community-based tourism in ta lai

Why you should choose community-based tourism?

⏱️9 Mins Read

Today, travelers seek more than just leisure and entertainment: they aspire to explore sustainably, minimizing their impact on nature and local communities. According to the 2024 Sustainable Travel Report of Booking.com, 75% of global travelers aim to embrace more sustainable travel practices in the coming year.

In this context, community-based tourism (CBT) emerges as a meaningful solution, offering travelers authentic cultural experiences while ensuring that local communities actively participate and benefit sustainably.

Definition of community-based tourism

Community-based tourism (CBT) represents a sustainable travel model where local communities are directly involved in tourism activities. They play a crucial role in preserving their natural resources, environment, and cultural heritage, while also getting socio-economic benefits from tourism.

Although the concept of CBT may differ across regions or projects, certain core principles are central to defining it, as outlined in the Vietnam Community-based Tourism Handbook:

  • Local control: The community actively participates in managing all aspects of tourism, from planning to implementation. This approach allows them to create unique experiences that highlight their heritage and make the most of local opportunities.
  • Benefit sharing: Economic benefits are fairly distributed between local communities and relevant stakeholders. Communities may collaborate with the private sector, sharing resources such as capital, marketing, and expertise.
  • Respect local cultural and natural heritage: Community-based tourism places strong emphasis on the well-being and preservation of local communities, prioritizing their heritage over individual profits.
community-based tourism in ha giang

Source | Panhou Retreat, Ha Giang – Vietnam

Benefits of community-based tourism

For travellers:

Community-based tourism allows travelers to engage directly with the culture, traditions, and daily lives of local residents, fostering deeper connections and understanding. By participating in CBT, tourists have the opportunity to experience authentic local practices, cuisine, and crafts, which can enhance their travel experience.

For the local community:

Community-based tourism provides a multitude of significant benefits, each contributing to the local’s overall well-being and sustainability.

  • Economic benefit: CBT creates diverse income opportunities, allowing locals to serve as guides, artisans, or service providers. This direct participation not only enhances their livelihoods but also stimulates the local economy by fostering the growth of small businesses such as restaurants, shops, and accommodations.
  • Cultural preservation: By inviting tourists to experience local customs, festivals, and art forms, CBT encourages community members to take pride in their heritage. This engagement helps ensure that cultural practices are passed down through generations and remain vibrant in the face of globalization.
  • Environmental protection: By cultivating an awareness of the need to protect their environment, communities can implement measures to preserve local ecosystems, wildlife, and natural landscapes. This not only enhances the visitor experience but also ensures that future generations can enjoy the area’s natural beauty and resources.
  • Self-governance: CBT empowers communities by enhancing their capacity to self-govern. With control over how tourism is developed and managed, local residents can make informed decisions that reflect their values and priorities. This participatory approach fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among community members, allowing them to shape the future of tourism in a way that benefits them socially, economically, and environmentally.

Source | Panhou Retreat, Ha Giang – Vietnam

Types of community-based tourism in Vietnam

Community-based tourism in Vietnam is diverse and dynamic, offering a range of experiences centered around various cultural and environmental factors. Here are some of the typical types:

1. Local life immersion

This tourism model is deeply rooted in local resources, encompassing housing, cuisine, daily life, and traditional occupations. It offers visitors an authentic and immersive experience, allowing them to truly connect with the essence of the local community.

2. Traditional craft villages

This model enables travelers to directly engage with Vietnam’s time-honored crafts, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of their cultural significance. Beyond the experience, it also plays a vital role in preserving these traditional crafts, ensuring they are passed down to future generations.

3. Agricultural activities

This approach brings visitors into the heart of agricultural production areas, from lush fruit orchards and livestock farms to fragrant herbal gardens. It provides a meaningful opportunity to engage with the land, gain insight into local farming practices, and appreciate the livelihoods that sustain rural communities.

agriculture activities in hoang su phi

Source | Panhou Retreat, Ha Giang – Vietnam

Community-based tourism destinations in Vietnam you should visit

1. Community-based tourism in Northern Vietnam

Lo Lo Chai Village (Ha Giang)

Lo Lo Chai Village, located just 1.5 km from the northernmost point of Vietnam near the Lung Cu Flag Tower, is home to a community of the Lo Lo ethnic minority. What makes this village truly special is its commitment to preserving its architectural heritage—most homestays maintain the authenticity of traditional earthen houses that have stood for generations.

