Travel Guide: STAY Hostel – 300m from the Ferry, Mekong Delta

Introduction

Tucked away in the laid-back river town of Rạch Giá, STAY Hostel is the perfect base for travelers looking to escape the tourist crowds of southern Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. Just a 5-minute walk from the main ferry terminal that connects the mainland to Phú Quốc Island and the remote delta islets, this no-fuss budget accommodation balances affordability, convenience, and local charm for backpackers, slow travelers, and solo explorers alike.

Hotel Overview

STAY Hostel is located at 27 Nguyễn Thượng Hiền, Rạch Giá, Vietnam, within easy walking distance of the town’s bustling waterfront markets and local eateries. All common areas and non-smoking guest rooms come with free, reliable WiFi, bed-side power outlets, and air conditioning to beat the delta’s warm, humid climate. Guests have access to lockers for secure storage, free public street parking just steps from the property, and a fully equipped shared kitchen with high chairs for families traveling with young children. The hostel’s complimentary breakfast consistently earns high marks from past guests, with hearty local staples like congee and baguettes to fuel a full day of exploring. Shared bath facilities include clean showers, toilets, toilet paper, and slippers, with extra towels and linens available for a small additional fee. On-site amenities include a shared common dining area, board games and puzzles for social evenings, paid cooking classes to learn how to make traditional Mekong dishes, and paid laundry and ironing services. The friendly staff speak both English and Vietnamese, making check-in and local recommendations seamless for international travelers.

Attractions

Three unmissable local spots are just a short ride from the hostel:

• Rạch Giá Night Market: A 10-minute walk from the hostel, this lively waterfront market is the best place to sample Mekong street food, from fresh grilled squid to coconut candy and bánh xèo crispy pancakes. Pick up handwoven cotton souvenirs made by local artisans at a fraction of the price you’d pay in tourist hubs.
• Bà Chúa Xứ Temple: Located 3km from the hostel, this sacred 19th-century temple dedicated to the Mekong’s patron goddess draws pilgrims from across the region. Its intricate mosaic architecture and riverfront setting offer quiet, atmospheric insight into local spiritual life.
• Hòn Sơn Island: Catch a 45-minute ferry from the terminal just 300m from the hostel to this undeveloped mountain island. Hike to the hilltop viewpoint for panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand, swim in sheltered coves, and eat fresh seafood at family-run beach shacks.

Travel Tips

If you’re heading to Phú Quốc after exploring the delta, book your ferry ticket one day in advance during peak season (June to August) to avoid sold-out sailings. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing and insect repellent for delta day trips, and carry cash – most local markets and small eateries don’t accept card payments. Join the hostel’s cooking class to pick up recipes for classic Mekong dishes that you can recreate at home, and ask the staff for their favorite hidden street food spots to eat like a local.