What to Expect – Life-Changing Vietnam Homestay Experience in Motorbike Tours

Experience Vietnam like a local. Staying in a homestay during your motorbike tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with locals, immerse yourself in their culture, and support the community.

This guide explores the top things to know about Vietnam homestay for motorbike tours, offers helpful tips, and answers common questions of what to expect of Vietnam homestay.

Accommodation Options for Vietnam Motorbike Tours

Accommodations in Vietnam vary widely, so it’s important to consider your budget and travel style when planning your motorbike tour. Hotels, and homestays are all popular choices.

Hotels

From basic to luxurious, hotels in Vietnam provide a range of accommodation options. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can find hotels that suit your needs in terms of amenities, location, and price.

If you want to explore the furthest corners of the nation, away from the tourist trail and popular destinations, the quality of the hotel will not be comparable to the hotels in the cities. However, those hotels still meet 2-3 star standards.

Homestay

Homestay is another popular form of hospitality and lodgin whereby riders share a residence with local hosts. Destination homestays are key sources for off the beaten path travel in Vietnam.

At homestay hosts typically also provide home-cooked meals and organized activities and other guest services. Hence, Vietnam homestay is often considered to be more authentic compared to hotels.

Types Of Homestay

Every country is a little bit different when it comes to homestays. Here’s how things are usually organized in Vietnam homestay.

By level of comfort

• Authentic Homestay: Authentic homestay, often operated by local families, offer a truly immersive experience. These homes typically house multiple generations, providing a glimpse into traditional Vietnamese family life.

While they may have made minor adjustments to accommodate Western guests, such as installing Western-style bathrooms, they still retain a strong sense of authenticity. Host families may have limited English skills, adding to the unique cultural exchange.

• Comfortable Homestay: Comfortable homestays, often newer or renovated properties, provide a more modern and convenient experience. Host are not necessarily from local area and often have good English skills.

These accommodations are typically located in easily accessible areas, offering greater privacy and comfort. However, they may sacrifice some of the authentic local atmosphere found in traditional homestays.

By regions

• North: The homestays of North Vietnam Motorbike Tours are located in traditional hill tribe homes, often nestled in picturesque villages surrounded by lush greenery. The houses are quite large and built from wood or soil. You will sleep on private mattresses, with pillows and blankets, on the same floor with other riders.

The design and construction of the hill tribe homes and beds have been adapted to accommodate guests.

While the homestays offer a basic and authentic experience, rest assured that the homes are safe and sturdy, protecting you from the elements.

• Central: Homestays in this region for Central Vietnam Motorbike Tours typically feature private rooms with a blend of modern amenities and traditional design elements. Riders can delve into the region’s rich history by exploring ancient temples and historical sites, while vibrant local markets offer a glimpse into daily life.

Central Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its spicy flavors and abundant use of seafood, making it a culinary adventure for food enthusiasts.

• South: Authentic homestay, often found in Mekong Delta region, offer a glimpse into the warm hospitality and laid-back lifestyle of the region. You can expect a unique blend of comfort and authenticity with simple private room.

Throughout your stay, you can participate in daily activities alongside your homestay family, like learning about traditional farming practices, fishing in the canals, or exploring the vibrant local markets. This immersive experience allows you to connect with the soul of Southern Vietnam.

5 Reasons Why You Should Try Vietnam Homestay When Joining Motorbike Tours

You’ll be warmly welcomed as if it were your home by the local host

You’ll expect a warm welcome from your host family. When staying in an authentic Vietnam homestay, you’ll become part of the family, interacting with everyone from grandparents to grandchildren.

The family are happy to share meals, stories, and experiences together with you and your fellow riders.

You’ll experience local culture at its best

Homestay hosts often have deep roots in their communities. They have lived in the same areas for generations (some have never left), offering in-depth knowledge and wisdom into local traditions and history.

Many homestays offer a program of cultural activities for guests, ranging from dance and music performances to farming. Even more rewarding are the glimpses into local culture you get through unstructured interactions, like shopping at a local market, or flipping through a family album.

You’ll taste the best home-cooked meal in the region

Food at homestays is simple but full of flavor, and is likely to be prepared using local and organic ingredients.

Hosts offer guests lots of choice; lunch and dinner is typically a big spread of different plates served sharing-style. Don’t be afraid to try a bit of everything!

Pancakes, noodle soup, fruit, and / or eggs are the usual options for breakfast. Rice wine is also traditionally served at every meal that every rider love to try.