More than a decade ago, the locals in Lo Lo Chai relied solely on farming, cultivating corn, and raising livestock on challenging karst landscapes with limited arable land. Despite their hard work, it was difficult for villagers to escape poverty. CBT has since become a vital pathway for sustainable development, offering new opportunities for the local community.

Visitors to Lo Lo Chai not only admire the breathtaking scenery of nature but also gain immersive cultural experiences. They can participate in traditional fabric weaving, making Lo Lo attire, engaging in folk games, and celebrating unique local festivals.

Source | Shutterstock @Vo Van Viet

Bat Trang Pottery Village (Hanoi)

For those seeking a half-day excursion in Hanoi, Bat Trang Pottery Village is an unmissable destination. With a history dating back to the 15th century, Bat Trang has been a renowned hub for ceramic craftsmanship. The village offers a vast array of pottery, from classic dinnerware and antique vases to contemporary European-inspired designs.

A highlight of any visit is the hands-on pottery-making experience. Visitors can learn fundamental techniques, shape clay on a potter’s wheel, and create their own piece of art, which is dried for them to take home as a keepsake. Additionally, the Bat Trang Pottery Museum is a must-visit for art enthusiasts, showcasing both traditional and modern ceramic masterpieces.

Beyond pottery, Bat Trang is also known for its distinctive cuisine. Visitors can indulge in authentic local delicacies, including traditional feast platters typically enjoyed during festivals.

bat trang pottery village

Source | Internet

2. Community-based tourism in Central Vietnam

Tra Que Vegetable Village (Hoi An)

Just a short distance from Hoi An’s bustling old town, Tra Que Vegetable Village offers a tranquil retreat, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. For nearly 400 years, local farmers have practiced crop rotation and intercropping across its 40 hectares, cultivating over 20 varieties of leafy greens and herbs. This dedication to sustainable agriculture has earned Tra Que the prestigious title of Best Tourism Village 2024 by UN Tourism.

Visitors have the opportunity to explore the fields, learn traditional farming techniques, participate in hands-on cooking workshops, and savor farm-to-table dishes made with freshly harvested ingredients.

Source | Internet

3. Community-based tourism in Southern Vietnam

Ta Lai Longhouse (Dong Nai)

Nestled within Cat Tien National Park, Ta Lai Longhouse is a community-driven ecotourism initiative established through a collaboration between WWF and the Vietnam Administration of Forestry. Its mission is to support conservation efforts while fostering sustainable development for the local community. A portion of the revenue from tourism activities is directly contributed to the Community Development Fund (CDF), which helps address local needs and initiatives.

Constructed from bamboo, the longhouse provides visitors with a unique opportunity to experience the pristine beauty of the Cat Tien jungle while engaging with local culture. The local community plays a vital role in managing services, organizing community programs, and facilitating logistics, while the business side focuses on innovation and development.

In addition to accommodations, Ta Lai Longhouse offers eco-friendly adventure activities, allowing visitors to connect with nature while raising awareness about environmental preservation and local livelihoods.

ta lai longhouse

Source | Ta Lai Longhouse

Some tips for engaging in Community-based tourism in Vietnam

  • Identify your location and transportation: Community tourism destinations are typically situated away from urban areas and main roads. It’s crucial to clearly identify the exact location and arrange reliable transportation well in advance.
  • Conduct thorough research: Familiarize yourself with available accommodations, local festivals, and signature dishes. This preparation ensures you won’t miss out on the most enriching experiences the community has to offer.
  • Bring sufficient cash: Carry enough cash for your trip, as many villages and hamlets lack ATMs or accept electronic payments. Being prepared will help you avoid inconveniences.
  • Pack essential medications: Don’t forget to bring basic medications and common medical supplies. Being equipped for health issues will enhance your peace of mind during the trip.
  • Respect the environment: Always follow proper etiquette—do not litter or disturb the landscape and historical sites at your destination. Your actions reflect on the entire community.

Conclusion

Community-based tourism (CBT) is more than just a way to travel—it’s a movement that fosters cultural exchange, supports local economies, and preserves heritage. By choosing CBT experiences, you not only immerse yourself in authentic traditions but also contribute to sustainable development.

If you’re planning to go to Vietnam and experience CBT, Travel Sense Asia would be delighted to create a customized itinerary and make your Vietnam journey unforgettable. Simply share your preferences with us here, and we’ll take care of the rest.

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