(HBO) – Sung hamlet of Da Bac district’s Cao Son commune is home to more than 70 Dao ethnic minority households.
Muong ethnic people in Luy Ai hamlet in Tan Lac district’s Phong Phu commune preserve their stilt houses and traditional cultural values in association with community-based tourism development.
From a locality that mainly engaged in agricultural production,
Sung hamlet has become an attractive community-based tourism destination. In
2008, there were not many services for tourists. Now, the hamlet’s roads have
been concretised. Locals have poured capital into homestays. In particular,
people still keep their traditional houses, maintain brocade weaving and revive
their unique cultural features.
Dang Van Xuan, owner of a homestay establishment in Sung hamlet, said that over
70% of tourists who visit and stay overnight in the village are foreigners,
adding that they are excited to experience the cultural characteristics of the
Dao ethnic people.
He also said that an art troupe, a brocade weaving and a tour guide team have
been set up todiversify the hamlet's services.
Coming to Sung hamlet, visitors can also bathe in herbal water from the
traditional medicine of the Dao ethnic people and enjoy traditional dishes.
Luy Ai hamlet in Tan Lac district’s Phong Phu commune where Muong ethnic
minority people inhabit is also a community-based tourism site in the province.
like Sung hamlet, tourism products of Luy Ai hamlet are stilt houses, the
customs and habits, the beauty in daily life and the culture of the Muong ethnic
people.
Dinh Cong Lon's family was one of the first households to involve in tourism
activities in Luy Ai hamlet. His family upgraded their old stilt house which is
over 30 years old to serve guests. Despite being refurbished, it still keeps
the typical features of a Muong stilt house.
The development of community-based tourism has changed the lives of people in
Sung and Luy Ai hamlets and other hamlets will also enjoy positive changes
thanks to this orientation.
Preserving and promoting the fine traditional cultural values of ethnic
minorities in association with tourism development is one of the important
projects in the implementation of the National Target Programme on
socio-economic development of ethnic minority and mountainous areas in the 2021
– 2030 period, with the first phase from 2021 - 2025, in the province.
It focuses on preserving and promoting traditional cultural values, fostering
and training cadres who are in charge of cultural affairs as well as supporting
cultural facilities and equipment for ethnic minorities and mountainous areas
to improve the spiritual life for ethnic minorities in association with
community-based tourism development.
The implementation of the project is expected to contribute to preserving and
promoting the traditional cultural values of ethnic minorities in the
locality./.
Boasting diverse terrain, a mild climate, and rich natural resources, Cao Phong district is increasingly asserting its place on Vietnam’s tourism map, attracting both domestic and foreign visitors. The district is renowned for its stunning landscapes, majestic mountains, a crystal-clear hydropower lake, and the unique cultural identity of local ethnic groups.
With its pristine landscapes, unique cultural heritage of Muong ethnic minority, and an expanding range of visitor experiences, Tan Lac district of Hoa Binh has fast become a captivating destination for both domestic and international tourists.
Until now, Sung village in Cao Son commune, Da Bac district remains the only Dao ethnic community in Hoa Binh province to develop a community-based tourism model. Beyond its untouched natural landscapes, cultural identity serves as the cornerstone attraction for visitors.
Alongside the diverse cultural identities of the Kinh, Muong, Tay, Thai, Dao, and Mong ethnic people, Hoa Binh province is also renowned as the "capital" of the northwestern Vietnamese cuisine, offering unique and distinctive dishes. At festivals, during Lunar New Year (Tet), or on significant family or community occasions, special dishes are prepared, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.
A Phong Linh (Yellow Tabebuia) flower garden in Thang village, Thach Yen commune, Cao Phong district is currently in full bloom, drawing a large number of visitors.
Community-based tourism has been thriving in Pa Co commune, Mai Chau district thanks to advantages in natural landscape and cultural identity.