Frequently asked questions
Private room with family or volunteers?
Volunteers stay in private rooms in a separate area of the house, nearby with the family. Privacy is respected.
Is the workspace quiet and comfortable for reading or using a laptop?
Desks available in the living room and bedrooms.
Is laundry available at the homestay?
We have a washing machine that you can use for free as a volunteer.
Working Hours & Days Off?
Around 15h/week, maximum 3 hours/day, flexible schedule. Days off arranged with the host.
Is the Wi-Fi fast enough for video calls or online work?
Strong Wi-Fi (good for video calls/remote work). Mobile signal is stable in the area.
What to Bring
Personal items (towel, toothbrush, toiletries), mosquito repellent, long pants, hat, sturdy shoes. Clothes: shorts & T-shirts are fine. Evenings can be cool → bring a light jacket.
What do volunteers eat?
Home-cooked Vietnamese meals with rice, vegetables, meat or fish, and sometimes local specialties.
Pictures of Accommodation
Photos of rooms and common spaces will be shared before your arrival.
Things to do around?
Local markets, coffee farms, waterfalls, temples, friendly neighbors, fresh air.
Hiking & Outdoor Activities?
Football field (100m), swimming lake (5km), waterfalls (25–40km).
Weekend Trips
Host has international tour guide license → can help organize free/paid trips.
Festivals
No major festivals during your stay (Tet 2026 is in February), but you can enjoy solar New Year atmosphere.
Safe for Valuables?
A locker or safe space is available for important belongings.
Volunteer qualities appreciated?
Respectful, open-minded, proactive. Avoid lateness, breaking house rules, or being noisy at night.
Airport Pick-up?
Usually self-arranged, but we can guide you or help with pickup (extra cost).
Getting Here from Ho Chi Minh City (SGN Airport):
✈️ By Plane: SGN → Buon Ma Thuot (BMT), then 35km taxi to homestay.
🚌 By Bus: 12-hour sleeping bus direct to our town.
Do we need a visa to enter Vietnam?
It depends on your nationality. Some countries are visa-exempt for 15–30 days, but most need an e-visa.
✅ Official check & application: Vietnam Immigration – Evisa
Host’s experience with visitors?
Most visitors enjoy cultural exchange, teaching, farming, simple countryside life. Many keep in touch afterward.
Can I meet locals & explore the village?
Yes, the host will introduce you to local people and village life.
Arrival at 4:15 AM too early?
Early but okay. Please inform in advance so we can arrange.
Safety & Health
Area is safe, not remote. No special vaccinations needed.
Payment method (19 USD/day)
Cash in VND upon arrival, or Revolut if arranged in advance.
Contact Information
📍 Thảo Điền Viên Homestay
Số nhà 212, Thôn 1, Xã Tân Tiến, Huyện Krông Pắc, Tỉnh Đắk Lắk
📞 Thảo: (+84) 392 254 331
If I work more hours, will I get more benefits?
Extra hours are welcome, but no fixed discount. Sometimes it may include extra activities.
Services provided by the homestay?
Accommodation, meals, cultural exchange, language practice, and introduction to local life and nature.
How many volunteers at once?
Normally 2–4, so you won’t feel lonely. Yes, usually 2–4 volunteers depending on season.
19 USD Cost Explained
As a passionate traveler on a budget, I completely understand your feelings. I’ve been in Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos, staying in bunk beds to save money and then struggling to find food and meaningful activities. Those experiences weren’t truly fulfilling.
That’s why, when I returned home, I invested my heart, time, and savings into creating this space. It’s not just accommodation—it’s a HUB designed to maximize your volunteer experience at the lowest possible cost.
👉 With 19 USD/day, you’ll receive 6 key highlights:
Cozy Accommodation – Private, comfortable rooms inside a peaceful organic garden.
Local Cuisine – 3 home-cooked meals daily, made with fresh ingredients from our garden and local markets.
Personal Growth – Mini-masterclasses with local experts on language, cuisine, culture, history, and traditional medicine.
Finding Your Purpose – Be inspired by stories, share your own, and discover new directions in life.
