Traditional houses in Hoi An

“This is something I can’t find anywhere else. Sometimes, when I return to Hanoi, I immediately feel suffocated by the noise and crowds, perhaps because I’ve become too accustomed to the tranquility of Hoi An,” Lan Phuong, also known as Pao – the owner of Pao Homes – shared with Travellive.

Lan Phuong is a girl from Northern Vietnam, just over 30, who describes herself as "single, happy, hardworking, and also very fond of having fun." She has been in love with Hoi An for over 8 years; this place has brought her freedom, connection, and boundless gratitude for nature, for the heritage, for the people she has met, and for herself...

During her 8 years here, Lan Phuong has also co-founded and operated several homestays. As someone who loves traveling, she is passionate about being a "host"—a place where she can connect with friends both domestically and internationally, helping her broaden her horizons.

Lan Phuong said: “Pao Homes is a continuation of the work I've done, but on a new level. You know, Hoi An has many incredibly lovely houses that haven't been used yet. The homeowners, because they love the space they painstakingly created, want to share it but are also afraid that users won't understand the value of the house and how to properly maintain it. This unintentionally creates a waste of resources, while new constructions continue to spring up to welcome tourists.”

Pao Homes was created to connect people who "understand" and "love" the value of tasteful design. We offer quality home care and maintenance services, while also sharing them with clients seeking a private and sophisticated living space. During renovations and remodeling, Pao Homes minimizes environmental impact, maximizes natural light and ventilation in each room, and utilizes organic products.

“Pao is the affectionate nickname I use with friends and regular guests over the years I’ve hosted homestays. Pao Homes means 'Pao’s home,’ a space that Pao has meticulously cared for. Come and visit! I chose a familiar and welcoming name so that guests can feel like they’re coming home, a second home in Hoi An, complete with amenities and unspoken care,” Lan Phuong explained about the meaning of the name.

For her, a perfect retreat is a place where you are both protected in your home and soothed by pristine nature.

Pao Homes currently has two villas located on An Bang beach and in the Cam Thanh riverside area, where architecture and nature blend seamlessly through sophisticated designs. Each villa spans approximately 1,000 square meters.²With 3-4 bedrooms, a swimming pool, a shallow pool, a garden, a kitchen, and plenty of indoor and outdoor relaxation space, Pao Homes offers private villas for groups of friends, families, or colleagues, accommodating 4-9 guests per villa. In the future, Pao Homes will expand to include 1-2 bedroom villas to meet the diverse needs of travelers, especially Vietnamese guests.

An Bang Beach Stone Villa – a house with the rustic charm of Southern France (the previous owner was a chef from that region) – features stone walls, sloping roofs covered with terracotta tiles, and long, leisurely verandas. The water, surrounding gardens, and the fishermen's beach are just a few dozen steps away. "Here, we encourage laziness. Come on, soak up the salty sea air, relax with a book under the eaves, and have a party!"

An Hai Villa is surrounded by the rich and picturesque waterways of Cam Thanh (3 km from the Old Town). The house is a harmonious blend of nostalgic and contemporary design, meticulously crafted by French-Vietnamese architect Helena Tran Quang Man. A "miniature Hoi An," tranquil, sophisticated, and comfortable; where you can relax by the pool, enjoy a cozy party, or fall into a deep sleep amidst the refreshing natural surroundings.

"From personal experience, I've taken my parents on trips a few times, wanting them to experience high-end hotels and resorts. But then I noticed that those in their 60s and 70s were so awkward and unsure how to walk, talk, and smile properly in such a glamorous and professional setting. The eating habits, sleeping habits, and mannerisms of previous generations (who are used to being thrifty) are so hard to change. I felt a pang of sadness and immense sympathy for them!"

Pao Homes partly reflects our aspirations, offering private, spacious, and sophisticated spaces. A place where multi-generational families can enjoy the truly comfortable atmosphere of a reunion vacation. A place where the elderly can wake up early and stroll around, children can freely run, jump, and swim, and young people can still have their own relaxation corners. The connection between private and public spaces is thus subtly and gently arranged,” Lan Phương shared.

In addition to unique experiences in Hoi An, Pao Homes offers many exciting activities for guests during their stay. These include airport transfers, breakfast, afternoon tea, chef services, grocery shopping assistance, party planning, cooking classes, yoga, and wine tasting at the resort. Furthermore, Pao Homes provides car rentals, tour guides, diving lessons, and bespoke tailoring services with the highest quality.

At the same time, the host is intimately familiar with the calm sea seasons, the sunny seasons, the hidden corners and alleys, and the favorite eateries of the locals. And they are also happy to wander through must-see destinations for tourists with their esteemed guests.

According to Lan Phuong, Pao Homes always prioritizes authentic experiences in traditional craft villages, exploring local cuisine, culture, nature, and services, aiming to contribute to the development of the area. If you try an afternoon tea at Pao Homes, you'll immediately notice the difference. This isn't an English or Chinese afternoon tea, but rather a very authentic Vietnamese, very Hoi An experience.

When asked by Travellive about the memorable story behind Pao Homes' early steps, she shared: “You can’t go far alone! I’m fortunate to have friends who have contributed their efforts, ideas, and support throughout the operation. Pao Homes wouldn’t have come into being and taken the form it has today without a dear friend and sister who inspired me, built the concept, provided direction, and accompanied me in business and marketing activities.”

“I cherish and take great care of this place, hoping that you will feel the unspoken care when you experience it. At the same time, I also hope to welcome more Vietnamese families in addition to the stable number of Western guests. I want more and more Vietnamese people to experience quality spaces and services right in their homeland,” Lan Phuong said.

Phuong Thao is an editor at Travellive magazine. She is passionate about traveling and enjoys capturing moments with her camera in every place she visits. Travel, art, and lifestyle are Phuong Thao's favorite writing topics.

Phuong Thao