Discover the charm of homestays in Vietnam and Thailand with our guide! Experience authentic local life, cultural immersion, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours and Thailand Tours, and book with Legend Travel Group for flexible payments and peace of mind. Reserve your Vietnam Travel or Thailand Travel today!
Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights and guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys. By Legend Travel Group.
Vietnam and Thailand, two of Southeast Asia’s most captivating destinations, offer travelers the chance to step beyond traditional hotels and immerse in local life through homestays. From the misty rice terraces of Sapa in Vietnam to the serene riverside villages of Chiang Mai in Thailand, homestays provide genuine connections with local families, home-cooked meals, and hands-on cultural activities. Whether you're seeking Vietnam Tours that blend rural charm with urban vibrancy or Thailand Tours that combine island serenity with mountain tranquility, homestays elevate your journey. Perfect for culture enthusiasts, families, and eco-conscious travelers, these stays foster meaningful exchanges while supporting local communities.
With Legend Travel Group, booking homestays as part of your Vietnam Travel or Thailand Travel is seamless. Enjoy flexible payment options—deposit just 10% and pay the balance up to 30 days before departure—ensuring peace of mind as you plan your authentic adventure. This guide highlights the best homestays, cultural etiquette, and sustainable travel ideas for an unforgettable experience.
Homestays in Vietnam and Thailand typically cost $15–$50 per night (including meals), with no visa required for short stays under exemption periods. Cultural site entries (e.g., temples) range from $1–$10. Guided homestay tours with Legend Travel Group start from $50 per person. All accommodations are vetted for safety, comfort, and authenticity. Book early for peak seasons and enjoy hassle-free planning with Legend Travel Group’s flexible deposit policy.
Sleep under starry skies in Vietnam’s valley homestays (Source: Internet)Sapa (Northern Vietnam): Nestled in the Hoang Lien Son mountains, Sapa homestays with H’mong or Red Dao families offer stunning rice terrace views, guided treks, and traditional indigo dyeing workshops.
Mai Chau (Northwest Vietnam): Stay in stilt houses with White Thai families, cycle through emerald valleys, and learn bamboo weaving or enjoy folk dance performances.
Mekong Delta (Southern Vietnam): Riverside homestays in Ben Tre or Can Tho feature boat trips, coconut candy making, and floating market visits at dawn.
Hoi An Outskirts: Farmstay homestays near this UNESCO town include organic farming, lantern-making classes, and bicycle rides through ancient villages.
Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai (Northern Thailand): Hill tribe homestays with Lahu or Karen families include jungle treks, coffee plantation tours, and traditional Lanna cuisine.
Kanchanaburi: Riverside bamboo homestays near the River Kwai offer train rides on the Death Railway, waterfall hikes, and elephant sanctuary visits (ethical, no riding).
Isaan Region (Northeast Thailand): Rural homestays in Udon Thani or Nong Khai feature silk weaving, Isaan music performances, and spicy som tam cooking classes.
Koh Yao Noi (Southern Thailand): Island homestays with Muslim fishing families include longtail boat trips, batik painting, and fresh seafood barbecues.
Cultural etiquette ensures a harmonious and enriching homestay experience during Vietnam Tours or Thailand Tours. Here’s your guide:
Greetings: In Vietnam, offer a “xin chào” with a smile; in Thailand, greet with a “sawasdee” and a wai (palms pressed together). Use both hands when giving or receiving items from hosts.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees, especially in rural or religious areas. Remove shoes before entering homes—slippers are often provided.
Behaviour: Participate in family meals (sit on floor mats in Thailand, low tables in Vietnam); try all dishes offered as a sign of respect; avoid pointing feet at people or religious objects. Ask permission before photographing family members or home altars.
Customs: Help with light chores (e.g., washing dishes, feeding animals) to show appreciation; bring small gifts like fruit, sweets, or school supplies for children; tipping ($2–$5 per day) is appreciated but not expected.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (Vietnam) or “khob khun” (Thailand) often; respect quiet hours after 9:00 PM; use eco-friendly habits like reusing water bottles to align with sustainable Vietnam Travel or Thailand Travel. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen respectful guests form lifelong bonds with homestay families.”
