Dustin Cheverier, born in 1988 and originally from the U.S., is a popular content creator in Vietnam with over 827,000 subscribers on his personal YouTube channel. Having lived in Ho Chi Minh City for around 10 years, Dustin frequently shares videos documenting his travel and culinary experiences across Vietnam.

During his cycling journey across Vietnam from Hanoi back to Ho Chi Minh City a few months ago, Dustin had an unexpected encounter in Son Village, Lung Cao Commune, Ba Thuoc District, Thanh Hoa Province. While riding from Tan Lac District, Hoa Binh Province, he met two local men harvesting bee larvae.

The two men, brothers from a Thai ethnic family, struck up a conversation with Dustin. They invited him to visit their home and experience life in what is often called “Da Lat in the heart of Thanh Hoa” or “a miniature Sa Pa of Thanh Hoa.”

Son, Ba, and Muoi are three highland villages located in the core of the Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Known collectively as Cao Son, these villages sit at an altitude of about 1,180 meters above sea level. The area is renowned for its unspoiled beauty, cool and fresh air, and the subtle fragrance of forest flowers and leaves.

At the family’s stilt house, Dustin was struck by the simplicity of local life. While their lifestyle seemed basic and lacked many modern conveniences, he found it peaceful and easy to adapt to, having grown accustomed to such experiences during his adventures across Vietnam.

The family treated Dustin to a feast of local delicacies, including black chicken, stir-fried bitter melon with eggs, boiled peanuts, bamboo shoots, roasted crickets, and bee larvae. They even prepared steamed sticky rice and boiled duck for him.

Moved by their hospitality, Dustin brought 10 cans of beer to share with the family during the meal.

“Such amazing food! Thank you so much, everyone,” Dustin expressed.

During the meal, Dustin and the family shared stories about their daily lives and work. The hosts introduced him to the unique cultural traditions and customs of the Thai ethnic group. The family encouraged him to eat well to regain energy for his journey.

After the meal, the family took Dustin to fish at a nearby spot before he returned to their home to rest for the night.

“I’ll sleep here tonight and continue my journey tomorrow,” Dustin said.