So you’ve booked your flight out to Hanoi, bought a pair of trekking shoes — ready to conquer the gorgeous Sapa slopes. Doesn’t matter if you’re planning your own itinerary or following a guided trek guide, here comes the question: “Do I want to live in a homestay or hotel in Sapa?”
While my review can be biased — I really enjoy living in nature — here’s my real experience of living in both homestay and hotel, having visited Sapa twice. Images are my personal collection and reflect my true experience. Sapa is one of the best travels I’ve had in Asia (returning twice!)
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Hospitality
HOMESTAY VS HOTEL: HOMESTAY WINS
While hotels do offer the usual hospitality that we expect most to offer.. welcome greetings, hot tea on arrival, travel advice and tour services, homestay wins with its genuine touch. You’ll be living with the owners of the house, which means they are in a way “welcoming you home.” There will be little children playing shyly wanting to make friends with you, roaming dogs and chickens, and nothing beats this — home-cooked local food. Heartwarming!
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Accessibility
HOMESTAY VS HOTEL: HOMESTAY WINS
Homestays are sprinkled all over the mountains — some along trekking routes, others on off the beaten paths. While paying a little more for posh hotels might appeal to some, most hotels are located closer to town centres which means longer walks for getting out of town to reach starting points. There are those up in the mountains, but they cost a bomb. A homestay allows you to wake up in the heart of nature, at the meeting points of many trek routes.
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Authenticity
HOMESTAY VS HOTEL: HOMESTAY WINS
Homestay got me at “home-cooked food”. I love the genuine warmth of the locals and it is such a privilege to be welcomed into their home. The locals keep their home clean and as comfortable as possible to welcome guests. Granted, there won’t be that hairdryer or a huge mirror for you — but this is the real deal! This is their life. We travel to seek new experiences, to understand different cultures, meet new people, write our own stories. Authenticity is priceless.
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Peace of mind
HOMESTAY VS HOTEL: HOTEL WINS
I’d choose homestay over hotel, simply for the unpredictability — anytime. Most of the “cons” (to some) of homestay falls into the category of uncertainty. From not knowing how your homestay really looks, to its cleanliness level and living conditions, we can’t tell till we arrive at the homestay. Though these can’t fall to a too low level as there are strict procedures for locals to follow to get their home stay permits. Personally, the biggest concern would be the guests we’ll be sharing the space with. I’ve been fortunate to have met like-minded guests who are warm, friendly and grateful to be here; who have good laughs in the day and sleep early to wake up for break of dawn trekking.
