How to Experience Vietnam Like a Local

Lyn Luong • September 25, 2024

Looking to experience Vietnam beyond the typical tourist spots? These immersive local experiences will let you see the country in a whole new light. With Up Travel, you can live like a local, eat like a local, and explore like a local.

1. Stay in Homestays, Not Hotels

For a true Vietnamese experience, skip the hotel and opt for a local homestay. This gives you the chance to live like a local, eat homemade meals, and connect with a Vietnamese family. Up Travel’s rural homestay packages ensure you have a safe, comfortable, and enriching stay. Whether you’re in the lush countryside of Cao Bang or the Mekong Delta, staying in a homestay gives you a deeper connection to the area’s culture and people.

A cozy wooden homestay with a rustic design, featuring a sign that says

2. Cook and Dine with Locals

Vietnamese food is an essential part of its culture, and there’s no better way to experience it than by cooking and dining with the locals. With Up Travel’s cooking classes and dining experiences, you’ll learn to make traditional dishes from a local chef, then enjoy the fruits of your labor with your hosts. From Bánh Chưng to Bún Bò Huế, the flavors will captivate your senses and leave you with a deep appreciation for Vietnamese cuisine.

A group of people sitting around a wooden table, raising glasses in a toast and smiling warmly. The room features a cozy atmosphere with a

3. Explore Beyond the Cities

While Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are must-see destinations, Vietnam’s rural areas offer some of the country’s most beautiful and untouched landscapes. Up Travel’s off-the-beaten-path tours take you to hidden gems like Cao Bang, Ban Gioc Waterfall, and the remote Mekong Delta. These areas are rich in natural beauty and culture, offering unique experiences you won’t find in the cities.

A serene scene of a boat floating near the Ban Gioc Waterfall, surrounded by green hills.

4. Learn Local Customs and Traditions

Get involved in local festivals, craft-making, or even a traditional tea ceremony. Up Travel’s cultural tours introduce you to the customs and rituals that have shaped Vietnam’s history. Whether you’re learning to weave bamboo baskets or participating in a Tet festival, these experiences will give you a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s cultural tapestry.

A person wearing a conical hat arranging vibrant red and orange incense sticks laid out in a large drying area.

5. Travel Sustainably

Sustainability is key when traveling in Vietnam. Up Travel is committed to responsible travel, working with local communities to ensure that your trip benefits the environment and supports local businesses. Whether it’s eco-friendly tours or working with local artisans, your travels can leave a positive impact.

Aerial view of a lush green forest with two footprint-shaped lakes surrounded by mist.

Travel deeper, connect more, and experience Vietnam like a local with Up Travel. Let us craft your personalized journey today. Tailored just for you.

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