At Paksong Farmstay in Pleiku, guests describe the atmosphere as “just like home,” with the one-hectare property designed as a sustainable forest garden. Owner Phan Duy said the land is left to develop naturally, featuring layered vegetation from grass and mushrooms to shrubs, vines and timber trees, alongside cultivated green vegetables.
Five accommodation rooms, hosting between two and nine guests, are set within the greenery, alongside an open kitchen, café and children’s playground. Visitors highlight both the setting and hospitality. “A wonderful place to rest, full of vibrant energy,” said La Phương Thủy, a tourist from Hanoi, noting the owners’ helpful travel advice.
Similar models are emerging across the province. Ánh Quang Vegan Garden Coffee & Homestay, located in Biển Hồ Commune, combines a café, accommodation and play area across a 3,000-square-metre site. Owner Đặng Thị Huệ said the venue offers three rooms for up to 10 guests each, catering to travellers interested in meditation and vegetarian cuisine in a landscaped environment with flowers and a flowing stream.
Further east, about 30 kilometres from Pleiku, Mộc An Nhiên Cafe & Farmstay offers wooden houses scattered among year-round fruit gardens. Guests can take part in farming activities, from planting to harvesting produce. Marlene, a tourist from Austria, said the experience blended “exceptional hospitality, a relaxing atmosphere, and delicious food,” highlighting shared family meals with hosts.
Community-based tourism is also expanding in ethnic minority areas. In Stơr Village, the hometown of Hero Núp, local resident Đinh Mỡi has developed a traditional Ba Na stilt-house homestay, with three guest rooms alongside his family’s living space. Visitors can enjoy mountain views from the veranda and join in preparing local dishes.
With tourism expected to increase, Đinh Mỡi said preparations are under way. “I’ll discuss with the village head about encouraging residents to clean up the village roads, plant more flowers and practice gong performances to welcome guests,” he said.
At Nút Phăm Homestay in Sơn Lang Commune, owner H’Vinh Nút has spent six years developing community tourism. The property includes family rooms, single rooms and a dormitory within a traditional stilt house made of bamboo, rattan and thatch.
Guests can take part in activities such as catching stone snails, collecting medicinal herbs or visiting orchards. Don Jel, a tourist from Germany, described the experience as “a lovely family” setting, noting opportunities to learn about local customs during shared meals.
H’Vinh Nút said he plans to upgrade facilities to accommodate rising visitor numbers. With a domestic tour guide licence and proximity to Kon Chư Răng Nature Reserve, he is also preparing to lead tours exploring the surrounding forests.
As Gia Lai positions itself for National Tourism Year 2026, these farmstay and homestay models are emerging as a key draw, offering visitors a blend of sustainability, local culture and immersive rural experiences.