The best homestays in Vietnam | Our top picks

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 guide will help you find the perfect Vietnam homestays.

What are the best homestays in Vietnam?

If you're planning a trip to Vietnam and want something more memorable than hotels and hostels, you’re in the right place. Staying in a homestay isn’t just about saving money – it’s about sharing a meal with a local family, learning how to cook a proper bowl of phở, or waking up to the sound of roosters in a mountain village, not traffic in the city.

Homestays are one of the most rewarding types of Vietnam accommodations:

• A rustic stilt house overlooking rice fields in Mai Chau.
• A breezy bungalow tucked between the palms in the Mekong Delta.
• A family-run guesthouse in Hoi An with the best bánh mì you’ve ever tasted.

They’re ideal if you’re looking to add a dose of local life to your Vietnam itinerary – but let’s be honest, not all homestays are worth your time. That’s where we come in.

We’ve picked the ones that actually deliver. Whether you’re heading north to the misty hills of Ha Giang or beach-hopping along the southern coast, these Vietnam homestays offer more than just a bed – they’re part of the experience.

An Bang Beach Homestay, Hoi An

A few steps from the sand, this homestay in the chilled-out An Bang neighborhood is everything you want after dodging scooters in Hanoi or trekking up north. Rooms are simple but thoughtfully done, with colorful tiles, airy windows, and the kind of mosquito nets that make you feel like you’re in a movie. The beach? Two minutes away. Hoi An’s Ancient Town? Ten minutes by bike.

Breakfast is fresh fruit, strong coffee, and steaming bowls of noodle soup – the kind of Vietnamese food that makes you want to linger. The hosts are warm without hovering, and they’ll happily point you to local food spots where the Vietnamese food is the real deal. It’s not flashy – that’s the point. You wake up to the sound of waves, not traffic.

This is the kind of place that makes you unpack your bag and stay longer than planned. Ideal for a reset after a week of long bus rides and bumpy roads.

Minh House, Da Nang

Hidden down an alley in Da Nang’s beachside district, Minh House hits that rare sweet spot: it’s got style, but it doesn’t try too hard. The rooms are minimalist with local flair – think polished concrete, wooden touches, and windows that let in both light and greenery. There’s a small pool, a leafy courtyard, and a calm that’s hard to find in Vietnam’s fourth-largest city.

You’re a short walk from My Khe beach, but it’s the in-between moments that make this place stand out. The silence after a surf. The smell of lemongrass drifting from the kitchen. The warm, no-fuss hospitality from staff who genuinely care that you have a good stay.

It’s more boutique than traditional homestay, sure – but it’s still family-run, and the vibe is right. Minh House regularly pops up on lists of the best homestays in Vietnam, and for good reason. If you’re passing through Da Nang and want a breather from noise and neon, this is it.

Le Bleu Homestay, Da Lat

Da Lat has no shortage of quirky places to stay, but Le Bleu leans into its charm without being kitschy. Set in an old wooden house just uphill from the city center, it feels more like crashing at a friend’s cabin than checking into a guesthouse. The interiors are vintage French-Vietnamese – creaky floors, pastel-painted doors, and a garden full of potted herbs and string lights.

You cook your breakfast in the shared kitchen (eggs and bread are provided), make tea on the tiny balcony, and wrap yourself in a blanket when the mountain chill kicks in. Don’t expect polished service – the hosts mostly leave you to it – but that’s part of the charm.

It’s not for everyone. If you need air conditioning and crisp linens, look elsewhere. But if you like cozy chaos and faded romance, Le Bleu feels like home, especially when the fog rolls in.

Bong Bang Homestay, Ha Giang

Tucked into the lush hills just outside Ha Giang city, Bong Bang Homestay offers the kind of warm welcome that makes you want to stay longer than planned. Run by a local Tay family, the house is simple but spotless, with wooden floors, thick mattresses, and mosquito nets that actually do their job.

You’ll eat what the family eats – think sticky rice, sautéed bamboo, and herbal chicken stew – and share the table with other guests and curious kids. It’s a proper home, not a packaged “cultural experience.” Want to explore? Rent a scooter and hit the Ha Giang Loop, or ask your host for walking routes through the surrounding rice terraces.

