(TITC)
- Located in the Northwest mountainous region with many unique values of
majestic natural landscapes as well as specific cultural identities of ethnic
groups, Lao Cai is one of pioneer provinces in developing community-based
tourism associated with culture and eco tourism.
With
the motto “Culture is foundation and guideline to create strengths, tourism
products and combine tourism exploitation with culture conservation of ethnic
minorities to attract tourists”, since 2005, Lao Cai has implemented
community-based tourism development project in 2 communes of Ban Ho and San Sa
Ho (Sa Pa District). In recent years, thanks to tourism development programs,
community-based tourism activity in Lao Cai has achieved positive results,
attracted a larger number of tourists. Currently, Lao Cai has 13
community-based tourism destinations, mainly in districts of Sa Pa and
Bac Ha. Vietnam Visa On Arrival
Visiting
Sa Pa, tourists can choose many community-based tourism routes such as Sa Pa
Town - Y Linh Ho - Lao Chai - Ta Van; Lao Chai - Ta Van - Ban Ho - Thanh Phu -
Nam Sai - Sa Pa Town or Sa Pa Town - Ta Phin - Mong Sen – Tac Co – Sa Pa
Town... Of which, international tourists are particularly interested in many
destinations as ancient rock field (in communes of Hau Thao, Su Pan and Ta
Van), Ta Phin Village (Ta Van Commune), Cau May tourist site in Ta Chai Hamlet
(Ban Ho Commune). Bac Ha District also focuses on building cultural village
model associated with developing community-based tourism in hamlets of
Trung Do (Bao Nhai Commune), Na Lo (Ta Chai Commune), Ban Pho 2A (Ban Pho
Commune), Ta Van Chu (Ta Van Chu Commune)…
In
fact, tourists, especially foreign tourists to Sa Pa and
Bac Ha often visit ethnic villages to stay and work together with villagers,
enjoy folk art performances and buy brocade, bamboo items. In particular, the
number of households providing homestay service increases continually in the
community-based tourism destinations. Turnover of the households is quite high,
an average of VND 25 – 27 million per household per year (in Ta Van Commune),
VND 35 – 40 million per household per year (in Trung Do Commune).
In
spite of rich tourism resources, community-based tourism activities in Lao Cai
still exist many difficulties and challenges such as tourism services are not
plentiful; there is no link among households at each other; tourism facilities
in destinations is lack and not synchronous…
To
remedy this situation, the Netherlands Development Organization (SNV)
recommends Lao Cai to promote effectively link model among government,
households, travel agencies and consultants. In addition, the province needs to
have policies to encourage community-based tourism development, plan models of
community-based tourism development; create specific tourism products; establish
community-based tourism management board in some communes; organize annually
traditional festivals; maintain highland markets to restore and preserve local
cultural identity…
In
the future, with synchronized and timely solutions, Lao Cai will turn potentials
into strengths, develop effectively community-based tourism activity, affirm
pioneer position in developing community-based tourism in the Northwest region
in particular and the country in general.
Thu Giang
