Vietnam’s Most Unique Homestays and Eco-Lodges

Posted By: John Lewisohn / Vietnam Travel Guides

Experience Vietnam’s best eco-lodges and homestays, Sapa’s ethnic villages to Mai Chau’s farm stays. Stay in sustainable retreats in Pu Luong, Ha Giang, and Da Lat for an authentic adventure.

Vietnam’s Most Unique Homestays and Eco-Lodges

Vietnam is a dream destination for nature lovers and eco-conscious travelers, offering stunning landscapes and unique accommodations. Whether you’re looking to stay with ethnic minority families in Sapa, experience a jungle retreat in Pu Luong, or unwind at an eco-lodge in Da Lat, Vietnam has incredible sustainable stays for every traveler.

This guide explores the best homestays and eco-lodges in Vietnam, mountain villages to eco-friendly beach retreats, ensuring an authentic and responsible travel experience.

Experience Sapas ethnic culture with a homestay in Hmong or Dao villages! — Experience **Sapa’s ethnic culture** with a homestay in H’mong or Dao villages! - (Source: Collected)

1. Stay with Ethnic Minorities in Sapa & Ha Giang

For an authentic cultural experience, staying in a homestay with ethnic minorities is a must. These stays allow you to learn about traditional customs, enjoy home-cooked meals, and trek through breathtaking landscapes.

1.1. Sapa – Experience H’Mong and Dao Culture

Location: Lao Cai Province, Northern Vietnam

Why Stay Here? Sapa is famous for its stunning rice terraces and diverse ethnic communities. Staying with a local H’Mong or Dao family offers a deep cultural experience.

✔ Best Homestays in Sapa:

Chapa Ecolodge – A mountainside eco-lodge with panoramic valley views.

Eco Hills Homestay – Traditional wooden stilt houses in Lao Chai Village.

Indigo Snail Boutique H’Mong Homestay – Cozy family-run stay with hands-on weaving experiences.

Best Time to Visit: March – May & September – November (lush green and golden rice fields).

Eco-Tip: Choose homestays that support local communities and avoid mass tourism.

Explore Mai Chaus stilt houses and rice paddies, a peaceful retreat in Northern Vietnam! — Explore **Mai Chau’s stilt houses and rice paddies**, a peaceful retreat in Northern Vietnam! - (Source: Collected)

1.2. Ha Giang – Off-the-Beaten-Path Cultural Immersion

Location: Ha Giang Province, Northern Vietnam

Why Stay Here? The Ha Giang Loop is one of Vietnam’s most stunning motorbike routes, filled with remote villages and breathtaking mountains. Staying with Tay, Dao, or H’Mong families allows you to experience local traditions firsthand.

✔ Best Homestays in Ha Giang:

Hoang Su Phi Lodge – A remote eco-lodge with scenic rice terrace views.

Dao Lodge – A traditional Dao minority homestay with cultural workshops.

Jungleman Homestay – A friendly and authentic H’Mong family-run guesthouse.

Best Time to Visit: September – November (golden rice season).

Eco-Tip: Support locally owned homestays that contribute to sustainable tourism.

2. Sustainable Eco-Lodges in Pu Luong, Mai Chau & Da Lat

Vietnam has eco-lodges designed for sustainability, offering solar energy, natural materials, and conservation efforts.

2.1. Pu Luong – The Ultimate Nature Retreat

Location: Thanh Hoa Province, Northern Vietnam

Why Stay Here? Pu Luong is a hidden paradise of limestone mountains, rice fields, and waterfalls, perfect for trekking and eco-travel.

✔ Best Eco-Lodges in Pu Luong:

Pu Luong Retreat – Offers eco-friendly bungalows with breathtaking views.

Pu Luong Treehouse – A unique jungle treehouse surrounded by nature.

Puluong Natura Bungalows – Luxury meets sustainability in traditional bamboo huts.

Best Time to Visit: April – May & September – October (rice harvest season).

Eco-Tip: Avoid plastic bottles—use refillable water stations.

2.2. Mai Chau – A Traditional Thai Village Escape

Location: Hoa Binh Province, Northern Vietnam

Why Stay Here? Mai Chau is home to White Thai ethnic minority villages, offering traditional stilt houses and community-based tourism.

✔ Best Eco-Lodges & Homestays in Mai Chau:

Mai Chau Ecolodge – A sustainable retreat with rice field views.

Pom Coong Homestay – A local Thai family-run stilt house.

Mai Chau Sunset Boutique Lodge – A mix of modern comfort and nature.

Best Time to Visit: March – May & September – November.

Eco-Tip: Engage in community tours and workshops to support local artisans.

Enjoy Da Lats pine forests, organic farms, and cool weather for the perfect nature escape! — Enjoy **Da Lat’s pine forests, organic farms, and cool weather** for the perfect nature escape! - (Source: Collected)

2.3. Da Lat – A Highland Eco-Paradise

Location: Central Highlands, Vietnam

Why Stay Here? Da Lat is known for its cool climate, pine forests, and organic farms, making it a top eco-destination.

✔ Best Eco-Lodges & Farm Stays in Da Lat:

Zen Valley Dalat – A serene retreat with wooden cabins and mountain views.

Dalat Farmstay – A farm-to-table experience with organic gardens.

Greenland Guesthouse – A sustainable, cozy homestay in the hills.

Best Time to Visit: November – March (cool weather).

Eco-Tip: Choose eco-lodges that promote reforestation and protect Da Lat’s biodiversity.

3. Best Farm Stays & Nature Retreats in Vietnam

For a peaceful escape, Vietnam offers farm stays and retreats that allow travelers to experience sustainable farming and reconnect with nature.

