5 Best Homestays In Sapa
Staying at a homestay is one of the most ethical ways to visit a place. You put money directly into the community's hands and get to know locals on a more intimate level.
When I visited Sapa during my one-month trip through Vietnam, it was shocking to see just how apparent the wealth gap was. Around the town square, children danced for spare change while luxury hotels stood just steps away, catering to travelers paying hundreds for a single night.
Seeing those two things starkly juxtaposed against each other made me reflect on how I can be more intentional about ensuring that my tourism dollars actually go to support the local community.
So, if you're looking to make a difference while traveling, here are the top five locally-owned homestays in Sapa with great reviews and authentic hosts.
1. Hmong Sister House & Trekking
If you're looking to learn more about Hmong culture during your trip to Sapa, Hmong Sister House is the place to stay!
Zizi runs this charming little homestay in Hau Thao Village and personally organizes treks, family dinners, and hands-on cultural activities to make sure that her guests get the best experience.
Rooms are rustic but clean and comfortable, with wooden interiors, mosquito nets, hot water, and simple furnishings. You can choose between shared dorms or private rooms but because there's no central heating, make sure to bring lots of layers!
The homestay features communal areas and relaxed outdoors zones with incredible views of the surrounding rice terraces and mountains.
What Makes This Homestay Different
Run By A Local Hmong Woman: everyone raves about Zizi and how she goes the extra mile to take care of her guests. You can also feel good about giving money directly back to the community!
Experience Immersion: join in on some of the homestay-hosted experiences like guided treks, family dinners, and hands-on experiences with traditional Hmong crafts
Authenticity Over Luxury: forego the frills in favor for a simple and grounded experience
4.4 Stars On Google / 9.2 On Agoda
Guests consistently praise the homestay for its breathtaking location, warm hosts, and immersive trekking and cultural experiences. Most criticism is centered around the lack of heat and the fact that the facilities are somewhat basic.
2. Sapa Retreat Homestay
Sapa Retreat Homestay & Restaurant blends the warmth of a traditional homestay with the amenities of a luxury wellness retreat.
This family-owned establishment is located in the quiet village of Ta Van, just outside of Sapa Town. It's run by a couple known for treating guests like family with custom meals, local guidance, and genuine hospitality.
Their homestay features cozy wood bungalows set within the rice terraces of the Hmong village with shared amenities like a yoga deck, pickleball court, and a restaurant serving home-cooked local dishes.
What Makes This Homestay Different
Modern But Still Deeply Connected: experience modern hotel amenities like heated rooms, private baths, and yoga classes without giving up the personal connection to hosts who are kind, generous, and go the extra mile to make guests feel special
Riverside Location: wake up to serene riverside views and a peaceful atmosphere far from the crowds of Sapa Town
Local Culinary Experience: the on-site restaurant serves up delicious local meals like salmon hotpot and stir-fried forest greens at reasonable prices (with vegan and vegetarian options!)
5 Stars On Google / 9.2 On Agoda
Guest consistently praise the homestay for its hospitality, peaceful setting, delicious food, and authentic, culturally rooted experience that feels both welcoming and restorative.
3. My's Homestay Sapa
My's Homestay in Ta Van Village just 30 minutes from Sapa Town probably the most authentic homestay on this list.
This simple establishment is run by My and Thung (who built the house himself!) and is a rare opportunity to step away from polished hotels and experience Hmong village living firsthand.
Guests can choose between private or shared rooms in a peaceful and welcoming family home.
What Makes This Homestay Different
No Frills: unwind with simple living in a traditional Hmong family home within the village
Deep Family Integration: because you're living with the family (the way homestays are meant to be), it really feels more like you're visiting relatives than booking an accommodation
Passion For Cultural Exchange: it's clear from Thung's bio that he's passionate about sharing Hmong culture with visitors and that enthusiasm really shines through!
4.9 Stars On Google / 9.3 On Agoda
Guests rave about the family’s hospitality, breathtaking views, delicious food, and culturally rich trekking adventures. Many say it was the highlight of their Vietnam trip as it provided a memorable and heartfelt taste of Sapa.
4. Mega View Homestay
Mega View Homestay is a locally run guesthouse right in the center of Sapa Town. It's convenient to get to but still tucked away so you get some peace and quiet at night.
This establishment is owned by Dieu and his family, and features a wide range of room options ranging from colorful private rooms to budget-friendly dorms.
They're known for (obviously) incredible mountain views, friendly hospitality, and modern amenities like wifi, hot water, and home-cooked meals.
What Makes This Homestay Different
Family-Style Hosting: outstanding service that is warm and familiar. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask!
Iconic Mountain Views: although it's located in town, this homestay features stunning views of the mountains of Sapa and nearby Muong Hoa Valley
Trekking Support: tap into local connections and get off the tourist trail with English-speaking guides
4.9 Stars On Google / 9.1 On Agoda
With over 5,000 positive reviews across multiple platforms (Google, Booking.com, Agoda), it's clear that this homestay is a traveler favorite!
5. Suong May Sapa Homestay
For an alternative homestay in Sapa Town, book Suong May Sapa Homestay!
Hong Tham manages the establishment and does an incredible job creating a warm and welcoming environment with thoughtful attention to detail such as providing electric blankets and breakfasts for travelers on the go.
The rooms are basic but clean so if you're looking for a place that feels like home in the center of Sapa town, then this is the place to book!
What Makes This Homestay Different
Location, Location, Location: just 500 meters from Sapa town so you can hop off your bus and immediately get checked in!
Service That Goes Above And Beyond: Hong takes care of her guests as if they were close friends
Thoughtful Details: the homestay provides thoughtful amenities that actually help travelers with their experiences
4.8 Stars On Google / 9.2 On Agoda
Guests appreciate Suong May's family-like hospitality and tout Hong's helpfulness as a key factor in making their adventures more memorable.
How To Choose A Genuine Homestay
One thing that I've noticed about accommodations in Vietnam is that the word "homestay" has become trendy SEO keyword.
A homestay is supposed to be reflective of short-term accommodations within a local's home but because hotel owners now know that responsible travelers are specifically looking for that term in an attempt for more ethical travel, they've modified their listing names to match.
In my opinion, it's a form of greenwashing and may not always be reflective of the actual situation on the ground.
So, here are some tips on how to tell if a homestay is actually genuine (especially when there's limited information in English).
Prioritize host visibility: search reviews for mentions of the host or family to verify that locals are actually involved with the management and ownership of a property.
Watch for red flags: it’s advertised as a “homestay” but has too many rooms and a cookie-cutter format for each room, then it's probably just a hotel in disguise...
Message the host directly: ask about cultural exchange opportunities or experiences that go beyond the typical package traps. A quick chat can give you more insight into how hosts approach travel and business.
Look beyond booking platforms: a lot of these establishments don't have personal websites but you can probably find them on social media (Facebook or Instagram). Swipe through their content to get a more unfiltered look at the everyday realities
Conclusion
I hope this article helped you to narrow down some homestays for your ethical Sapa adventures.
Once you're done booking accommodations, get to planning the rest of this trip with my favorite things to do in the area or if you prefer a more structured approach, check out my full 3-day itinerary.
And if you’re still wondering whether Sapa is even worth the trip, I’ve also written a full take on that, along with a breakdown of Cat Cat Village and whether it’s actually a tourist trap.
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