The next time you go to the fishing village, would you be willing to purchase a Đó for me? I had one from the...
The Mekong Delta, often referred to as the "rice bowl" of Vietnam, is a region where waterways shape daily life. Rivers, floating markets, and lush orchards create a peaceful and authentic atmosphere. Visiting the Mekong is as much about discovering its landscapes as it is about encountering a warm and sincere culture. To fully immerse myself in this local life, I chose to spend two days and one night in a homestay in the Mekong Delta - an experience far richer than a standard hotel stay.
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1. The warm welcome from host family
From the moment I arrived, the first impression was simply charming. The entrance to the homestay is surrounded by lush vegetation: a row of perfectly aligned coconut trees, heavy with fruit, creates an immediate sense of freshness. The path, neatly swept, is lined with red lanterns that, once lit in the evening, provide a warm and romantic ambience.
In the courtyard, several meticulously pruned bonsai trees stand alongside small flowers in full bloom, diffusing a delicate fragrance into the air. Everything is thoughtfully designed—nothing is excessive, yet it is all in good taste.
The hosts were already waiting for me at the entrance with a sincere smile. They welcomed me warmly, helped with my luggage, and invited me to settle in as if I were at home. Very quickly, some sweets, fresh fruits, and drinks were served to welcome me. They then invited us to sit in the garden to enjoy the moment. Surrounded by greenery, lulled by the singing of birds and the tranquillity of the setting, I felt the fatigue of the journey gradually disappear.
What struck me most was their natural kindness: always smiling and attentive, they took the time to chat and introduce both the place and the local cuisine. Within a few minutes, I no longer felt like a simple client, but like a long-awaited guest. This warm welcome perfectly reflects the spirit of a homestay in Vietnam, where human connection is at the heart of the experience.
2. The simple homestay comfort
The room is furnished simply, without the sophistication of city hotels, but it is very clean and offers all the essential comforts. Notably, it has a private bathroom, which is always appreciated. The sheets and pillows, carefully washed, give off a pleasant sensation of freshness. What I liked most was the large window overlooking the garden. Waking up in the morning to natural light and watching the trees and flowers bathed in sunshine is a true moment of serenity. The air is purer, the atmosphere softer, and you quickly feel soothed and full of energy for the day ahead.
It may not be a luxury stay, but that is precisely what makes it so charming: an authentic experience, typical of homestay accommodation in Vietnam.
3. Exquisite local Mekong gastronomy
Meals take place in a very natural and authentic setting: a bamboo table and chairs with a soothing view of the garden and the fish pond. The table is nicely set, decorated with a vase of orchids grown by the hosts themselves, adding a touch that is both simple and elegant.
Dishes are always served piping hot, releasing irresistible aromas that immediately whet the appetite after a day of activities and exploration. The Vietnamese cuisine is varied, based on meat, fresh fish, and vegetables from the garden. The flavours are different from those I tasted in Hue or Hanoi—milder, sometimes slightly sweet—which perfectly reflects the culinary particularities of the Mekong Delta. Local tropical fruits are served during meals. The hosts explained that here, it is common to eat them as an accompaniment; a simple but typical habit of the region. I found this quite surprising, having never eaten that way before, but the combination is surprisingly harmonious. What makes the experience even more special is the origin of the ingredients: many come directly from the garden or the surroundings. Fish are often caught locally, and herbs are freshly picked, giving the dishes incomparable freshness.
We ate with great appetite while exchanging a few words with the hosts. Here, there is no real "staff": the owners themselves take care of everything, with efficiency and sincere attention. These moments around the table, with authentic flavours and a warm atmosphere, remain among my fondest memories of the trip. This cuisine perfectly reflects the richness of the Mekong Delta culture and the importance of local products in daily life.
4. Immersive rural activities and experiences
Cycling tour
In the late afternoon, when the sun becomes milder and the air cools, we set off for a cycling tour. It is undoubtedly the best time to discover the Mekong Delta countryside. By pedalling along the small paths bordered by greenery, you take full advantage of the nature and calm that surrounds you. The locals we pass are incredibly kind, always ready to offer a smile or a warm greeting. One detail particularly struck me: almost every house is surrounded by flowers, creating a colourful and lively landscape in contrast to the intense green of the trees.
Guided by the hosts, we cross the village and then take a small ferry to cross the Tien River and reach the other bank. There, we visit a local craft workshop destined for export, before stopping in a durian orchard. Surrounded by trees laden with fruit, we discover this iconic fruit of the South, with such a distinctive odour but an amazingly rich and creamy taste.
Fishing by the pond
We also had the opportunity to go fishing in the homestay's pond, a simple activity that requires patience and calm. The hosts prepared everything with care: fishing rods, bait, bamboo chairs, and even drinks to accompany the moment. By the water, a small bamboo bridge adds a picturesque touch to the landscape—though it is best to be careful when crossing it. Sitting there, surrounded by greenery, lulled by the birdsong, you are quickly overcome by a feeling of profound peace. It is a suspended moment, far from all the hustle and bustle.
Preparing Vietnamese savoury sizzling pancakes
Of all the activities, my favourite was undoubtedly preparing bánh xèo (Vietnamese savoury pancakes). Even though I had already tasted them in Hue, it was my first time trying to make them myself. The hosts had prepared all the fresh ingredients in advance and guided us enthusiastically through each step: mixing the batter, preparing the filling, pouring the batter into the hot pan... The soft crackle of the hot oil in the pan is both soothing and appetising, while the fragrance that emerges makes your mouth water immediately. To my great surprise, the result exceeded my expectations: beautiful golden, crispy, and fragrant pancakes, ready to be enjoyed. Eating a dish you prepared yourself, in such an authentic setting, makes the experience even more memorable.
These activities allow you to discover rural tourism in Vietnam in a simple and immersive way.
5. Nearby sights to visit
Around the homestay, there are many possibilities for discovery, all remaining faithful to the spirit of the Mekong Delta: simple, authentic, and close to nature. This region is particularly renowned for its lush orchards, where you can taste freshly picked tropical fruits directly in the heart of the gardens.
A few minutes away by ferry, Tan Phong Island is an unmissable getaway. This green island offers a total immersion into local life, featuring cycling trips, boat rides through small canals, and fruit tasting in the orchards. Early in the morning, the atmosphere is particularly lively and typical of the region. Strolling through the villages or visiting local markets in Vietnam remains one of the most rewarding experiences. For a more hands-on experience, you can visit a traditional brick kiln and explore a local artisan workshop to observe the hand-crafted production of coconut candy and other local delicacies. To end your day on a serene note, take a ferry ride along the Tien River to witness a breathtaking sunset, as the water turns golden and the landscape glows in the evening light. Far from classic tourist circuits, you discover a simple daily life, punctuated by the encounters and smiles of the inhabitants.
6. Practical travel tips
- Mosquitoes can be present, especially at the end of the day. It is recommended to bring repellent or wear light but covering clothing.
- The calm of the countryside is different from that of the city: expect to hear the rooster crowing early in the morning, the occasional barking of dogs, or the sound of crickets at night.
- Comfort remains simple, far from the standards of urban hotels, with sometimes limited internet access.
- It is advisable to arrive with an open mind, ready to adapt to a simpler lifestyle closer to nature.
If you are looking for an authentic local experience, far from mass tourism, staying in a Mekong Delta homestay is undoubtedly an option not to be missed. It is a unique way to discover rural Vietnamese life in all its simplicity and richness.
Have you ever tried a homestay experience in Vietnam? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments or ask me any questions to help you organise your trip!
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TRAVELERS' CHOICE 2025 
