An expert's guide: the best homestays in Vietnam

Tailor-made Travel

Jan 2024

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written by Joe Minihane

updated 27.01.2020

Vietnam’s emergence as one of Asia’s most vibrant destinations shows no sign of abating. And with the rapid pace of change affecting everywhere from hectic Hanoi to sleepy Sapa, a homestay with a local family is the best way to steep yourself in the real Vietnam. Whether you’re after city-based adventure or a chance to escape to the countryside, this area-by-area guide will help you find the perfect homestays in Vietnam.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Vietnam, created by local experts

Vietnam Culinary Discovery

10 days / from2150 USD

Vietnam Culinary Discovery

Vietnamese cuisine can be divided into three categories, each pertaining to a specific region, namely the North, Centre and South. You will visit all of these on this culinary tour of Vietnam. Awaken all of your senses to the wonderful sights sounds and aromas of this fascinating country.

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Very Vietnam

16 days / from2150 USD

Very Vietnam

Vietnam is full of surprises, seamlessly mixing both ancient and modern. See rice paddies, traditional villages, markets, temples and pagodas. Discover romantic cities, cruise around mystical Halong Bay, laze on pristine beaches and get out and about in exuberant Ho Chi Minh City.

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Cultural Saigon

4 days / from550 USD

Cultural Saigon

Southern Vietnam is home to modern Ho Chi Minh City, a vibrant southern capital full of historic attraction and old Saigonese charm. Soak up some café culture, enjoy authentic street food, and get a taste of the city’s thriving markets.

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Southern Vietnam Explored

5 days / from890 USD

Southern Vietnam Explored

Discover the charms of Southern Vietnam. From the excitement of Ho Chi Minh City to the sleepy scenic canals of the Mekong Delta with its traditional villages and floating markets, Vietnam’s deep south is one of the most appealing parts of the country.

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Vietnam Culinary Experience

9 days / from2100 USD

Vietnam Culinary Experience

Embark on a Vietnamese culinary adventure, taking cooking classes in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Get cultural in the imperial city of Hue with a visit to some royal tombs, cruise around stunning Halong Bay a final stay in nostalgic Hanoi before your return home.

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Ancient Meets Modern

12 days / from2100 USD

Ancient Meets Modern

A trip to Vietnam offers a unique adventure. From ancient Hanoi to imperial, romantic Hue, coastal Hoi An with its atmospheric ruins to burgeoning Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City as it is known today, Vietnam is both an exciting and a rewarding destination.

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The Wonders of Vietnam

10 days / from1780 USD

The Wonders of Vietnam

See Vietnam's top attractions in this tour of the country that will take you from the buzzing capital Hanoi down to magical Halong Bay. Enjoy lazy river cruises along the Perfume River, delve into the history of famous tombs and temples and get caught up in the excitement in Ho Chi Minh City.

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The Ultimate Southeast Asia Grand Tour

22 days / from4799 USD

The Ultimate Southeast Asia Grand Tour

Explore the highlights of four countries in a bit over 3 weeks: Halong Bay & the Mekong Delta in Vietnam combined with the cities Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Proceed to Cambodia with Angkor Wat before watching the monks in Luang Prabang/Laos. Your trip ends in Thailand with elephants and Bangkok.

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Retrace the Vietnam War

13 days / from2260 USD

Retrace the Vietnam War

Visit the highlights of Vietnam while tracing parts of the war across the country. Notable sights include Cu Chi Tunnels, Ba Den Battlefield, Son My, the Demilitarized Zone that divided North and South Vietnam, as well as museums and more in Hanoi. End your trip with a leisurely Halong Bay cruise.

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Impressions of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos

21 days / from4545 USD

Impressions of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos

Start and end your trip in Ho Chi Minh City and visit highlights such as the Mekong Delta, Phnom Penh with the Killing Fields, Angkor Wat, the historic city of Luang Prabang in Laos before heading back to Vietnam - Hanoi, Halong Bay and Hoi An await.

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A Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos Adventure

15 days / from4400 USD

A Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos Adventure

Make the most of your time in South East Asia and discover not 1 but 3 exciting countries. From Vietnam to Cambodia and Laos you will get the know the locals, visit ancient temples, relax on a cruise, get a taste of Buddhism and so much more. This itinerary will show you the wonders of Asia.

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Indochina's Unique UNESCO Treasures

11 days / from1950 USD

Indochina's Unique UNESCO Treasures

Experience Indochina's finest UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Marvel at magnificent limestone karsts at Vietnam's Halong Bay, wander the winding colonial streets of Luang Prabang, a bastion of Laotian culture, and of course, be inspired by Cambodia's stunning Angkor temple complex!

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Vietnam Family Adventure

10 days / from2950 USD

Vietnam Family Adventure

Visit Northern Vietnam, anchored by the ancient city of Hanoi, go east and take in the stunning island-studded Halong Bay. As you make your way down the country, stop in charming coastal Hoi An before venturing south to experience exciting and bustling Ho Chi Minh City.

