Ha Giang Aya Lodge – A New Approach to Sustainable Tourism in Northern Vietnam’s Mountain Region

In January 2026, Ha Giang Aya Lodge by Local Vietnam officially opened in the mountainous area of Ha Giang, now administratively part of Tuyen Quang Province. Located along the famous Ha Giang Loop yet set within a quiet local village, the lodge introduces a new approach to tourism development in northern Vietnam—one that emphasizes balance between cultural preservation, community engagement, and appropriate comfort for international travelers.

The opening of Ha Giang Aya Lodge also marked the launch of a new version of the Local Vietnam website, the result of more than 18 months of research, writing, and fieldwork across Vietnam. Both the lodge and the online platform reflect the same direction: promoting meaningful travel experiences that respect local culture, support local communities, and avoid mass tourism.

A Long-Term Connection with Ha Giang

For co-founder Marnick Schoonderwoerd, Ha Giang has been both a personal and professional attachment for nearly seven years. For Nhung Phung, his wife and business partner, the journey to Ha Giang began more than ten years ago. Over the years, they have returned many times—not only for the dramatic landscapes, but also for the rich cultural life of the ethnic communities.

“On my first trips to Ha Giang, accommodation was very basic—sometimes it was so cold that I had to sleep in multiple layers of clothing,” Marnick shared. “But what stayed with me was the sense of family and connection. You weren’t just a visitor; you felt like you were living alongside local people.”

As tourism gradually developed, Ha Giang began to change. Infrastructure improved and international visitor numbers increased. At the same time, many accommodations along the Ha Giang Loop shifted toward mass tourism or were managed by operators from outside the region. As a result, the original sense of intimacy and local character started to fade.

Through Local Vietnam’s tour operations, the team identified a clear gap. Most of their guests are European travelers seeking cultural experiences, quiet surroundings, and higher comfort standards, while still wanting genuine connection with local life. In Ha Giang, such options have remained very limited.

Seeing Potential in a Remote Location

The idea for Ha Giang Aya Lodge began when the founders were introduced to a plot of land far from the center, though still on the Ha Giang Loop. The surrounding area had almost no hotels, restaurants, or tourism services—only a local village.

“That isolation was actually its strength,” Nhung Phung explained. “We saw an opportunity to create a place that integrates with the village, rather than turning the village into a tourist attraction.”

Construction faced many challenges due to the terrain, climate, and mountain building conditions, which extended the timeline beyond initial expectations. Throughout the process, however, the project received strong support from local residents and partners, reinforcing the belief that tourism in Ha Giang can develop in a more diverse and sustainable way.

The Three Core Values of Ha Giang Aya Lodge

Ha Giang Aya Lodge is built around three key elements: local culture, comfort, and natural landscape.

The lodge is located within a H’Mong village that continues its traditional way of life and is not a “homestay village” created for tourism. Guests staying here become part of everyday local life, including the weekly Tuesday market, where surrounding ethnic communities gather, creating a vivid cultural scene.

Community engagement goes beyond location. Most lodge staff come from the village and nearby areas, ensuring that local people benefit directly from tourism development. Local staff are trained on site and supported in learning English by English-speaking management. In addition, the management team contributes by teaching English at local schools and supporting small community initiatives such as village infrastructure improvements and tree planting.

Comfort is the second core value. Ha Giang Aya Lodge targets travelers who are not backpackers and who value comfort after long journeys on mountain roads. Rooms are equipped with European-standard mattresses, heating for winter, and air conditioning for summer. The restaurant serves Vietnamese dishes alongside Western options, following strict hygiene standards and professional operations.

The third element is the natural landscape. Every room and the restaurant area are designed to face the dramatic limestone mountain range. On certain mornings, low clouds fill the valley, creating a natural “cloud-hunting” experience directly from guest rooms or terraces.

Architecture Rooted in Local Identity

Ha Giang Aya Lodge was designed by architect Tung Le, who blended natural materials with highland cultural inspiration. Drawing from the architecture of the Vuong Family Mansion in Dong Van, the design uses stone foundations, wooden beams, tiled roofs, and warm, earthy tones to blend into the mountain landscape and local culture.

“The architecture is not meant to stand out, but to become a natural part of the area,” Marnick explained.

A Physical Expression of Local Vietnam’s Philosophy

Local Vietnam was founded with the goal of providing in-depth, honest travel information and tailor-made journeys for international travelers. Marnick Schoonderwoerd, originally from the Netherlands, has lived in Vietnam for over ten years and traveled extensively throughout the country. During this time, he has written more than 1,000 travel guides focusing on culture, nature, and lesser-known destinations.

Nhung Phung plays a key role in content development, tour design, and community connection, bringing deep cultural insight and practical local knowledge. The Local Vietnam team operates directly in Vietnam, with a focus on responsible tourism, moderate scale, and long-term relationships with local communities.

Ha Giang Aya Lodge serves as a tangible embodiment of these values—not a mass-market resort, but a place where travelers can slow down, connect with the land, and experience northern Vietnam’s mountains in a more authentic way.

Future Direction

Now officially in operation, Ha Giang Aya Lodge expands accommodation options in Tuyen Quang Province while supporting Local Vietnam’s long-term vision through its new digital platform. In the coming period, the lodge plans to develop cultural experiences, local workshops, and trekking routes that depart directly from the property, guiding travelers to areas less affected by mass tourism.

As Ha Giang continues to develop, Ha Giang Aya Lodge aims to become an example of a tourism model that balances economic development, cultural preservation, and community benefit.