You have opportunity to share in the life of a typical local community when staying in the Ta Lai longhouse. In this remote region of untouched forests live the S’Tieng and Ma minorities and they have created this authentic experience as a community enterprise. The traditional longhouse is in Ta Lai village – serenely pitched on the top of a hill, overlooking a lake and on the border of Cat Tien National park’s jungle. As you would likely guess, accommodation is basic…and communal. This is a longhouse after all!

Fan-cooled dormitory rooms have wooden flooring, the beds are comfortable, mosquito nets are provided and there is also a pleasant separate seating area. Terraces provide views of the river or the engulfing lush greenery. You have access to shared bathroom facilities that include hot shower. The toilets are clean. Simply don’t expect too many frills beyond this. The property houses a small restaurant serving Vietnamese (good) and Western (poor) dishes. It also offers simple breakfast of bread, jams, coffee and juices. As you would expect from such a project, half of the profit goes into the local community to help support various projects. A stay here provides a real opportunity to speak and interact with local people and learn more about the Tai Lai Commune, their traditions and customs.