The fresh air of the rural tourism village blends with the sound of children reading from somewhere, making me feel like I have been brought back to my childhood - a simple, peaceful time.
It was a truly peaceful morning - opening a series of unforgettable experiences at the place that was honored by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as "The World's Best Tourist Village in 2023".
As a tourism worker, I not only go to explore beautiful scenery, but also to feel, learn and evaluate tourism development models in each locality. And Tan Hoa village, for me, is a vivid model for sustainable tourism development thinking and a sharing economic model - something that businesses and people here are working together to create effectively and realistically.
The afternoon before, when I arrived in Tan Hoa, my first feeling was stillness and peace. No rush, no jostling, no commercialization like many other destinations. People here do not "perform" or rush to do tourism. They welcomed guests with a gentle smile, a warm tea ceremony and a truly hospitable hospitality.
I am especially impressed with the neatness and cleanliness in each alley. The buffalo and cow are raised in separate areas with small wooden houses, far from residential areas, so the village is always clean and has no unpleasant smell. The bamboo and wooden fences are built short, both keeping the house in style and beautifying the landscape. Old tiled roofs are still present in many houses - preserving the original soul of the countryside in the heart of a tourist destination welcoming tourists from all over the world.
The first night, we slept at a private homestay - a small, clean, comfortable floating house, next to the main house and surrounded by a lush garden, filled with flower and leafy grass. That experience is both close to the people and private enough for visitors to feel comfortable.
The friendly and enthusiastic host took me to visit every corner of the house - neat and well-maintained everywhere. I especially like the vegetable garden behind the house and the small wooden house that my family makes for the chickens - a very rustic and cute beauty.
The next day, we experienced a tour to explore the forest and cave in one day. The trip was organized methodically and professionally by Oxalis, but what stuck to me was the spirit: Respect nature, preserve identity, empower the community. During each journey, the team of tour guides and safety assistants - also from the locality - always suggests to visitors to feel the connection between people and the living environment.
That evening, we were invited to have dinner at a local family in the culinary service group for tourists. The fire, the smell of grilled sausage, the sound of the pain in the pain to make Banh Boi, the spicy and spicy mixed ham made from gai gai, lemon leaves, salt... all make the meal not only delicious but also full of emotion. We get to cook together, listen to stories together. It was an experience that cannot be found in any restaurant.
He is a local tour guide with radiant skin, gentle eyes and a kind and witty voice, giving us a true understanding of the culture, language and life here. It is not just a tour guide, but a "native quality" - an invisible specialty that no school can train.
Saying goodbye to the world's best tourist village with sincere smiles and rustic family meals, we left Tan Hoa with a warm heart and a firm belief that: Tourism is not just a journey of enjoyment. As a tourism worker, I see more clearly than ever that tourists can completely become a part of sustainability - through their own choices, behavior and attitude.
A timely thank you, an appreciation for indigenous culture, or simply to preserve the environment, respect people's lives - are all practical ways to contribute to the harmonious and long-term development of a destination. Tan Hoa does not need luxury resorts or luxury services - they need guests who come with a heart, and leave with love and understanding.
I believe that when tourists are suggested and guided properly, tourists will not only "come", but also "let go" - leaving kindness, awareness and sincere connection. And that is the spirit of sustainable tourism that Tan Hoa is quietly spreading with its real life.
