Local Vietnam is proud to announce the official opening of Ha Giang Aya Lodge, our first locally built and operated accommodation in northern Vietnam. Located in Sung Trai village, along the famous Ha Giang Loop in the UNESCO Dong Van Karst Plateau, the lodge opened its doors in January 2026 after more than a year and a half of planning and construction.
A Lodge Rooted in the Mountains
Ha Giang Aya Lodge was created to offer travelers a comfortable, authentic place to stay while supporting the local community. The design combines natural materials from the region, such as stone and wood, with subtle details inspired by Hmong architecture and culture. Every part of the lodge was built with care to blend naturally into the mountain landscape.
As Nhung Phung, CEO of Local Vietnam, explains:
“We wanted to build something that fits naturally into Ha Giang — a lodge that respects the surroundings, creates opportunities for local people, and gives travelers a genuine sense of place.”
Local People, Local Spirit
Under the direction of Vice Director Duong Phung (Ni), the lodge’s team is made up almost entirely of staff from surrounding villages. During the final months before opening, new employees received hospitality and English training led by Local Vietnam, helping them prepare for work in tourism while preserving their local identity and traditions.
The lodge also reflects Local Vietnam’s wider commitment to responsible tourism. Guests can stay in comfort while directly contributing to the local economy and experiencing Ha Giang beyond the typical routes — through nearby ethnic markets, community walks, and cultural exchange.
A New Chapter for Local Vietnam
For co-founder Marnick Schoonderwoerd, who has lived in Vietnam for more than ten years, the launch of Ha Giang Aya Lodge marks a personal milestone:
“This project brings together everything we believe in — local collaboration, authentic experiences, and real comfort in remote places. It’s a small lodge, but it means a lot for us and for the community here.”
Ha Giang Aya Lodge will serve as both a welcoming base for travelers on the Ha Giang Loop and a model for future community-connected lodges in other parts of Vietnam.