You’ll get to sleep in beautiful home surrounded by picturesque villages

Nestled amidst picturesque villages, your homestay offers a peaceful and tranquil retreat. Imagine waking up to the sounds of nature, surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking scenery. Relax in the comfort of your cozy room, knowing that you’re fully immersed in the beauty of the Vietnamese countryside.

You’ll support local economy

By choosing a Vietnam homestay, you’re directly contributing to the livelihoods of local families and businesses. Your stay helps support not only your host family but also the cooks, farmers, fishermen, guides, and transport providers who work behind the scenes.

This, in turn, benefits the entire community as they invest in their homes, education, and overall well-being.

Tips To Maximizing Your Vietnam Homestay Experience

• Engage with local community: In a family home, try to help out with the cooking, working in the fields, and playing with the local children, or dressing up in the local costumes. The more you participate the richer the experience. Just remember to ask politely.

• Act respectful: Always show respect for your hosts and the local community. This includes removing your shoes before entering the house and following proper dining etiquette.
• Dinning etiquettes: Eating is one of the daily routines in your stay. When you have meals with Vietnamese locals, you have to share foods with others on the same plates and bowls, which is called ” family share”.

You might be familiar with chopsticks, but the host is very willing to guide you on this. If one picks up some food from the common for you, don’t be shocked but smile respectfully because this is a sign of close relationship.

• Learn some basic Vietnamese Phrase: A little effort to learn some basic Vietnamese phrases can go a long way in showing your appreciation and making connections.
• Giving gift: Avoid spoiling children with too many sweets (remembering dentists are in very short supply) or other things. This will often encourage begging. When offering gifts, consider giving something that benefits the entire family or community, such as school supplies or items for the household.

FAQ – Things To Know About Vietnam Homestay

Are there any dangers or annoyances?

Mosquito will bug you so be sure to pack insect repellent and use the mosquito nets provided in your room.

Are there private rooms available in homestays?

The availability of private rooms in homestays can vary depending on the region and specific homestay. To ensure you get a private room, it’s always best to clarify your preference when making a reservation.

What do Vietnam homestays usually provide?

It differs from property to property, but homestays in Vietnam usually provide the following items and amenities:

• A traditional breakfast is typically included in the nightly rate. Riders can usually add on lunch and/or dinner for an extra set fee. Usually you’ll need to notify your host in advance if you plan to eat lunch or dinner at the homestay. Coffee and tea are usually free, while alcoholic drinks (usually just beer) and soft drinks can be purchased. Any extra food and drink will be added to your bill, which you can settle at the end of your stay.
• Most homestays provide filtered water that you can use to refill water bottles. They also provide hot water for coffee and tea.
• Homestay hosts can usually provide guests with a laundry service for a small fee.
• As mentioned, bed linens and bath towels are standard. Homestays also provide soap and shampoo.
• Beds are typically always fitted with mosquito nets.
• Vietnam homestays normally provide plastic slippers for guests. You should wear these whenever you’re inside the house or bathroom.

When can I do a homestay in Vietnam?

• Homestays operate year-round in Vietnam and act as an important source of supplementary income for rural families outside farming.
• Individual homestays may be closed for major holidays such as Tet (Vietnamese New Year), which typically falls in February or March. Some homestays may be forced to close in extreme weather, such as flooding or landslides.
• As mentioned, it’s essential to book your homestay in advance. This will secure you a bed, and also safeguard you against any unforeseen accessibility issues or holiday closures.

What should I bring to a homestay?

• As well as mosquito repellent, a reusable water bottle and your own toiletries if you need them, you might like to bring a small gift for your host.
• Vietnam uses 220V sockets, so you may need an adapter for your electronics.

What Riders Say About Vietnam Homestay

“He organised an awesome trip for us tailored to the groups riding abilities and expectations. The hospitality of the family owned home stays which he booked for us was a highlight equal to the surrounding scenery. ”

Daryl (Tripadvisor Review)

“Luckily, it didn’t rain during the 4-night, 5-day trip, and we were able to fully experience something out of the ordinary, such as the autumn harvest scenery in the mountainous region of northwestern Vietnam, delicious food, and endless toasting at an ethnic minority homestay.”

JK (Tripadvisor Review)

Embarking on a motorbike adventure in Vietnam is an unforgettable experience, and staying in a homestay can elevate your journey to new heights. Beyond the thrill of the open road, Vietnam homestay offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture, connect with friendly locals, and support the local economy.

Whether you’re seeking an authentic cultural immersion or a comfortable and convenient place to rest your weary bones after a day of riding, we hope our guide of what to expect of Vietnam homestay will help you choose the best options for you.

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