10 Best Rural Homestays in Vietnam for an Authentic Local Experience
Dan Vy
3 min. to read
When travelers dream of escaping into Vietnam’s serene landscapes, rural homestays in Vietnam often provide the most genuine doorway into local life. From terraced rice paddies in Sapa to tranquil highland lakes, each of these countryside spots is more than just countryside accommodation Vietnam — it’s a chance to slow down, breathe deep, and connect with Vietnamese culture. Below are ten of the best rural homestays in Vietnam, complete with addresses, what makes them special, and why they should be on your must-visit list.
Rural homestays in Vietnam offer authentic experiences in serene landscapes and local culture.
Ten recommended homestays include Y Linh Ho, Mai Chau Family, and Pu Luong Riverside Lodge, each showcasing unique attributes.
Travelers should consider comfort, accessibility, activities, sustainability, and booking when selecting a rural homestay.
These homestays provide deep cultural connections, scenic beauty, and meaningful impact on local communities.
Planning your stay with experts like Sun Getaways Travel can enhance your rural homestay experience.
Top 10 Best Rural Homestays in Vietnam
1. Y Linh Ho Village Homestay, Sapa, Lao Cai
Address: Y Linh Ho Village, Muong Hoa Valley, Hoàng Liên Commune, Sa Pa, Lào Cai Province
Perched in the heart of Muong Hoa Valley, this homestay is hosted by Black H’Mong families. You’ll stay in traditional stilt houses surrounded by terraced rice fields, mountain peaks, and winding streams. Treks begin right from the doorstep, weaving through fields to nearby Lao Chai and Ta Van villages. This is a quintessential example of rural homestays in Vietnam, where morning mist and conversation over simple meals create unforgettable moments.
2. Mai Chau Family Homestay, Mai Châu, Hòa Bình
Address: Long Village, Van Mai Commune, Mai Châu Town, Hòa Bình Province, Vietnam
Situated among the rolling hills of Mai Châu, this homestay is operated by a White Thai ethnic family. The stilt house provides an airy, rustic room. From your veranda, you can admire rice paddies and mingle with the village’s welcoming residents. Staying here is a perfect way to step into countryside accommodation Vietnam at its most peaceful.
3. Mai Chau Valley Retreat, Mai Châu, Hòa Bình
Address: Pu Bin Valley, Mai Châu District, Hòa Bình Province, Vietnam
A little more upscale yet still deeply rooted in traditional lifestyle, Mai Chau Valley Retreat offers bungalows and large dorm-style houses. You can learn farming techniques, try weaving or enjoy rafting on the river. This rural getaway provides a relaxed, culturally rich atmosphere — a top pick among rural homestays in Vietnam for those wanting both serenity and activity.
4. Mai Chau Countryside Homestay, Mai Châu, Hòa Bình
Address: 30 Pom Coọng, Mai Châu Town, Hòa Bình Province, Vietnam
Set right in Pom Coọng village, this wood-and-thatch stilt house immerses guests in local life. You can join the host family in cooking sticky rice, learn traditional dances, or explore surrounding fields by bike. It’s a true countryside accommodation Vietnam gem, at once humble and warm.
5. Pu Luong Riverside Lodge, Pù Luông, Thanh Hóa
Address: Bản Hiêu, Cổ Lũng Commune, Bá Thước District, Thanh Hóa Province, Vietnam
Deep in the Pù Luông Nature Reserve, this cozy lodge perched by the river offers wooden bungalows with Thai-style architecture. You’ll wake to the sound of flowing water, go hiking to nearby waterfalls, and experience rural life with the local Thai community. It’s one of the most tranquil rural homestays in Vietnam, ideal for eco travelers craving true connection with nature.
6. Hoang Su Phi Lodge, Hà Giang
Address: Nậm Hồng Hamlet, Thông Nguyên Commune, Hoàng Su Phì District, Hà Giang Province, Vietnam
Located amid dramatic mountain terraces, this lodge offers wooden homes built in Dao/Hmong styles. You’ll be surrounded by cascading rice fields and can easily join guided treks into remote villages. As a representative of rural homestays in Vietnam, Hoang Su Phi Lodge is perfect for exploring the famed northern highlands. For more adventurous options, check out Ha Giang trekking routes.
7. Chi Tai Homestay 3, Hoàng Su Phì, Hà Giang
Address: Tô Meo Village, Bản Phùng Commune, Hoàng Su Phì District, Hà Giang, Vietnam
Chi Tai is especially beloved for its panoramic views of rice terraces. Built in stilt-house style from dark wood, it provides a peaceful terrace where you can soak in the valley’s grandeur. For travelers seeking countryside accommodation Vietnam with a photographer’s dream view, this homestay is a top pick. This area is known for intense Northern Vietnam trekking experiences.
