Vietnam offers many types of accommodation, from luxury resorts and boutique hotels to budget-friendly hostels. But if you want to experience the country in a deeper and more meaningful way, a homestay is the best choice. What makes homestays in Vietnam unique is the diversity of experiences they offer. In the north, you can sleep in a traditional stilt house in a remote ethnic village. In the Mekong Delta, you can wake up to the sound of the river and enjoy home-cooked meals made with fresh ingredients from the garden. Every homestay provides a warm and personal experience that no hotel can match.

In this article, you’ll discover why you must try a homestay in Vietnam. From experiencing local hospitality and culture to supporting small communities and saving money, there are many reasons why a homestay will make your trip unforgettable.

What is a homestay in Vietnam, and how does it work?

A homestay is a type of accommodation where you stay with a local family in their home instead of a hotel or guesthouse. In Vietnam, homestays are common in rural and mountainous areas, where ethnic minorities and local communities welcome visitors into their traditional houses. These homes can be simple wooden stilt houses in the countryside or more modern family-run lodgings in cities. You share meals with the hosts, learn about their daily life, and experience Vietnam in a way that no hotel can offer.

Most homestays provide basic but comfortable amenities, including a mattress, mosquito net, and shared bathrooms. Some offer private rooms, while others have dorm-style setups where you sleep in a communal space. Many homestays are run by warm and welcoming families who are happy to share their culture, traditions, and home-cooked meals with you.

Top 10 best reasons why you must try a homestay in Vietnam

#1 Experience the hospitality

One of the best things about staying in a homestay is the warm and genuine hospitality of the hosts. Unlike hotels, where interactions are often formal, a homestay makes you feel like part of a family. Your hosts will welcome you with open arms, offer you tea, and treat you like an honored guest. In many cases, they will go out of their way to make sure you feel comfortable, even if they don’t speak much English.

In Vietnam, hospitality is deeply rooted in the culture. Many hosts enjoy sharing stories, teaching you a few Vietnamese words, or even inviting you to family celebrations. If you’re lucky, you might be welcomed with a home-cooked feast or a friendly gathering with neighbors. These small but meaningful interactions make a homestay experience much more personal than staying in a hotel.

#2 Discover the local culture

A homestay is the perfect way to experience Vietnam’s rich culture in an authentic setting. Each region of Vietnam has its own customs, traditions, and way of life, and a homestay lets you see these differences up close.

In the Mekong Delta, you might stay in a riverside home and watch how people depend on the water for fishing, farming, and transport. In Sapa or Ha Giang, you can experience the daily life of ethnic minority groups, such as the H’Mong or Dao people, who have unique clothing, language, and traditions.

Rather than just reading about Vietnamese culture, a homestay lets you live it. You will learn directly from the people who have kept these traditions alive for generations.
 

#3 Immerse into the local life

At a homestay, you won’t just be observing culture but also being a part of it. Instead of being a tourist who only sees the surface, you can join in the daily activities of a local family.

If you stay in a rural village, you might help with farming, planting rice, or harvesting vegetables. In a fishing community, you could join the locals on a boat and learn how to catch fish using traditional nets. Some hosts will even invite you to cook together, showing you how to prepare Vietnamese dishes using family recipes.

In the evening, you might sit around the table, share stories, and laugh with your hosts. It’s a chance to slow down, disconnect from the busy world, and appreciate the simple joys of life. A homestay experience allows you to see Vietnam not just as a place to visit but as a home, even if only for a few days.

#4 Share the daily routine with the local

One of the most special parts of staying in a homestay is the opportunity to experience daily life just like a local. Instead of following a strict tourist schedule, you can wake up early, enjoy a traditional breakfast, and join your hosts in their everyday activities.

If you stay in the countryside, you might go to the fields with the farmers, help them plant rice, pick vegetables, or feed the animals. If you’re in a fishing village, you could watch the fishermen set out to sea or mend their nets on the shore. In the mountains, you might see how ethnic minority families weave fabrics, dye clothes, or craft handmade goods for their markets.

These experiences give you a real glimpse into how Vietnamese people live. You won’t just see Vietnam through the eyes of a visitor but you’ll actually take part in the daily rhythm of life.
 

#5 Stay at a unique accommodation

Unlike hotels, which often feel the same no matter where you go, homestays in Vietnam offer something truly unique. The style of your accommodation depends on the region you visit, making every experience different.

