Moon Garden Homestay Guide: Eco-Friendly Retreat in Son Tay Near Hanoi

A Sustainable Cultural Escape Near Hanoi

Located 55 km northwest of Hanoi in Ky Son Village, Xuan Son Commune, Son Tay Ward, Moon Garden Homestay is a serene eco-tourism retreat offering an authentic glimpse into rural Vietnamese life. Nestled amid emerald rice fields, ancient temples, and tranquil rivers, this boutique homestay blends traditional architecture with modern comforts, providing a peaceful alternative to Hanoi’s bustle. With traditional wooden houses, a stilt house, and a restored cathedral hall, Moon Garden showcases Vietnam’s cultural heritage through activities like cooking classes, biking tours, and farming experiences. Its commitment to sustainability—using local materials, supporting Ky Son’s farmers, and minimizing environmental impact—aligns with Hanoi’s “Green Capital” initiative. Just 4 km from Duong Lam Ancient Village and 20 km from Ba Vi National Park, Moon Garden is ideal for eco-conscious travelers seeking cultural immersion. Legend Travel Group’s eco-friendly tours enhance this experience with guided adventures. Book via the links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com

Administrative Update

Vietnam’s administrative restructuring has reclassified Hanoi’s districts as wards or communes, with Son Tay District now Son Tay Ward under Hanoi City’s administration. This improves access through sustainable infrastructure, including upgraded roads and eco-friendly transport options, ensuring seamless travel to Moon Garden Homestay.

Legend Travel Group is a leader in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, offering tailored eco-tours to Moon Garden Homestay with a focus on environmental care and cultural immersion. Our tours use fuel-efficient vehicles and local guides who share Ky Son’s traditions and ecology, ensuring a safe, enriching experience. Supporting Son Tay Ward’s communities, we align with Hanoi’s green initiatives. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we make planning effortless. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page and explore Moon Garden responsibly! TripAdvisor Reviews

Moon Garden Homestay, located in Ky Son Village, Xuan Son Commune, Son Tay Ward, is a 1.5-hour drive from Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward. Set in a rural hamlet with farmland, rivers, and historical sites, it features a tropical monsoon climate with a dry season (November–April, 15–28°C or 59–82.4°F) and a rainy season (May–October, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F). The homestay offers traditional accommodations:

• Ancient Wooden Houses: Mango, Pomelo, Frangipani (two en-suite bedrooms, living area), and Guava (one bedroom), with dragon-scale tiled roofs, wooden furniture, and yin-yang circular windows.

• Stilt House: A shared, ethnic-style house with nine curtain-separated rooms, four bathrooms, and rice field views, ideal for budget travelers.

• Cathedral Hall: A restored church, now a communal space for up to 60 guests, blending colonial and Vietnamese elements. Activities include cooking classes, biking, farming, and spa treatments, all designed to minimize environmental impact. Recent sustainability efforts, like local sourcing and community-based tourism, make Moon Garden a model for eco-friendly stays.

Moon Garden Homestay is accessible via sustainable transport from Hanoi, a 1.5-hour trip covering 55 km, with two main routes:

• By Air: Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), 39 km from Moon Garden, serves domestic and international flights. Round-trip costs:

  • Ho Chi Minh City: $80–$150 (2,000,000–3,750,000 VND).

  • Da Nang: $60–$120 (1,500,000–3,000,000 VND).

  • International (e.g., Bangkok): $200–$600.

  • Airport shuttle (Moon Garden): $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND) per person, book via homestay.

• By Bus: From Hanoi’s My Dinh Bus Station, take Route 74 to Son Tay (1–1.5 hours, $2–$4 or 50,000–100,000 VND). From Son Tay, take a taxi or Grab ($5–$8 or 125,000–200,000 VND) to Ky Son Village, 10 km away. Buses run every 20–30 minutes from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

• By Motorbike: Rent a motorbike in Hanoi ($5–$10/day or 125,000–250,000 VND). Two routes:

  • Thang Long Avenue (Recommended): From Tran Duy Hung (near Big C Thang Long), travel 30 km to Hoa Lac Overpass, follow signs to Yen Bai commune, then to Ky Son (~1.5 hours, 55 km).

  • Route 32: From Cau Giay, go 35 km to Son Tay, turn left for 10 km to Ky Son (~1.5–2 hours, 55 km). Confirm directions with locals.

  • Note: Fuel costs $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND) round-trip; avoid rainy season for safety.

• By Taxi or Grab: From Hoan Kiem Ward, costs $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND) one-way; $40–$60 (1,000,000–1,500,000 VND) round-trip.

• By Private Car (Legend Travel Group): Book a private car ($70–$100 or 1,750,000–2,500,000 VND round-trip for up to 4 people) for eco-friendly, flexible travel with stopovers.

Navigating to Moon Garden: From Son Tay Ward, follow signs to Ky Son Village; the homestay is marked with a large yard and traditional houses. Guided transfers via Legend Travel Group ensure seamless arrival.

Tip: Choose Thang Long Avenue for smoother roads; book Legend Travel Group’s private car tour ($70–$100) for hassle-free travel. Use offline maps (Maps.me) with Ky Son Village as a landmark.

The dry season (November–April) is ideal, with mild temperatures (15–28°C or 59–82.4°F) and low humidity, perfect for biking, cooking classes, and outdoor activities. Autumn (September–November) offers golden rice fields and vibrant festivals, while Tet (January–February) provides cultural immersion but requires early booking due to crowds. The rainy season (May–October) brings lush greenery and 15–25% tour discounts but includes heavy rainfall (200–400 mm/month), ideal for indoor activities like spa treatments. Check AccuWeather for updates to plan around clear days.