General Tips:
Language: Learn basic phrases via a Legend Travel Group phrase card; English is limited in rural areas but hosts are welcoming.
Respect: Follow house rules (e.g., no shoes indoors, no loud music); support hosts by joining included activities.
Navigation: Homestays are often remote; Legend Travel Group provides transfers and local guides.
Eco-Tip: Use reusable totes for market visits; minimize plastic waste to honor community sustainability efforts.
Wake to golden vistas in Vietnam’s highland homestays (Source: Internet)Below are curated homestay-inclusive tour options, designed by Legend Travel Group. Confirm availability and book with just a 10% deposit.
Details: Stay independently in Sapa (Vietnam) or Chiang Mai (Thailand) homestays; ideal for flexible travelers; low to moderate difficulty.
Schedule: Flexible; check-in after 2:00 PM, check-out by 12:00 PM; activities arranged with hosts.
Cost: $20–$50/night (includes meals); transport extra (bicycle: $2–$5/day).
Location: Sapa, Mai Chau (Vietnam); Chiang Mai, Kanchanaburi (Thailand).
Eco-Friendly Note: Supports local families; solar-powered homes in many locations.
Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a guest noted: “Self-guided homestays felt like family.”
Details: 3-day tour with 2 nights in Mai Chau stilt-house homestay; includes trekking, cooking class, and folk dance; English-speaking guide, all meals, transfers.
Schedule: Daily departures; starts in Hanoi, ends in Hanoi.
Cost: $150–$250/person (includes homestay, activities, transport).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hanoi hotels.
Eco-Friendly Note: Carbon-offset transport; supports Thai ethnic communities.
Tip: Book your Vietnam Tours at legendtravelgroup.com; a guest noted: “The homestay was the heart of our trip.”
Details: 4-day tour with 2 nights in Chiang Rai hill tribe homestay; includes jungle trek, coffee tasting, and Lanna dinner; English-speaking guide, all meals, transfers.
Schedule: Daily departures; starts in Chiang Mai, ends in Chiang Mai.
Cost: $180–$300/person (includes homestay, activities, transport).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Chiang Mai hotels.
Eco-Friendly Note: Ethical elephant interaction; supports tribal cooperatives.
Tip: Secure your Thailand Tours at legendtravelgroup.com; a guest noted: “A life-changing cultural dive.”
Details: 7-day tour combining 2 nights in Sapa (Vietnam) and 2 nights in Chiang Mai (Thailand); includes cross-border travel, homestay activities, and city highlights; English-speaking guide, all meals, flights/transfers.
Schedule: Weekly departures; starts in Hanoi, ends in Bangkok.
Cost: $600–$900/person (includes homestays, activities, transport).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hanoi hotels to Bangkok hotels.
Eco-Friendly Note: Low-emission flights; community-led initiatives.
Tip: Book your ultimate Vietnam Travel and Thailand Travel combo at legendtravelgroup.com; a guest noted: “Two countries, one unforgettable story.”
Authentic Stays: Handpicked, family-run homestays with verified comfort and safety.
Flexible Payments: Deposit just 10%, pay balance 30 days before departure—keep peace of mind.
Expert Guidance: Local English-speaking guides ensure cultural respect and smooth logistics.
Sustainable Impact: Direct support to host families and community projects.
Eco-Friendly Note: Carbon-offset transport, reusable amenities, and zero single-use plastics.
Sip hill-grown brews in Thailand’s northern homestays (Source: Internet)Key homestay seasons include:
Rice Harvest (Vietnam): September–October in Sapa and Mai Chau; golden terraces and festive spirit.
Loy Krathong (Thailand): November; floating lanterns and family celebrations in Chiang Mai.
Year-Round Opportunities: Dry season (November–April) ideal for outdoor activities; wet season (May–October) offers lush greenery and fewer crowds.
Dry season (November–April) is best for clear skies and comfortable trekking. Wet season brings vibrant landscapes and intimate indoor family time. Early morning or evening activities avoid midday heat. Book with Legend Travel Group for weather-flexible itineraries.
Online Booking: Visit legendtravelgroup.com, select your Vietnam Tours or Thailand Tours, and choose homestay add-ons.
Custom Itineraries: Contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp (+84825862222) for tailored homestay experiences.
