“Gia dinh Haha” Episode 13: Continuing the Journey Through the Green Highlands

In Episode 13, the members of  “Gia Dinh Haha” and guest artists met H’Tau, a female elephant whose name, given by her owner Do Thi, means “Big Rock.” The group joined a “real experience tour” in the forest: feeding the elephant bananas and watermelons, and observing her daily life in a natural environment. Mr. Do Thi shared that H’Tau is like a daughter to him; he loves and cares for her, spending all three meals a day visiting her in the forest.

Host Y Xim explained that wild elephants here rarely number more than 10 individuals and face the threat of extinction. Because of their cross-border migration patterns, elephant conservation requires cooperation among many countries. For domesticated elephants, long accustomed to living close to humans, returning them to the forest is not simple. Currently, local authorities are working with Animals Asia to encourage families to adopt more animal-friendly tourism models. But behind every domesticated elephant is a deep emotional bond. “To release an elephant into the forest, people feel too attached to let go,” Y Xim admitted, revealing the many challenges and dilemmas in efforts to return elephants to the wild.

No visit to the Central Highlands would be complete without planting and harvesting coffee. For locals, coffee is as important and inseparable as music is to singers and musicians. Amid rows of ripe red coffee cherries, each cast member found their own memories and emotions. Bui Cong Nam recalled his childhood days picking leftover coffee beans and shared useful experiences with the group. With every journey to new lands, each day of discovery brings “Gia Dinh Haha” and its guests closer to the precious “treasures” of local culture, life, and spirit.

The stunning natural landscapes of Dak Lak left unforgettable impressions, allowing not only the artists but also the audience to immerse themselves in “Days Under The Vast Sky.”

The highlight of Episode 13 came when host Y Xim opened up about his personal journey. He shared how, in his youth, he once worried his parents by risking the stability they hoped for him. Determined, he traveled alone to Sa Pa and Da Lat to learn from others and pursue his dream of community-based tourism. At first, things were difficult. But step by step, Y Xim combined tourism with local cultural experiences to create a unique offering. As the community began to recognize his efforts, more visitors came, and his parents, once doubtful, eventually supported him and became proud.

Though personal, Y Xim’s story deeply resonated with the “Gia Dinh Haha” members. It sparked reflections on generational differences and the complex relationships between parents and children. As artists, they too had faced tough choices: to follow the safe path laid out for them, or to take risks in pursuing their passion. In that meeting in the great highlands, young people from different regions found a shared sense of empathy for the courage it takes to step beyond the comfort zone and walk one’s own path.