The woman who 'lights the fire' for agricultural tourism

Tam Dao mountain range, La Bang commune, is not only famous for its endless green tea hills but also for preserving a traditional craft that has been around for hundreds of years. Taking advantage of this, Ms. Bui Thi Mai, Director of the East Cloud Cooperative, has developed an agricultural tourism model combined with organic tea production, bringing authentic experiences to visitors while creating a sustainable livelihood.

La Bang tea hill - ecological space where May Suon Dong Cooperative develops agricultural tourism associated with the tea industry.

Originated from traditional profession

Born into a family with a long history of tea making, Ms. Mai soon understood the value of each tea bud and batch of tea, which is processed with meticulousness and love for the profession. However, she realized that La Bang's potential lies not only in its tea products, but also in its indigenous cultural values, natural landscapes, and the people's lifestyle attached to the tea hills.

She shared: I want visitors to La Bang not only to enjoy a cup of delicious tea, but also to understand the hard work and dedication of tea makers. Agricultural tourism helps us preserve our profession, while also creating more income for local women.

From that thought, she boldly established May Suon Dong Cooperative, applying a model combining organic tea production with agricultural tourism development, opening a new direction for women and the local community.

Tourists experience tea picking in La Bang in the agricultural tourism program of May Suon Dong Cooperative.

The effectiveness of the East Side Cloud model has been recognized by the government. Mr. Dang Thanh Tung, Chairman of the People's Committee of La Bang Commune, said: The commune has a lot of potential to develop agricultural tourism, but needs pioneering models to unleash that advantage. The East Side Cloud Cooperative is an effective model, creating jobs for people, especially women, while promoting the culture and typical products of the locality. The commune government always accompanies and supports the model to continue to develop sustainably.

From clean agricultural products to experiential space

Not only focusing on tea, May Suon Dong Cooperative also develops many other clean agricultural products such as wild vegetables, honey, herbal tea, and processed products. These products are introduced at May Suon Dong homestay - a place that combines relaxation and unique cultural experiences.

At the homestay, visitors can stay in small houses nestled on the mountainside, watch the clouds drifting through the valley, and enjoy tea in a space imbued with the tea region. The activity of “being a tea grower for a day” is especially loved by many international visitors. Ms. Francis, a Filipino tourist, shared when coming to La Bang: The air here is very fresh, the landscape is beautiful. Being able to pick tea and enjoy tea that I roasted myself is a very memorable experience for me when coming to May Suon Dong.

May Suon Dong homestay space among green tea hills, where visitors enjoy nature and experience La Bang tea culture.

With this model, the cooperative not only brings economic value but also contributes to social security, especially enhancing the role of women in community development. Ms. Nguyen Thi Sao, a cooperative member, said: I have worked at the cooperative for 2 years. The job is suitable for my ability and brings a stable income for my family. Thanks to the cooperative, I feel more confident and can contribute more to community activities.

From a small model, May Suon Dong Cooperative has now become a familiar destination for many domestic and foreign tourists. Clean products, practical experiences of tea making and indigenous culture contribute to building a unique brand for La Bang, creating livelihoods for the people, preserving cultural identity, conserving traditional crafts and spreading a beautiful image of Thai Nguyen people - sincere and hospitable.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/van-hoa/du-lich-thai-nguyen/202512/nguoi-phu-nu-thap-lua-cho-du-lich-nong-san-01a3735/