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From a small question from my mother, a great idea was born.
In late July 2019, amidst the characteristic sunshine and salty breeze of Phan Rang coastal city, Ukiyo homestay officially opened its doors to its first guests. Located on Tran Phu street in the city center, at the intersection of two picturesque coastal roads – one leading to Vinh Hy, the other to Mui Dinh – this charming three-story house stands out as a gentle touchpoint on your journey to explore the sun-drenched land of Ninh Thuan.
That house wasn't a newly built structure, but the old home of a family, situated on a street that had been brightly lit for many years. After a period of stagnation, the mother asked her youngest daughter – then a third-year architecture student studying in Saigon – "What should we do to bring life back to our home?" This seemingly simple question sparked a grand idea: transforming the old house into a homestay called "Ukiyo," with the hope of both testing creativity and breathing new life into their birthplace.
A healing setting for those who need "healing".
“As an architecture student, this is also my forte. Although it's called an old house, it's not actually dilapidated; the structure is still good. The walls have been repainted, the curtains have been replaced, and the interior design was created by me, commissioned from a woodworking shop, and the color scheme has been redesigned. Drawing on what I've learned, my experience, and my own travel needs, I've perfected this house with the hope of welcoming guests from afar to relax and experience a unique part of Ninh Thuan,” shared Na Tong, founder of the homestay.
At a time when the homestay model was still relatively new in Phan Rang, that decision was a bold yet rational move. The house, though old, still had a solid structure, concrete floors, high ceilings, and spacious, airy rooms. Leveraging her academic expertise and existing aesthetic sense, the young student began planning the renovation: repainting the walls, replacing the curtains with lighter shades, and re-coordinating the overall color scheme to create a more harmonious and cozy space. Custom-designed furniture, both convenient and minimalist, created a welcoming space that felt modern yet intimate.
Currently, Ukiyo is no longer a solitary establishment but has expanded into several other complexes. NÕN Cottage – another resort space with a strong personal touch – has also been established, along with four cafes, two of which are operating regularly. Each place is a small piece in the dream of making Ninh Thuan a more familiar destination for tourists.
Ukiyo comprises three spacious bedrooms, each nearly 20 m², with two large windows that let in natural light and offer street views. On the rooftop is a breezy terrace – an ideal spot for guests to relax, read, or watch the sunset over the seaside. A shared kitchen is conveniently located on the ground floor, fully equipped for guests to cook their own meals, enjoying a meal prepared with fresh ingredients purchased from the local market below.
Living green, living sustainably - a philosophy that starts with the smallest things.
Unlike traditional accommodations, Ukiyo operates on a self-service model with no reception desk and no time constraints. All necessary information is provided in advance to allow guests easy self-check-in and the freedom to plan their itinerary as they wish. Privacy is paramount, so guests do not live with the owner. However, the homestay owner's family lives across the street, ready to assist when needed – close enough to help, yet far enough to allow guests to enjoy their own private space.
Accommodation options here
One of the highlights of this place is its commitment to green living. From the very beginning, the homestay has chosen to say no to single-use products. Instead, it offers long-term solutions: bamboo toothbrushes, glass bottles, and reusable soap dispensers. This approach not only helps reduce plastic waste but also spreads a message about sustainable, simple, and meaningful living.
Guests staying here are usually people who love experiences, value their own space, and enjoy exploring on their own. Therefore, each time a guest arrives, the homestay always provides a map suggesting favorite local dishes and beautiful places in Ninh Thuan, arranged by distance for easy planning. Sometimes, on their days off, the hosts invite guests to go sightseeing, explore pristine beaches not yet known to many, or simply enjoy some local snacks that only locals know about.
Ninh Thuan – a land that is arid yet full of life – is often confused with Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan. Because of this confusion in recognition, young people who are deeply attached to this place are even more eager to contribute to ensuring their homeland is seen for its unique identity. Starting with a first homestay after graduating from university, the journey of returning to their hometown to develop tourism officially began.
NÕN Cottage - a tranquil space in harmony with nature.
Relaxing space at Nõn
Ukiyo homestay doesn't feature traditional local patterns or architecture, but each room, each soft pillow, clean mattress, and tranquil, well-maintained space offers guests an authentic and heartwarming experience. There's no pretense or hustle and bustle, only heartfelt care from a native who wants to share the sunshine, the gentle breeze, and the slow pace of life of Phan Rang with travelers from afar.
The house doesn't aim for fame or public attention. What's most valuable is the opportunity to meet like-minded guests, to continue maintaining a space deeply personal, filled with simplicity and sincerity. Whatever its future name, whether it remains "Ukiyo" or transforms into a different version, the enduring spirit, dedication, and love for this sun-drenched land will continue to be nurtured, just as an old house was rekindled by a seemingly small question from a mother.
