The Thon 13 Farm in Ta Nung Commune, located about 15 kilometers from downtown Da Lat, has been open since 2019. It features a café, a dog farm, and an agricultural garden. The location attacts visitors with winding roads, pine forests, and green lawns. The highlight for many is the opportunity to take photos with the dogs.
The farm covers more than one hectare, with over half of it dedicated to housing, raising, and caring for more than 30 dogs of various breeds, including Corgis, Alaskans, Huskies, Poodles, and Samoyeds.
The farm’s owner, Lam Huu Phuoc, 27, focuses on a daily meal plan to ensure the health of the dogs. The food is divided by age and breed, combining canned and homemade meals, with added vitamins and nutrients.
"The diet and vaccines for the dogs are always consulted with a veterinarian," Phuoc said.
When Phuoc lived in Ho Chi Minh City, he used to raise dogs but had to move frequently due to complaints from neighbors. In 2018, he relocated to Da Lat, choosing a large, quiet piece of land where he could grow vegetables and raise dogs. Phuoc then expanded the farm, bought more dogs, and opened it to the public.
"I hope this becomes a place for dog lovers to meet and share their experiences in caring for and raising dogs," Phuoc said.
Phuoc handles most of the dog training and is supported by two staff members. The trained dogs are more well-behaved and friendly with visitors. According to Phuoc, training pets to be visitor-friendly requires "time, patience, and love rather than punishment."
Farm staff use hair dryers to groom the dogs after trimming.
Daily cleaning of the dogs’ living and play areas is also a priority. However, Phuoc noted that dogs don’t require frequent baths, and the frequency depends on factors such as their living environment and coat type. Dogs with healthy fur and skin can suffer from dry skin or fur damage if bathed too often.
Over the years, Thon 13 Dog Farm has gained popularity with many visitors. "This place has a spacious area where the dogs can freely run and play with guests," said Nhu Quynh, a 23-year-old visitor.
Nhu Ngoc, a Da Lat resident, agreed, saying this is a "must-visit for dog lovers" and hopes tourists in Da Lat will seek out responsible and respectful services for pets.
Besides playing with the dogs, visitors also enjoy taking photos in the flower gardens and along the winding paths on the hillside.
Thon 13 Farm also raises goats and sheep.
The farm welcomes over 50 guests per day, with double that number on weekends.
Visitors who come between October and November can admire the yellow wild sunflowers, relax under the trees, and enjoy drinks while taking in the scenery.
The farm is open from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., with an entrance fee of VND100,000 ($4) per person, which includes a complimentary drink. Children under 1.2 meters tall enter for free.
