Lai Chau preserves culture through community tourism

Ban Hon commune in Tam Duong district in the northern mountainous province of Lai Chau is applying community-based tourism models which have proved effective in increasing local residents’ incomes as well as raising their awareness of environmental protection and cultural heritage preservation.
Ban Hon commune in Tam Duong district in the northern mountainousprovince of Lai Chau is applying community-based tourism models whichhave proved effective in increasing local residents’ incomes as well asraising their awareness of environmental protection and culturalheritage preservation.

Ban Hon comprises approximately 540 households, which are home to Lu and Mong ethnic minority groups.

Sincebeing recognised as a community-based cultural tourism site in 2013,the commune has attracted a large number of domestic and internationalvisitors, welcoming one or two groups of 3-30 tourists every week.

Ona visit to the locality, tourists can discover local traditions, tradesand customs, including weaving techniques, ethnic costumes and cuisine,folk games, and the practice of teeth dyeing.

According to LoVan La, Vice Chairman of the communal People’s Committee, there is aneed to focus on investing in infrastructure upgrades and the creationof tourism services in order to boost community-based tourism.

Additionally,authorities should set up tourism skills training courses for localresidents and run communication campaigns on the preservation oftraditional cultural values.-VNA

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