“Awakening” Da Bia

Amidst the endless waves of the Hoa Binh Reservoir, the Da Bia community-based tourism village (Duc Phong hamlet, Tien Phong commune) emerges as a serene highlight, carrying a magical allure. From a land once isolated from the outside world, after a long “slumber,” Da Bia has “awakened,” rising to become a bright spot in community tourism with a 3-star OCOP rating and writing a story of step-by-step poverty reduction for the local ethnic minority community.

Da Bia Community-Based Tourism Village from above.

A Magnet for International Tourists

Leaving Bich Ha Port on a tourist boat slowly parting the waters, drifting in the middle of the vast Hoa Binh hydroelectric reservoir surrounded by majestic limestone mountain ranges, after nearly two hours of enjoying the picturesque scenery, Da Bia village appeared before our eyes as gentle as an ink wash painting. Traditional stilt houses lean firmly against the cliff faces, glimpsed behind lush green canopies. At the foot of the slope, a few dugouts lie resting by the water’s edge; in the distance, a few relaxed tourists cast their fishing rods in the light mist, while cool water vapor from the lake blows onto our faces. The cheerful laughter of the locals rings out to welcome travelers from afar like returning loved ones, dissipating all the fatigue of the long journey.

Da Bia village in Duc Phong hamlet today wears a new, vibrant look. Starting in 2017 under the guidance of local authorities, specialized agencies, and an Australian non-governmental, non-profit organization, residents were guided to build a community-based tourism model. Today, dozens of households in the village directly participate in a service chain network—ranging from homestay accommodation operations, providing fresh local food, and leading forest trekking tours, to participating in cultural performance troupes showcasing traditional arts.

It is this right strategic shift and high level of determination that have brought the people of Da Bia well-deserved “sweet fruits.” In 2019, the Da Bia hamlet community tourism destination was honored to be one of three representative national winners of the ASEAN Community Tourism Award—a prestigious title affirming its position on the regional tourism map. Continuing that momentum, Da Bia village was honored with a 3-star OCOP ranking. This stands as a reward for the shared consensus among the government, businesses, and all residents.

Currently, the locality has established and put into operation 6 to 7 high-quality community homestays. These homestays were skillfully converted from the traditional homes of the Muong and Dao ethnic people: sleeping spaces are separated by delicate fabric curtains, remaining airy and cool, keeping the pristine architecture of the stilt houses intact while still fully meeting modern amenities for tourists. Transport infrastructure within the commune has been systematically invested in, making travel convenient.

Discussing the local sustainable development strategy, Mr. Xa Van Dang, Chief of the Office of the People’s Council and People’s Committee of Tien Phong Commune, affirmed: “The shift toward community tourism has truly brought a fresh breeze to Tien Phong Commune. Not only has it created jobs for thousands of local workers, but the model has also significantly boosted local incomes. The commune’s goal by 2030 is to make the most of the reservoir’s potential, turning Da Bia into a premier attractive destination. The government is actively implementing solutions such as professionalizing services, applying digital technologies, and enhancing marketing to connect with markets.”

Experiencing Culture and Nature

Coming to Da Bia means embarking on a journey to discover the distinct cultural features of the Muong and Dao ethnic groups. When night falls, beside a flickering hearth in the mist-shrouded highlands, tourists can lose themselves in the lively Senh Tien dance or immerse themselves in the captivating sounds of the leaf horn performed by the village youth. Every song and dance carries a message of preserving the ethnic soul. Participating in these performances helps local women build confidence, earn a stable income, and preserve traditional values.

Da Bia’s culinary scene is another high note for visitors. The Muong leaf-platter feast is elaborately prepared with full features of Northwest mountain flavors: sour-style buffalo meat cooked with lom leaves, fragrant stir-fried stream snails with wild betel leaves, or a rich wild banana trunk soup. Awakening early in the morning, as a thin veil of mist hangs across the mountain slopes and reflects on the calm lake, enjoying a hot bowl of fish porridge alongside the unique banh net (traditional sticky rice cake) brings an infinite sense of tranquility.

A unique cultural highlight that cannot be missed in Da Bia is the Honesty Shop —an unmanned “mini-supermarket” that has existed for many years. Located along the village road, the stall displays various local agricultural products such as bananas, pomelos, dried bamboo shoots, grilled fish, and honey. All items have pre-listed prices. Visitors freely select their goods and self-consciously drop their payment into a basket. Over more than half a century, the stall has never been cheated—a beautiful symbol of the honesty and trust of the people here.

Going beyond cultural heritage, Da Bia village attracts tourists with a diverse array of outdoor activities. Visitors can try trekking through primeval forests, learn about traditional cage-fish farming on the lake, or slip into a life vest and paddle a kayak across the emerald green water. These hands-on experiences allow travelers to fully immerse themselves in the liberating atmosphere of nature.

With close guidance from the authorities of Tien Phong Commune and the active involvement of its residents, Da Bia—once a remote land—is now rising strongly, capitalizing on its local strengths. Preserving culture in tandem with developing green tourism is the golden key helping this village maintain sustainable growth and prosperity.

Hong Trung