Flowers bloom on the rocky plateau.

The annual buckwheat flower season attracts a large number of tourists to Ha Giang to visit and experience the area.

Ha Giang boasts majestic natural landscapes and is home to 19 ethnic groups, creating a unique and rich regional identity. Among them, Dong Van district is one of four mountainous districts that own a UNESCO Global Geopark. It is primarily inhabited by ethnic minorities, with the distinct cultural characteristics of the Mong and Lo Lo ethnic groups giving Dong Van district its unique character. The district effectively utilizes its heritage, including traditional architecture, stone fences, the art of playing the khene (a type of bamboo flute), ethnic costumes, and crafts such as weaving and basketry.

One of Ha Giang's successes was the organization of the 10th Buckwheat Flower Festival with the theme "Land of Fond Memories," marking 10 years since the Buckwheat Flower Festival appeared on the tourism map. Local authorities focused on directing the planting of buckwheat in large, prominent areas spanning hundreds of hectares to attract tourists; organizing art programs reflecting the spirit of the Stone Plateau, ethnic costume competitions, etc. Through the festival, the traditional cultural values ​​of the ethnic minorities were preserved and promoted; the unique values ​​and beautiful images of life and people in the area were honored; and characteristic tourism products were promoted and introduced to tourists. During the festival, Dong Van district attracted more than 13,000 visitors.

Ms. Nguyen Ngoc Nga, a tourist from Da Nang, shared: “I was truly impressed and surprised by the beauty of this place. I was able to immerse myself in the life of the people of the Stone Plateau with its moss-covered, ancient architecture, unique culture, distinctive cuisine of the local people, and the people are very friendly…”.

Mr. Sinh Di Gai, head of Lo Lo Chai village, Lung Cu commune, Dong Van district, Ha Giang province, introduces tourists to the traditional culture of the Lo Lo ethnic group.

In particular, to upgrade infrastructure and create attractions for tourists visiting the 10th Buckwheat Flower Festival, Dong Van has implemented the construction and renovation of 12 key tourist attractions in key communes and towns. During the planning and development process, the district leadership has preserved traditional beauty, ensuring harmony and not disrupting the landscape and geomorphology of the Stone Plateau… Among these, the most notable is the stone fence at the entrance to Dong Van town, connected to the Dong Van district welcome gate, with a total length of nearly 2km. This is the longest stone-stacked structure in the region, with a total investment of 3.8 billion VND. The district's Performing Arts Center is designed in a circular shape with a three-tiered outer edge, a diameter of 28m, and a total area of ​​over 615m2. The courtyard is paved with marble and features bronze drum patterns of the Lo Lo ethnic group. Socialized facilities including a commercial center, food court, and entertainment area are built according to the traditional architecture of the Mong ethnic group. The Performing Arts Center will provide opportunities for tourists to participate in folk song, folk dance, and cultural and artistic activities at night when visiting the district...

In Lo Lo Chai village, Lung Cu commune, Dong Van district has effectively utilized the preservation and promotion of the Lo Lo people's cultural identity. The village currently has 119 households and 542 inhabitants. Since the introduction of community-based tourism, Lo Lo Chai village has seen a significant improvement in its appearance and the lives of its residents. Furthermore, the Lo Lo people in this northernmost point of Vietnam are now paying more attention to preserving and promoting their cultural values ​​and ethnic identity, using this as a strength to develop community-based tourism.

Growing buckwheat flowers for tourists to take photos brings a high income to local people.

To preserve and promote traditional cultural values ​​associated with sustainable tourism development, we pay close attention to urban planning, construction planning, and tourism development planning. In particular, all landmarks, new constructions, and tourism products must adhere to traditional architecture.”

Mr. Do Quoc Huong, Chairman of the People's Committee of Dong Van District

Mr. Sinh Di Gai, Head of Lo Lo Chai village, shared: “More than 10 years ago, the villagers only knew how to grow corn and raise livestock on a small scale, but now, the village has 42 households involved in tourism. Not only have they enriched their families, but each household has also created jobs for 2-4 local workers, each earning 5-7 million VND per month. By engaging in tourism, the villagers not only earn a high income but also preserve and promote their ethnic culture to visitors, so the villagers are very enthusiastic.”

To guide households in developing community tourism, the local Party committee and government have provided financial support and training in communication skills, foreign languages, cooking, and customer service. Simultaneously, they have focused on raising awareness among households about environmental protection and preserving the traditional cultural values ​​of the Lo Lo people. Thanks to the preservation of traditional house architecture and cultural features, Lo Lo Chai has become a top tourist destination in this land where "even stones bloom."

Opening Ceremony of Lai Chau Tourism and Culture Week 2024