Da Bia hamlet, now Duc Phong, in Tien Phong commune, Da Bac district, was once almost isolated from the outside as the only way to the hamlet was to get a boat ride across the Hoa Binh reservoir. However, as its tourism potential has been unleashed, the hamlet has established itself as one of the most attractive destinations on the tourism map. It has even received the ASEAN Community-Based Tourism Awards in 2019.
Bui
Thi Nhem (R), who is running a homestay in Duc Phong, briefing tourists on the
self-service shop model.
Ban Thi Kim Quy, Vice Chairwoman of the district
People's Committee, stressed that the beautiful natural landscapes, rich
culture, and changing mindset have helped turn tourism into a key economic
sector, generating numerous jobs and improving living standards, particularly for
ethnic minority communities.
This transformation is evident not only in Duc Phong
but also in other hamlets engaging in community tourism throughout the
district, she said, taking the example of Sung hamlet in Cao Son commune, which
has emerged to a bright spot in community tourism from a poor, isolated
locality.
According to Ly Sao Mai, from Da Bac Community-Based
Tourism JSC in Sung hamlet, among the 75 Dao households there, only a few are
currently running homestays, while the others have actively contributed to
local tourism development by offering products and tour guide services.
Quy said over the past years, apart from
implementing action programmes and plans on community tourism, the district has
paid attention tourism promotion, market connectivity, and brand building.
The district expects to welcome 550,000 visitors by
2025, of them 25,000 international, and earn over 297 billion VND (11.91
million USD) from the tourism sector.
The Sung village in Cao Son commune, Da Bac district, is endowed with pristine natural landscape, and Dao Tien ethnic minority community in the village preserves rich cultural heritage, including traditional housing, clothing, language, scripts, customs, and daily life practices. Since the community-based tourism model was introduced in the locality, these traditional cultural values have been further preserved and promoted.
Currently, in the region of Mong ethnic people, Hang Kia commune (Mai Chau) is exploiting the community tourism activities relatively effectively. The tourism economy has been sustainably developing, basing on the potential and advantages of the natural resources and traditional cultural identity. The model is increasingly being replicated, creating changes in awareness, and contributing to the progressive changes in people's lives.
Nestled at the foot of a mountain with the serene Sia stream flowing by, Hich 2 village in Mai Hich commune, Mai Chau district, offers a tranquil retreat and an authentic cultural experience of the Thai ethnic community. Known for its unspoiled nature and preserved traditions, it has become a favourite destination for international tourists.
The People’s Committee of Tan Lac district recently hosted a cultural, sports and tourism festival of local highland communes and a ceremony to receive the Heritage Tree designation.
Hien Luong commune in Da Bac district is blessed with beautiful landscapes, thanks to its location besides a vast, picturesque reservoir with clear waters year-round. This natural advantage has allowed the local ethnic minorities to develop sustainable tourism, becoming a community tourism destination.
