Tien Waterfall, Phu Lam Village

Although still in the development stage, the community-based tourism model in Phu Lam village (Phu Gia commune, Huong Khe district, Ha Tinh province) has already attracted tourists from near and far, bringing income to local people...

Tien Waterfall attracted many tourists during the recent holiday.

The community-based tourism model in Phu Lam village is closely linked to magnificent scenic spots such as Tien Waterfall (Khe Tay), Vu Mon Waterfall, Tung Gorge, etc.

To attract tourists, Huong Khe district has recently invited businesses and experts to advise on the development of attractive tourist areas. Despite limited funding, the locality has focused on improving transportation infrastructure, supporting and guiding local people to serve tourists, planning safe beaches and food areas; and widely promoting the image of scenic spots through mass media and social networks.

Rao Trinh Beach.

In April 2023, to capitalize on the opportunity to attract tourists during the holiday season, Huong Khe district and local people developed nature exploration tours in Phu Lam. Accordingly, tour groups would visit Phu Lam village to offer incense at the Ngan Tru Temple, then explore the majestic and pristine beauty of Tien Waterfall and Tung Gorge; experience the beaches of Cau Cay Tro and Ca Queo; visit the Phu Lam model residential area; and tour the aquaculture ponds and reservoirs.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy the distinctive cuisine of the local villages and ethnic groups of Laos.

Many tourist groups camp in Phu Lam village to experience the local culture.

During the recent Hung Kings Commemoration Day, April 30th, and May 1st holidays, the Phu Lam community tourism area welcomed approximately 1,000 visitors. The tourism programs and culinary products offered by the local people were highly appreciated by tourists. Many expressed great delight in exploring the majestic landscapes of the Truong Son mountain range and engaging in cultural, artistic, and culinary exchanges with the local community.

Mr. Nguyen Van Trung (Bac Giang City, Bac Giang Province) and a group of over 40 members visited Tien Waterfall for the first time and experienced other tourism products such as bathing in the stream, eating, camping, and participating in cultural exchanges. Mr. Trung shared: “Witnessing the magnificent scenery of nature in Phu Lam village made all of us forget our fatigue after the long journey. Everyone was enthusiastic about posing, taking photos, filming, and enjoying the pristine and majestic space. In addition, the local people were very friendly and thoughtful, and they let us enjoy their specialties. It was truly worthwhile for us to make this trip.”

A group of tourists from Bac Giang province experienced the process of preparing culinary products by the people of Phu Lam.

"However, there are still few local tourism products available. Although we like many products such as sticky rice, honey, stream fish, etc., the quantity is insufficient or there are no ways to preserve them for purchase," Trung added.

Community-based tourism is a type of tourism that utilizes available resources with the participation of local communities, who directly carry out and benefit from tourism activities. In the case of Phu Lam village, sustainable development is also being implemented through efforts to change mindsets linked to the livelihoods of the local people.

Besides developing tourism products linked to local livelihoods, Huong Khe will also focus on training community tourism personnel to ensure that traditions are preserved without becoming outdated, and that the culture is approachable but not sloppy.

Mr. Ngo Van Son (of Lao ethnicity) – Secretary of Phu Lam village shared: “The fee for each tour guide session is 200,000 VND. We can also increase our income from selling food and agricultural products. On average, each day's work during the recent holidays earned the villagers participating in tourism services about 200,000 - 300,000 VND. Although not a large amount, this is an important motivation for us to continue believing in and pursuing our dream of building a community tourism area.”

Mr. Nguyen Van My, Chairman of the Board of Members of Lua Viet Tourism Co., Ltd. (Ho Chi Minh City), said: “Our company has conducted a survey of several tourist destinations in Huong Khe, including Tien Waterfall. This is one of the highest and most beautiful waterfalls in the country, and the access road is quite convenient. If properly developed, it will be one of the most attractive tourist destinations in our country.”

Video: Mr. Nguyen Van My assesses the tourism potential of Tien Waterfall (Video: Quan Chien)

According to Mr. My, the locality still has much work to do to develop and increase tourism revenue. This includes the need for a comprehensive tourism development plan and strategy across the entire district, maximizing the potential and strengths of the local tourism industry.

To develop Tien Waterfall effectively, the district and communes need to establish regulations for tourism; preventing the current spontaneous situation (as the influx of tourists will lead to safety and environmental issues). Simultaneously, the government needs to provide guidance to ensure local people work together on a win-win approach to tourism development. A system should be developed to select high-quality, distinctive culinary products to serve tourists. Other services (motorbike taxis, shuttle buses, boats, tour guides, etc.) should be standardized. Connecting Tien Waterfall with other attractive destinations such as Huong Tra tea plantation, the Tram Lam - Son Phong temple complex, and the treasures of King Ham Nghi should also be prioritized.

Duong Chien

Source: https://baohatinh.vn/du-lich/thac-tien-ban-phu-lam-diem-du-lich-hap-dan-o-ha-tinh/248083.htm