In October 2025, Local Vietnam began the recruitment process for its first lodge in Ha Giang, located in the small village of Sung Trai. The project is entering its final phase before the soft opening in December, and the focus has now shifted from construction to building a strong local team.
Creating Opportunities in the Mountains
Vice Director Duong Phung (Ni), who also manages the lodge, has been based in Sung Trai since early autumn to lead the hiring and training process. Her goal is to employ staff from surrounding villages, ensuring that local people directly benefit from the area’s growing tourism industry.
While Ha Giang has become increasingly popular among travelers, many communities in the highlands still receive little economic return from tourism. By hiring locally, Local Vietnam hopes to help change that dynamic. Positions range from kitchen and housekeeping roles to guest relations, guiding, and maintenance — all aimed at providing steady work and professional growth in an area where opportunities are limited.
Preparing for a Responsible Opening
New recruits will receive hospitality and English-language training before the lodge’s soft launch in December. For Local Vietnam, this approach goes beyond staffing — it reflects a commitment to responsible tourism, where guests, hosts, and the local community all benefit.
As Duong explains, “We want this lodge to be more than a place for travelers to stay. It should also create opportunities for local people who call this amazing place home.”
The hiring process marks an important milestone for the company’s expansion into community-based tourism and sets the foundation for the lodge’s role as a model for sustainable travel in northern Vietnam.
