Story: Thai Nga
Photos: Tonkin

As climate change continues to disrupt the global economy, investing in green development, environmental protection, and carbon reduction has become essential. In Vietnam, agriculture is embracing sustainable practices with modern, eco-friendly farming methods. Join Heritage Magazine as we explore clean and green garden models in Lam Dong, the country’s hub for growing flowers, vegetables, and fruits.

Tam Trinh Coffee – From Farm to Specialty Cup

Since opening in 2022, Tam Trinh Coffee Tourist Area has quickly earned recognition as a standout agri-tourism destination in Lam Dong. Located just about 30 kilometers from Da Lat’s center, it has become a favorite getaway for travelers seeking an eco-tourism experience, a deeper understanding of the Central Highlands’ distinctive coffee culture, and a peaceful escape into nature—far away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The most distinctive and engaging feature of this destination is its “From Farm to Cup” coffee culture experience. Known for its signature coffee, Lam Dong is dotted with quality cafés, vast coffee plantations, and a rich, diverse coffee-drinking culture that is unique to the region. But how can that experience be elevated and made truly memorable? Places like Tam Trinh Coffee offer agriculture tours where coffee lovers can follow the entire journey— from seed to harvest, from roast to pour.

Surrounded by verdant hills and the lingering scent of ripe coffee cherries, there’s perhaps nothing better than ending such a tour with a freshly brewed cup of authentic highland coffee—the distilled essence of this enchanting land.

Location: Gia Lam Commune, Lam Dong Province

Avocado Farm – A Green Life in the Avocado Valley

A farmstay combined with a guided farm tour is the perfect way to spend a summer vacation with the family—especially with children. For couples or groups of friends, this is also a refreshing way to reimagine a getaway: through hands-on farming, tasting clean produce, and immersing in an authentic rural lifestyle.

Avocado Farm was officially recognized as an agri-tourism destination by Lam Dong province in February 2024, two years after it began operations. Nestled in a valley in Quang Lap Commune, the 2-hectare farm complex features cozy homestays, farming activity areas, and a hill-view café.

True to its name, the farm’s signature product is its Lam Dong avocados—certified under the OCOP program. But the offerings don’t stop there: the farm also grows guava, raspberry, soursop, cherry, star apple, and various organic vegetables. Visitors can explore these gardens, join in caring for and harvesting produce, and even prepare meals using the fresh ingredients they’ve picked themselves. This “From Farm to Table” model fosters bonding through shared, meaningful experiences. At day’s end, guests can unwind in the fresh country air and enjoy sunset views from charming bungalows overlooking the hills.

From Avocado Farm, visitors can also explore nearby attractions such as Samten Hills, Ka Don Church, Dalatmilk dairy farm, the Churu Ethnic Cultural House, and Chau Son pine hill.

Location: Quang Lap Commune, Lam Dong Province

Bong Lai Farm – Where Japanese Grapes Flourish in Da Lat Soil

Lam Dong’s farmers not only cultivate local crops but also demonstrate impressive creativity by adapting foreign varieties to Vietnamese soil. One standout example is the seedless Japanese Summer Black grape, successfully grown at Bong Lai Farm after eight years of experimentation by farm owner Nguyen Huu Thanh—a testament to human ingenuity paired with the rich, life-giving land of Da Lat.

Recognized as one of three agri-tourism destinations in Lam Dong in July 2024, Bong Lai Farm lies about 24 kilometers from Da Lat city and just 4 kilometers from Lien Khuong Airport—perfect for a short day trip.

The highlight here is the vineyard of tree-trained Summer Black grapes, cultivated using VietGAP high-tech farming methods. This allows visitors to safely enjoy sweet, juicy grapes right from the vine. It will be great to wander the vineyard, pick plump grape clusters to bring home as gifts, and soaking in the cool, fresh highland air. For the best experience, visitors are advised to check the grape harvest season before planning their trip.

