(HBO) - With over 80 percent of Thai ethnic group living, Bao La commune in Mai Chau district has a cool climate and terrain surrounded by mountains, terraced fields, waterfalls and winding streams flowing all year round. These are existing potential and advantages to develop tourism, with the building of a community-based tourism trademark as a highlight.
Peaceful space at Thanh Nghi homestay in Chieng Pung hamlet, Bao La
commune, Mai Chau district.
Stopping at Thanh Nghi homestay, Chieng Pung hamlet to immerse in the peaceful
space of the rural area and contemplate the immense rice fields, the first
impression when entering the homestay was the friendly smile of the host, the
old stilt house and the yard full of flowers. Visitors to the homestay, which
was officially operational in 2018, could experience life of Thai ethnic people
by going out to the fields to harvest rice, fishing and bathing in
streams.
Owner of the homestay Ha Thanh Nghi said when
embarking on the development of community-based tourism, he and other
households wanted tourists to discover and experience the unique customs of
Thai ethnic people, thus gradually establishing tourism development groups to
create a local community tourism trademark.
Taking advantage of majestic natural landscapes, mild climate and unique
culture of Thai ethnic group, 10 households in the commune have engaged in
community tourism development. Visitors could join trekking tours on Hang Kia –
Pa Co – Cun Pheo – Bao La route, cycle on dangerous roads and paraglide. A
market fair held every Friday morning also attracts residents in the area and
nearby localities. Coming there, visitors could see charming girls in Thai
costumes, explore local specialties and handicrafts made by locals.
One of the highlights in resort tourism development in Bao La commune is Avana
Retreat Mai Chau Resort, which was recently put into operation. On a planned
site of 15ha, it houses villas on the hillside overlooking golden terraced
fields during the ripe rice season. In particular, the resort boasts a
waterfall which is considered the most beautiful in Mai Chau. Avana Retreat Mai
Chau is rated by tourists as one of the most attractive resorts with new
experiences.
Vice Chairman of the communal People’s Committee Ha Van Hung said over the past
time, local residents have tapped existing potential and advantages to develop
tourism, including community-based tourism. To sustainably develop tourism, the
communal Party Committee and authorities have worked out detailed plans which
define tourism as one of the spearhead economic sectors./.
Covering an area of over 52,000 hectares spanning districts of Mai Chau, Tan Lac, Cao Phong, Da Bac, and Hoa Binh City, Hoa Binh lake has strong potential for tourism development. In recent years, thanks to the attention of local Party Committees and authorities as well as support from international organisations, the advantages of tourism in the lake area have been utilised.
Mai Chau is a mountainous district and home to many ethnic groups such as Thai, Muong, Kinh, Mong, Dao, and Tay with distinctive cultural identities, creating a diverse and unique cultural treasure. Aware of its advantages, the district has paid attention to the preservation and promotion of ethnic groups’ cultural values so that culture will become a leverage for tourism and contribute to socio-economic development and life quality improvement.
According to the Hoa Binh provincial Department of Planning and Investment, in Hoa Binh Lake tourist area, there are currently 16 licensed or certified service, cultural and tourism investment projects with a land use area of about 1,444 hectares, and a total capital of over 3.3 trillion VND (133.5 million USD). In addition to investment attraction, the province is speeding up the implementation of projects so as to realise a goal of developing Hoa Binh Lake tourist area into a national one.
These days, tourist attractions in Mai Chau district, especially those highlighted by the charming and romantic white Ban (Bauhinia) flower blossoms, are attracting a large number of visitors from across the country. Visiting these sites, tourists can immerse themselves in the pristine and majestic beauty of nature.
.jpg)
