Yen Bai Harnesses Rural Tourism Potential

Culture

Yen Bai Harnesses Rural Tourism Potential

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Yen Bai is blessed with breathtaking natural landscapes, pristine scenery, fresh air, and unique cultural traits. Its diverse agricultural base serves as a foundation for developing agritourism and rural tourism. In recent years, this tourism model has significantly contributed to the economic development of rural areas.

Foreign tourists experiencing shrimp basket weaving in Vu Linh Commune, Yen Binh District.

By leveraging its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, Ngoi Tu Village in Vu Linh Commune has become a popular community-based tourism destination in Yen Binh District. The village, home to nearly 200 households, is predominantly inhabited by the Dao Quan Trang ethnic group, whose distinctive traditional attire, cuisine, and customs are key attractions.

With support from provincial and district policies aimed at boosting the tourism economy, local residents have initiated various activities, including experiential, agricultural, and culinary tourism through community-based tourism models. On average, the village welcomes 8,000 to 10,000 domestic and international tourists annually.

Ly Thi Sam Sung, owner of Vu Linh Family Homestay, shared: "Currently, households involved in tourism actively collaborate with farmers, fishermen, forestry workers, and traditional folk art clubs to create experiential tours for visitors. These include exploring local cuisine, boating on Thac Ba Lake with small bamboo boats, visiting the Mau Ba village temple, and enjoying traditional dances and songs performed by the Dao, Tay, and Cao Lan communities. Visitors can also engage in activities such as basket weaving and rice planting."

This integrated approach not only enhances the tourist experience but also fosters community involvement, creating sustainable economic opportunities for local residents while preserving the cultural and natural heritage of the region.

Vu Thi Mai Oanh, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, stated: "The province has issued various documents and policies to encourage and support individuals, cooperatives, and businesses in investing in agricultural and rural tourism. Notably, Plan No. 89 of 2023 focuses on implementing the Rural Tourism Development Program as part of the New Rural Development initiative in Yen Bai through 2025."

With timely policies and the proactive participation of local residents, the province's agricultural and rural tourism sector is effectively capitalizing on its potential and strengths, contributing to the construction of new rural areas.

In recent years, tourism in Yen Bai has been steadily growing, earning a prominent place on Vietnam's tourism map and gaining recognition in the global market. In 2024, Yen Bai's tourism industry welcomed over 2.1 million visitors, a 3% increase from the previous year, including an estimated 270,000 international tourists. Total revenue reached approximately 1.79 trillion VND, achieving 119.3% of the target and marking a 4% year-on-year increase.

Yen Bai has also developed a range of appealing tourism products, including exploring the Thac Ba Lake scenic area, the National Special Heritage Site of the Mu Cang Chai terraced fields, and experiencing Shan Tuyet tea in Suoi Giang. Visitors can relax in Tram Tau's hot springs, stay at Le Champ Tu Le Resort, or enjoy cloud-hunting atop Ta Xua and Ta Chi Nhu in Tram Tau District. Other attractions include paragliding at Khau Pha, exploring Tu Le, and curated tours that provide immersive experiences across the picturesque landscapes of Yen Bai.

These diverse offerings ensure that Yen Bai leaves a lasting impression on visitors, attracting tourists from across Vietnam and the world.

David Peccetor, a tourist from Germany, shared: "Mu Cang Chai is truly beautiful! I love the scenery and the climate here. The people are very friendly and honest. There are many fascinating customs, and the food is delicious."

Yen Bai is one of ten provinces selected by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to pilot the Rural Tourism Development Program linked to the National Target Program for New Rural Development during the 2021–2025 period. After one year of implementation, Yen Bai has established a model for rural tourism economic development integrated with new rural construction in Suoi Giang Commune, Van Chan District.

Hong Duyen

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