A Thía Homestay, located in Mường Thanh ward, is one of the new destinations in the area. Since its opening in April 2024, the homestay, with 12 rustic yet comfortable rooms reflecting local cultural charm, has quickly attracted both domestic and international tourists. Its warm hospitality, stable services, and friendly atmosphere have helped A Thía establish a unique identity.

Ms. Nguyễn Thị Hiên, the owner of A Thía Homestay, shared: “We want to offer visitors a truly authentic experience of Điện Biên’s culture. At A Thía, guests are welcomed as if they were family returning home. From the balconies, they can enjoy views of the vast Mường Thanh paddy field. We also cooperate with women in nearby villages to organize tours, allowing visitors to explore more and stay longer in Điện Biên.”

Not only favored by domestic travelers, the homestay has also received positive feedback from international visitors. Mr. Tommy Peel, a tourist from the UK, said: “I love staying at a homestay because it allows me to experience local life. The people here are very friendly, the scenery is beautiful, and the rooms are comfortable. I will definitely come back next time.”

Another popular destination is Phương Đức Homestay in Mường Phăng commune. Taking advantage of the traditional stilt houses of the Thái ethnic group, the homestay has been renovated with modern amenities while preserving its cultural charm. Combined with traditional Thái cuisine, it offers guests a memorable and authentic experience.

Ms. Cà Thị Phương, owner of Phương Đức Homestay, shared: “We prepare clean, homegrown food from our own gardens and livestock for our guests. The village’s art troupe is always ready to perform traditional music and dances. Visitors can also join locals in farming activities such as harvesting rice, planting vegetables, or catching fish, creating unforgettable memories during their stay.”

Thanks to these authentic yet refreshing experiences, homestay tourism has become increasingly popular among travelers to Điện Biên. Currently, the province has nearly 30 homestay models with about 130 guest rooms. The growing number of homestays not only helps ease accommodation pressure during peak festival and event seasons but also serves as a bridge connecting visitors with the rich culture and traditions of Điện Biên’s ethnic communities.

Developing homestay tourism opens up a promising path for community-based tourism, directly creating livelihoods, improving incomes, and preserving traditional cultural values. However, for homestays to develop sustainably, in addition to support and guidance from authorities, owners themselves must continuously innovate, improve service quality, and actively promote their image on digital platforms. Only when each homestay builds its own identity, focusing on both hospitality and cultural authenticity, can Điện Biên truly attract and retain visitors for the long term.