Tourists are staying at homestays in the Na Áng residential area.

Since the early years of tourism development in Moc Chau, Na Ang residential area has attracted the attention of tourists with its natural scenery, featuring pine forests beside a clear blue lake and traditional stilt houses of the Thai ethnic minority.

Recognizing the immense potential of community-based tourism, local Party committees and authorities have supported and encouraged residents to cooperate in developing tourism in a systematic and professional manner. Ms. Vi Thi Phuong, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Dong Sang Ward, stated: "With the investment support from the district, we have actively promoted and encouraged tourism businesses to support each other in investing in infrastructure, sharing tourism experiences, communication skills, and culinary expertise... all aimed at promoting and introducing community-based tourism in Na Ang residential area to domestic and international tourists."

Currently, Na Áng residential area has 65 households engaged in tourism services. These households actively connect with travel companies and schools to organize sightseeing and experiential tours, resulting in a steadily increasing number of visitors and significant income for the local people. On average, Na Áng welcomes approximately 10,000 tourists per month; during holidays and festivals, thousands of visitors come for sightseeing and relaxation, requiring tourism service businesses to cooperate with each other to best serve the accommodation and dining needs of tourists.

A hands-on experience corner for weaving brocade at the cultural space of Na Áng residential area, Đông Sang ward, Mộc Châu town.

Mr. Vi Van Tuyen, owner of Ong Phinh Homestay, shared: "Most households participating in community tourism in the village understand very well that 'If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.' Therefore, the collaboration between households involved in community tourism helps homestays maintain a steady stream of guests. Along with that, it creates new, interconnected tourism products, giving tourists the most enjoyable experiences."

The unique cultural features and natural landscapes are the highlights that attract tourists to Na Áng to experience and feel the life of the local people. Tourism businesses have linked tourism development with the preservation and promotion of traditional ethnic cultural values; creating a clean and fresh environment, flower-lined roads, green vegetable gardens, and strawberry fields for visitors to enjoy. Five performing arts groups have been established, regularly practicing and performing for tourists. This has resulted in tourism products closely linked to the daily life, work, and culture of the people, such as visiting areas producing clean vegetables, growing strawberries, and harvesting crops; experiencing traditional crafts like weaving, making cotton mattresses, and brocade; or participating in cooking ethnic dishes.

Tourists experience picking strawberries.

Sharing her impressions of community-based tourism in Na Áng village, Ms. Ninh Thị Vân, a tourist from Thanh Hóa city, said: "This is the third time my family has visited Mộc Châu, and we've always chosen to stay at a community homestay in Na Áng. What I like most here is the sincerity and warmth of the local people. They are not only service providers but also help us understand more about the customs and culture of the people here, such as experiencing staying in stilt houses, enjoying local mountain specialties, participating in cultural exchange nights, and immersing ourselves in the unique and impressive Thái Xòe dance."

Linking households involved in tourism in Na Áng residential area has fostered community spirit and solidarity, created attractive tourism products, provided opportunities for community development, contributed to job creation, and promoted socio-economic development in the locality.

Source: Son La Newspaper