Community tourism transforms livelihoods in remote areas

Across Vietnam, a transformative movement is quietly reshaping the landscape of local livelihoods, particularly in remote and mountainous areas as community-based tourism turns the rich traditional cultures and daily lives of ethnic groups into interesting attractions for foreign travelers.

As tourists seek authentic cultural experiences, they are flocking to these areas, breathing new life into local economies and helping preserve their unique cultural heritage.

By promoting immersive experiences, such as making and savoring traditional Cham cakes, engaging in folk music exchanges, and enjoying performances of traditional musical instruments, communities can offer visitors a hands-on approach to their cultural heritage, experts said.

In the southern province of Soc Trang, for instance, Dai Tam commune in My Xuyen district has become a model rural commune. Showcasing the cultural heritage of the Kinh, Khmer and Hoa ethnic groups, the commune seamlessly blends cultural preservation with tourism to create a thriving economic model, evident in its average income per capita exceeding 76 million VND (3,000 USD) per year./.