Hoa Minh aims to become a model new rural commune in tourism

Once a purely agricultural countryside along the gentle Co Chien River, Hoa Minh Commune is now transforming itself. Not only developing a sustainable economy, the commune also exploits natural advantages, preserves cultural identity to build a unique community tourism model. Thanks to the joint efforts of the government and the people, Hoa Minh Commune is gradually realizing its aspiration to become a model new rural commune in tourism.

Rural economy flourishes

Sightseeing spot of the folk game area "My Village" at Con Chim community tourism .

Hoa Minh today has a new look, clean and beautiful village roads, synchronous investment in infrastructure, people's lives are increasingly improved. With an area of over 3,600 hectares and a population of over 12,000 people, the commune has favorable conditions to develop agriculture , aquaculture and community tourism.

With the characteristics of the Mekong Delta region, Hoa Minh has promoted the transformation of production towards clean, sustainable, high-tech application. Many models such as industrial shrimp farming, organic shrimp-rice farming, freshwater fish farming, mud-free eel farming, farming from agricultural by-products, etc. have been and are being effective, creating stable livelihoods for people.

Along with production development, the commune pays special attention to investing in completing essential infrastructure. Inter-hamlet roads are concreted; irrigation systems meet production needs; electricity, water, schools, cultural houses, and medical stations are upgraded synchronously. Up to now, 9/9 hamlets have met NTM and model NTM standards.

Mr. Huynh Van Dung, a resident of Ong Yen hamlet, Hoa Minh commune, shared: “In the past, it was difficult to travel, and medical and educational services were limited. Now things are different, the roads are nice, the electricity is bright, the schools are spacious, and the medical stations provide dedicated service. Life has improved a lot.”

In 2022, Hoa Minh commune will achieve advanced NTM standards. By 2025, the commune will continue to strive to achieve model NTM standards, with community tourism as a highlight and digital transformation as a driving force for development.

In Ong Yen hamlet, the “smart hamlet” model is proving effective. People are supported in applying technology to production, typically high-tech shrimp farming that automates more than 80% of the process. In addition, people are also instructed in using smartphones to look up information, make electronic payments, and submit administrative documents online.

Currently, more than 80% of households in the hamlet use smart devices, and 82% of administrative records are processed online. The community digital technology team regularly trains and guides people to get acquainted with digital utilities, gradually building a modern and friendly government.

Mr. Le Van Tri - Chairman of Hoa Minh Commune People's Committee said: "We clearly define that building a model new-style rural commune is not only about meeting standards, but also about how to make people's lives truly change. When the benefits are clearly seen, people will proactively participate, thereby contributing to creating a civilized, modern, and unique rural appearance."

Con Chim community tourism highlight

It is impossible not to mention Con Chim hamlet when talking about community tourism development in Hoa Minh. From a small island in the middle of the Co Chien River, Con Chim has now become a typical destination, attracting tourists from inside and outside the province.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Van prepares rustic dishes to serve tourists at Con Chim.

Launched in 2019, by the end of 2020, Con Chim was recognized as a community tourism destination of the province. In 2022, tourism products here will meet 3-star OCOP standards. Notably, in 2024, Con Chim Community Tourism Agricultural Cooperative was established with 50 members, a total investment of more than 11 billion VND, of which people contributed over 10 billion.

In just 5 years, Con Chim has welcomed nearly 99,000 visitors, with revenue of about 24 billion VND and profit of more than 5 billion VND. In addition to sightseeing, this is also a place to welcome more than 12 groups to study and share experiences in developing community tourism.

The highlight of Con Chim is the close connection between households. Each household is in charge of a service, from visiting the old kitchen, coconut garden, folk games, shrimp fishing - setting traps, renting bicycles, to homestay, listening to traditional music. Each activity is associated with the local lifestyle, bringing a typical experience of the West.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Van - Head of the Cooperative said: "We do tourism with all our heart, welcoming guests like family. It is the sincerity and closeness that has helped Con Chim keep its own mark."

Currently, the entire hamlet has 18 households participating in tourism, of which 5 households have built homestays with 27 standard rooms. Community tourism helps more than 50 local workers have stable jobs, with incomes of 5-15 million VND/month. The average profit from services reaches nearly 18%.

Mr. Nguyen Van Tai, a farmer who grows organic vegetables to serve tourists, shared: “Growing clean vegetables to sell to tourists is clean, fun, and brings good income. Thanks to tourism, the landscape and garden are more cared for.”

Not only creating jobs, community tourism also helps change people's thinking, giving them more communication skills, community spirit and environmental protection awareness. By July 2024, the average income of Con Chim people will reach 89 million VND/person/year, nearly double that of 2019.

Mr. Nguyen Tan Thanh - Head of the People's Committee of Con Chim Hamlet affirmed: "Tourism helps people stay attached to their profession and be proud of their homeland. This is not only a way of making a living, but also a way to preserve the village lifestyle in the new era".

Not only recognized domestically, Con Chim also made an international mark, being in the Top 12 sustainable development initiatives organized by Japan; being in the Top 50 attractive destinations of Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta provinces and being 1 of 5 Vietnamese representatives to receive the ASEAN Community Tourism Award in 2025.

Currently, Hoa Minh commune is proposing to upgrade the OCOP product of Con Chim Community Tourism site from 3 stars to 4 stars. This is an important step in the journey to become a model new rural commune in tourism.

With the right direction, the consensus of the people and the determination of the government, Hoa Minh is gradually affirming its position as a model new-style rural commune, not only in terms of economy but also in preserving the countryside and cultural identity. The story of Con Chim is a clear demonstration of a humane and sustainable direction, as the locals say, "Coming to Con Chim, the villagers only have their hearts."

Article and photos: SON TUYEN

Source: https://baovinhlong.com.vn/xa-hoi/du-lich/202508/hoa-minh-huong-toi-xa-nong-thon-moi-kieu-mau-ve-du-lich-432130e/