What do the homestays on our motorcycle tours look like?

Many travelers joining motorcycle tours in Vietnam are a little confused when they first hear about the concept of a homestay. They may have some concerns about the facilities and wonder how a homestay differs from a regular hotel. So, what does a Vietnamese homestay look like? Let’s find out!

Basically, the homestays used during our tours are accommodations hosted by local ethnic minority families such as the Dao, Tay, or Thai people, and are often large stilt houses. These families run everything themselves, from welcoming guests and cleaning rooms to cooking meals. In the past, these homestays usually offered just one big dormitory-style room for everyone. Nowadays, many of them have built private rooms to improve service quality.

Whether you stay in a private room or in a shared dorm will depend on the facilities available at each destination. You can rest assured that while the facilities may not be as luxurious as big hotels, they are fully equipped with essentials such as hot water, Wi-Fi, and sometimes air conditioning (depending on the homestay).

The facilities at homestays in Vietnam are now very good. In some places, the rooms are comparable to 2- or 3-star hotels, and some even have swimming pools. So there is no need to worry too much about staying at these places. In fact, many bikers who have joined our tours have asked to stay at homestays for every night of the trip.

The reason is that a homestay is not just about having a place to sleep. It is an experience in itself, an irreplaceable part of any Vietnam motorcycle tours. What could be more welcoming than staying in the same house, talking with local people about their culture and daily lives, or simply sharing some homemade rice wine and enjoying traditional dishes together like a family? 

Homestays are often located among rice fields, forests, mountains, or lakes, in small and charming villages in places such as Mai Chau, Pu Luong, Thac Ba Lake, Ba Be Lake, and Tram Tau. These are wonderful places for bikers to rest after long hours on the road, slow down, and take a break from the busy city while getting closer to nature.

Would you stay in a Vietnamese homestay on your vacation?