Vivre l’art de recevoir et de partager en famille

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

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An amazing stay in the heart of Vietnam

Our accommodation is Ho Chi Minh City – Ho Chi Minh City will continue to be one of the HomeExchanges that give meaning to travel. Not just accommodation, we also experienced True human immersionculture and family, all thanks to the generosity and trust of our hosts.

As soon as we arrive Saigonthe contrast is very sharp. We walked through the city with our hosts, in the midst of a constant stream of motorcycles and cars, the traffic was chaotic and impressive, and then we discovered a completely different environment: some colonial-era buildings still trying to resist the rapid rise of skyscrapers, but soon we arrived in a quiet, almost rural neighborhood. one wonderful feelingjust like The countryside is invited into the heart of the metropolis.

Our guests immediately received a warm welcome. Here we don’t feel invited, but expected. On the first night, the conversation began naturally around the family dinner table. The dishes were: spring rolls, braised pork, boiled duck eggs, prawns, raw vegetables with delicious sauces, and finally mango and watermelon. Meals become moments of sharingwhere languages ​​mingle – French, Vietnamese and sometimes English – all with a smile. The night ended on a typical Vietnamese rubber mattress, very firm, Immediately immerse yourself in local daily life.

Explore the city from people who know it

Over the next few days we discovered Saigon Accompanied by our hosts. This huge city, a real patchwork of cities, is full of surprises at every moment. The market is An explosion of color and smell : Fruits, vegetables, dried fish, herbs, street restaurants. We sampled hearty and aromatic local soups and enjoyed iced tea in the tropical heat.

with our master, We also visited the city’s iconic attractions : Central post office, opera house, town hall, wide avenues lined with grand colonial buildings now transformed into elegant boutiques. But what we prefer is everyday moments : A walk in our neighborhood, an impromptu discussion, a coffee shop just a stone’s throw from our house.

House exchange: Quận 9 – Jean Marc’s house – Quận 9/Vietnam – HomeExchange

Please note the following: – Minimum stay of 7 nights. – Available dates shown in the calendar

Experience unique opportunities and encounters

One of the great honors of this exchange was the invitation from our hosts Spend a few days at their country houselocated in the center of the Mekong Delta. After a few hours’ drive we boarded a barge and arrived an island between two branches of a river. The transformation is magical: the bustle of Saigon is replaced by a calm atmosphere, punctuated by the life of water and rivers.

Their house is simple, warm and surrounded by an arm mekong river A place frequently passed by ships. A flower-filled lane leads to the village market. Here, there is no tourism, only local life. Lovely neighbors who looked after us and prepared meals for us. Communicate with the invaluable help of Google Translate, and every exchange becomes a moment of complicity.

From the terrace we can see the ballet of transport ships. night, At sunset, a boat took us to the Mekong River. Then the river reveals itself to be vast, vibrant and impressive. These simple, shared moments will become some of our best memories.

Our dear neighbors continue to discover: chorah marketauthentic and lively from dawn, a visit to your local hairdresser is surprising and fun, Nursery school in Sa Đéc There are also miles of tropical flowers, orange crops, towering pagodas and boat trips that are sometimes delayed by the vagaries of the river. Nothing is perfectly planned, but Everything is always experienced with kindness and good humor.

Celebrate culture like a local

return Saigonwe look for guests like we look for family. Without a doubt one of the strongest moments of our stay was Elder’s Day celebrated before New Year’s Day. It is a huge honor to be invited to this family ceremony. Around the altar for worshiping ancestors, offerings, incense and traditional dishes are placed, expressing respect and gratitude to the ancestors. The meal that followed was a profound, heartfelt, and touching moment of sharing.

Our hosts guided us in exploring Vietnam through local spirituality: brightly colored Cao Dai temples, quiet rituals, sacred mountains reached by cable car, popular markets and street food. Every outing is enriched by the host’s explanationsalways willing to pass on their culture and traditions.

Be the master of friends

On the last night, HomeExchange is all about having a French dinner. Food becomes a bridge between our cultures : Apple pan-fried foie gras, homemade apple pie, Vietnamese beef stew Burgundy style. around the table,Languages ​​blend and laughter overflowswe realize how these days together create strong bonds.

When leaving Saigonthe mood is a little heavy. We are not just leaving this charming city full of energy and contrasts, with tens of millions of inhabitants. We left behind families, habits, and precious memories. This HomeExchange reminds us why we love this way of traveling so much: because of the meetings, the trust, the generosity and the life episodes that leave a lasting mark.

Many thanks to our hosts for their welcome, their warmth and kindness. This exchange will be inscribed as One of our best travel memories.

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

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