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Luxury Vietnam

12 days / from4150 USD

Luxury Vietnam

Brilliant beaches, verdant national parks, ancient ruins and temples, hill-tribe communities, the best museums, private transfers, speedboat tours and world-class hotels, Vietnam is as surprising as it is rewarding.

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Vietnam and Laos - Highlights and Exploration

14 days / from2947 USD

Vietnam and Laos - Highlights and Exploration

Start your trip in Ho Chi Minh City (former Saigon) and explore the city and the Mekong Delta. From here, you make your way to Central Vietnam with Hue and Hoi An before Hanoi and Halong Bay await. Afterwards, catch a flight to Laos and spend your remaining nights in fascinating Luang Prabang.

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Vietnam for Families

12 days / from2499 USD

Vietnam for Families

Travelling with family? Explore the best areas of Vietnam with suitable activities for the whole family. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are of course part of it, so is Halong Bay, a boat tour in the Mekong Delta, as well as the beautiful ancient town of Hoi An.

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Vietnam and Cambodia by Rail

15 days / from2800 USD

Vietnam and Cambodia by Rail

Discover Vietnam and Cambodia on this multicentre trip. Explore Hanoi’s charming quarters on foot; then take to the waters and cruise around Halong Bay. Then take the night train to Hue before continuing on your rail adventure through Hoi An and Nha Trang before you cross the border into Cambodia.

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Quintessential Vietnam

9 days / from1650 USD

Quintessential Vietnam

Uncover the secrets of vibrant Ho Chi Minh City and the colonial charms of Vietnam’s capital Hanoi. Explore the lush rice paddies and traditional villages of the Mekong Delta and former imperial Hue. Complete your trip with an overnight cruise to the stunning limestone caves of Halong Bay.

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Classic Vietnam and Cambodia

14 days / from2469 USD

Classic Vietnam and Cambodia

Start your Southeast Asia adventure in Hanoi with a city tour and then proceed to Halong Bay for a luxurious cruise. In Central Vietnam, you will visit Hoi An and Hue before flying to Ho Chi Minh City. Discover the Mekong Delta and the Cu Chi Tunnels before your final stop - Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

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Authentic Vietnam

12 days / from1850 USD

Authentic Vietnam

Start your Vietnam adventure in Hanoi, discovering the capital before heading to the natural paradise Ninh Binh. Stops in Hue and Hoi An allow you to explore Central Vietnam before flying to Ho Chi Minh City. Eat your heart out in the city before relaxing on the beaches of Phan Thiet.

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Vietnam - Hanoi to Halong

5 days / from1200 USD

Vietnam - Hanoi to Halong

Take in two of Vietnam’s most treasured spots. Get your fill of culture and history in Hanoi with its wonderful museums, Old Quarter and pockets of nostalgia. Then explore enchanting caves and swim from secluded beaches in Halong Bay.

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Vietnam for Romantics

14 days / from2655 USD

Vietnam for Romantics

Planning a special trip with your beloved? Vietnam is the ideal mix of culture (Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City) paired with nature (Halong Bay, Mekong Delta) and ending the trip on picturesque Phu Quoc - crystal clear water and white sandy beaches included!

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Signature Vietnam & Thailand

15 days / from3715 USD

Signature Vietnam & Thailand

Discover 3 main areas in each country: Vietnam with Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and the Halong Bay. Thailand with Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket. Discover authentic food experiences, historic city tours with knowledgeable guides and much more on this two week itinerary.

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Three Day Sapa Tour from Hanoi

3 days / from544 USD

Three Day Sapa Tour from Hanoi

Your private guide and car will take you through winding roads and terraced rice fields to Silver Waterfall and Heaven Gate for stunning views of Lai Chau Valley and Fanxipan mount. Spend a night in Sapa and visit the bustling market to see ethnic minority groups selling their handicrafts.

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Unique Mekong Delta from Saigon

2 days / from405 USD

Unique Mekong Delta from Saigon

Visit the bustling floating markets, local workshops, fruit orchards, and rice paddies, as well as cycle through the countryside and mingle with the friendly locals. You will cruise along the Mekong river to An Binh island, cycle through the orchards, visit floating markets and much more.

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Premium Halong Bay Cruise

2 days / from419 USD

Premium Halong Bay Cruise

Sail through the emerald waters of Halong Bay and marvel at the limestone cliffs, scattered islets, and floating fishing villages. Enjoy a range of activities, including kayaking, swimming, and cave exploration, while indulging in delicious Vietnamese cuisine.

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Homestays in Hanoi, Vietnam

Few cities can match the incredible, overwhelming sensory assault of stepping out onto the streets of Hanoi for the first time. Slick boutiques and fashionable hotels have sprung up in recent years, but dodge the mopeds around Hoan Kiem Lake, duck into the alleyways of the Old Quarter, and a whole other side of this fabulous city is on show.

A homestay offers the chance to delve even deeper into the Vietnamese capital. Out by the vast West Lake, Huyen’s four-bedroom home is decorated with her husband’s paintings, its arty interiors making it a unique alternative to the small hotel rooms found in the city centre.

