With plentiful tourism resources, the complex of Dien Bien Phu Victory historical relics and unique, diverse cultural identity of 19 ethnic groups, Dien Bien has many potentials to develop community-based tourism type associated with history.

Muong Then Homestay opened and came into operation from the end of 2018 (Photo: internet)

In 2004, the province began to build community-based tourism model in 8 cultural villages in Dien Bien District and Dien Bien Phu City including Noong Bua, Co My, Ten, U Va, Pe Luong, Phieng Loi, Him Lam 2 and Men. Each village also established a team of 15 – 20 people to guide; serve cuisine, arts and ensure security for tourists.

The performance team at the community cultural tourism villages in Dien Bien has contributed to preserving traditional cultural identity. (Photo: internet)

Policy of community-based tourism development in the cultural villages is a good condition to improve material and spiritual life for locals, at the same time preserve and promote cultural identity. Therefore, many households renovated and upgraded actively their houses, especially toilets, breeding facilities; restored traditional crafts and festivals; participated in culture and arts activities… Previously, villagers’ economic life was difficult but now it has been significantly improved thanks to community-based tourism.

Community based tourism development must be associated with local economic development and preservation of traditional cultural values (Photo: Internet)

To Thai ethnic villages in Dien Bien, tourists will have opportunity to participate in daily activities with the villagers; enjoy rustic foods with mountainous flavor as grilled fish and meet, forest bamboo… and spices in the Northwest region only as cham cheo, mac khen… When night falls, by the flickering fire, tourists will be enjoyed unique art programs with specific songs and dances of Thai people.

Culture village's peple prepare traditional dishes to serve tourists. (Photo: internet)

Along with other provinces in the Northern mountainous region, Dien Bien is exploiting gradually its potentials and advantages to develop community-based tourism type, create opportunities for people to benefit from resources, culture and landscapes. This is the right direction which not only improves the villagers’ life but also contributes to conserving, preserving and promoting unique traditional values of ethnic minority people in Dien Bien.

Dienbien.gov.vn