Lao Cai Province Rural Tourism Model in Ban Lien Commune Attracts Visitors, Creates Livelihoods, and Promotes Sustainable Practices Growth in Vietnam

In the northern province of Vietnam’s Lao Cai, a unique rural tourism model is developing well and opening a new path for local economic development, while preserving the region’s rich cultural heritage. Ban Lien Commune is a scenic village nestled in a lush green valley; it has emerged as a typical example of how tourism can be integrated with traditional agriculture to create new livelihoods for highland communities.

It is famous for the traditional stilt houses of the Tay, the terraced rice fields, and particularly the fanciful mist-covered tea hills of Shan Tuyet. The commune attracts tourists in search of a break from city life. The area’s rustic charm, together with opportunities to experience daily village life, is now attracting tourists wanting to get back to nature and farm life activities.

A Day as a Farmer: An Immersive Experience in Ban Lien Commune

One of the most popular activities for visitors to Ban Lien is the “One Day as a Farmer” experience. Vang A Binh, the owner of Binh Ban Lien Homestay, explained that tourists come not only to relax but to immerse themselves in farm work, with activities like tea picking, stream fishing, basket weaving, and wood-fired cooking. Visitors enjoy an authentic experience of life on the farm, learning about traditional agricultural techniques while helping with daily chores.

The homestays, all operated by local residents, form a cooperative to offer guests a taste of local life, serving homegrown meals and guiding them through farm activities. This community-driven initiative allows visitors to experience the rhythms of rural life while supporting the livelihoods of local farmers.

Affordable and Authentic Rural Stays for Tourists

The cost of staying in Ban Lien is remarkably affordable, with rooms priced at around VND 150,000 (USD 6) per night, including meals. Local guides, who lead tours on tea picking, trekking, or other farm activities, charge around VND 500,000 (USD 20) per group per day, regardless of size. This pricing structure makes the experience accessible to a wide range of tourists while ensuring fair income for local guides and homestay owners.

Since the tourism project started in 2019, Ban Lien has transformed from a quiet farming village into a thriving hub of rural tourism, offering travelers a chance to experience the culture and lifestyle of the Tay people while supporting the community’s economic development. The balance of modern tourism and traditional agriculture has created a sustainable model for highland villages.

Lao Cai: A Rising Star in Rural Tourism in Vietnam

The success of Ban Lien Commune is just one example of Vietnam’s Lao Cai province’s broader shift toward rural tourism. According to the Lao Cai Tourism Department, areas like Sa Pa, Bac Ha, Bat Xat, and former Bao Yen District have seen substantial growth in community-based tourism. The province now boasts hundreds of homestays, many of which are ASEAN-certified, and is expanding its farming-based community tourism models to include ethnic groups like the Tay, Hmong, and Dao.

These initiatives not only provide new economic opportunities for local residents but also help to preserve the region’s cultural traditions and natural resources. Farm tourism, cultural performances, and handicrafts are integral parts of Lao Cai’s expanding tourism offerings, contributing to green rural development. Visitors are drawn to the authenticity of the experiences, whether it’s enjoying local cuisine, participating in traditional farming practices, or exploring the area’s natural beauty.

Rural Tourism: A Tool for Sustainable Development in Vietnam

Vietnam’s Lao Cai province’s commitment to rural tourism goes beyond economic growth. It’s also a strategic tool for sustainable development and preserving the environment. By promoting clean farm produce, eco-tourism, and cultural conservation, the province aims to balance growth with the preservation of natural resources. The One Day as a Farmer experience, for instance, highlights the value of sustainable agricultural practices while engaging visitors in the daily life of local communities.

Government policies, such as Decision 922/QD-TTg, view rural tourism development as a means to improve living standards for local communities and create distinct tourism products that can stand out on the international stage. Through these initiatives, Lao Cai is fostering a model of green tourism that prioritizes environmental sustainability, local culture, and community empowerment.

Future Growth: Expanding Rural and Eco-Tourism in Vietnam

Looking toward the future, Lao Cai has ambitious plans to further develop its rural tourism sector. From 2025 to 2030, the province aims to create six ASEAN-standard community tourism models and expand eco- and adventure tourism at key destinations such as Ngu Chi Son and Rong and Ong waterfalls. These efforts will help Lao Cai build a diverse tourism landscape that appeals to a broad range of travelers, from those interested in cultural tourism to those seeking nature-based experiences.

As rural tourism continues to grow, the province plans to integrate more eco-friendly practices into tourism operations, ensuring that the sector remains sustainable and beneficial to local communities. By preserving the local culture and natural landscapes, Lao Cai is positioning itself as a leader in responsible tourism and community-driven development.

Rural Tourism as a Catalyst for Sustainable Growth in Vietnam

The Ban Lien Commune with its model of rural tourism proved that communities in the highlands of Vietnam could profit from tourism and at the same time maintain their lifestyle and culture. With community tourism development ongoing in Lao Cai, the area is shaping up as a model for sustainable rural tourism in Vietnam. By combining local traditions with green practices and authentic experiences, Lao Cai is set to take visitors on a deeper dive into Vietnam’s agricultural heritage while creating new livelihoods for its people.

Vietnam continues to shape its rural tourism landscape, and places such as Ban Lien stand as examples of how tourism growth can go along with cultural preservation and the economic empowerment of local communities. Through these, Lao Cai is building up not only its appeal as a tourism destination but also setting in place a more sustainable future for both its people and the environment.

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