On August 20, 2025, my business trip to Da Lat concluded. It was a meaningful journey to Da Lach Farmstay & Homestay, a hidden gem nestled among the green hills of the Lam Dong highlands. This trip was not only part of my work schedule but also an opportunity to connect with local business models and explore how farmstays and homestays are thriving in a highly competitive tourism landscape. As the car drove along the winding roads, surrounded by pine forests and vast coffee plantations, I felt the shift from the bustling pace of city life to a peaceful space, close to nature.
My first step into Da Lach, I was immediately captivated by the warm welcome and majestic natural beauty. The farmstay's space was vast, with rustic wooden houses nestled among lush green vegetable gardens, creating a rare and serene scene. This impression didn't just come from nature but also from how Da Lach skillfully combined traditional charm with modern amenities, creating a perfect destination for those seeking rest and relaxation.
Content of the Meeting
During the official meeting, I had the opportunity to talk directly with a representative of Da Lach Farmstay & Homestay, a passionate person who had poured their heart and soul into transforming an agricultural plot into an attractive destination for tourists. We focused on discussing two core elements that are reshaping the modern tourism industry: communications and technology..
Communications
In terms of communication, the conversation revolved around how farmstays and homestays are promoting their image and attracting customers. The representative of Da Lach shared that, in the beginning, they mainly focused on posting images of the green space along with activities connected to nature, relaxation, meditation, and stress relief. However, to reach visitors more effectively from major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, they realized the need for more structured strategies. We discussed collaborating with influencers to expand their reach, as well as maintaining customer engagement through Zalo OA and personalized promotions—a promising approach that could potentially increase the return rate by up to 30%.
Technology
When the topic shifted to technology, the conversation became more lively. We focused on strategies to expand booking channels on OTA platforms such as Booking.com, Agoda, Airbnb, Traveloka, and Nexnow, while also tapping into social media channels to reach new customers in addition to their existing direct clientele. To optimize their presence on OTAs, specific steps need to be taken, such as investing in professional photos, clearly describing unique experiences, and applying a flexible pricing policy. Additionally, we discussed the application of AI Chatbots for customer care to provide instant responses, 24/7 support, and tailored experience journeys, which helps to enhance satisfaction and retain customers for the long term.
Impressions and Feelings
After the meeting, I was deeply impressed by the professionalism and enthusiasm of the Da Lach team. They are not just business owners but also "gatekeepers" of nature, always ready to share their knowledge without any reservation. Their enthusiasm was evident in the way they walked me around the farmstay, introducing every small corner with obvious pride. The lush green space, with the sound of birds chirping and the smell of damp soil after the rain, gave me a feeling of relaxation and closeness to nature that is rarely found in the city.
From that meeting, I learned a valuable lesson about the harmony between nature and modernity. Farmstay and homestay models like Da Lach not only preserve nature but also cleverly apply digital communications and technology to connect with the younger generation. It truly moved me because business is not just a race for profit; it's also a journey to preserve and spread sustainable values. Leaving Da Lach, I not only felt grateful but also realized that I had found a source of inspiration to accompany me on my upcoming business path.
Lessons & Values
This meeting gave me new perspectives on sustainable tourism business. First, I realized that tourism is not just about selling rooms but also about building an ecosystem where people and nature are in harmony. Da Lach demonstrated this by using organic produce to serve guests, minimizing plastic waste, and encouraging tourists to participate in environmental protection activities. This prompted me to rethink my own business model, aiming for long-term sustainability rather than short-term profits.
Next, the importance of communications in spreading local brands was clearly emphasized. In the digital age, a small farmstay can become a hotspot if it knows how to tell its story correctly. They taught me that communications are not just about advertising but also about building a community where customers become voluntary "ambassadors" sharing their experiences. Finally, the role of technology in enhancing customer experience is undeniable. From quick bookings to personalized services through data analysis, technology helps farmstays like Da Lach compete with large resorts. These lessons are not just theoretical but practical values that I will apply to my upcoming projects.
A Meaningful Journey
In summary, the meeting at Da Lach Farmstay & Homestay on August 20, 2025, was a valuable experience where I not only shared insights on media and technology but also found inspiration for sustainable business. Each journey is not just a trip, but also a milestone in the path of business growth.
Da Lach Homestay và Farmstay Address:
- Farmstay: Lot 43 Mimosa, Ward 3, Da Lat
- Homestay: Lot 75 Mimosa, Xuan Huong Ward, Da Lat
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