Mekong Delta homestays, 2 to 4 days
Before you go
Homestay etiquette, in practice
Delta families are relaxed hosts and forgive almost anything said with a smile. A few habits still make the evening easier for everyone: what to do with your shoes, how a family meal works, how to handle rice wine, photographs, gifts and money.
Arriving
- Shoes off at the door of the house itself; the yard and the kitchen are often outdoor-shoe zones. Watch what the family does.
- Greet the oldest person first. A nod and a smile is enough; the guide will introduce you. In the south people often use first names with a family title: Ông and Bà for the grandparents, Chú, Cô, Anh or Chị for the rest, by age.
- Accept the tea. It is the welcome. You do not have to finish it.
- Ask before going into rooms other than yours, the kitchen and the shared spaces.
The family altar
Most homes have an altar to the ancestors in the main room, facing the door, with photographs, incense and fruit. Do not put things on it, sit with your back or your feet pointed at it, or photograph it without asking. If the family lights incense for a death anniversary while you are there, stand quietly; you may be invited to offer a stick, and you can accept or decline politely.
Eating with the family
- Dishes are shared in the middle; each person has a bowl of rice. Take a little at a time from the shared dishes into your bowl, rather than loading up once.
- Wait for the oldest person to start, or to tell you to start. They usually do so quickly.
- Hold the rice bowl up near your mouth; that is normal, not rude.
- Do not stand chopsticks upright in the rice: it looks like incense at a funeral. Lay them across the bowl.
- Hosts will put food in your bowl. If you cannot eat more, leave a little in the bowl and say you are full: 'no rồi' (I'm full).
- If something is not for you, eat around it. No one is offended by a vegetarian who said so in advance.
Rice wine
A bottle of rice wine, sometimes home-made, often appears at dinner. Toasts go round the table, and the phrase you will hear is 'một, hai, ba, dô!' — one, two, three, cheers. You do not have to drink. Accept the first small glass, touch it to your lips, and after that a hand over the glass and a smile is understood. Pace yourself if you do drink: home-made spirits are stronger than they taste, and the morning starts early.
Bringing the household a bottle of something, or paying for the beers from their shop, is a nice gesture.
Helping
Offer to help in the kitchen and in the garden; that is what you are there for. Hosts may refuse the first time out of politeness and accept the second. Follow instructions, ask questions, and do not mind being laughed at when you get it wrong; it is affectionate.
Children are often given small jobs with the family's children. Let them.
Photographs
- Ask before photographing people, especially older relatives and children. A gesture at the camera and a smile works; so does asking the guide.
- Do not photograph the inside of bedrooms or the bathroom of the family.
- If you post photos of the family, ask first, and send them a copy: many hosts like to have them.
Water, power and waste
Fresh water is not unlimited. In the dry season salt water pushes up the estuaries, and in a bad year households near the coast ration it. Short showers, taps off, no laundry by hand in the bathroom without asking. Switch off the fan and the light when you leave the room. Take your own plastic away with you; rubbish collection on the islets is limited.
Sources: NCHMF salinity bulletin, 10 Mar 2026 · checked .
Dress and the body
- Light clothes are fine around the house. Cover shoulders and knees for pagodas and temples.
- Swimwear only where the family swims, and ask before going in the river; currents are strong.
- Public affection is kept low-key in the countryside.
Gifts and money
A small gift from home is appreciated: sweets, a postcard of where you live, something for the children. Nothing expensive. Give it with both hands.
Your room and meals are paid in advance as part of the trip, so you never need to negotiate with your hosts. Tips are optional; if you want to thank the household, put the money in an envelope and give it to the oldest person present, or ask the guide to. For things you buy from the family, candy, fruit, plants, pay the price they ask.
How the household is paid for your stay is set out on the pricing page and on community tourism and responsible hosts.
A short phrase list
| Say | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Xin chào | Hello |
| Cảm ơn | Thank you |
| Ngon quá | Delicious |
| No rồi | I'm full |
| Một, hai, ba, dô! | One, two, three, cheers! |
| Chúc ngủ ngon | Good night |
Common questions
Questions travellers ask most
Should we bring a gift?
It is welcome, not expected. Something small and from your country is better than something expensive.
Is it rude to refuse food?
Not if done kindly. Leave a little in your bowl and say you are full. Hosts will offer again; a smile and a hand on your stomach ends it.
Can we go to bed early?
Yes. Families go to bed early themselves. Say good night to the oldest person present.
Can we bring our own food or drinks?
Snacks are fine. A meal of your own at a homestay where dinner is cooked for you would be odd; buying drinks from the household is better than bringing your own.
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Tell us which family home you have in mind
A trip, a month and how many of you are travelling are enough to start. We reply by email with questions or a first suggestion that names the house, the room and the bathroom.