Traditional profession attracts tourists
Located in the middle of a blue valley, Hua Tat village, Moc Chau is famous for its pristine beauty and typical culture of the H'Mong people. In recent years, people have developed community tourism combined with traditional handicraft experiences.
At A Chu homestay, visitors can experience painting bee wax on indigo dyeing fabric - a craft technique that has been preserved for many generations.
Ms. Hang Thi Sua - homestay owner - said: "We are creating jobs for 8 local workers, including regular and seasonal workers. During peak season, there are many visitors so there are additional hourly bonuses, creating motivation for long-term attachment".
In addition to beeswax painting, the craft of making handmade paper, blacksmithing, seinh, brocade weaving... has also gradually become an attractive tourism product. Many people who are not in the accommodation business still have additional income from experiential guidance and handicraft sales. The elderly, women, and young people all find suitable jobs.
Ms. Trang Thi La (21 years old) - a worker at A Chu homestay - shared: "Working here for 3 years, the stable salary is 6 million VND/month. Having an income and learning how to preserve traditional crafts makes me love this job even more.
Working right in the village, contributing to preserving culture
In Ta Xua commune, the "Conserving Mong Ethnic identity" Club has more than 10 young union members studying Khen dance, dress embroidery, fabric weaving... to serve tourists. Cultural beauty such as pam wood houses, the "Horses on the Clouds" festival, or traditional dishes are becoming a highlight attracting tourists. The whole commune currently has about 10 homestays welcoming guests, with tourism revenue estimated at nearly 5 billion VND per year.
Mr. Thao A Dinh - Chong Tra village - said: "Thanks to training and learning from different places, I know how to do tourism. There are days when we welcome 30-40 visitors, both increasing income and contributing to preserving the H'Mong culture".
Many households have boldly invested in accommodation, serving traditional cuisine, dyeing indigo fabric or organizing ancient Shan Tuyet tea awards. Community tourism not only brings in revenue but also helps people confidently preserve cultural identity.
The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Son La said that the province currently has about 6,500 direct workers in the tourism industry, 60% of whom have been trained. Traditional craft villages have been linked to community tourism tours, thereby creating jobs and increasing income for many local workers. Since the beginning of the year, Son La has welcomed nearly 3 million visitors, with an estimated revenue of 3,500 billion VND.
According to Mr. Do The Cong - Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Son La province, community tourism associated with traditional cultural preservation not only creates economic value but also improves the quality of life for people.
