For nearly a week, residents and business owners in Lo village, Dak Lak province, have been working non-stop from morning to night. United by a spirit of compassion, they are offering free lodging to flood evacuees and aid workers, donating essential supplies, and delivering relief goods to severely affected areas.

Just days ago, To Tran Anh and seven others traveled approximately 200 kilometers from Buon Ma Thuot to former Phu Yen province to deliver essential supplies to flood victims.

After a long day of relief efforts, the group returned to Lo 3 Village, located in the Phu Tho neighborhood of Hoa Hiep Ward, Dak Lak. There, they were warmly welcomed by Tung Le, a local homestay owner, who provided them with free lodging and amenities.

“When our group arrived, there were already several other volunteer teams staying at the homestay. The host family provided rooms, warm blankets, and all necessary supplies. Their generosity was deeply touching - it really lifted our spirits,” Anh shared.

Following the historic flooding, Tung Le and other homestay operators in Lo Village suspended business operations and opened their doors to flood survivors and aid teams, free of charge.

In just a few days, Le’s homestay alone hosted dozens of volunteers from various provinces supporting relief efforts in former Phu Yen. His family and staff took turns cooking and preparing accommodations to ensure everyone had a safe and comfortable place to rest.

“I and the homestay owners of Lo 1, 2, and 3 villages discussed how to help people - from evacuees needing temporary shelter to out-of-town volunteers. Our homestays are open around the clock, offering full access to essential amenities,” Le said.

Dang Ngoc Thai Hoang’s family, who owns the “Ong Ba Tam” homestay in Lo Village, also joined the effort, offering free accommodations to both residents and volunteer groups. In addition to two rooms at the homestay, the family opened an unused house to shelter five adults and two children fleeing the floods.

“My family was fortunate to be spared from the floods, so we simply wanted to support others - volunteers, drivers, and affected residents. Our homestay has a kitchen, washing machine, and utilities for everyone’s use,” Hoang said.

Nearby, Le Quy Tai’s Sea Space homestay has become a rest stop for over ten volunteers. Beyond offering shelter, Tai is actively connecting donors and recipients in heavily flooded areas. Every day, dozens of trucks carrying aid supplies depart from Lo Village under his coordination.

“Those with trucks use trucks, those with motorized carts use carts. We’re no longer concerned about making money - our priority now is helping people,” Tai said.

Lo Village sits along the coast and has long been a popular summer tourist destination in Dak Lak (formerly part of Phu Yen). Quiet and nostalgic, the village charms visitors with its red-tiled roofs, faded walls, and narrow alleyways steeped in time.

Located just 5 kilometers from flood-hit areas like Dong Hoa and Hoa Thinh, Lo Village is among the few areas left untouched by the recent disaster.

Inspired by the homestay owners, other villagers and business owners in Lo Village have also pitched in, each contributing in their own way to support flood victims.

Mai Chi, 29, who runs an online bakery in Lo 3 Village, paused her business to help guide evacuees to available homestays. She also assisted those unable to return home due to flooding.

Mobilizing her family, she made hundreds of loaves of bread for relief efforts and purchased additional food, drinking water, clothing, and bedding to send to submerged areas.

Speaking to VietNamNet, Huynh Nguyen Ngoc Giang, Chairman of Hoa Hiep Ward People's Committee, confirmed that Lo Village residents and business owners had quickly mobilized to support not only their neighborhood but also surrounding wards.

“They’re sending food, dispatching rescue boats, and freely hosting evacuees and aid workers. The fact that so many homestays have closed for business to help others is a heartwarming example of Vietnamese solidarity,” Giang said.

Linh Trang & Thao Trinh