May Suon Dong Cooperative is a prime example of the flexible application of technology in the development of community-based tourism and clean agricultural products in Vietnam. Originating as a traditional tea production cooperative in Tan Cuong Commune, Thai Nguyen Province, May Suon Dong quickly rose to prominence as a green startup model that garnered public attention by integrating technology and creativity into the operation of its experiential tourism model centered around clean tea products.
Instead of stopping at the production of safe tea like many other traditional facilities, May Suon Dong implemented a small-scale integrated technological solution to ensure product quality and build a multi-layered user experience. With a quality control system across the production chain, every stage from tea picking to roasting is closely monitored. Some of the initial technologies applied include product traceability through QR codes, digitization of cultivation and preservation processes according to VietGAP standards, and the integration of customer feedback via social media platforms to continuously improve the product experience.
The highlight of May Suon Dong‘s model lies in its combination of a physical product—clean tea—with experiential offerings such as community-based homestays. Visitors can directly participate in activities such as tea picking, roasting, cooking with wood stoves, and enjoying dishes made from tea. This not only brings emotional value but also raises awareness about clean agricultural products and sustainable lifestyles. Compared to traditional solutions that focus solely on selling products or developing leisure tourism, May Suon Dong has built a practical educational experience space that fosters empathy and connection between consumers and producers.
Within less than a year of operating its community-based tourism model, May Suon Dong has consistently attracted 2 to 3 visitor groups per week, primarily families and students interested in a simple lifestyle close to nature. This success not only increases income for members of the cooperative but also contributes to reviving a fading part of tea village culture under pressure from industrialization.
May Suon Dong has been selected as a standout model in the local-level One Commune One Product (OCOP) program, thereby receiving support in communication, product packaging upgrades, and participation in trade fairs to connect with markets. Notably, at the 2025 P4G Vietnam Summit, May Suon Dong had the opportunity to present its model to international organizations and experts, as well as to connect with units supporting sustainable rural development. This opened doors for the startup to access funding networks, technical advisory services, and scale-up guidance in the near future.
One of the key lessons from May Suon Dong‘s journey is its ability to fully leverage local resources in combination with just-enough technology to build a low-cost, easily replicable model. Instead of pursuing high-tech solutions with large investments, the startup chose a practical approach—placing customer needs and the community’s existing capabilities at the center, thereby optimizing outcomes through small but impactful innovations in the experience.
For aspiring founders in agriculture or community-based tourism, the model of May Suon Dong offers a valuable insight: technology does not necessarily have to start with programming or complex devices. It can begin by using available platforms, creating simple digital connections between products and users, and leveraging cultural values as an inseparable part of the service. Maintaining local identity while flexibly incorporating elements of innovation is the key for startups not only to survive but to create a lasting, positive impact on the community.