Vietnam National Administration of Tourism conducts a survey on community tourism in Dong Van - Tuyen Quang region

Within the framework of the National Target Program on Socio-Economic Development for Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas (Project 6), from October 26-30, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism organized a field survey program at community tourism sites in the mountainous areas of Tuyen Quang province.

This is an important activity to assess the potential, opportunities, difficulties and challenges to build a sustainable community tourism development program, suitable to the actual conditions of each locality.

The working delegation was led by Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism Nguyen Thi Hoa Mai, with the participation of experts in community tourism development, destinations, media agencies, representatives of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Tuyen Quang province, and a number of typical businesses in the field of travel and community tourism across the country.

Within the framework of the program, the delegation held a flag-saluting ceremony and handed over the flag to Lung Cu Border Post at Lung Cu Flagpole ( Ha Giang , Tuyen Quang) - a sacred symbol at the headland of the Fatherland. The activity has the meaning of connecting tourism, community and national sovereignty, affirming that the development of highland tourism is not only economic but also cultural and spiritual.

Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism Nguyen Thi Hoa Mai performs the flag handover ceremony to Lung Cu Border Guard Station. Photo: TITC

Field survey of typical community tourism spots

Lung Cam Cultural Tourism Village (Dong Van) is located in the middle of Sung La valley - "a flower in the heart of the rock", is home to the Mong and Lo Lo ethnic groups. The village has dozens of ancient rammed earth houses hundreds of years old, surrounded by corn fields, peach gardens, and typical stone fences. This is also the setting of many famous films, including "Pao's Story". Pao's House tourist area - heritage value associated with the village: The ancient rammed earth house over 100 years old - the main setting of the film "Pao's Story" - is currently a community tourism destination combining culture and cinema. Visitors can visit, take photos, experience Mong ethnic culture, listen to stories about tile making, linen weaving, and traditional corn wine brewing.

However, the majority of visitors stay for a short time. The survey team proposed that there should be a shift from short-term visits to stays and experiences, helping to extend the length of stay and increase income for local people.

The survey team noted that Lung Cam has formed a homestay model, cultural experience services and traditional crafts, but it is still spontaneous. Infrastructure, environmental sanitation, and tourist reception systems need to be invested in more synchronously to move towards professional and sustainable tourism.

Survey team at Lung Cam Cultural Tourism Village. Photo: TITC

Lo Lo Chai Village - “The best tourist village in the world in 2025”: Located at the foot of Lung Cu Flagpole, Lo Lo Chai is home to more than 100 households of the Black Lo Lo ethnic group, honored by the United Nations Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) as “The best tourist village in the world in 2025”. The village stands out with its earthen wall architecture, yin-yang tiled roofs, stone fences, original space and unique traditional festivals.

There are currently more than 40 households participating in community tourism activities, providing accommodation, food, performing arts and ethnic cultural experiences. However, managing the number of visitors, handling waste, promoting digital and connecting tours are still challenges that need to be resolved soon.

Sharing at the survey destination, Deputy Director Nguyen Thi Hoa Mai emphasized: “Basically, these community tourism villages have many strengths, however, to exploit them more deeply and professionally, we still need the advice of experts and 'hands-on' instructions so that people can do better. Community tourism is not just an experience, but must become a sustainable livelihood for local people.”

Nho Que River : is considered the "first majestic pass" of the border region, with its emerald green water winding between two vertical cliffs. This is an important connection point between natural tourism and the ethnic community of Dong Van - Meo Vac region.

Actual surveys show that boat tours and sightseeing in Tu San Canyon are increasingly attracting tourists. However, operational safety, environmental protection, waste treatment and wharf planning need to be focused on to ensure sustainable exploitation.

Khun Village Community Tourism Village : In Tuyen Quang, the delegation surveyed Khun Village Community Tourism Village, where the Dao and Tay ethnic groups are beginning to develop a tourism model associated with agriculture. People have opened homestays, services to experience local handicrafts and cuisine, initially forming a new destination in the chain of community tourism in the midland and mountainous regions of the North.

However, the locality still needs more support in tourism skills, destination marketing and connecting travel businesses, in order to bring Tuyen Quang community tourism products further.

Potential, opportunities and challenges of highland community tourism

According to the survey team's assessment, Dong Van - Tuyen Quang region has all the conditions to develop sustainable community tourism: Unique landscape, rich ethnic culture, intertwined natural and cultural heritage; Friendly community, ready to participate in tourism; Local authorities have clear policies; many projects and resolutions on developing community tourism associated with new rural construction have been and are being implemented.

However, there are still some limitations: transport infrastructure and services are still not synchronized; people's tourism capacity is still weak; there is a risk of "commercialization" of cultural identity if not well managed. The connection of tours between Tuyen Quang and neighboring localities is still fragmented, not creating regional products.

According to representatives of businesses participating in the survey, Tuyen Quang needs to train and improve the capacity of people, especially in welcoming guests, cuisine, digital marketing and environmental protection; Invest in traffic infrastructure, environmental sanitation, and environmentally friendly accommodation facilities; Develop unique tourism products associated with culture, agriculture, handicrafts, and local cuisine; Strengthen regional connectivity, form community tourism tours and routes; Apply digital transformation in promoting, booking services, introducing OCOP products and connecting domestic and foreign tourists.

Deputy Director Nguyen Thi Hoa Mai affirmed: "Community tourism development must go hand in hand with preserving cultural values, preserving landscapes, and more importantly, helping people benefit from their homeland."

The survey program of community tourism sites in Dong Van - Tuyen Quang region not only helps to assess potential, opportunities and challenges but also creates a forum to connect state management - experts - businesses and the community.

The survey results are an important basis for the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism and localities to build a sustainable community tourism model, aiming at the goal of "tourism for the community, community doing tourism", contributing to improving people's lives, preserving national cultural identity and spreading the image of a green, safe and friendly Vietnam.

Vietnam National Administration of Tourism

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/cuc-du-lich-quoc-gia-viet-nam-khao-sat-thuc-te-du-lich-cong-dong-vung-dong-van-tuyen-quang-2025102815440751.htm