Sin Suoi Ho preserves its unique identity to develop sustainable tourism.

Sin Suoi Ho has become a shining example of community-based tourism thanks to its preservation of the Mong ethnic group's cultural identity, environmental protection, and sustainable development.

Nestled amidst the Hoàng Liên Sơn mountain range, Sin Suối Hồ village in Lai Châu province is shrouded in a thin layer of mist year-round. Situated at an altitude of nearly 1,500 meters above sea level, it is often described by tourists as a "village in the clouds" due to its cool climate and pristine natural landscape.

In recent years, Sin Suoi Ho has become an attractive destination for community-based tourism in the Northwest region. Amidst the majestic mountains, traditional rammed-earth houses nestled along flower-filled paths create a unique and unforgettable atmosphere. During cloud-hunting season, peach blossom season, or on weekends, many homestays in the village are often fully booked.

Residents of Sin Suoi Ho village introduce a community tourism space that reflects the unique cultural identity of the Mong ethnic group in the Lai Chau highlands. Photo: Sin Suoi Ho Commune.

Not only famous for its natural landscapes, Sin Suoi Ho is also known as one of the exemplary community-based tourism models in the country. In 2023, the village was awarded the ASEAN Community Tourism Award for the period 2023-2025. This is a recognition of the local community's efforts in preserving traditional culture, protecting the environment, and developing sustainable tourism.

From early morning, the market area was bustling with locals and tourists. Bundles of wild vegetables, orchids, brocade fabrics, and many other local products were displayed along the pathways. The market was not only a place for exchanging goods but also became an attractive cultural experience for tourists visiting this highland village.

Over the years, the villagers have actively participated in developing community tourism. Many households have renovated their homes into homestays, opened food and beverage services, or sold traditional products to increase their income. However, the majority of households still maintain the original rammed earth house architecture, considering it a part of their cultural identity that needs to be preserved.

Tourists visit the entrance to Sin Suoi Ho community tourism site, which preserves the rich culture of the Mong ethnic group in the Lai Chau highlands. Photo: Hai Yen.

Mr. Vang A Chinh, one of the pioneers in developing community tourism in Sin Suoi Ho, said that what the locals most want to preserve is the cultural identity of the Mong people. According to him, tourists come here not only to admire the scenery but also to experience the simple life of the highlanders. If the villages change too much, the values ​​that make the destination so attractive will gradually be lost.

Currently, many households still maintain the traditional craft of brocade embroidery, organize ethnic cultural activities, and preserve traditional markets. The people also regularly clean the village roads, plant flowers, protect the landscape and water sources to create a green, clean, and beautiful tourism environment.

Along with cultural preservation, tourism development has contributed to creating livelihoods for local people. Currently, the village has about 20 households participating in community tourism, with many homestays invested in to be environmentally friendly while still maintaining traditional architecture. Income from tourism has helped many families improve their living standards, and at the same time created motivation for people to continue preserving their inherent cultural values.

Tourists experience community-based tourism in Sin Suoi Ho village, Sin Suoi Ho commune, Lai Chau province. Photo: Van Anh.

However, community-based tourism in the highlands still faces many challenges. The number of tourists is not stable, mainly concentrated in the peak season, so revenue is still seasonal. Transportation infrastructure in some areas is still not synchronized, especially difficult during the rainy season. A segment of the population still has limited skills in tourism, product promotion, and market connection.

According to the direction of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Lai Chau province, in the coming time, Sin Suoi Ho will continue to develop in the direction of green tourism, with the community at its center. Programs to support people in improving their skills in serving tourists, improving accommodation facilities, protecting the environment and preserving traditional culture will continue to be implemented.

The ASEAN Community Tourism Award not only contributes to enhancing Sin Suoi Ho's position on the regional tourism map but also opens up opportunities to promote Lai Chau's green tourism image to domestic and international tourists. Amidst the changes of modern life, the fact that the local people still persistently preserve their traditional houses, highland markets, traditional crafts, and natural landscapes is becoming an important foundation for sustainable tourism development in the future.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/sin-suoi-ho-giu-ban-sac-de-phat-trien-du-lich-ben-vung-d814357.html