Payment: Secure with 10% deposit; final payment 30 days before departure.
Eco-Tip: Receive a digital itinerary to reduce paper waste.
Tip: Book 3–6 months early for peak seasons; include homestay extensions for deeper immersion.
Break bread and barriers in Vietnam and Thailand homestays (Source: Internet)Pack for comfort, respect, and sustainability:
Documents: Passport, tour confirmation, wallet, reusable tote for gifts.
Clothing: Modest lightweight outfits, scarf for temples, quick-dry clothes, waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, hat.
Essentials: Reusable water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, small first aid kit, universal adapter.
Tech: Phone with offline maps, portable charger, waterproof phone pouch.
Eco Items: Reusable cutlery, eco-friendly toiletries, collapsible cup.
Extras: Small gifts for hosts (e.g., chocolates, notebooks), phrasebook, money belt. Tip: Pack light (1 small bag); bring reusable items to honor local sustainability.
Homestay Nightly Rates
Vietnam: $15–$40 (includes meals); Sapa/Mai Chau premium: $40–$50.
Thailand: $20–$50 (includes meals); Chiang Mai hill tribe: $40–$60.
Tour Costs with Legend Travel Group
3-Day Vietnam Homestay: $150–$250/person.
4-Day Thailand Homestay: $180–$300/person.
7-Day Multi-Country: $600–$900/person.
Other Costs
Local transport (bicycle/motorbike taxi): $1–$5/day.
Cultural activities: $5–$15.
Gifts for hosts: $2–$5.
Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $20–$50 (homestay, meals, local transport).
Mid-range: $50–$100 (guided tour, activities).
Luxury: $100–$150 (private transfers, premium homestays). Tip: Save with Legend Travel Group’s 10% deposit and bundle homestays into multi-day Vietnam Tours or Thailand Tours.
Homestay Tips: Arrive with an open heart; join family meals and chores; learn a few local phrases; bring small gifts.
Etiquette: Remove shoes indoors; dress modestly; avoid pointing feet; respect quiet hours.
Access: Legend Travel Group handles all transfers; self-guided travelers use local buses or Grab.
Schedules: Activities flexible with hosts; peak seasons require early booking.
Sustainability: Reuse water bottles; support local crafts; minimize waste.
Navigation: Use Legend Travel Group guides or offline maps.
Weather: Dry season ideal; wet season lush—pack rain gear.
Safety Note: Keep valuables secure; follow host guidance; carry emergency contacts (Police: 113 Vietnam / 191 Thailand).
What are homestays like in Vietnam and Thailand? Family-run homes with shared meals, cultural activities, and authentic local life.
How much do homestays cost? $15–$60/night including meals; Legend Travel Group tours start at $150.
Are homestays safe? Yes, vetted by Legend Travel Group; follow host rules and basic precautions.
Can I extend my homestay? Yes, subject to availability; contact Legend Travel Group.
Do homestays include meals? Yes, home-cooked breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
How do I book? Visit legendtravelgroup.com; deposit 10%, pay later.
Enhance your journey with eco-conscious homestay tours:
Vietnam Homestay Eco-Tour ($150–$250/person, 3 days): Sapa or Mai Chau with trekking and crafting.
Thailand Homestay Eco-Tour ($180–$300/person, 4 days): Chiang Mai with ethical elephant sanctuaries.
Vietnam & Thailand Homestay Explorer ($600–$900/person, 7 days): Cross-border cultural immersion.
Prices include guides, meals, activities, and transfers. Deposit just 10% at legendtravelgroup.com or contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com / WhatsApp (+84825862222).
Experiencing Vietnam and Thailand Homestays with cultural respect—modest dress, warm greetings, and open-mindedness—unlocks authentic, life-enriching journeys through Southeast Asia’s heartlands. With stays from $15–$60 per night and immersive Vietnam Tours or Thailand Tours starting at $150, Legend Travel Group makes cultural immersion accessible and stress-free. Book with just a 10% deposit, pay the balance 30 days before departure, and travel with peace of mind. Whether craving the terraced serenity of Sapa or the tribal warmth of Chiang Mai, your Vietnam Travel or Thailand Travel awaits. Reserve now at legendtravelgroup.com and live like a local. Safe travels!
By Legend Travel Group
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