Mekong Delta Homestay Options

One of the must-do’s when you visit Vietnam is to experience the Mekong Delta. This amazing region really revolves around the rivers and the floating markets, beautiful islands and cottage industries have become world famous. Many of our trips visit this area and we love having guests travel between Cambodia and Vietnam via the Mekong Delta. There are some lovely hotels in the Delta, but to truly experience and appreciate the culture and way of life we feel that a homestay is often the best way!  With that said, there are many different homestays available in the area and it’s hard to choose which one is the right fit for you and your interests/comfort zone. Here we have listed four of our favorite homestays, what we feel their strengths are and what we feel their weaknesses are. Of course our tour consultants can also advise you, but this is a quick look to start you off…

Option 1: Ba Duc Eco Tourism and Ancient House in Cai Be

About 1.5 hours drive (110km) from Saigon and 70 km from Can Tho you find yourself in Cai Be. A short boat journey takes your further to the home of Mr. Ba Duc and his family. Mr. Phan Van Duc (Ba Duc) is the 6th generation of the family to live here after the main house was first built by Mr. Phan Van Dang in the 19th century. Located on the riverfront the homeowners are very proud of the history of their home as well as their ornamental plants and fruit orchards. Fruits are produced all year round and visitors are welcome to walk through the grounds and enjoy the fruits in season. The main house is a combination of traditional Vietnamese and French architecture and furniture. This is where you will be welcomed as you arrive and where the family worships their ancestors. A recent addition beyond the courtyard behind the main house is an annex of additional rooms for guests during their stay. This home stay has 16 guest rooms and feels more like a guesthouse, or budget hotel, rather than a homestay, but for those that want some privacy, AC and their own bathroom, this is a great option!

Pros:

• Easy journey from Saigon
• Easy to fit in to a busy itinerary to arrive late afternoon and have an early start the next morning to see the local floating market at its best.
• Architectural and historical interest
• Air-conditioning in the bedrooms
• Free wifi available
• Ensuite bathrooms
• Fridge and TV in the bedrooms
• Cooking class available
• Bicycles available for hire on request
• Convenient to the floating market, local village and local pottery
• Learn how to catch fish the local way
• Can bring suitcases
• The youngest son of Mr. Ba Duc speaks English

Cons:

• On the riverfront so can be noisier than other home stay options
• More of a guesthouse than a small and intimate family home
• Not a private option as other travelers could be in the other rooms (for some, this might be a pro!)

Option 2: Hai Kiet Ancient House in Cai Be

Instead you may choose to stay with at Hai Kiet Ancient House in Cai Be. Mrs Hai Kiet is a kind-hearted and happy woman who was widowed young and has opened her doors to guests. The Ancient house was first built in mid-1856 and has since been restored through an international restoration organization. This home stay is smaller and more intimate and local in feel. The history in this house is palpable and Mrs Kiet clearly loves visitors and is happy to sit and chat. The guest room is in a dorm style and is very basic with only fans and a share toilet.

Pros:

• Less noisy as situated on a canal and not the main river
• Intimate and homey
• Easy journey from Saigon
• Easy to fit in to a busy itinerary to arrive late afternoon and have an early start the next morning to see the local floating market at its best.
• Architectural and historical interest
• Cooking class available
• Bicycles available for hire on request
• Convenient to the floating market, local village and pottery tour inclusions

Cons:

• Recommend bringing overnight bags only
• Depending on the tide you can be dropped off outside this home stay, but at low tide there is a walk along the footpath before you arrive
• Very basic sleeping conditions with mosquito nets and fans

Option 3: Nam Thanh Home Stay in Vinh Long

This is a modern family home stay owned by Mr. Nam Thanh. A very welcoming family who know when to spend time with their guests and when to allow guests their own space to enjoy their surroundings, yet they are always available for guest’s needs. This home stay provides a tranquil retreat. The sleeping area is spotless and while it is a shared bathroom there are multiple toilets and showers so no need to stand in line. The food is amazing and the morning bike ride is absolutely lovely!

Pros:

• Very clean
• Beautifully maintained garden with hammocks
• Excellent food and service
• Some of the family speak English
• Great area for cycling
• Very comfortable
• Peaceful as away from the river traffic
• Bicycles available free
• Can visit Vinh Long city by ferry

Cons:

• Recommend bringing overnight bags only as a walk from the boat drop off point
• Beds are partitioned by rattan walls with a curtain for privacy so for some this may be a point to consider
• Cold showers

Option 4: Bac Nam Home Stay in Cai Tac (Can Tho)

This is a very basic and simple family home stay, however Mr. and Mrs. Bac Nam are very welcoming and enjoy spending time with guests for meals, discussion and singing. There is one room inside the main house for guests and a dormitory annex outside. Your transport will drop you at the canal and a sampan will bring you the rest of the way to the home stay. The sleeping area is an outside area with basic bamboo platforms for beds. Though bathrooms are not as clean as would be liked. The truth is that this homestay is ideal for people that don’t mind roughing it and really want the experience of being part of a Vietnamese family.

Pros:

• The family really enjoy interacting with guests
• Quiet part of the river
• Can easily cycle to the local village – bicycles available on request
• Very local home stay

Cons:

• Very basic
• Bathrooms are outside
• Recommend bringing overnight bags and not suitcases

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Here are more photos of the homestays: