What can we learn from this "rapid" entry? Part 1

While Resolution 82/CP on key tasks and solutions to accelerate the recovery and development of tourism effectively and sustainably was issued on May 18, 2023, the opening of the Dau Giay – Phan Thiet expressway during the April 30, 2023 holiday, followed by the summer tourism season, led to a surge in visitors to Binh Thuan. Locals began engaging in tourism activities extensively, simultaneously creating policy obstacles that need to be skillfully addressed to mitigate the spontaneous development.

Article 1: The boom in "guerrilla" tourism

Because of the unexpected influx of customers.

Although the landslide on Bao Loc Pass has been repaired in the past few days, traffic on the Dau Giay – Phan Thiet – Vinh Hao expressway, specifically the section connecting to National Highway 28B in Song Binh commune (Bac Binh district) towards Da Lat, remains heavy. This isn't a recent phenomenon; it dates back to the April 30th holiday, when the Phan Thiet – Vinh Hao expressway was still operational, and many families chose this route to Da Lat. Once the expressway opened, traffic volume increased significantly. The sole reason is that this route shortens travel time from Saigon to Da Lat by up to two hours. And somehow, from Song Binh commune to Phan Lam and Phan Son communes, locals have started renovating their yards, buying tables and chairs, installing awnings, setting up thatched huts for shade, and placing hammocks... to accommodate the stream of travelers who have continuously traveled over 150 km on the expressway, which previously lacked any rest stops. Exploiting the anticipation felt throughout the journey, newly renovated and decorated places, seemingly from "yesterday," have sprung up to welcome the influx of travelers, displaying signs that read: "Rest Stop..." even though the land along this road is mostly forest land, land within the road's right-of-way, and agricultural land. Besides the one or two so-called rest stops, offering services like food and drinks, selling local produce, hammocks for resting, and views of Song Luy Lake... that have been operating for a long time, approximately 15 new rest stops and eateries have appeared along this route without anyone noticing.

The Phan Thiet - Vinh Hao expressway section at the intersection with National Highway 28B leading to Lam Dong .

According to a report by the People's Committee of Bac Binh District, in the first seven months of 2023, the district welcomed nearly 170,000 visitors, an increase of over 50% compared to the planned target and approximately 60% compared to the same period in 2022. Of these, domestic tourists accounted for 85%, and international tourists 15%. It is noteworthy that this figure does not include tourists who stopped for food and sightseeing at rest stops along National Highway 28B, as most of these activities are informal and self-organized.

The beautiful scenery on Dai Ninh Pass attracts many tourists traveling on National Highway 28B.

Similarly, on Phu Quy Island, since the Dau Giay – Phan Thiet expressway opened, the number of visitors, at peak times, has reached one-third of the island's population. It's easy to imagine that with the island's limited space, such a large influx of tourists, along with countless demands for services, experiences, and explorations, has swept everyone on the island into a "storm" of self-developed community tourism and rural tourism. Traditional verandas and gardens, once used as seating areas, have been repurposed to sell drinks and serve food to tourists. Even agricultural land has been utilized for shade, with a few thatched huts and tables set up for visitors to rest, take photos, and eat. Furthermore, at the seafood farms, tourists also want to go up to explore, choose seafood, and enjoy it fresh and hot on the spot... In this way, almost the entire island participates in tourism in various stages and services in a harmonious manner, and from there, income also increases. In the first six months of 2023, the island welcomed nearly 89,800 visitors, an increase of 45,797 compared to the same period last year.

High-speed boats transport tourists to Phu Quy Island.

Ganh Hang Phu Quy.

Because tourists love traveling to lakes, rivers, and streams.

The mountainous district of Tánh Linh is no exception in welcoming this unexpected influx of tourists. Besides the already popular and well-known Thác Bà waterfall, an unexpected area in La Ngâu commune, located on National Highway 55, is also attracting a large number of visitors. The thatched huts along the stream are truly picturesque; the gentle Tà Mỹ stream, with its shallow, crystal-clear water revealing the pebbles, allows visitors to rent small boats to paddle across. The campsites blend seamlessly into nature, offering many attractive local products and unique, rustic dishes… All of these elements have created an attraction that draws not only tourists from outside the province but also from within, leading to the rapid development of various businesses operating in the area. While there were only two such locations before April 30, 2023, there are now seven offering tourism services with investments in kitchens, dining areas, bungalows, huts, and tents, all designed to blend seamlessly with nature. However, these are essentially temporary structures, as none of these tourist sites have yet received official permits from the authorities. In reality, this community-based tourism model has spread, with locals erecting huts in nearby fields, initially for guarding crops or for families and friends to visit on weekends and holidays.

The type of camping along the La Nga River in La Ngau is attracting many tourists.

From La Ngau to Da Mi commune (Ham Thuan Bac district) is not far, and moreover, it's convenient as it's on National Highway 55. The attractiveness of this area lies not only in its scenery and the potential of the two hydroelectric reservoirs, Ham Thuan and Da Mi, but also in its diverse and abundant fruit trees thanks to the climate influence from Lam Dong. Stories of sightseeing, strolling around the hydroelectric reservoirs, eating sturgeon, chasing clouds, etc., posted by tourists on Facebook and Zalo, have attracted many visitors in the past few months. Simultaneously, a tourist area has unexpectedly appeared on Da Mi Lake, offering basic eco-tourism facilities. This tourist area is located along a rural road in Hamlet 5, Dagury village, which Da Mi commune built last year, and is situated within the area marked by land boundary marker number 11 of the Da Mi hydroelectric reservoir. This is the end of Da Mi Lake, similar to a narrow waterway, so trash from the lake tends to accumulate here, making the water less clear than other areas. However, it must be admitted that standing at this end and looking at Da Mi Lake in the surrounding natural landscape is breathtakingly beautiful. The majestic mountains and hills appear and disappear in the clouds, which suddenly rush down and then are swept away. The lake's surface is calm and bright like a mirror… Visitors come here to take photos for social media, chase the clouds, then eat and drink, and if they wish, rent boats to cruise on the lake. That's why visitors keep coming, and private businesses keep expanding their seating areas, encroaching on the lake's surface, despite warnings from Da Mi Hydropower Plant staff. To date, after only 4 months of operation, the construction area of ​​this business has reached 1,545 m2, most of which is land within the lake's protected zone.

Ham Thuan hydroelectric reservoir.

Da Mi hydroelectric reservoir.

By this time, as the summer tourism season was coming to an end, the districts had already taken decisive action to shut down the spontaneously developed tourist spots. However, they also recognized that the locals' approach to tourism – quick, simple, and effective – had successfully served the influx of tourists over the past few months, demonstrating the appeal of rural tourism. Many jokingly called it "guerrilla tourism," because it could disappear just as quickly if the locals weren't guided to follow the proper procedures for conducting business legally.

Lesson 2: Hesitation and Waiting

BICH NGHI - PHOTO BY N. LAN

Source: https://baobinhthuan.com.vn/nguoi-dan-lam-du-lich-thay-gi-qua-cuoc-gia-nhap-than-toc-bai-1-111164.html