Đề thi VSTEP Reading B1 — Couchsurfing & Cultural Exchange

Last summer, my friend Linh tried something different on her trip to Thailand. Instead of staying at expensive hotels, she used a website that connects travelers with local hosts who offer free accommodation in their homes. This type of travel is called 'couchsurfing,' and it has become popular among young people worldwide. Linh stayed with three different families during her two-week trip. Each host welcomed her warmly and treated her as a guest, not just a tourist. One family in Chiang Mai invited her to join their evening meal and taught her to cook traditional northern dishes. Another host in Bangkok took her to a local market that most tourists never see. According to Linh, the best part of the experience was the conversations she had with her hosts. She learned about Thai customs, family life, and even some useful phrases in the local dialect. Although she had to share small rooms and follow her hosts' house rules, she felt that the cultural exchange was worth much more than a comfortable hotel bed. Linh believes that couchsurfing changed the way she sees travel. It is not just about visiting places, but about connecting with people.