Da Bac district: tourism helps raise living standards of ethnic minority groups

10/16/2024 - 5:25:49 PM

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.

Dao Tien ethnics’ community-based tourism create unique travel experience

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.

Hoa Binh cuisine: An unforgettable experience 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.