Suoi Tien Sheep Farm draws tourists with agritourism

A rustic space close to nature

On a sunny day in Nuoc Ngot village, Nam Cam Ranh commune, Khanh Hoa province, tourists can leave behind the noise and bustle of the city and immediately enjoy the fresh, cool air and peaceful rural scenery.

Amid the sun-drenched, windswept landscape of Viet Nam’s south-central coast, the Suoi Tien Sheep Farm agricultural ecotourism model, operated by Nguyen Ngoc Truc’s family, stands out for its refreshing greenery. Instead of concrete structures and elaborate man-made facilities, the approximately 4-ha farm is designed in harmony with nature, making extensive use of natural and environmentally friendly materials.

Upon entering the farm, tourists are greeted by a beautiful lotus pond in full bloom and a cool water-lily pond with a gentle floral fragrance. A narrow path then leads to the sheep farming area, flanked by swathes of cosmos flowers.

As tourists walk through the farm, a pristine yet well-organized picture of rural life unfolds, reflecting a circular management model. Of the nearly 4-ha area, Truc allocates five sao (500 m²/sao) to lotus and water-lily ponds; another five sao are planned as a play area for the sheep; five sao are for thatched rest huts; more than 1 ha is for rice farming; and the remaining land is for growing grass as green feed for livestock.

Around the farm, numerous carefully crafted attractions retain a rustic charm. These include a sheep tower inspired by distinctive European architecture, an old three-wheeled vehicle that evokes childhood memories, and winding steps skillfully made entirely from natural forest vines. Together, they create a peaceful ecological setting that preserves the pristine character of rural life while offering tourists a relaxing experience.

Nguyen Ngoc Truc, a resident of Cam Linh Ward and owner of the ecotourism model, said the idea for establishing the farm grew out of his own travel experiences. After noticing that tourists from many places, particularly those from major cities, enjoyed taking photos, petting, and showing affection toward the gentle sheep amid the natural surroundings, he decided to turn the idea into reality.

To keep its flock of 70-100 sheep healthy and accustomed to human interaction, the farm employs dedicated caretakers and grows grass as the animals’ main daily feed. When grass is plentiful, the farm maintains a flock of around 100 sheep. During the harsh, dry summer months, when natural grass becomes scarce, Truc proactively reduces the flock to maintain a balance between the ecosystem and available feed. He also supplements their diet with nutritious foods and essential minerals to strengthen their resistance, keep them clean and healthy, and ensure they remain comfortable interacting with tourists.

Friendly experiences open a path to sustainable development

Suoi Tien Sheep Farm is bustling with activity, attracting a large number of domestic and international tourists. Beyond local tourists, the site has become a popular stop for international tourists, particularly those from South Korea and Russia, as well as guests staying at nearby resorts.

Because the sheep are carefully cared for and regularly exposed to people, they are gentle, docile, and unafraid of tourists. From adults to children, tourists can buy small bundles of grass for VND 5,000 and freely pet the sheep’s soft wool, feed them by hand, and capture memorable photos.

According to the farm owner, tourist numbers fluctuate seasonally but remain generally stable. On regular days, the farm welcomes 300-400 tourists/day, rising to 700–800 tourists/day during the summer peak. Although tourist numbers fall to 30-50/day during the two to three winter months due to weather conditions, steady demand during the seven to eight peak months keeps the farm profitable and provides a basis for sustainable reinvestment.

Besides offering tourists an enjoyable experience with reasonable admission fees of VND 30,000-40,000/person for groups and VND 50,000 for individual tourists and on holidays, the model also provides stable livelihoods for local residents. The farm currently employs nine full-time workers, including six ethnic minority workers responsible for caring for the sheep, growing grass and flowers, and cleaning, as well as three service staff. Additional seasonal workers are hired during peak periods.

Assessing the model’s effectiveness, Mr. Bui Thanh Long, Vice Chairman of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Committee and Chairman of the Farmers’ Association of Nam Cam Ranh Commune, said this is a typical model of combining agriculture with ecotourism that the locality encourages its members to develop.

By investing in land and sheep with dedication, Truc has not only increased the value of agricultural products and created stable jobs and incomes for local farmers but also established an attractive destination that showcases the scenic beauty of Nam Cam Ranh to a large number of tourists. The model has gained recognition across Khanh Hoa Province while also helping promote the locality to international tourists.

Suoi Tien Sheep Farm has become a popular destination for domestic and international tourists, helping showcase the beauty of Viet Nam’s countryside. It is a practical example of how ecotourism can be developed alongside environmental protection, creating livelihoods, and improving farmers' incomes.

$1 = VND 26,480 - Source: Vietcombank.