8. Chopai Homestay, Ta Van Village, Sapa
Address: Ta Van Giay 1 Village, Ta Van Commune, Sa Pa Town, Lào Cai Province, Vietnam
Nestled in Ta Van Giay 1 Village, Chopai Homestay is a traditional stilt house run by a local Giay family. It offers private rooms and dorms. Guests can soak their feet in herbal baths, enjoy evening cultural dances, and share meals cooked by the family. It’s an authentic example of rural homestays in Vietnam, where simplicity meets heartfelt Vietnamese family values and hospitality.
9. Lak Lake / Jun Village Homestay, Lắk District, Đắk Lắk
Address: Liên Sơn Township, Lắk District, Đắk Lắk Province, Vietnam
On the southern shore of Lak Lake lies Jun Village, home to the M’nong ethnic community. Traditional wood and rattan houses offer lake views, canoe rides, and evenings filled with gong music around campfires. This homestay stands among the best rural homestays in Vietnam for highland lake immersion and cultural richness.
10. Mam Xoi Homestay, Hoàng Su Phì, Hà Giang
Address: Khoa Ha Hamlet, Nam Khoa Commune, Hoàng Su Phì District, Hà Giang Province, Vietnam
At Mam Xoi, perched atop the highest hill of Khoa Ha village, you’ll sleep in a three-story wooden structure with sweeping views of the terraces. The top floor lounge is perfect for tea and sunrise watching. As one of the most scenic countryside accommodation Vietnam, it offers both serenity and stunning photo moments.
Expert Insight: Why These Rural Homestays Matter
Emma, a travel expert with 12 years of experience consulting and operating Vietnam tours, emphasizes:
“Rural homestays in Vietnam are more than just places to sleep — they are living stories. Staying with a local family lets travelers participate in daily rituals: cooking, farming activities for tourists in Vietnam, weaving. These moments deepen cultural understanding. Moreover, when you choose community-based accommodation, you’re directly contributing to local economies and preserving traditions.”
Emma also adds that for many remote regions, responsible tourism through homestays helps sustain both the environment and ethnic heritage.
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Here are some practical tips to help you decide among rural homestays in Vietnam:
Comfort vs authenticity: Some homestays (like Pu Luong Riverside Lodge) offer modern bathrooms and private rooms, while others (like Chopai or Chi Tai) are more rustic. Decide how “simple” you are comfortable with.
Accessibility: Remote homestays may require long drives or trekking. Ask your travel planner to arrange transport or or Sapa trekking guides.
Activities: Look for what the stay offers—do they include village walks, herbal baths, canoeing, or cultural evenings? Choose based on your interests.
Sustainability: Pick community-run or eco-conscious homestays to ensure your stay supports sustainable countryside accommodation Vietnam. For more info, consider a tour focused on Vietnamese agricultural tourism.
Booking: For quality and peace of mind, work with a trusted travel consultant. Sun Getaways Travel (WhatsApp) can help you select and book the right rural homestays, tailored to your travel style and time.
Why Rural Homestays Are Worth It
Deep cultural connection: You’re not just observing culture—you live it with local families.
Scenic beauty: Many of these homestays are in less-flown areas—terraces, mountains, lakes.
Meaningful impact: Your stay often helps fund local communities directly.
Unique activities: From paddling on Lak Lake to hiking in Sapa, your daily itinerary becomes part of the local rhythm.
If you’re looking for a genuine, off-the-beaten-path journey, these rural homestays in Vietnam offer unmatched value and meaning.
Plan Your Stay with Sun Getaways Travel
Ready to explore these hidden gems? Contact Sun Getaways Travel via WhatsApp to design bespoke tours that combine the best rural homestays with curated local experiences. Let us know your travel dates, interests, and comfort level—and we’ll build a countryside itinerary that feels like home away from home.
FAQs about Rural Homestays in Vietnam
Are rural homestays in Vietnam safe?
Yes — hosts are welcoming, and most homestays follow standard safety practices with local guides.
Do I need to speak Vietnamese to stay in homestays?
Not necessarily. While some hosts speak only local dialects, many homestays receive travelers often, and English-speaking guides can assist.
Is food included?
Often yes — many homestays include home-cooked meals or help you cook with the family.
What is the best time to stay in rural homestays?
It depends on the region: terraced fields are most beautiful during planting (May) and harvest (September–October); highlands might be misty and cool year-round.
How far in advance should I book?
For remote rural homestays, especially in peak season, book 1–2 months ahead. Sun Getaways Travel can handle all arrangements for you.
Dan Vy 
3 min. to read 
