Experience the art of hosting and sharing in Vietnam with HomeExchange

At HomeExchange, we like to give a voice to those who can best describe it: our members. This testimonial was written by Myriam, a HomeExchange member from Guadeloupe, who describes her trip to Vietnam and how home exchange enhanced her experience.

A captivating stay in the heart of Vietnam

Our stay in Ho Chi Minh City will remain one of those HomeExchange experiences that truly gives meaning to travel. More than just accommodation, we experienced a genuine human, cultural, and familial immersion, made possible by the generosity and trust of our hosts.

From the moment we arrived in Saigon, the contrast was striking. With our host, we crossed the city amidst an endless stream of scooters and cars, in traffic as chaotic as it was impressive, before discovering a completely different scene: a few colonial-era buildings still try to resist the rapid rise of skyscrapers, but very quickly, we reached a quiet, almost rural neighborhood. It was an amazing feeling, as if the countryside had found its way into the heart of the megalopolis.

Our hosts gave us an immediately warm welcome. Here, we didn't feel like guests, but rather expected. On our first evening, around the family table, conversation flowed naturally. The dishes arrived one after another: spring rolls, pork stew, hard-boiled duck eggs, king prawns, raw vegetables with flavorful dips, and then mango and watermelon for a sweet finish. The meal became a moment of sharing, where languages ​​mingled—French, Vietnamese, sometimes English—all with smiles. The night ended on a typically Vietnamese, very firm rubber mattress, which immediately immersed us in local life.

Discover the city through the eyes of those who know it

The following days, we explored Saigon with our hosts. This immense city, a veritable urban patchwork, surprised us at every turn. The markets were an explosion of colors and aromas: fruits, vegetables, dried fish, aromatic herbs, and small street food stalls. We sampled a generous and fragrant local soup, accompanied by a welcome iced tea in the tropical heat.

With our host, we also visited the city's iconic landmarks: the central post office, the opera house, the city hall, and wide avenues lined with magnificent colonial buildings, now transformed into elegant boutiques. But what we loved most were the everyday moments: a stroll through our neighborhood, impromptu conversations, and a coffee just steps from our home.

Experience unique opportunities and encounters

One of the great privileges of this exchange was our hosts' invitation to stay for a few days in their country house, in the heart of the Mekong Delta. After several hours on the road, we boarded a barge to reach an island nestled between two branches of the river. The transition was magical: the frenzy of Saigon gave way to a peaceful atmosphere, its rhythm dictated by the water and river life.

Their house was simple and welcoming, bordered by a branch of the Mekong where boats regularly passed. A flower-lined alley led to the village market. Here, there was no tourism, only local life. The lovely neighbor looked after us and prepared our meals. With the invaluable help of Google Translate, every conversation became a moment of shared connection.

From the terrace, we watched the ballet of transport boats. In the evening, a small boat took us sailing to the Mekong at sunset. The river then opened up in all its immensity, vibrant and awe-inspiring. These simple, shared moments will remain among our most cherished memories.

The discoveries continue with our dear neighbor: the Chợ Lách market, authentic and bustling from dawn; a visit to the local barber, as surprising as it is amusing; the nurseries of Sa Đéc and their miles of tropical flowers; the mandarin groves; the perched pagodas; and the boat trips, sometimes delayed by the vagaries of the river. Nothing is ever perfectly planned, but everything is always experienced with kindness and good humor.

Celebrating culture like a local

Back in Saigon, we welcomed our hosts back like family. One of the highlights of our trip was undoubtedly the Ancestors' Festival, celebrated before Tet. Being invited to share this family ceremony was an immense privilege. Around the altar dedicated to the ancestors, offerings, incense, and traditional dishes testified to the respect and gratitude shown to past generations. The meal that followed was a moment of profound, sincere, and moving sharing.

Our host guided us in our discovery of Vietnam through local spirituality: brightly colored Cao Dai temples, ceremonies imbued with silence, sacred mountains accessible by cable car, bustling markets, and street food. Each outing was enriched by the explanations of our hosts, who were always happy to share their culture and traditions.

Hosts who become friends.

On the last evening, the HomeExchange truly came to life around a French-style dinner. The food became a bridge between our cultures: pan-seared foie gras with apples, homemade apple tart, and Vietnamese beef stewed in the style of a bourguignon. Around the table, languages ​​mingled, laughter filled the air, and we realized how these shared days had forged a strong bond.

As we left Saigon, our hearts were a little heavy. We weren't just leaving a fascinating, vibrant, and contrasting city of ten million inhabitants. We were leaving behind a family, routines, and precious memories. This HomeExchange reminded us why we love this way of traveling so much: for the encounters, the trust, the generosity, and these interludes in life that leave a lasting impression.

A huge thank you to our hosts for their warm welcome, their availability, and their kindness. This exchange will remain etched in our memories as one of our most cherished travel experiences.

We write to each other regularly to maintain this magical connection.