From a small question from mother, a big idea was born
At the end of July 2019, amidst the typical sunshine and salty breeze of the coastal city of Phan Rang, Ukiyo homestay officially opened its doors to welcome its first guests. Located on the central Tran Phu street, where two picturesque coastal roads intersect - one towards Vinh Hy, the other towards Mui Dinh. The small, pretty three-story house appears as a gentle touch in the journey to explore the sunny and windy land of Ninh Thuan.
That house is not a newly built building but an old family home, located on the street where the lights had been on for many years. After a period of lack of vitality, the mother of the house asked her youngest daughter - then a third-year student of Architecture studying in Saigon: "What should our family do to be happy again?". That seemingly simple question sparked a great idea, turning the old house into a homestay called "Ukiyo", with the desire to both test her creativity and breathe new life into her birthplace.
Healing scene for those who need "healing"
“As a student of the University of Architecture, this is also my forte. It is called an old house but it is not actually degraded, the structure is still good. The house has new walls, new curtains, the interior is designed by me and sent to a private wood workshop for processing, the color of the house space is redesigned, from what I have learned, using my own experience and travel needs to complete the house with the desire to welcome friends from far away to rest and feel a very special part of Ninh Thuan” - Na Tong, founder of the homestay shared.
At a time when the homestay model was still quite new in Phan Rang, that decision was a bold but also rational move. The house, although old, was still solidly built, with concrete floors, high ceilings, and spacious and airy rooms. Taking advantage of her expertise and aesthetic sense, the young student began to come up with ideas for renovation: repainting the walls, replacing the curtains, and re-coordinating the overall colors to make the space more harmonious and cozy. The interior was custom-made according to personal design, both comfortable and minimalist, creating a welcoming space with a modern yet intimate feel.
Up to now, Ukiyo is no longer a single swallow but has many different complexes. NÕN Cottage - another resort space with a strong personal touch has also been born, along with four coffee shops, of which two are operating regularly. Each place is a small piece in the dream of making Ninh Thuan a more familiar destination for tourists.
Ukiyo has three spacious bedrooms, each nearly 20 m², two large windows to welcome natural light and overlook the street. On the top floor is a large, airy courtyard - an ideal place for guests to rest, read books or watch the sunset over the coastal city. The shared kitchen is located on the ground floor, fully equipped with basic appliances for guests to cook and enjoy a meal prepared by themselves with fresh ingredients bought right at the local market below the house.
Green living, sustainable living - a philosophy that operates from the smallest things
Unlike traditional forms of accommodation, Ukiyo operates on a self-service model, without a receptionist or time constraints. All necessary information is sent in advance so that guests can easily check in and freely arrange their own itinerary. The house always values privacy, so guests do not stay with the owner. However, the homestay owner's family lives opposite the house, ready to assist when needed, close enough to help, but far enough for guests to freely enjoy their own space.
Accommodations here
One of the highlights of this place is the green living spirit. From the very beginning, the homestay has chosen to say no to disposable products. Instead, it uses long-term solutions: bamboo toothbrushes, glass bottles, reusable soap boxes. This approach not only helps reduce plastic waste but also spreads a message about a sustainable, simple but meaningful lifestyle.
Guests who come to stay are often people who love to experience, cherish private space and like to explore on their own. Therefore, each time they welcome guests, the homestay always sends a map suggesting favorite local dishes, beautiful places in Ninh Thuan arranged by distance for easy planning. Sometimes on free days, the host invites guests to go out, explore unspoiled beaches that not many people know, or simply enjoy some local snacks that only locals know.
Ninh Thuan - a dry but vibrant land is often confused with Phan Thiet - Binh Thuan. Because of this vagueness in recognition, young people attached to this place want to contribute a small part so that their homeland is recognized with its own identity. From the first homestay, after graduating from university, the journey back to their homeland to develop tourism officially began.
NÕN Cottage - a peaceful space in harmony with nature
Relaxing space at Non
Ukiyo homestay does not carry the traditional motifs or architecture typical of the local culture, but each room, each soft pillow, clean mattress, gentle and neat space all bring guests a genuine and loving experience. There, there is no fussiness, no hustle and bustle, only care from the heart, from a native who wants to send a little sunshine, a little slow life of Phan Rang to faraway travelers.
The house does not aim to become famous, nor does it expect to be sought after by the masses. The most precious thing is the opportunity to meet like-minded guests, to continue to maintain a space that bears a strong personal mark, filled with simplicity and sincerity. Regardless of its future name, whether it continues to be “Ukiyo” or becomes another version, the spirit of perseverance, dedication and love for the sunny land will continue to be nurtured, just as an old house was rekindled by a seemingly small question from a mother.