If you're looking for an authentic Vietnam homestay in the far north, this one hits the mark. No gimmicks, no staged dances – just a kind family, good food, and an unbeatable sense of calm.

An Villa, Hoi An

Set between Hoi An’s Ancient Town and the quiet shores of Cua Dai, An Villa is one of those rare places that nails both style and soul. It’s family-run, but with a designer’s touch – think tiled outdoor showers, flowing mosquito nets, and garden paths lit with lanterns. Everything is handmade or locally sourced, right down to the pottery in your room.

The villas and bungalows are tucked among lily ponds and palms, offering plenty of privacy and calm. You can join a yoga session, take a Vietnamese cooking class with the chef, or hop on a bicycle and be in the Old Town in ten minutes. The food here is standout – breakfast is a full, sit-down affair with proper coffee and a rotating menu of local dishes.

An Villa isn’t your typical Vietnam homestay, but it still feels deeply personal. The team knows your name, remembers how you take your tea, and genuinely cares that you’re happy. If you want a peaceful base with a touch of flair, this is a strong bet.

Vu Homestay, Hue

Set along the banks of the Perfume River, Vu Homestay is a warm, low-key spot that mixes comfort with character. It’s run by a young, local couple who’ve turned their family home into a mellow hideout for travelers. The garden is lush, the common areas are full of plants and books, and there’s even a small open-air café out front where you can sip strong iced coffee and plan your day.

Rooms are simple but tastefully done – lots of wood, natural light, and local textiles. The hosts go out of their way to help, from booking buses to recommending quiet temples and night market stalls that the guidebooks skip. It’s within walking distance of Hue’s citadel, but just far enough out to feel relaxed.

Ben Tre Garden Homestay, Ben Tre

Ben Tre doesn’t always make it onto itineraries – and that’s exactly why you should go. Tucked between coconut groves and narrow waterways, Ben Tre Garden Homestay is a peaceful hideout run by a sweet local couple who’ll make sure you’re never hungry or bored.

Rooms are basic but charming, with mosquito nets, fans, and garden views. There’s a hammock outside each one, and you’ll want to spend time in it – preferably after a boat ride and a long lunch of elephant ear fish and fried spring rolls. The hosts can help you rent bikes, organize boat trips, or teach you to cook southern-style dishes from scratch.

La Maison de Campagne, Cu Chi

About an hour outside Ho Chi Minh City, La Maison de Campagne is technically more boutique villa than a homestay – but it still delivers the warmth and intimacy of a family-run guesthouse. Surrounded by gardens and ponds, the house feels like a peaceful countryside retreat, even though it’s surprisingly close to the Cu Chi Tunnels and the bustle of Saigon.

The rooms are airy, tastefully decorated, and open onto a courtyard or small pool. Meals are slow-cooked, generous, and best enjoyed under the trees. Staff are discreet but kind – they'll give you space but also know exactly when to offer a fresh coconut or suggest a walk by the river.

If you want to ease into Vietnam or unwind before flying out, this is one of the more refined Vietnam homestay options. You still get the personal touch, just with fluffier pillows.

Island Life Homestay, Phu Quoc

Set on the quieter east coast of Phu Quoc, Island Life Homestay is a laid-back escape that trades beach clubs for banana trees. The bungalows are basic but clean, each with a shaded porch and hammock – ideal for reading, napping, or just zoning out after a morning swim.

The owners, a friendly Vietnamese-British couple, are part of the charm. They cook great meals (don’t miss the lemongrass chicken), help organize snorkeling trips, and know exactly where to send you for the best sunset spot on the island. The vibe is social but not rowdy – perfect for solo travelers or couples who want a mellow base with a bit of personality.

This isn’t the resort side of Phu Quoc, and that’s the point. You get peace, beach access, and real conversations – not just room service and infinity pools. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why Phu Quoc is home to some of the best beaches in Vietnam – quiet, sandy stretches where you can actually hear the waves and not just other tourists.