For easy access to the bars and late-night food scene in the city centre, Mia’s House is the ideal spot for homestays in Vietnam. It’s also close to key sites including Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum.

railway-city-hanoi-vietnam-shutterstock_1016036353

Railway in Hanoi © Roman Vasilenia/Shutterstock

Homestays in the northern highlands of Vietnam

Vietnam’s misty northern highlands reward those who take the overnight train from Hanoi with huge views across the terraced rice paddies, picturesque tribal villages and quiet paths into the mountains. However, a boom in tourist numbers and a lack of regulation has made it harder than ever to find peace and quiet around the famous Sapa region.

Set in the gorgeous Muong Hoa valley, 18km from Sapa Town, Le’s home in Tavan village is a haven of homestays in Vietnam for those who want to have a more authentic experience after travelling to this magical corner of the country. There are options to go trekking in the mountains or to learn about local handicrafts, or simply sit on the balcony and look out at the lush valley.

Lao Cai, Vietnam

Rice paddies are one of many reasons people travel to northern Vietnam © Pixabay/CC0

Inspired by our list of homestays in Vietnam? Try our new tailor-made travel service and you can enjoy a fully personalised trip planned by a local expert.

Homestays in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

To the locals, Ho Chi Minh City still goes by its old name of Saigon. But that’s just about the only thing that’s old school about the centre of this southern metropolis. Massive investment has seen a string of new skyscrapers kiss the steamy sky, with vast new roads bringing more and more people into the city. Slick Le Loi is home to high-end hotels and fancy bars. Despite this modern edge, there remains a pleasing air of chaos, especially around the Ben Thanh market.

In District 8, a short bus ride across the river from the market madness, Linh’s beautiful five-storey home is the ideal haven away from the tourist crowds. Set on a pedestrian alleyway, with access to some of Saigon’s best street food, it’s the ideal spot for living like a local.

street-vendor-bicycle-ho-chi-minh-city-vietnam-shutterstock_521906794

Street vendor on a bike in Ho Chi Minh City © Ko Backpacko/Shutterstock

Homestays in Hue, Vietnam

Capital of Vietnam until 1945 and home to a spectacular walled citadel, Hue was the scene of some of the most ferocious fighting during the American War.

Today the town attracts thousands of visitors thanks to its historic connections and location on the pretty Perfume River.

While the city has its charms, the surrounding countryside is even more beautiful. Huynh’s homestay offers two double bedrooms and is just a five-minute bus ride from the centre of town. She also offers bike hire, making it easy to get around the quiet lanes and back into the heart of the action.

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Hue has many cultural attractions © Tonkinphotography/Shutterstock

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Homestays in Da Nang, Vietnam

Da Nang’s fast-changing coastline is the apotheosis of Vietnam’s rapid emergence on the tourist trail. Golf courses and swanky beach resorts abound, while the city itself is now awash with high-end hotels and swish bars.

That doesn’t mean, though, that it’s only for luxury lovers and high rollers. Kitty’s parents and two brothers open up their downtown home to visitors from all over the world. With first-class amenities and easy access to the Han and Dragon Bridges, not to mention the beach, it’s a great alternative to the pricier establishments that have cropped up in recent years.

Van’s homestay, also in a handy downtown location, offers airy rooms and even free Vietnamese lessons, making it easier to order favourite dishes at the city’s street food stalls.

Da Nang, Vietnam

Da Nang is a popular beach getaway © Pixabay/CC0

Homestays in Hai Phong, Vietnam

Laidback Hai Phong is easily skipped by those making the trip from Hanoi to the majestic Ha Long Bay. But this port town has a pleasingly chilled vibe, retaining its local charms thanks to several cafés selling some of Vietnam’s strongest and most delicious coffee. It’s also got access to some of northern Vietnam’s best beaches.

Ha’s stunning home, set around a lush green garden, has two cosy bedrooms and even a games room for those who want to stay home and chill out. It’s the perfect antidote to a faceless hotel room.

hai-phong-vietnam-shutterstock_1232497222

Hai Phong is a laidback port town © mehdi33300/Shutterstock

Homestays on the southern coast of Vietnam

Vietnam’s long sandy beaches are unquestionably among the best in Southeast Asia, easily rivalling those of nearby Thailand. The southern resort of Mui Ne has developed into a go-to spot for backpackers following the trail from Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh City in the south. With azure seas and Sahara-like dunes of red and white sand, it’s not hard to see why.

Away from the strip of hotels and bars, Nguyen’s home has two double bedrooms, each featuring a clean modern design. And because it’s not on the main drag, the local restaurants and cafés feel a lot more authentic.

village-mui-ne-vietnam-shutterstock_292769459

Vietnam's beaches are among the best in Southeast Asia © HeadHog/Shutterstock

This feature was sponsored by Homestay.com, an accommodation marketplace connecting guests to local hosts in over 150 countries. All recommendations are editorially independent.

Homestay.com aspire to provide authentic travel experiences, where hosts offer the chance to live and breathe the local culture, make friends as well as memories, and explore destinations in a truly authentic way.

Joe Minihane

written by Joe Minihane

updated 27.01.2020

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