Đề thi VSTEP Full B1 — Trải nghiệm văn hóa qua homestay và lễ hội đèn lồng (mẫu 6)

Last summer, I spent two weeks in a small village near Sapa, in northern Vietnam. I stayed with a local H'mong family, and the experience changed the way I see travel. My host family lived in a wooden house on a hillside. Every morning, the mother cooked rice and vegetables over a fire, while the father worked in the rice terraces. I helped them with small tasks, like carrying water or picking herbs from the garden. At first, I felt useless, but I soon understood that sharing daily work is a way to show respect. In the evenings, the family told me stories about their ancestors and traditional festivals. They also taught me a few H'mong words. Although I could not speak much, I tried to use what I learned, which made everyone smile. What I liked most was the simple rhythm of life. There was no Wi-Fi, no traffic, and no schedule. I went to bed when the sun went down and woke up with the roosters. The homestay taught me that real travel is not about visiting places, but about living with the people who call those places home.

Welcome to 'Travel Today'. Today we talk about one of Vietnam's most colorful events — the Hoi An Lantern Festival. Every month, on the night of the full moon, the old town switches off its electric lights. Thousands of silk lanterns light up the streets, the river, and the ancient houses. Visitors can release small paper lanterns onto the Thu Bon River and make a wish. The festival has deep historical roots. Long ago, Hoi An was a busy trading port, and Chinese and Japanese merchants brought the tradition of hanging lanterns. Today, lanterns represent hope, family, and community. If you plan to visit, here are some tips. Arrive a day early — the town gets crowded on festival night. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the old stone streets. Try the local food, especially cao lầu noodles. And bring a camera, but remember to put it down and just enjoy the moment. Happy travels!