Homestay in the North of Vietnam
Want to immerse yourself in the depth and conviviality of Vietnamese daily life? Nothing is more authentic than staying with a local.
Traveling in Vietnam is more than just seeing beautiful landscapes or cities, it is also immersing yourself in the Vietnamese culture. Staying at a homestay is a real experience, especially in the north of the country. You will find in this region several ethnic minorities with their own languages and traditions. Staying with them will give you unforgettable moments.
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Why sleep in a homestay?
To meet new people
Staying at a local’s house is a way to meet the locals by sharing their daily life. It is sometimes difficult to communicate with them, a French-speaking guide will be essential for the translation. You can however learn some simple words such as Xin chao (Hello), Cam on (Thank you) and Tam biet (Goodbye). This is an opportunity to create bonds and memorable memories.
Live an experience of immersing yourself in the local culture
Staying in a homestay is a way to integrate the local culture and life. By staying with different families, you will have the opportunity to discover the incredible ethnic diversity of Vietnam. You can participate in daily tasks such as preparing a meal and learning about traditional Vietnamese cuisine. You will then share a moment of conviviality during the family dinner.
Travelling responsibly
Staying in a homestay is a real help for the host families as well as for the local economy. This type of accommodation allows locals to benefit directly from the advantages of tourism and to improve their standard of living. Moreover, it also contributes to the preservation of cultures and traditions. Sharing about culture and customs, presenting traditional shows…allows ethnic groups to strengthen cultural characteristics that tend to disappear due to the rapid modernization in Vietnam.
Where to stay in a homestay in North Vietnam ?
In the mountainous region of North Vietnam where several ethnic minorities are concentrated, you will find a large number of choices for a homestay.
– In Mai Chau: village of Van, Buoc, Mai Hich, or Xam Khoe of the white Thai ethnic group
– In Pu Luong: Don or Hieu ethnic Thai village
– In Nghia Lo, Mu Cang Chai: villages of the black Thai ethnic group
– In Thac Ba: Tay ethnicity village
– In Sapa: villages of Ta Van or Giang Ta Chai of the Giay ethnic group; village of Ta Phin of the Red Dao ethnic group; village of Cat Cat, Sin Chai or Lao Chai of the Black Hmong ethnic group.
– In Bac Ha: village of Na Lo, Na Hoi or Thai Giang Pho of Tay and Nung ethnicity; village of Ta Van Chu or Ngai Phong Cho of Hmong flower ethnicity.
– In Hoang Su Phi: Nam Hong village of the Red Dao ethnic group, Ban Luoc village of the Dao Ao Dai ethnic group, Ban Phung village of the La Chi ethnic group
– In Ha Giang: village of Thon Tha of Tay ethnicity
– In Nam Dam: village of Dao Lan Tien ethnic group
– In Ba Be: village of Pac Ngoi of the Tay ethnic group
– In Cao Bang: Tay – Nung ethnic village in Quang Uyen
– In Y Ti : village of the black Ha Nhi ethnic group
The comfort of a homestay
Before deciding to stay at a homestay, it is important to know the conditions of this type of accommodation.
Generally, these are traditional wooden houses on stilts with a main room on the floor. You will have a curtained room or a private room with a fan in the house. The family will provide you with a mattress, a blanket and a mosquito net. Remember to take mosquito repellent and a flashlight.
Showers and toilets are often shared with the family and are located outside the house. They are basic, but offer the minimum essentials with a hot shower and a standard western toilet.
The meals are served in a friendly atmosphere with dishes prepared by the hosts. We sit in a circle on the floor or around the table. Depending on the season, the house or the host family, meals can be taken in different places: in the large living room, under the house on stilts, in the courtyard of the house or in the kitchen room.
How does a night at a homestay work ?
Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by the family. After a break, you can take a walk in the village, ride a bike or prepare dinner with your hosts at the end of the day.
At dinner, everyone gathers in a circle around the table. Everyone has a small bowl and a pair of chopsticks. The meal begins with a glass of rice or corn alcohol. This is an opportunity to talk and discuss, you can ask questions to find out more about your hosts and their culture. Your guide will be at your side to help you exchange.
At the end of the evening, it sometimes happens that the family organizes a small show for you, for your greatest pleasure: traditional music, dances and or songs of their culture.
The next day, you can hear the animals (roosters, pigs, dogs…) very early in the morning and sometimes even at night. After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye with regret.
Now you know what to expect during a homestay. It is a unique experience that you will not find anywhere else!
