Mo Hamlet - A prime example of community-based tourism development based on the cultural identity of the Muong ethnic group.

We had the opportunity to revisit Mo hamlet, Thung Nai commune, on a clear autumn day in early October. The road, winding along the hillside and crossing a bridge over a stream, led us into the small hamlet, revealing a peaceful scene with traditional stilt houses nestled at the foot of Mo mountain, and rice fields gradually turning golden, interspersed with the green of the mountains and forests. The air was fresh, and the lively sound of gongs and drums was like a warm welcome from the Muong people of this place.

Mo Hamlet in Thung Nai commune has preserved its traditional stilt houses and the unique identity of the Muong ethnic group to develop community tourism .

During our trip, we met a group of tourists from Hanoi . Ms. Nguyen Thu Hang, a member of the group, shared: “We learned about Mo village through recommendations from friends. What impressed us most was the simplicity yet friendliness of the people. Here, we not only got to sleep in stilt houses, eat bamboo rice and stream fish, but also participate in weaving brocade and enjoy unique cultural performances of the Muong ethnic group. It felt very different from a simple vacation; here, we got to live and experience daily life with the locals.” These experiences make tourists want to return many times, and also help Mo village continue to develop community tourism associated with the preservation of its unique culture.

Luận Oanh Homestay, located in Mỗ hamlet, Thung Nai commune, welcomes tourists.

We visited Luận Oanh homestay, one of the most well-invested, spacious, and clean households in the village. Mr. Đinh Quang Sinh said: "Our Mường Giang Mỗ village has been welcoming tourists for a long time. From 1979-1980, when the Hòa Bình hydroelectric power plant was being built, Soviet experts would come to the village every weekend to relax and visit. In the 1990s, my family still welcomed many French tourists to visit and experience the area. Currently, there are fewer foreign tourists, mainly domestic tourists. In 2019, my family invested in building a communal stilt house and two private rooms to meet the increasing demand of tourists."

Mo Hamlet currently has 195 households with 735 inhabitants, of which the Muong ethnic group accounts for 98%. Despite numerous historical changes, the people here have preserved their traditional cultural values, from stilt house architecture, customs, and cuisine to their language, folk songs, and folk dances. Currently, the central area of ​​Mo Hamlet has 30 households, of which 14 meet the criteria to welcome tourists.

Households involved in community tourism in Mo hamlet are provided with trash cans to help ensure environmental hygiene.

In particular, the National Target Program for socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas for the period 2021-2025 has made a significant contribution to improving the lives of people in Mo hamlet. Thanks to the attention and support of the State, many production models linked to cultural preservation have been implemented. People have received training in livestock farming and crop cultivation techniques, and have also been supported in connecting with markets, forming community production groups, cooperatives, and agricultural cooperatives. Support for landscape beautification and waste collection has also been implemented in the area. Besides stable income, more importantly, these models are closely linked to community tourism, helping to preserve the Muong identity through agricultural products, cuisine, and traditional crafts.

According to Mr. Dinh Van Dan, Head of Mo Hamlet: “The national target program has brought significant resources to the people. It not only supports the construction of infrastructure, livestock pens, and production models, but more importantly, it encourages people to promote traditional culture and provides training in community tourism. From gongs and traditional dances to brocade weaving and bamboo-cooked rice... all have become tourism products. As a result, the lives of the people are improving. The average income is over 41 million VND per person per year. The hamlet still has 4 poor households and 2 near-poor households.”

A proud achievement is that in 2025, Mo hamlet was awarded a Certificate of Commendation by the Prime Minister for its implementation of the National Target Program for socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas during the 2021-2025 period. This is a well-deserved recognition of the efforts of the government and people in preserving and promoting the Muong cultural identity in conjunction with economic development and community tourism.

Mr. Dinh Van Dan further shared: “We believe that preserving culture is the foundation, and developing tourism is the branch. Only with cultural identity can there be tourism, and only with tourism can we improve our lives. Therefore, we always encourage our people to preserve their traditional stilt houses, language, and customs, while also learning how to develop tourism more professionally. In the future, we hope the government will continue to invest in infrastructure, support human resource training, and promote the image of Mo hamlet so that it becomes an attractive destination on the community tourism map.”

Leaving Mo village as the sun sets over the valley, the echoing sound of gongs and drums amidst the mountains and forests further enhances the feeling of nostalgia. What is happening here is proof of the harmonious combination of preservation and development. With the attention of the Party and the State, the efforts of the local government, and the solidarity of the people, Mo village is gradually establishing itself as a community-based tourism brand associated with the preservation of Muong culture – a sustainable direction for the future.

Huong Lan

Source: https://baophutho.vn/xom-mo-dien-hinh-phat-trien-du-lich-cong-dong-tu-ban-sac-van-hoa-dan-toc-muong-240489.htm