✔ Top Farm Stays in Vietnam:

Tea Hill Homestay (Moc Chau): Stay on a tea plantation and learn tea-making.

Mekong Rustic Homestay (Mekong Delta): Experience fruit orchards and floating markets.

An Bang Seaside Village (Hoi An): A beachfront eco-lodge with an organic farm.

Best Time to Visit: Year-round, depending on the region.

Eco-Tip: Support farm-to-table experiences to enjoy fresh, local produce.

Reconnect with nature at Vietnams best farm stays & eco-retreats, from mountains to beaches! — Reconnect with nature at **Vietnam’s best farm stays & eco-retreats**, from mountains to beaches! - (Source: Collected)

Final Thoughts

Vietnam offers incredible homestays and eco-lodges that combine cultural immersion, sustainable travel, and breathtaking nature. Whether you're trekking in Sapa, relaxing in Pu Luong, or enjoying farm life in Da Lat, these unique stays will give you an authentic and eco-friendly experience.

Top Picks for Eco-Travelers:

Best Ethnic Homestay: Chapa Ecolodge (Sapa)

Best Nature Retreat: Pu Luong Retreat

Best Farm Stay: Mekong Rustic (Mekong Delta)

Ready for an unforgettable eco-adventure? Book your stay and experience Vietnam like never before!

Tags: best eco-lodges in Vietnam, eco-friendly travel Vietnam, Vietnam homestay experience

Best Itinerary Services: 10-Day Vietnam’s Most Unique Homestays & Eco-Lodges Tour – A Cultural & Nature Immersion

Day 1-2: Sapa – Ethnic Homestay in the Mountains

⭐ Where? Sapa, Northern Vietnam

Stay in a traditional H’mong or Dao homestay, deep in the Muong Hoa Valley.
Trek through golden rice terraces and misty mountains.
Join a local cooking class, learning to make traditional dishes.
Experience an ethnic cultural performance in the village.

⭐ Best Experience: Waking up to cloud-covered rice fields and morning tea with a local family.

⭐ Stay at: Topas Ecolodge or a local ethnic homestay.

Day 3: Ha Giang – Cultural Immersion in a Remote Village

⭐ Where? Ha Giang, Northern Vietnam

Stay in a Lo Lo ethnic village near the Lung Cu Flag Tower.
Explore the Dong Van Karst Plateau, a UNESCO Global Geopark.
Learn about traditional textile weaving local artisans.
Enjoy a family-style dinner with ethnic hosts.

⭐ Best Experience: Sitting by the fireplace, listening to ancient legends the Lo Lo people.

⭐ Stay at: Lo Lo Eco House or an authentic stilt house homestay.

Day 4-5: Pu Luong – Hidden Eco-Paradise

⭐ Where? Pu Luong Nature Reserve, Northern Vietnam

Stay in a bamboo bungalow with a panoramic rice terrace view.
Trek through local villages and waterfall trails.
Join a bamboo weaving workshop with Thai ethnic artisans.
Enjoy a sunset swim in an infinity pool overlooking the valley.

⭐ Best Experience: Watching water wheels turn in the rice fields as the sun sets.

⭐ Stay at: Pu Luong Retreat – A luxury eco-lodge in the mountains.

Day 6: Mai Chau – Thai Village Homestay Experience

⭐ Where? Mai Chau, Northern Vietnam

Stay in a traditional stilt house in a Thai ethnic minority village.
Cycle through endless rice paddies and peaceful countryside.
Try sticky rice wine (Rượu Cần) and enjoy a Thai dance performance.

⭐ Best Experience: A sunrise bike ride through the peaceful valley.

⭐ Stay at: Mai Chau Ecolodge or a Thai family homestay.

Day 7: Hoi An – Ancient Town & Beachside Eco-Lodge

⭐ Where? Hoi An, Central Vietnam

Stay at a beachside homestay in An Bang fishing village.
Walk through Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets and ancient houses.
Join a traditional lantern-making workshop.
Enjoy Coconut Coffee (Cà Phê Cốt Dừa) at a riverside café.

⭐ Best Experience: Floating candle-lit lanterns on the Thu Bon River at night.

⭐ Stay at: An Bang Seaside Village or a boutique homestay.

Top 5 Most Unique Homestays & Eco-Lodges in Vietnam

Topas Ecolodge – A Luxury Mountain Retreat in Sapa
Lo Lo Eco House – Cultural Immersion in Ha Giang
Pu Luong Retreat – A Hidden Eco-Paradise
An Bang Seaside Village – A Beachfront Homestay
The Island Lodge – A Riverside Mekong Oasis

⭐ Where? Sapa, Northern Vietnam

A sustainable eco-lodge with breathtaking views of terraced rice fields.
Features private bungalows, infinity pools, and organic dining.
Perfect for a peaceful retreat in nature.

⭐ Best Experience: Enjoying a sunrise over the rice terraces the infinity pool.

⭐ Where? Ha Giang, Northern Vietnam

A traditional homestay in Lo Lo Chai village, near the Lung Cu Flag Tower.
Experience authentic ethnic culture, local food, and wooden stilt houses.
Great for exploring Ha Giang’s remote landscapes.

⭐ Best Experience: Sharing a home-cooked meal with the Lo Lo ethnic minority.

⭐ Where? Pu Luong, Northern Vietnam

Overlooks endless rice terraces and limestone mountains.
Features thatched-roof bungalows, bamboo houses, and outdoor infinity pools.
Perfect for nature lovers and off-the-beaten-path explorers.

⭐ Best Experience: Trekking through Pu Luong Nature Reserve and relaxing in an eco-lodge.

⭐ Where? Hoi An, Central Vietnam