Tourism for the community, from the community

When dawn is still shy on the mountain range in Khau Trang, Hong Thai commune (Na Hang), thin layers of mist linger on the roof of the yin-yang tiled wooden house, lingering in the silence of the mountains and forests. From the small kitchen, the sound of knives and chopping boards, the gentle crackling of the fire signal the beginning of a new day. It is not only a breakfast for the family, but also a warm welcome for the group of tourists staying at the homestay on stilts.

Tay women in Lam Binh skillfully prepare five-color sticky rice, an indispensable specialty in the cultural experience space at homestays.

From the villages nestled by the Na Hang - Lam Binh ecological lake, to the Long Tong festival, the folk art troupes singing Then and playing Tinh instruments have been preserved through each generation. From Chiem Hoa with the majestic Ban Ba ​​waterfall, to Yen Son, Son Duong with the stilt houses of the Tay and Cao Lan people, the villages of embroidery, weaving, leaf wine, and farming associated with ethnic culture, all create a rich and vibrant "cultural ecosystem".

Ms. Trieu Thi Xuong, Na Tong village, Thuong Lam commune (Lam Binh), one of the homestay service owners, shared: "Doing tourism helps us both earn income and preserve our ethnic identity. Every dish, dance, song, and stilt house is a part of the culture that we are proud of".

With the goal of building Pac Cap village into a community tourism destination, in December 2021, Ham Yen District People's Committee issued a Project to build Pac Cap Village Ethnic Culture Village. Accordingly, when coming to the cultural village, visitors will be able to visit and explore the orchards, ancient nghien wood forests, Shan Tuyet tea gardens, Ma Hec waterfall area; experience the life of farmers, participate in making ethnic dishes and drinks; learn about the traditional culture of the Tay ethnic group...

Mr. Ha Duc Tang, Head of the Front Work Committee, a prestigious person in Pac Cap village, Phu Luu commune (Ham Yen) said: "From being hesitant, people have now boldly renovated their houses, learned how to make homestays, know how to welcome guests attentively, and know how to keep the alleys clean and beautiful. What I am most happy about is the spirit of self-awareness of the villagers, no one tells anyone but everyone wants to do better every day".

Connecting infrastructure, spreading culture

The "One Commune One Product" (OCOP) program is an effective bridge to bring local specialties to tourists. Lam Binh corn wine, Cao Lan people's chim gau cake, Na Hang brocade, wild honey... are not only commercial products, but also the crystallization of culture and labor of the community.

Up to now, the province has recognized 3 homestay tourism cooperatives that meet 3-4 star OCOP standards. "Doing tourism from the root" with agricultural products, traditional crafts, and folk arts has helped increase value, create stable livelihoods, and is also an effective method to preserve culture.

Recognizing the role of tourism in socio-economic development, the province has issued many important policies such as Resolution 29-NQ/TU on developing tourism into an important economic sector, projects to develop typical products; policies to support training, coaching, promotion, and digitization of tourism information.

Tourism infrastructure continues to be invested synchronously. The Tuyen Quang-Phu Tho expressway shortens the connection time with the capital Hanoi; The routes from the city center to Na Hang, Lam Binh... have been upgraded, opening up opportunities to attract visitors. Along with that, the smart tourism system such as the Digital Information Portal, Tuyen Quang Tourism application, free wifi at tourist attractions have contributed to improving the experience for visitors.

According to the report of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, from 2021 to the end of 2024, Tuyen Quang welcomed nearly 10 million visitors, with revenue of more than 10,600 billion VND, contributing 5.2% of GRDP. Tourism activities create jobs for over 22,000 workers, especially in remote areas and ethnic minority areas.

The province aims to have Na Hang - Lam Binh eco-tourism area become a national tourist area by 2030; My Lam mineral spring resort develop to international standards; Tan Trao become a center for cultural, historical and traditional education tourism.

According to Tuyen Quang Online Newspaper