Pack these essentials for a sustainable, comfortable stay:

• Clothing: Lightweight outfits for dry season; waterproof jackets for rainy season. Modest attire for village visits; comfortable shoes for biking.

• Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat.

• Travel Essentials: Mosquito repellent, reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).

• Tech Gear: Smartphone/camera for photos; portable charger for day trips.

• Documents: Passport, travel insurance, tour confirmations, VND (50,000–200,000 notes).

• Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote bag, straw to minimize waste.

• Extras: Small notebook for cooking class notes; gifts for local hosts (e.g., snacks, $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND).

Tip: Carry small VND notes for local purchases; pack light for biking tours.

Moon Garden Homestay, originally a Hanoi architect’s summer home, is a cultural and sustainable retreat in Ky Son Village, 4 km from Duong Lam Ancient Village. Its traditional wooden houses—Mango, Pomelo, Frangipani, and Guava—feature dragon-scale tiles, lotus-carved furniture, and yin-yang windows, reflecting Vietnam’s architectural heritage. The stilt house, inspired by ethnic designs, offers a shared, budget-friendly experience, while the restored cathedral hall hosts events. Activities like cooking spring rolls, biking through rice fields, and farming with locals provide authentic cultural immersion. Sustainable practices, including local sourcing, herbal spa treatments, and community engagement, make it a model for eco-tourism, supporting Ky Son’s economy and preserving traditions.

1. Cooking Class: Learn to make spring rolls or BBQ pork rolls, earning a certificate. Cost: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND) per person, included in some tours.

2. Biking Tour: Cycle through Ky Son’s rice fields, temples, and kindergartens, a 1–2-hour low-impact activity. Cost: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND) for bike rental.

3. Farming Experience: Join locals in harvesting, fishing, or grass cutting, a 1–3-hour cultural immersion. Cost: Free with homestay stay or $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND) via tour.

4. Herbal Spa Treatments: Enjoy steam baths or foot massages with lemongrass and ginger, a sustainable relaxation option. Cost: $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND).

5. Visit Duong Lam Ancient Village: Explore this 4-km-away UNESCO-recognized village, a 1-hour bike or car trip. Cost: Entry $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); guided tour $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).

Accommodation (Per Night, Double Occupancy)

• Ancient Wooden Houses: $50–$80 (1,250,000–2,000,000 VND).

• Stilt House (Shared): $20–$40 (500,000–1,000,000 VND) per person.

• Cathedral Hall (Group): $15–$30 (375,000–750,000 VND) per person.

Entrance and Activity Fees

• Park entry (nearby Ba Vi, optional): $1 (20,000 VND).

• Cooking class: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).

• Biking rental: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

• Spa treatments: $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND).

• Duong Lam entry: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).

Transportation

• Bus: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND); taxi/Grab from Son Tay: $5–$8 (125,000–200,000 VND).

• Motorbike rental: $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND); fuel: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND).

• Taxi/Grab (Hanoi): $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND) one-way.

• Private car: $70–$100 (1,750,000–2,500,000 VND) round-trip.

• Airport shuttle: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).

Food

• Meals (set menu, homestay): $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND) per person.

• Local snacks: $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $30–$50 (shared stilt house, bus, local meals).

• Mid-range: $60–$100 (wooden house, motorbike, activities).

• Luxury: $120–$200 (private car, premium house, full activities).

Tip: Book early for Tet or dry season; carry VND for small purchases.

Our sustainable tours showcase Moon Garden’s cultural and natural wonders:

• Moon Garden Eco-Tour ($80–$120/person, 1 day): Cooking class, biking tour, Duong Lam visit, eco-friendly lunch. Includes private car, guide.

• Moon Garden Cultural Tour ($100–$150/person, 2 days): Farming, spa treatments, Ky Son exploration, homestay stay. Includes meals, guide.

• Hanoi & Son Tay Immersion ($250–$400/person, 3 days): Moon Garden, Ba Vi National Park, Hoan Kiem Lake, homestay ($50–$80/night). Includes meals, activities, eco-transfers.

Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, and fees. Enjoy 15% off for groups of 8+! Book via links around this page! TripAdvisor Reviews

Moon Garden Homestay, located in Ky Son Village, Son Tay, just 55 km from Hanoi, is a sustainable retreat offering traditional Vietnamese architecture, authentic cultural activities, and serene rural landscapes, drawing thousands yearly. Stay in ancient wooden houses or a traditional stilt house ($20–$50/night, 500,000–1,250,000 VND), featuring dragon scale tiles and carved lotus furniture, and engage in activities like cooking spring rolls or biking through Ky Son’s rice fields ($2–$5, 50,000–125,000 VND). Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Tours ensure a responsible, immersive Hanoi Travel experience, blending eco-friendly practices like community-led conservation and low-impact transport with visits to Duong Lam Ancient Village (4 km away) and culinary delights like leaf-wrapped beef roll ($1–$3, 25,000–75,000 VND). Contact Legend Travel Group at www.legendtravelgroup.com, info@legendtravelgroup.com, or (+84) 825862222 to browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to immerse in Vietnam’s rural charm at Moon Garden Homestay? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable Hanoi getaway!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Sources:

• Moon Garden Homestay Information: moongardenhomestay.com, vietnam.travel, vietnamtourism.org.vn, tonkintravel.com, selectiveasia.com, experiencetravelgroup.com, vivutravel.com, tripadvisor.com