Developing community tourism, beautiful tea hills not only generate income from tea products but also become attractive destinations for visitors, helping people improve economic efficiency
Thai Nguyen has long been famous for its majestic natural landscapes, undulating mountains, tranquil rivers and streams that sing day and night, embracing lush green tea areas. These elements not only provide economic value from agricultural production but also create opportunities to develop unique community tourism products. The diverse population, with a harmonious blend of ethnic groups such as Kinh, Tay, Nung, San Diu, San Chay, Dao, Hmong and Hoa, has created a rich cultural tapestry with distinctive identity, attracting tourists who want to explore and experience.
One of the highlights of Thai Nguyen community tourism is the connection between agriculture and tourism. With the strength of tea cultivation, many localities in the province have skillfully transformed tea hills into not just production sites but also attractive destinations for tourists. Mr. Nguyen Thanh Duong, Director of Tan Cuong Midland Tea Cooperative (Thai Nguyen City) shares: "My hometown's people have been connected with tea trees for generations. Participating in the community tourism model not only helps people develop their family economy, but I am also proud to introduce our traditional culture and tea products to tourists. Visitors are delighted when they can pick tea themselves, then join us in drying and enjoying it on the spot. They say that here, they experience a peacefulness and simplicity that is hard to find elsewhere".
The community tourism model at Thai Hai Reserve Area of Ecological Houses-on-stilts Ethnic Village was awarded "World's Best Tourism Village" in 2022 by the World Tourism Organization
In famous tea regions, many cooperatives and production facilities have invested in developing accommodation, dining services, maintaining beautiful tea hills, building processing areas, displaying and selling products as well as spacious tea-tasting spaces serving tourists who come to visit and experience. The province currently has 11 tourism sites recognized by decisions of the Provincial People's Committee, notably: Thai Hai Reserve Area of Ecological Houses-on-stilts Ethnic Village, which was awarded "World's Best Tourism Village 2022" by the World Tourism Organization; Tan Cuong Commune Community Tourism Site; Tan Son Village Community Tourism Site; Phuong Hoang Ecological Tourism Site, ...
In addition to the advantage of being the largest tea production region nationwide, with four famous tea regions (Tan Cuong, La Bang, Khe Coc, Trai Cai), Thai Nguyen has many famous agricultural specialties such as: dried bamboo shoots, vermicelli, Bao Thai Dinh Hoa rice, Phu Luong glutinous rice, Thau Dau glutinous rice and "Uc Ky sticky rice soy sauce" from Phu Binh. Thai Nguyen is also known as a region with large forest areas preserving many precious plants with rich vegetation and herbs. Certainly, when these linkage chains are perfected, tourists will not only come to sightsee but also want to stay longer to explore the culture and people here.
Tourists experiencing boat rowing at Cua Tu Stream
Our guide during an ecotourism exploration in Hoang Nong Commune (Dai Tu District) was Ban Van Linh, Director of Cua Tu Ecotourism Cooperative. According to Linh, nature has gifted the area with a majestic landscape, featuring primeval forests and diverse vegetation. Most striking is the system of streams and waterfalls, including seven stream entrances and more than ten large and small waterfalls, forming a breathtaking natural panorama.
The natural beauty of the waterfalls enchants every visitor who sets foot here. To enrich the tourism experience, in addition to cuisine rich in local identity, guests can participate in activities such as trekking along the Cua Tu stream, paddleboarding (SUP), setting up tents and enjoying tea by the water. Mr. Linh added: “We don’t just provide a place for rest and relaxation, we also strive to help visitors understand the value of the ecosystem and how the local community works to preserve these precious natural resources".
Korean tourists experience tea picking in Hoang Nong tea region, Dai Tu. (Photo: Manh Thang)
The development of community tourism not only opens up business opportunities but also contributes to preserving natural and cultural values. Many travel agencies are actively collaborating with local communities to develop region-specific tourism products, such as tea and OCOP-certified products. In parallel, local authorities and professional agencies have organized numerous training programs to help residents improve their service skills and promote local tourism images and products to visitors. As a result, communities are gradually forming an awareness of the value of tourism and how to engage with the market effectively.
Thanks to the continuous efforts of all levels of government and the local population, community-based tourism in Thai Nguyen is steadily affirming its place on Vietnam’s tourism map. Nguyen Ba Ngoc, a tourist from Hanoi, shared: “I’ve traveled to many places, but Thai Nguyen gave me a very different feeling. What I loved most was the simplicity and sincerity of the people. These are values you can’t find just anywhere".
Cultural diversity contributes to enriching community tourism products in Thai Nguyen
The future of community tourism in Thai Nguyen lies not only in economic development but also in the opportunity to preserve and promote the region’s unique cultural and natural values. Community tourism models not only offer unforgettable experiences for visitors but also contribute to creating sustainable value for local communities. It is the cultural diversity that makes each travel experience in Thai Nguyen more vivid and memorable.
With the available potentials and methodical investment, Thai Nguyen community tourism is on the rise, promising to bring many exciting experiences for visitors in the future.
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