Ngoc Chien, a highland commune in Muong La district, used to be a purely agricultural area. However, in recent years, the people of Ngoc Chien have shifted away from farming, with less cultivation of fields and gardens. Instead, they are developing tourism with homestays and check-in spots that reflect the unique ethnic and regional identity.

Mr. Luong Van Xien - Director of Ngoc Chien Community Tourism Cooperative, Muong La, Son La:"Currently, our Ngoc Chien Community Tourism Cooperative is developing tourism products such as hot spring bathing, community tourism, spiritual tourism, and mountain climbing experiences to meet the needs of tourists who want to experience culture and enjoy the beautiful values ​​when visiting Ngoc Chien, the land of fairy tales."

Ngoc Chien is blessed with a cool climate year-round and magnificent natural scenery, creating opportunities for its people to develop community-based tourism linked to their cultural identity passed down through generations. Community-based tourism is a new direction, suitable for rural areas because the investment costs are not as high as other types of tourism, and it is rich in regional cultural values. Many tourists enjoy visiting rural villages, experiencing simple life, learning about local culture, and immersing themselves in nature.

Mr. Ha Dinh Luc, a tourist from Hanoi:“My first impression of Ngoc Chien was the fresh air and pleasant climate, so different from the smoky Hanoi where I live. Secondly, the people are incredibly friendly. The lunch the owner cooked today was delicious, and the whole family enjoyed it. Then, strolling around Ngoc Chien, I was truly immersed in the majestic natural scenery.”

Community-based tourism not only contributes to increasing people's income but also helps preserve traditional culture. Instead of relying entirely on agriculture, people can combine activities such as providing homestay services, guiding tourists, or selling local products. This model helps minimize labor migration from rural to urban areas, contributing to local economic development.

Mr. Lo Van Thoa, Chairman of the People's Committee of Ngoc Chien Commune, Muong La District, Son La Province:"We also hope that these community-based tourism cooperative models will be replicated more widely in the area to create a new, stable and developing economic source, and increase income for the people."

Despite its many benefits, community-based tourism still faces numerous challenges. For example, rural infrastructure often fails to meet the needs of tourists. Furthermore, managing and developing tourism requires human resource training and systematic development planning. For sustainable community-based tourism development, support from the government, businesses, and local people is essential. Training tourism workers, investing in infrastructure, and promoting the tourism image are crucial elements. In addition, local people need to be aware of the importance of preserving culture and natural resources, avoiding overexploitation that leads to the loss of the inherent values ​​bestowed by nature.

Source: Son La Provincial Radio and Television Station