Hvinh Nut develops community tourism.

(GLO) - Leveraging the potential and strengths of the natural landscape as well as the cultural identity of the ethnic group, Mr. Hvinh Nut (Dak Asel village, Son Lang commune, Kbang district, Gia Lai province) has developed a community tourism model, opening up a new economic direction, increasing income, and creating jobs for local people.

Nút Phăm homestay, owned by the couple Hvinh Nút, is located at the end of Đăk Asêl village and features a neat, traditionally decorated space. Photo: Ngọc Minh

The Nút Phăm homestay, owned by the couple Hvinh Nút and Đinh Thị Phăm, is located at the end of Đăk Asêl village, with a neat and traditional interior design. Mr. Nút shared that he is a teacher at Kon Hà Nừng Secondary and High School, and in his free time, he has been involved in the tourism service group in Đăk Asêl village since 2018.

In addition to organizing tours to explore and experience the 50-meter waterfall, and trekking through the forest and across streams, in 2021, Mr. Nut decided to shift to community tourism, building homestays to meet the needs of tourists for rest, recreation, and learning about customs, traditions, and culture.

To reduce construction costs and create a nature-friendly homestay, Mr. Nut utilized old wood, went into the forest to cut bamboo and reeds, and cut thatch grass to build a charming stilt house. Around the house, he decorated with wind chimes, dried gourds, a basket, bundles of rice, sorghum, and a traditional rice wine jar, typical of the local people. In front of the house, he erected a ceremonial pole and left a large courtyard where he held bonfires and performed gong music for tourists.

At Mr. Hvinh Nut's homestay, a ceremonial pole was erected, and many items characteristic of the local people were displayed. Photo: Ngoc Minh

Mr. Nut also repurposed old pieces of wood to make nameplates, writing the name of the waterfall, a greeting in English, and then attaching them to wooden posts to create a creative and lively touch to the space. He combined his name and his wife's name to name the homestay Nut Pham homestay.

In addition to the two bedrooms in the stilt house, Mr. Nut renovated and expanded the sturdy house into two single rooms and one dormitory room, all fully equipped. "Based on feedback from tourists, I adjusted and added some details to my homestay to make it a bit more modern while still retaining its traditional charm," Mr. Nut said.

As a local with a deep understanding of the culture and familiarity with the terrain, Mr. Nut not only helps tourists have enjoyable experiences picking wild vegetables, gathering medicinal herbs, catching stream fish and snails, and exploring the majestic mountain and forest nature of Kbang, but also successfully organizes gong performances and introduces the distinctive culinary culture of the Bahnar people to visitors.

Mr. Hvinh Nut (a pioneer from Dak Asel village, Son Lang commune, Kbang district) guides visitors on a tour of the homestay. Photo: Ngoc Minh.

Mr. Vu Duc Tri, a tourist from Hanoi, shared: He and five friends went on a motorbike trip to Kbang. Initially, the group planned to visit the 50-meter waterfall and then stay one night at Mr. Nut's homestay. Before leaving, Mr. Nut led the group to visit the communal house and rice storage, introduced them to the villagers' methods of preserving agricultural products, and informed them that in two days, a reenactment of the victory celebration would take place in the village. This is a major and important ceremony of the village.

“Mr. Nut's explanation of the rituals piqued our curiosity, and we decided to stay. During the day, we explored the village, learning about the people's lives, farming, and livestock raising. In the evening, we watched gong performances and enjoyed traditional dishes such as sticky rice cooked in bamboo tubes, grilled chicken, grilled fish, stir-fried cassava leaves with bitter melon, stir-fried fern shoots with garlic, and boiled rattan shoots with sesame salt dip – all typical Central Highlands cuisine. I will definitely return to Nut Pham homestay when I have the chance,” said Mr. Tri.

With dedicated and professional service, Nút Phăm homestay leaves a positive impression on tourists. Every year, Mr. Nút hosts hundreds of tours, providing a stable income for his family and creating regular jobs for three local workers.

Mr. Hvinh Nut (far left, in Dak Asel village, Son Lang commune, Kbang district) introduces tourists to the customs of building rice storage sheds and how the Bahnar people preserve agricultural products. Photo: Ngoc Minh

For many years, Mr. Dinh Van Su has been involved in transporting tourists to experience the 50-meter waterfall and performing with the gong ensemble for tourists at Nut Pham homestay. He said: “Each time I take tourists to the waterfall, I receive 600,000 VND/day. Performing the gong earns me 300,000 VND/night. I also receive tips from tourists because I work diligently and enthusiastically. Adding up all my income, I earn 4-5 million VND/month. In addition, on days without tourists, I take care of my coffee garden and raise chickens to sell to earn extra income.”

Mr. Dinh Van Quy, Party Secretary and Head of Dak Asel village (Son Lang commune), commented: “For many years, Mr. Nut has managed and operated Nut Pham homestay very well, attracting a stable number of guests and creating jobs for the people. Mr. Nut also shares his experience and methods of community tourism with the villagers. Now, the village has 3 households participating in providing accommodation and transportation services for tourists. These households involved in tourism contribute to solving employment problems and selling clean agricultural products and food for the people. At the same time, they promote and publicize the beautiful traditional culture of the Bahnar people to tourists from all over.”

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/hvinh-nut-lam-du-lich-cong-dong-post329952.html