Nestled in Tan Lac district, Van Son commune boasts a breathtaking landscape reminiscent of a serene, poetic painting. Winding roads gracefully embrace the hillsides, enhancing the commune’s natural charm. As spring spreads its vibrant colours, the lives of local people continue to improve day by day.
Rooms are prepared to welcome tourists at Hai Than Homestay in Chien hamlet, Van Son commune (Tan Lac district).
Thanks to funding from the State and collective efforts by local residents, the road leading to the commune's centre has been repaired, making travel more convenient. Villagers in Bach, Chien, and Ton Trong have contributed money, materials, and workday to build and upgrade roads. Once rugged, dusty, and riddled with potholes, these roads have gradually been paved with concrete, significantly improving transport and trade. All people, from the elderly to children alike, are delighted by these positive changes.
Thanks to hard work and dedication, local farmers have transformed the once barren, rocky highlands into lush gardens yielding an abundance of fresh produce. In Xom village, tangerine orchards have become a vital source of income for the community.
Bui Van Tung, the owner of an orchard of 1,000 tangerine trees, shared that the fruit here has a uniquely delicious flavour and is gaining popularity. Sold at 20,000–30,000 VND (0.79–1.18 USD) per kilogram, it generates significant economic benefits. His family earns hundreds of millions of Vietnamese dong each harvest season, he added.
Tangerine has proved useful to local poverty reduction and economic development. Many households have restored traditional tangerine varieties, turning them into staple crops that ensure stable livelihoods. Currently, the total area dedicated to tangerine farming in the commune exceeds 250 hectares. Other fruit trees such as Canh orange and Dien pomelo also thrive in the region’s climate and soil conditions.
With its mountainous terrain and pristine landscapes, Van Son holds significant tourism potential. The commune has temperatures 5–7°C cooler than the provincial average and is also home to the Muong and Thai ethnic groups, who have preserved their cultural heritage through traditional cuisine and attire.
In Chien village, three households offer homestay services as part of a community-based tourism initiative. These families also participate in an amateur music troupe and provide services such as guest reception, transportation, and food, creating jobs for residents.
Visitors to Van Son can enjoy hiking, cycling along scenic routes, exploring Nam Son Cave, visiting the Ngoc Son - Ngo Luong Nature Reserve, and experiencing local labour and cultural activities.
On October 17, 2022, the Standing Board of the provincial Party Committee issued Resolution No. 13-NQ/TU on turning Tan Lac’s upland communes into provincial-level tourist destinations by 2030, with a vision toward 2050. The resolution implementation promises a bright future for local tourism.
One of Van Son’s most striking sights is the pink peach blossoms set against the cool mountain air. Along the road to this commune, visitors can admire the soft hues of blooming peach trees. Many villagers plant peach trees as natural fences around their homes and along village paths, creating breathtaking "peach blossom roads” that enhance the region’s springtime charm.
Van Son’s peach blossoms have long been renowned, and the cultivation area now exceeds 50 hectares. Every blooming season, tourists flock to capture the stunning scenery, further popularising Tan Lac’s beauty and promoting community-based tourism. Peach farming serves as not only a significant source of income but also a unique attraction, drawing visitors from far and wide.
To drive economic growth and sustainable poverty reduction, the Party Committee and local authorities of Van Son have stepped up communications to encourage locals to change crop structures and apply scientific and technological advances to agriculture to enhance productivity. Policies for ethnic minorities as well as the national target programmes have been actively implemented, gradually improving the life quality for residents.
Currently, the commune’s average income per capita exceeds 32 million VND per year, and the poverty rate continues to decline. Health care, education, and rural transportation infrastructure have been steadily improved, while cultural and social welfare programmes have also received due attention. The local community remains united to support one another in daily life, together welcoming spring with peace and happiness.
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