Phieng An – Unlocking potential of community-based tourism

Not only blessed with pristine natural landscapes, Phieng An Hamlet in Bach Thong Commune, Thai Nguyen Province, also preserves many distinctive cultural features of the Red Dao ethnic people. Leveraging these advantages, residents in Phieng An are gradually developing community-based tourism associated with agriculture and indigenous culture.

Residents of Phieng An care for their fruit orchards, one of the community-based tourism experiences that attracts visitors.

In line with the policy of promoting community-based tourism, residents of Phieng An have renovated their houses, improved gardens, and linked production with experiential activities. Nearly 14.5 hectares of fruit trees intercropped with tea hills not only generate income but also attract visitors.

Mr. Dang Ban Huu Thanh, Secretary of the Party Cell of Phieng An Hamlet, said:“Our community recognizes  that developing tourism must go hand in hand with preserving Red Dao identity. From traditional housing and costumes to cuisine, everything is maintained to introduce to visitors, while clean agricultural production is promoted to increase income”.

Community-based tourism not only offers visitors new experiences but also helps many households shift their economic approach, gradually increasing income from local agricultural products.

“In the past, my family mainly grew tea and fruit trees. Since combining farming with welcoming visitors for experiences such as tea picking and fruit tasting in the garden, our income has become more stable, and we also have the opportunity to introduce our ethnic culture", Ms. Nguyen Thi Thai in Phieng An shared.

Tourists take part in picking tea leaves.

To support residents in developing community-based tourism, local authorities have implemented various measures, including landscape improvements, the promotion of OCOP products, and the connection of tourism routes and tours.

Mr. Nguyen Vu Mao, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Bach Thong Commune, informed: “The locality is oriented toward developing community-based tourism linked with agriculture and traditional culture. Once the community cultural house is completed, visitors will have more experiences such as participating in folk games, preparing traditional dishes, listening to ‘luon’ singing, and learning about the life of the Dao people”.

Phieng An has attracted not only domestic tourists but also international visitors for sightseeing and cultural experiences.

“I really like the peaceful atmosphere here. The people are friendly, the scenery is beautiful, and the Red Dao cultural experience is very unique", Kath Yambao, a tourist from the Philippines, said.

By leveraging its natural landscape and preserving cultural identity, Phieng An is gradually creating distinctive tourism experiences. This direction not only helps improve local incomes but also helps preserve the community’s traditional cultural values.