Online reactions pour in after story of US family paying $3,000 each for rural Vietnam experience

The story, shared by Tuoi Tre News on Facebook, described a family of four from the United States who spent roughly $3,000 each for a 10–12 day trip in Vietnam that included catching fish, cooking over wood fires and washing dishes while staying with rural households.

Many commenters questioned the cost of the trip.

“A fool and his money are soon parted,” wrote Thop Vo.

Others said the experience could be arranged far more cheaply.

Patrick Stevens said he had spent 14 days travelling in northern Vietnam for about $700 and wondered what the family’s money had been spent on.

Joseph Lim said the price seemed excessive, writing that paying about $300 a day for such activities “sounds crazy.”

Some readers mocked the idea of paying to perform everyday chores.

“They can fold my laundry for a $100,” wrote Daniel Chanteloup.

“I’ve got a farm up in the Highlands, they’re more than welcome to come and do the weeding! I’ll even buy them each a nón lá [Vietnamese conical hat] so they can really get the full authentic experience,” wrote Kevin Woolstencroft.

Others offered their homes jokingly.

“For $100 a night, no dishes but I’ve got a pile of washing y’all can do,” wrote Johny McNeal from Melbourne.

Anh Tran posted sarcastically: “At my place, they can mow the lawn (hope they like cardio), vacuum the entire house (twice, for sparkle), do my laundry, scrub my bathtub until it blinds the neighbors… Instead of only 10 days, I will extend it to the whole month FREE OF CHARGE!”

Several commenters said similar activities could be found closer to home.

“They could have gone to the south in the United States and done the same thing,” wrote Chris Williams.

“$3000 USD each to live in the rural, washing dishes, catching fish… they don’t have to go halfway around the world,” wrote Minh Truong, adding that similar experiences could be found in parts of Texas or Louisiana.

Others speculated that the price might include airfare and other services.

“They forget mentioning that 3000$ person included airfare hotel and foods and all activities for 12 days,” wrote Peter Dinh McGinnis.

Dan Dan commented: “If that includes all transportation including air tickets then it’s reasonable. Otherwise it’s a scam.”

Some readers raised concerns about whether local hosts benefited financially.

“Hope the local family actually cashes in the largest part of the sum and not the tour operator,” wrote Aaron Storm.

Daisy Logan added: “I hope so - probably paid peanuts to the locals.”

A few commenters defended the idea of paying for cultural immersion.

“This is a highly educated family with high-paying jobs in the US. They spent money to experience the local culture and people of Vietnam,” wrote Dinh Khanh Huyen.

“The culture, cuisine, and living environment in Vietnam are very different from the American society they live in.”

Sarah Bregman also supported the idea, writing: “Many Americans value authenticity. It is a good opportunity for locals.”

But the concept of “authentic” travel itself became a point of debate.

“What is authentic?” asked Andrew J Ellis.

“Should visitors to USA spend their time at home in suburbia loading dishes into a dishwasher in order to have an authentic experience?”

A few commenters described similar experiences they had personally.

“I live with my wife’s ‘local family’ in Vietnam for a few weeks for free every year,” wrote Craig Grech, describing sleeping on a grass mat and eating local foods.

“It’s a different way of life and not what the tourists see… the Vietnamese nationals are the most friendly and hospitable people in the world.”

Some reactions were bluntly critical.

Phil Watson called the arrangement “absurd,” writing that he could not understand why visitors would pay $3,000 to perform what he described as “the everyday chores of a poor family.”

Others simply expressed disbelief.

Chris Gaudet expressed disbelief at the price, asking how the trip could have cost $3,000.

Still, a handful of readers suggested the value of travel experiences cannot always be measured by cost.

“It’s not what you do, but where you do it. And who you meet,” wrote Ary Safti.