Sustainable tourism is booming: Muong La's secrets revealed!

Sustainable tourism is booming: Muong La's secrets revealed!

In the picturesque village of Nam Nghep, located in Ngoc Chien township of Muong La district, the Chieng San Ecotourism Cooperative was established in 2024. This cooperative, consisting of seven members, has already made impressive progress in tourism infrastructure. Over VND 2 billion has been invested in the renovation of Tat Pha Waterfall, the expansion of a road of more than one kilometer to the waterfall and the construction of a dam that will enable various tourist activities. In addition, houses and catering facilities have been repaired and projects are being carried out for fish farming on the dam and goat farming to beautify the landscape. According to Mr. Cam Van Luan, director of the cooperative, tourist activities record an increase in the number of visitors on holidays and weekends.

Another important step in the development of tourism in the region is the establishment of the Nam Nghep Cooperative in October 2024. The aim of this initiative is to help the Mong ethnic group better utilize their cultural values ​​and tourism potential. After just eight months, the cooperative has managed to develop 18 different tourism products, including activities such as mountaineering, cloud chasing and hawthorn and rhododendron flower viewing. The members of the cooperative also include ten households that run three private accommodations and can each receive up to 20 guests per day.

Community tourism and local specialties

The cooperative also plans to mobilize more households to engage in community tourism and actively improve the landscape. A highlight is the introduction of four local specialties that will be offered to guests at the end of the hawthorn blossom season in 2025. These specialties include hawthorn apple tea, wild honey, hawthorn cider and local herbs. Mr. Khang A Nha, a member of the cooperative, has already experienced positive changes by joining the cooperative.

In surrounding villages, such as Phieng Hua La, households are also investing in tourism to introduce visitors to the Son La hydroelectric power plant. A notable aspect are the floating houses in Muong Trai, which traditionally feature bamboo and thatched roofs. These are connected to motorized boats that can carry up to 15 people, as well as three tourist boats that carry between 15 and 30 guests per trip.

Tourism promotion and cultural preservation

Additionally, significant plans for the future are in the works. Ms Lo Thi Chuong plans to build a shared motel with two closed rooms and a dormitory that can accommodate up to 20 guests per day. In order to attract tourists, close cooperation with aquaculture households and boat owners is sought. From 2024, advertising via online channels and booking services will also be increased.

Ms. Mua Thi Sinh, deputy chairwoman of the Muong La District People's Committee, highlighted support for cooperatives and tourism promotion. For example, a dedicated tourism website linked to that of Son La is being created and maintained. The focus is also on the use of information technology and social networks to market tourism offerings.

A particular concern of the region is the restoration and maintenance of traditional festivals, including the New Rice Celebration Festival and the Ngoc Chien Community Hawthorn Blossom Festival. These events are not only cultural highlights, but also help strengthen the community and promote the local socio-economy. The period from 2020 to 2025 is crucial to create unique and diverse tourist experiences.