Tourism is changing the villages.

PlateauMoc ChauSon La province has long possessed the pristine beauty of its mountains and forests, with a cool climate, picturesque landscapes, and the unique cultural identity of its ethnic minority communities. These unique advantages are becoming a strong attraction, drawing domestic and international tourists to explore and experience the province.

Moc Chau brocade is being preserved and its value promoted. Photo: Hong Tuoi

Based on its potential advantages and cultural identity, community-based tourism in Moc Chau has developed strongly, creating a unique appeal compared to many other localities. One of Moc Chau's highlights is Vat village – chosen as a pilot location for the community-based tourism model. Here, households receive tourism training, redecorate their homes, and introduce traditional cuisine to serve tourists. To date, Vat village has 30 households offering homestays, attracting a large number of tourists for sightseeing and relaxation.

The development of tourism has transformed the appearance of the village. People have raised their awareness of environmental preservation, and the landscape is neatly organized and clean. Roads adorned with vibrant flowers and a synchronized lighting system have made the village more attractive, meeting the criteria of the new rural development program. According to assessments, community tourism here not only provides a stable source of income but also opens up opportunities to preserve and promote the traditional cultural values ​​of the ethnic minority people.

The Thai ethnic villages, with their unique stilt house architecture, distinctive cultural spaces, and traditional festivals, have become a special highlight. Amateur performing arts groups and folk performances, intertwined with daily life, are incorporated into tourism activities, providing visitors with a vivid and authentic experience. Through this, community-based tourism in Moc Chau goes beyond simply offering tourism; it is closely linked to preserving the cultural essence of the ethnic groups.

The vibrant colors of brocade, an attractive souvenir for tourists. Photo: Hong Tuoi.

Traditional brocade fabrics spread cultural identity.

One of the most notable achievements that community-based tourism has brought to the people of Moc Chau is the opportunity to preserve, conserve, and promote their unique handicrafts, especially...traditional brocade.

In the villages of Áng, Vặt, and Dọi, the traditional brocade weaving craft of the Thái people has existed for hundreds of years. The skillful hands of Thái women create scarves, blouses, handbags, curtains, tablecloths, and more, with delicate patterns and vibrant colors. Since tourism arrived in the villages, these products have become a favorite among tourists.

On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of National Day, Vat village became even more vibrant with the colors of its brocade fabrics, blending with the colors of the national flag, making visitors even more excited.

Speaking to the Industry and Trade Newspaper, Ms. Luong Thi Huong Tuoi, owner of Hong Tuoi homestay in Vat village, happily shared that currently about 40% of households in Vat village participate in introducing brocade products to tourists. This is a way for the people not only to preserve the traditional craft but also to turn brocade into an economic product to serve tourism development.

It can be said that traditional crafts face the risk of decline due to pressure from industrial products and changes in modern life. However, thanks to its connection with community tourism, this product is being strongly revived. Local traditional craftspeople are not only maintaining the tradition but also aiming to make brocade weaving a distinctive tourism product of Moc Chau.

Along with tourism, brocade weaving is contributing to creating livelihoods for the community. Photo: Hong Tuoi

In particular, to date, along with the flourishing of community tourism, brocade products introduced at homestays, markets, and festivals have brought income and contributed to improving the lives of people in the Moc Chau plateau.

Currently in Moc Chau, many traditional craft cooperatives have found more favorable conditions to operate, with future plans to open vocational training classes for local people and organize brocade weaving experience sessions for tourists. This is a way to both pass on skills, keep the passion alive, create additional livelihoods, and attract tourists to the Moc Chau plateau.

These brocade fabrics are not only handicrafts but also cultural witnesses, telling stories about the life and soul of the people.Thai ethnic peopleThe development experience in Moc Chau shows that combining cultural preservation with tourism development is the right direction.

The vibrant colors of brocade not only enhance the tourism landscape of the Moc Chau plateau but also open up opportunities for sustainable economic development, helping ethnic minority communities here both preserve their culture and improve their lives. And when brocade is no longer confined to village life, this traditional product also becomes a "cultural ambassador" of the Moc Chau plateau people in the new era of the nation.

With a focus on using tourism as an economic driver, community-based tourism in Moc Chau will serve as a bridge to preserve and promote the value of traditional brocade weaving, contributing to sustainable livelihoods for people in the highlands.