and share unforgettable family moments, enjoying an authentic experience far from hotels and typical tourist circuits. Don't hesitate to embark on this unique adventure, which will allow you to discover Vietnamese local life in an immersive and authentic way.

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.