Na Su - Journey from poor village to community tourism destination

From a poor village with few smiles, Na Su (Muong Cha commune, Dien Bien province) today has taken on a new look. Thanks to the development of community tourism, the lives of the people here have changed dramatically, writing a story of sustainable and inspiring poverty reduction in the mountains and forests of the Northwest.

Located next to National Highway 4H, Na Su village appears like a peaceful picture with traditional stilt houses looming on the mountainside, green corn fields and the cheerful laughter of children. Few people expect that, in the past, this was one of the commune's particularly difficult villages, with people's lives mainly depending on unstable slash-and-burn farming.

Na Su Village appears like a landscape painting in the mountains and forests of the Northwest.

That journey of change began with the determination to transform. Talking to us, Mr. Nguyen Huu Dai, Chairman of the People's Committee of Muong Cha commune, shared: " Determining community tourism as a suitable direction to both preserve identity and create livelihoods, the commune government has accompanied the people of Na Su from the first steps: planning, training skills, supporting connections. The greatest success is not the number of tourists, but the fact that the people have become real subjects, confidently welcoming guests and introducing their own culture. "

Coming to Na Su, visitors can immerse themselves in the dance and experience the costumes of the local Thai people.

To turn the idea into reality, the role of the local "leader" is extremely important. Mr. Thung Van Quan, Head of Na Su village confided: " At first, people were very shy. They were afraid that visitors would not come, afraid that they could not do it. But after being mobilized and being able to visit good models, everyone contributed to cleaning the village roads, keeping the houses clean, preserving traditional cultural features such as brocade weaving, making musical instruments. Now everyone is excited. " That consensus has created collective strength, turning Na Su into a friendly and genuine destination.

Visitors are immersed in majestic nature.

Coming to Na Su today, visitors can not only immerse themselves in the majestic natural scenery, but also experience the life imbued with Thai culture. They eat, live and work with the locals. Ms. Thung Thi Ngoan , a resident participating in the homestay model, could not hide her joy: " Before, all year round, we only knew about corn and rice fields, the income was not enough to take care of our children's education. Since tourists started coming, my family has welcomed guests to stay, serving meals with stream fish, wild vegetables, hill chickens... the income is much more stable. The most precious thing is that the children get to meet many people from the cities, they are bold and have more motivation to study. " Her eyes sparkled when talking about her eldest son who is nurturing the dream of becoming a tour guide.

Tourists and locals enjoy unique dishes of the Thai ethnic group.

Handicrafts such as scarves, brocade bags, or forest spice packages have gradually become popular souvenirs for tourists, bringing additional income to women in the village.

The feelings of tourists are the truest measure of success. Mr. Tran Minh Quang (tourist from Saigon) shared after the 2-day-1-night experience: " I was truly conquered by the simplicity and sincerity of the people here. They treat guests like family. In the evening, gathering around the fire, enjoying rice wine, listening to the village elders tell stories, watching xoe dances, I felt all the fatigue disappear. This is not just a trip, but a journey back to the roots, to share and love. "

From above, Na Su village is always peaceful and poetic in the middle of the Northwest mountains and forests.

The community tourism model in Na Su is not simply an economic activity. It is "lighting up" the village every day in the most sustainable way: helping local people have a stable income, preserving and promoting the cultural identity of the Thai ethnic group, motivating the younger generation, and above all, building a confident and united community.

The journey from a poor village to a bright tourist spot of Na Su is becoming a meaningful lesson about sustainable development, focusing on people and culture, in the heart of heroic Dien Bien Phu.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/na-su-hanh-trinh-tu-ban-ngheo-thanh-diem-den-du-lich-cong-dong-218231.html