Concept Introduction
Company Overview
We operate an online travel agency, Local Vietnam, focused on tours and package holidays within Vietnam. Our primary customer base is foreigners from Europe, the United States, and Canada, with 80% of our current clientele being either Dutch or Belgian.
Tour Offering: Ha Giang Loop
We’re planning to expand our business by establishing three lodges in Ha Giang, our favorite travel destination in Vietnam. The Ha Giang Loop tour, which takes 3 to 5 days to complete, is a popular offering we sell. This tour can be customized based on several variables:
- Duration: Options for 3, 4, or 5 days
- Transportation: Self-driving a motorbike, being a passenger on a motorbike (Easy Rider), or car with a driver
- Accommodation Type: Budget (primarily homestays), Midrange (better hotels and homestays), High-end (luxury hotels, resorts, retreats)
- Additional Activities: Options for trekking and other activities
To accommodate all these customization options within our new lodges, we’ll offer three different types of rooms:
- Budget: Dormitory-style rooms
- Midrange: Private rooms
- High-end: Deluxe rooms
We’re limiting our room options to these three categories to avoid overwhelming our customers, who already have a variety of choices concerning the tour’s duration and transportation methods around the Ha Giang Loop.
Main Goal
The primary focus is to sell complete packages of the Ha Giang Loop Tour, rather than individual lodge stays. Our lodges will be strategically located at different points along the loop, enabling travelers to experience a new location each day.
Package Inclusions
- Overnight stays at our lodges
- All meals
- Transfers via Easy Rider or a car with a driver
Blending Authenticity with Western Comfort
In Ha Giang, travelers often face a choice between homestays that offer a rich, local, and authentic experience but are relatively basic in amenities, and hotels that offer greater comfort but lack that authentic local flavor. Our lodges aim to bring together the best of both worlds:
Authenticity: We offer traditional ethnic architecture, local design elements, and a staff comprised of ethnic minorities dressed in full traditional attire, along with the warmth of cozy campfires.
Comfort: At the same time, we provide amenities like Western-quality mattresses, efficient showers, well-lit and clean rooms, as well as modern conveniences.
In doing so, we aim to offer a unique travel experience that doesn’t compromise on either local authenticity or comfort.”
Branding and Lodge Names
The lodges will operate under the Local Vietnam brand to create synergy:
- Local Ha Giang River Lodge: Situated along the river in Ha Giang city
- Local Dong Van Hidden Valley Lodge: Tucked away in a valley in the Dong Van District
- Local Meo Vac Mountain View Lodge: Located in Meo Vac District, offering stunning mountain views
Customer Preferences
Based on our research, customer needs vary depending on the location:
- Ha Giang: Guests value comfort since they either start or end their loop here and seek restful accommodations.
- Dong Van and Meo Vac: Travelers appreciate a more authentic, local experience, including hosting by ethnic minorities and opportunities to socialize with other travelers.
Lodge Styles
- Local Ha Giang River Lodge: Modeled after Topas Riverside, focusing on a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere with well-appointed amenities.
- Local Dong Van Hidden Valley Lodge: Designed to offer an authentic homestay atmosphere with communal spaces for socializing.
- Local Meo Vac Mountain View Lodge: Similarly aims for an authentic, homestay feel, with cozy communal areas to facilitate socializing among guests.
General Room Ideas
We offer three types of rooms across our lodges. If travelers opt for the “Deluxe” package for the Ha Giang Loop, they will stay in a Deluxe room at each of our three lodges. This streamlined approach offers convenience for guests and easier management for us. It’s worth noting that while the room types remain consistent across locations, individual lodges might feature subtle variations in style and amenities.
Local Ha Giang River Lodge
Local Dong Van Hidden Valley Lodge
Local Meo Vac Mountain View Lodge
Dorms
Private rooms
Deluxe rooms
Additional Room Notes
To ensure that each of our lodges offers an experience that blends local authenticity with comfort, we’ve carefully considered the design elements for the private and deluxe rooms.
Private Rooms:
All lodges will feature private rooms with standard-sized windows. In Dong Van and Meo Vac, these windows will be designed to align with the authentic aesthetic of local ethnic minority-style houses.
Deluxe Rooms:
Across all lodges, deluxe rooms will boast larger windows and will feature either a private balcony (if situated upstairs) or a private garden (if located on the ground floor).
- Exception: At Meo Vac, deluxe rooms will be designed as bungalows, each complemented by a small outdoor deck to enhance the guest experience.
Facilities
Unique Facilities
To make each lodge memorable and distinctive, every one of our lodges will feature at least one unique specialty that sets it apart from the other two. This strategy aims to encourage travelers to experience the entire Ha Giang Loop with us, rather than opting for just one lodge and seeking alternative accommodations for the rest of their journey. By offering unique features at each lodge, we can assure guests that although the standard of quality and service will remain consistent, they will enjoy a different and enriching experience at each stop.