Location: Hiep Thanh Commune, Lam Dong Province

Ho Na Strawberry Garden

Sparkling “suns” at Ho Na Strawberry Garden

After extensive research on the growth characteristics of different strawberry varieties, traditional farming methods, and new technologies – along with a study of green agriculture and the local ecosystem – the owner of a small garden in Da Sar chose to cultivate strawberries using modern techniques, organic fertilizers, and beneficial microorganisms.

The first ripe, red strawberries brought the gardener immense joy. But fruit-bearing was just the initial  step – what followed were days of closely monitoring the plants, adjusting their nutrition to ensure a stable yield and consistent quality. Each morning, plump strawberries hang heavily from the plants, swaying in the breeze and catching the sunlight, like tiny, sparkling suns lighting up the garden.

Beyond selling its produce, Ho Na Strawberry Garden has introduced experiential tourism, inviting visitors to tour the strawberry fields and pick their own fruit. It has since become a popular destination on the highland tourism map, offering guests a unique hands-on experience.

Coffee processing at ThyThy Farm

Experiential tourism at ThyThy Farm

In 2018, ThyThy Farm completely abandoned chemical fertilizers and pesticides, instead prioritizing soil improvement with organic and microbial fertilizers – embracing the challenges of effort and patience. Covering only two hectares in the Cau Dat hills, this farm has cultivated a green, clean, and diverse ecosystem. Rows of lush coffee plants thrive alongside persimmon, avocado, and other fruit trees.

ThyThy Farm’s coffee is highly rated, scoring 80 points under the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) standards – a globally recognized benchmark for specialty coffee. To ensure optimal roasting and processing, the farm collaborates with Intenso Coffee Roadster, a renowned coffee roaster in Ho Chi Minh City.

ThyThy Farm quickly expanded into agricultural tourism, offering persimmon-picking tours, garden visits, and hands-on coffee processing sessions. Visitors enjoying a cup of the farm’s coffee can savor the distinct richness of Arabica beans while appreciating the farm’s commitment to sustainable green agriculture.

Garden owner Hieu Nghia harvests her own vegetables

Hieu Nghia Garden – barren land brought to life

In 2020, a garden owner on the outskirts of Bao Loc decided to abandon chemical fertilizers entirely, switching to organic biological fertilizers. Various plant species were introduced to cover the soil, complemented by indigenous microorganisms that accelerate organic matter decomposition. This approach enhances nutrient absorption, suppresses harmful bacteria, and contributes to environmental protection.

The garden also makes full use of readily available materials like coffee grounds, tea leaves, grass, straw, and banana stems as on-site organic fertilizers. Ecological balance is maintained, and pests controlled naturally through companion planting, intercropping, and crop rotation. Non-GMO vegetable, root, and fruit varieties were carefully selected or exchanged with other organic farms. Thanks to the gardener’s persistence, produce from Hieu Nghia Garden has earned the trust of customers far and wide.

Rather than keep the steps of building a green garden model secret, the owner generously shares this knowledge to help develop a wider community of safe growers. Many visitors, including students and agricultural researchers, come to this garden to exchange ideas and learn from the farmer’s steadfast approach in this new context.

Purple dreams on Lavender Dasar Hill

Located along National Highway 27C, Lavender Dasar Hill is notable for its efforts to preserve the natural topography and fertile soil of the Da Sar region in Lac Duong district, Lam Dong province. The garden grows the finest plant varieties, nurtured with organic and microbial fertilizers. As the owner puts it, they “add nothing but love” for these dreamy flowers to the region’s poetic landscape.

The fragrant aroma of lavender fills the air, while the scenery at Lavender Dasar Hill evokes the charm of Provence, France. Golden sunlight spills over the rolling hills, with gentle waves of purple flowers swaying softly, casting a magical hue into the blue sky. The view is both indescribable and mesmerizing, making it impossible for visitors to look away or leave. Thanks to its natural beauty and truly clean, green environment, Lavender Dasar Hill has quickly become a popular tourist destination in the northern outskirts of Dalat.

As well as protecting natural resources and the ecological environment, green agriculture in the Lam Dong Highlands is supporting sustainable tourism development and contributing to Vietnam’s green economy.