Community Connection – Meet amazing travelers, share ideas, co-work, and build lasting friendships.
Leisure & Exploration – Village walks, farm visits, hidden coffee shops, waterfalls, sports, music, art—activities tailored to your interests.
✨ With this all-in-one model, you don’t have to waste time searching for food, activities, or learning opportunities. Everything is right here, so you can simply enjoy every moment.
Bus to Daklak – Nha Trang route
Company name: Rạng Đông Limousine
Phone: (+84) 1900 272 722
Departure: Nha Trang, 8 AM
Arrival: Dak Lak, ~1 PM (around 5 hours)
Price: ~250,000 VND
Bus from Hội An / Da Nang → Dak Lak
Thuận An Sleeping Bus – Phone: 093 743 43 43
Departure: 5 PM (Da Nang) → Arrival: 5 AM (Dak Lak)
Price: 350,000–450,000 VND (24-seat or 34-seat bus)
Bus passes directly by homestay (no taxi needed).
Bus from Ho Chi Minh City → Dak Lak
Trang Hoa Sleeping Bus – Phone: +84 989 047 047
Departure: 5 PM (HCMC) → Arrival: 5 AM (Dak Lak)
Price: 350,000–450,000 VND (24-seat or 34-seat bus)
Bus passes directly by homestay.
Thảo Điền Viên Homestay
My Address: at 212, Thôn 1, Xã Tân Tiến, Huyện Krông Pắc, Tỉnh Đắk Lắk. Drop off point will be " SÂN BÓNG ĐÁ TIẾN HIỆP "
Feel free to reach out to me at +84(392254331) if you have any further questions.
Just let me know your arrival time in advance, and I'll be happy to accommodate an early morning or late-night check-in.
Do you offer any special workshops or learning activities?
Yes, we organize “mini-masterclasses” on language, cuisine, culture, history, and traditional medicine with local experts.
Are there social activities with other volunteers and locals?
Yes, we regularly have group meals, discussions, co-working, and fun activities like singing, drawing, or sports to connect everyone.
Besides volunteering, will I have chances for self-development or reflection?
Yes, we encourage personal growth through sharing stories, inspiring talks, and meaningful cultural exchange to help you explore your life purpose.
Do I need any vaccinations (e.g., Japanese encephalitis)?
Not mandatory for entry, but Japanese encephalitis is sometimes recommended for tropical rural stays — please consult your doctor.
SIM / eSIM & internet: should I buy a local SIM or rely on Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi at the homestay is good, but we recommend buying a Vietnamese SIM or eSIM for 4G/5G convenience while traveling.
Currency, ATMs and card acceptance — how much cash should I bring?
ATMs are available in town but small vendors take cash only. Bring some VND (or withdraw on arrival). Cards are accepted at larger places; plan for daily cash needs.
Currency, ATMs and card acceptance — how much cash should I bring?
ATMs are available in town but small vendors take cash only. Bring some VND (or withdraw on arrival). Cards are accepted at larger places; plan for daily cash needs.
Impact of Thao Homestay
How does Thao Homestay help?
We support local farmers and provide educational opportunities for village children.
What is the cultural impact?
We help preserve local culture and traditions, ensuring they thrive for future generations.
How do you support the environment?
Our initiatives focus on sustainable practices that protect the environment and promote ecological awareness in the community.
What services do you offer?
Thao Dien Vien is your second home, located in a small village. Just 30km from Buon Ma Thuot city center, we offer a living space that feels "just right"—not too far to be inconvenient, not too close to be noisy. At Thao Dien Vien, you'll discover an integrated homestay model that combines six functions (living, dining, playing, learning, working, and socializing) all on a 300m² area. It's more than just a place to stay; it's a hub for cultural exchange through agricultural tourism, a hands-on learning environment, and a bridge for you to connect and grow. With an affordable cost, we invite you to experience a truly worthwhile life, starting in Vietnam's majestic Central Highlands.
How can I contribute?
You can support our initiatives by staying with us and participating in local activities.
What is the community benefit?
Our homestay fosters local leadership and stability through community engagement and sustainable development projects.