Mekong Rustic, Cai Be

Deep in the Mekong Delta, Mekong Rustic is a cluster of brick-and-bamboo cottages surrounded by fruit orchards and waterways. You get your own space – a private bungalow with a veranda and outdoor bathroom – but the setup still feels close-knit and homey.

There’s a real sense of place here. Wake up early for a boat ride to the floating market, join a local farmer for a garden walk, or help make rice paper the old-school way. Meals are communal and fresh from the land – grilled fish, banana flower salad, and lots of coconut-based desserts.

It's a bit more structured than a family-run homestay, but still personal and rooted in local life. A great way to experience the Delta without going full DIY.

Lacasa Homestay, Sapa

If you came to Sapa for the views and village treks – not the crowds or concrete hotels – this stilt house in Ta Van is where you want to be. Perched on the edge of the valley, Lacasa gives you wraparound mountain views from your balcony and misty rice terraces as your morning backdrop.

Rooms are basic but cozy – wood-paneled walls, thick blankets for chilly nights, and just enough Wi-Fi to message home before unplugging. You’ll share hot tea with the Red Dao hosts, who’ll probably invite you to join in dinner, and serve you a homebrew rice wine that doesn’t mess around.

The herbal bath here is a must – think a giant wooden tub, forest herbs, and that warm, sleepy feeling that comes after a long trek. Trekking routes to Lao Chai and Giang Ta Chai start right outside the door, so no need for early taxis or tour groups.

Heron House, Hoi An

Not budget – but wow. Heron House sits just outside Hoi An, surrounded by wide-open rice fields and dragonflies zipping through the air. Each room feels like a little sanctuary – think vintage furniture, bathtubs big enough to swim in, and French doors that open onto the garden.

It’s the kind of place where you can spend the morning doing nothing and feel good about it. Swim, nap, read – repeat. Come sunset, grab a cocktail and settle in for the golden hour show over the paddies.

It’s private, but not isolated – the hosts are friendly and full of tips, and there’s just enough social energy if you feel like chatting over drinks. Not for the penny-pincher – but if you’re here to unwind, it’s worth every dong.

Phong Nha Farmstay, Phong Nha

You come here for the caves – Son Doong, Paradise, Phong Nha – but you’ll want to stay for the vibe. Phong Nha Farmstay is in the middle of rice paddies, with water buffalo grazing and kids kicking footballs at sunset. It’s got that laid-back, old-school backpacker energy – hammocks, cold beer, and the occasional power cut that somehow adds to the charm.

Rooms are simple – tiled floors, mosquito nets, fans that hum through the night – but clean and comfortable. There’s a pool for when the heat kicks in and a bar that serves proper gin and tonics. The staff can hook you up with anything from cave treks to motorbike rentals – or just a solid noodle spot in town.

It’s not fancy, but it strikes the perfect balance between comfort and character. Ideal if you’re chasing adventure by day, and cold beers and sunsets by night.

Jolie Villa Hoi An Homestay, Hoi An

A short bike ride from the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An’s Old Town – but far enough to dodge the crowds – this quiet homestay has just the right mix of charm and calm. It’s set in a leafy lane, with French colonial touches that feel more authentic than kitschy – tiled floors, shuttered windows, and little balconies that catch the breeze.

Rooms are clean and bright – nothing over the top – but with thoughtful touches like fresh flowers and local art. Breakfast is a winner – eggs how you like them, fresh fruit, and coffee strong enough to kick-start your day. The hosts? Genuinely lovely – the kind who’ll remember your name and suggest a noodle spot that Google forgot.

Mai Chau Ecolodge Homestay, Hoa Binh

Tucked into a White Thai village surrounded by rice paddies and limestone peaks, Mai Chau Ecolodge Homestay earns its place among the best homestays in Vietnam for good reason. It’s all about slow mornings and scenic rides. The bamboo bungalows are raised on stilts – airy, thatched, and open to the breeze – with hammocks that pretty much demand a midday nap.

You’ll wake to rooster calls – not alarms – and spend your days biking through quiet lanes, waving at kids, and passing water buffalo on your way to the local market. Come evening, there’s often a traditional dance performance – no stage lights, just music, laughter, and a splash of rice wine.