More than simply a place to stay, Hoang San Homestay in Hoanh Mo Commune recreates a space of a traditional house with gardens and fields, along with a range of cultural and culinary experiences. It has become a distinctive cultural experience and check-in site, attracting visitors to learn about local life and indigenous architecture.
In late 2024, the owner, San, restored his old house and redesigned the surrounding space in line with the cultural characteristics of the Tay ethnic group. The house is built with earthen brick walls mixed with straw, with the soil carefully ploughed and kneaded before being shaped into bricks. Inside, the layout is simple yet clearly reflects the traditional living space of the Tay people. The house consists of two main sections, combining a kitchen, a living area and sleeping space. At the centre is the cooking fire, a focal point of family life where members gather after a day of work.
From the outside, the house retains the rustic character typical of upland architecture, with raw yellow-brown earthen walls, old tiled roofing and strings dried corn hanging under the eaves. These not only help preserve farm produce but also create a setting that reflects the local way of life. The surrounding gardens and fields are arranged in accordance with traditional Tay farming practices. Together, these elements create a rustic space imbued with ethnic cultural character, making it a check-in spot favoured by many visitors.
Beyond sightseeing, the homestay also offers a variety of interesting cultural experiences. One activity that attracts particular interest is learning how to make earthen bricks using traditional Tay methods. Visitors can mix soil with straw and shape bricks by hand, gaining insight into how earthen houses typical of upland areas were constructed. Guests can also experience traditional rice grinding and try making pho sheets by hand using large pans, a familiar practice among the Tay community. From freshly steamed pho sheets, the host then introduces pho cham, a local dish in which the noodles are dipped in sauce, reflecting the simple flavours of the upland region.
The experience space also extends to a plum gardens, an orchard, a rice field and a campsite covering several hundred square metres in front of the house. During the fruit season, visitors can stroll through the orchard, pick plums and enjoy the fresh air. The camping area is also a popular choice for school groups and young travellers seeking outdoor activities.
By Ta Quan
