International tourists enjoy exploring traditional brocade patterns of the Thai ethnic group in Mai Chau district during their visit to the community tourism site in Lac hamlet, Chieng Chau commune.
With over 157,000 residents, of whom the Muong ethnic group makes up 92%, Lac Son district is renowned for its historical and cultural heritage. The district boasts stunning natural attractions such as waterfalls, caves, lakes, and hot springs. Several CBT sites have formed in Mu Khuong and Sat hamlets in the mountainous Tu Do commune. These Muong villages, which still retain their traditional stilt-house architecture and unique customs, attract many visitors, especially foreigners, with the majestic Mu Waterfall and trekking routes through the Ngoc Son–Ngo Luong nature reserve to explore local culture and enjoy the pristine forest air.
Mai Chau was one of the first districts in the province to embrace CBT, starting with Lac hamlet in Chieng Chau commune. With over 60% of its population being Thai people, Mai Chau has been designated a provincial tourism area. The district boasts over 200 accommodation facilities, including luxury resorts, 1–3 star hotels, and community homestays. According to Booking.com’s Traveller Review Awards, the district was among Vietnam's top 10 friendliest destinations in 2023. It now has eight CBT sites in Mai town and the communes of Chieng Chau, Na Phon, Mai Hich, Xam Khoe, Hang Kia, and Pa Co.
Photo caption: A French tourist takes a break on the steps of a traditional stilt house during a trek through the forest, exploring the customs and traditions of the Muong ethnic community in Tu Do commune, Lac Son district.
According to Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Bui Xuan Truong, CBT development is aligned with preserving cultural identities and improving sustainable livelihoods.
So far the CBT model has also expanded to other localities, such as Ngoi village in Tan Lac’s Suoi Hoa commune, Sung village in Da Bac’s Cao Son commune, and Tien village in Cao Phong’s Thung Nai commune. Across the province, the model has grown rapidly, with over 20 ethnic villages hosting nearly 200 homestays offering lodging and other services.
Alongside the national target programme for new-style rural development, CBT development is oriented toward sustainable agricultural development, preserving landscapes and ecological environments, and maintaining traditional cultural values.
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