In the northern mountains, such as Sapa or Ha Giang, you’ll likely stay in a traditional wooden stilt house with stunning views of the terraced rice fields. In the Mekong Delta, your homestay might be a simple riverside bungalow where you wake up to the sound of boats passing by.

Each homestay has its own personality and local touch, making your stay more memorable than a standard hotel. The best part? Many homestays blend comfort with tradition, offering a cozy yet authentic experience.

#6 Be at home

A homestay is a place where you feel at home, even in a foreign country. Unlike hotels, where you’re just another guest, a homestay welcomes you like family.

Your hosts will treat you with kindness, making sure you’re comfortable and well-fed. You can relax in a peaceful, homey environment, far away from the noise of tourist hotspots. Many guests leave a homestay feeling like they’ve made lifelong friends, as the connections built here are more personal than in a hotel.

If you want to experience Vietnam in a warm, welcoming, and authentic way, staying at a homestay is the best choice. You’ll leave with not just memories, but a feeling of belonging—a home away from home.
 

#7 Taste the local food

One of the biggest reasons to stay at a homestay in Vietnam is the incredible home-cooked food. Unlike restaurants that cater to tourists, homestay meals are fresh, authentic, and made with love. Your hosts will prepare dishes using local ingredients, often grown in their own gardens or sourced from nearby markets.

In the northern mountains, you might enjoy steamed sticky rice, grilled pork, or buffalo meat with wild herbs. In the Mekong Delta, expect fresh river fish, coconut-based dishes, and tropical fruits. No matter where you stay, the food will be rich in flavors, made using family recipes that have been passed down for generations.

A special part of the experience is that you can join the hosts in the kitchen. Many homestays welcome guests to help prepare meals, teaching you how to cook Vietnamese specialties like spring rolls, pho, or banana flower salad. This is a unique opportunity to learn about Vietnamese cuisine in a way that restaurants can’t offer.

#8 Support the community

When you stay at a homestay, your money goes directly to local families instead of big hotel chains. This means you are supporting small businesses, preserving traditional ways of life, and encouraging community-based tourism.

Many homestays are run by ethnic minority families in rural areas, where tourism provides an important source of income. Instead of just visiting a village and taking pictures, your stay helps keep local traditions alive. Some homestays even invest part of their earnings into community projects, such as improving schools, building roads, or protecting the environment.

By choosing a homestay, you become a responsible traveler, ensuring that tourism benefits the people who live there, not just big companies.
 

#9 Help locals improve their living conditions

For many families in remote areas, opening a homestay is a life-changing opportunity. It allows them to earn a stable income, improve their homes, and provide better education for their children. In some places, tourism has helped communities access clean water, electricity, and healthcare that they previously struggled to afford.

By staying at a homestay, you are directly contributing to these positive changes. You’re not just a visitor, you’re part of something bigger, helping locals build a better future. And in return, they welcome you into their world, making your travel experience even more meaningful.

#10 Save money

A homestay is not only a cultural experience but also a budget-friendly option. Homestays in Vietnam are much cheaper than hotels or resorts, making them perfect for backpackers, budget travelers, and anyone who prefers to spend their money on experiences rather than expensive accommodation.

Despite the lower price, homestays offer great value. Most include home-cooked meals, cultural activities, and personal attention from the hosts. Some even offer free bicycles, guided village tours, or cooking lessons, which would cost extra at a hotel.

By choosing a homestay, you get a richer, more memorable experience while spending less. It’s an affordable way to travel without sacrificing comfort or authenticity.

Conclusion

Staying at a homestay in Vietnam is not just about having a place to sleep. It’s a way to connect with the culture, support local communities, and create unforgettable memories. Whether you want to learn how to cook traditional dishes, experience daily life in a rural village, or simply enjoy the warmth of Vietnamese hospitality, a homestay offers something truly special.

If you want a deeper, more meaningful experience in Vietnam, skip the hotels and choose a homestay. You’ll take home stories, friendships, and a deeper understanding of this beautiful country.

Now that you know why you must try a homestay in Vietnam, let Vietnam Original Travel take care of the booking for your next visit! All you need to do is have fun!

>>> Homestay of the Dao ethnic group in the village of Nam Dam

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