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Nam Dam: How a poor village became a tourism hotspot in Vietnam!
Discover how Nam Dam Village in Vietnam maintains cultural values and attracts tourists through community tourism and social media.
Nam Dam: How a poor village became a tourism hotspot in Vietnam!
In the highlands of Hà Giang, Vietnam, lies the former poverty village of Nam Dam, which has been transformed through sustainable tourism since 2011. The journey to develop the community began under the leadership of organizations such as PanNature and Caritas Switzerland, which helped the villagers create economic opportunities while preserving traditions and their environment. These initiatives have resulted in Nam Dam now being a sought-after destination for tourists wishing to explore the Dong Van Karst Plateau Global Geopark.
The decisive change came with the focus on community tourism. Since 2013, the village has become increasingly open, offering visitors insights into the way of life of the Dao people. Tourists can book private rooms in the traditional rammed earth houses that have been carefully preserved. The villagers, dressed in traditional costumes, act as “ambassadors” of their culture and contribute to positive perceptions of their homeland, as an American tourist named Janna Smith praised.
The role of social media
The use of social networks has opened up new opportunities for Nam Dam. On platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and Booking.com, villagers share authentic insights into their lives and thus attract tourists. Ms. Ly Thi Liem, for example, runs the Toong Homestay and has set up her own booking account, while Ms. Phan Thi Diem specifically attracts tourists from different cities with her Diem Bungalow, which includes six bungalow rooms. Her TikTok channel has now gained over 16,300 followers and reached almost 50,000 video views.
The social media presence has proven valuable to the village by promoting cultural exchange and raising awareness about preserving cultural values. The strategy of presenting a strong image of local culture is effective and attracts thousands of tourists every year. A total of 39 households in Nam Dam are actively involved in the tourism sector, and Ms. Liem reports a monthly income of over VND 10 million from these new sources of income.
Sustainable development through traditional knowledge
An important part of tourism development in Nam Dam is the use of traditional knowledge, particularly in the area of medicinal plants. A community cooperation project has resulted in villagers being able to use their knowledge as an economic resource. This has not only created jobs but also preserved cultural knowledge and generated a sustainable source of income for the village.
Overall, the development of Nam Dam shows how community initiatives can successfully combine economic growth, nature and environmental protection, and the preservation of cultural traditions. Winner of several ASEAN tourism awards, the village is a role model for other communities seeking similar changes.