Unique at Local Ha Giang River Lodge
- River Side Bar & Restaurant:
A floating deck situated on the river will feature floor pillow mats, perfect for a relaxed atmosphere. The bar will serve a range of cocktails, and, if space allows, we will include a wood-fired pizza oven. An additional deck will have comfortable wooden or bamboo chairs and tables, all overlooking the river. A pool table will be considered if space permits. We want a space where people stay and hang around, instead of going out to the city or go early to their room.
– - Storage & Equipment Room:
Recognizing that Ha Giang is the starting point of the loop, we will provide a secure storage room where travelers can leave behind any large luggage they don’t wish to carry with them. For valuable items, small lockers will be made available. Additionally, an equipment rack will be set up where visitors can check helmets and other protective gear they may need if they choose to navigate the loop by motorbike.
Unique at Local Dong Van Hidden Valley Lodge
Herbal Baths with a View:
In a building set against the mountain backdrop, we aim to install at least two rooms containing two herbal baths each. Ideally, a third room will also be included. Large windows will face the stunning mountain terrain, allowing guests to soak in herbal baths while enjoying the epic views of our hidden valley.
–Toilet with a View:
A uniquely situated, standalone toilet at the mountain’s summit will feature a glass wall, providing those who use it with a breathtaking panoramic view.
–Relaxation Nets:
Hanging nets will be installed at vantage points, where guests can lie down and take in the extraordinary views in a novel way.
Unique at Local Meo Vac Mountain View Lodge
- Wood-Fired Hot Tub:
Built from natural stones sourced locally to maintain an authentic feel, the hot tub will comfortably accommodate around 8 people. We will consider either one larger hot tub or two smaller ones, each capable of holding 4 people.
General facilities
- Staff Dormitory:
The staff dormitory will feature smaller rooms equipped with bunk beds, each with a 90 cm mattress. A minimum of 2 bunk beds (4 beds) will be allocated for the staff to rest and rejuvenate. - Driver Dormitory:
Understanding the importance of the drivers who bring our guests around the Ha Giang Loop, a dedicated dormitory will be available for them. It will have a minimum of 3 to 4 bunk beds, accommodating between 6 to 8 drivers. The beds will feature 90 cm mattresses.
Local Ha Giang River Lodge in detail
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Riverside bar & restaurant
The Riverside Bar & Restaurant epitomizes relaxation and comfort. Set against a backdrop of chill house music, guests can lounge on floor mats while enjoying a spectacular sunset over the river and mountains. This is the only lodge restaurant serving Western cuisine, so consider installing a wood-fired pizza oven for an expanded menu. If there is space left, also a pool table should be added.
The lodge outside
Both indoors and outdoors, we are inspired by the style of Topas Riverside Lodge. Its white walls, complemented by wooden finishes, create a timeless look, and a palm leaf roof is an essential feature.
Private rooms
Deluxe rooms
Dorm rooms
Local Dong Van Hidden Valley Lodge in detail
Communal area
The communal area should be designed to maximize the breathtaking mountain views. This cozy space will feature a fireplace for winter months and house both the restaurant and reception area. Upstairs will be the dorm rooms, likely along with staff and driver dorms. Downstairs, shared showers and toilets will be located; if space is limited, these could be in a separate building.
The nets
Although not traditionally ethnic, these nets should be affixed to wooden, not steel, structures to maintain harmony with the environment and local aesthetic. The nets need to be sturdy and large enough to accommodate multiple people.
The herbal baths
Aim for a look that is superior to the first image but less opulent than the second. Each room should offer two herbal baths, allowing guests to soak in luxury while enjoying mountain views.
Toilet with a view
This could be either a standalone structure or integrated with the herbal bath building. The primary aim is to offer expansive views while ensuring privacy. A standalone “outhouse” design might even create a viral sensation.
Private rooms
These rooms will occupy their own building and feature common bathrooms within that structure. This eliminates the need for guests to go to the communal area for showers and toilets. The architecture will mimic that of traditional ethnic houses, complete with standard-sized windows.
Deluxe rooms
Located in a separate building, these rooms will offer large windows and come with either a private balcony (if upstairs) or a private garden (if downstairs).
Local Meo Vac Mountain View Lodge in detail
Primarily constructed of local stone, these buildings will blend seamlessly with the natural landscape and local ethnic architecture.
Meo Vac Communal Area
This space doubles as a coffee shop, highlighted by a circular fireplace that becomes a cozy gathering spot during colder months.
Wood-Fired Hot Tub
Designed to impart a local feel, the hot tub should be built from stone and heated by wood. Depending on size, it can accommodate either 8 people in one tub or 4 each in two smaller tubs.
Private and Dorm Rooms
Both private and dorm rooms will be built using stone and wood, maintaining the aesthetic and structural integrity of local architecture.
Deluxe Rooms in Meo Vac
These small bungalows will feature private fireplaces and be constructed from stone and wood, echoing the designs of small ethnic minority homes.
