Mekong Home

That bike ride on the free bikes they recommended was a real highlight, and the pool was lovely too. We only stayed two nights, but the place was gorgeous. It's rustic, so keep that in mind, though everything was impeccably clean and the beds were super comfortable. The simple layout has a kind of architectural beauty. Our tour was pretty touristy, as expected, but we still had a gorgeous time. And the food was incredible, delicious and inventive, with so much care and talent clearly behind the meals. It felt like a little slice of heaven.

We could easily have stayed another night or two to see more of the area by bicycle. This family-run homestay sits right by the Hàm Luông River, with clean, cozy air-conditioned cabins, comfortable beds, a large bathroom, nice lighting, and covered patio seating. The grounds and pool are well kept, and the open-air dining area serves generous portions of good food. Drinks and drinking water are easy to get, and the WiFi worked well. Our first-night dinner and cooking class were a treat, as was the morning river tour. The hosts were accommodating and speak English and French for guests. It felt quiet, pleasant, and authentic, with the essentials covered. Getting there from HCMC was easy to arrange, and the scenic ride had a fun, slightly adventurous feel. A good fit for couples, families, or small groups wanting to experience community life in the Mekong Delta.

We had a great, homely stay for three nights with my tweens. The team was friendly and helpful, and it was nice that they hire people from the village. The manager grew up here, knows the area, and has young kids of his own, so he was good at suggesting family-friendly things without pushing services or meals. The kids loved the pool, the little pond with a wooden rowboat and bamboo fishing rods, and the two swings. Breakfast came with the room and included crepes, banana fritters, baguette with butter and pineapple jam, yoghurt, tropical fruit, eggs, coffee or tea, and juice. On our third morning they also made noodle soup. Lunch and dinner were available for an extra charge, with the menu depending on what they got at the market. There was a water dispenser in the dining area, and we could buy soft drinks, Saigon beer, or cocktails. We booked the three-hour day trip, which was a small group with us and two other guests. They can also arrange a one-hour sunset wooden boat trip and spa. Free bikes were useful: the manager pointed out a Pho Bo shop 3km away and a vegetarian noodle soup shop, plus small grocery stores along the route. One morning we rode around two nearby islands and took two ferries across the river. He marked landmarks on Google map and explained the way. Helmets and ponchos were provided. The manager arranged a car into Ben Tre city, and we took Grab back for under VND 200k, about 30 minutes. Our triple room was clean and comfortable, with air-conditioning and heated showers. It's a small family-run resort with 10 rooms. The manager and two other guys speak English, and the manager also speaks French. Great place to chill.

Those two days were an absolute joy. Mekong Home is a peaceful oasis amid the busy farming activity around the Mekong Delta. Mr Hoa, Dat, and the rest of the team looked after us so well, and we were welcomed warmly. The Vietnamese food was first class, especially the coconut milk pancakes we made together in a fun cooking class. We also spent a morning cycling with a local guide to see interesting places, including local crafts, fish farms, and coconut farms. Our room was clean and everything worked, and the swimming pool was a special bonus. If you're coming to visit the Mekong Delta, this is a place to stay.