Unwind On The Mekong River At The Budget-Friendly Phuong Thao Homestay

Enjoy the serenity of a quiet village

To get to the Phuong Thao Homestay, you must take a ferry from Vinh Long proper across a wide stretch of the river to An Binh Island. Here, you’ll hop on a motorbike with one of the homestay’s employees (no room for cars here!) and scoot the short distance along flower-covered dirt paths to Phuong Thao Homestay.

The homestay, which is more like a bed-and-breakfast, is situated on a small patch of land mere steps from the water. The only noises are those of roosters crowing, ducks quacking, crickets chirping, and the occasional hum of a passing boat’s engine. In addition to the ultimate peace you’ll find rocking in the homestay’s many hammocks or simply following the cute ducklings around the property, there are also free bikes available that enable you to explore all the serenity this remote island has to offer.

Keep in mind: when I say remote, I mean it. The Wi-Fi connection is shoddy at best, and phone service was next to nothing. This is my idea of peaceful travel, but I know it’s not for everyone, so be sure to tie up any loose ends before spending a couple of days in Phuong Thao’s peaceful, disconnected haven.

A perfect jumping off point to explore the Mekong region

Phuong Thao Homestay sits within a short boat ride’s distance from some of the region’s most lively cultural sites. The staff at the homestay will hook you up with a river boat that can take you on a half-day tour through the surrounding inlets and waterways. Rise early to get to the Cai Be Floating Market during its morning bustle; in this colorful market, residents from throughout the region arrive on boats to buy food and other goods each day. (Ask your boat driver to pull over for some fresh coconuts or rambutans.)

Also nearby are coconut candy factories, where you can see the sweet, sticky candies being made and taste one or three in the process; a brick factory, where bricks are made from the river’s thick mud; and expansive rice fields perfect for a midday romp.The Phuong Thao staff will arrange a private or small group boat trip with stops at these highlights through the region, offering an intimate encounter with local life.

Charming service at a low price

At Phuong Thao Homestay, Mr. Phu is your guy. He bends over backwards to ensure you get to the homestay without any glitches; to set up daily tours of the area; and to make your homestay experience as lovely as can be. And, he does it all with a smile. Phuong Thao Homestay isn’t the kind of place where you go if you’re craving a cushy, luxury vacation, but Mr. Phu and his team will make you feel like it is.

Though the rooms are bare bones and the bathrooms shared (note: I usually avoid shared bathrooms, but this homestay’s were in great condition, and the shower under the stars was the perfect extra touch), the staff at Phuong Thao Homestay treat you like royalty. The best part? The food, delicious local specialties like fried elephant ear fish and savory crepes, cooked to order in the homestay’s small kitchen.