Mai Ha Commune Leverages Potential for Tourism Development

With a harmonious blend of majestic natural landscapes and the rich cultural heritage of the Thai ethnic group, Mai Ha Commune is asserting its position as a compelling destination, transforming community-based tourism into a cornerstone of sustainable economic development.

Lac Village, a community-based tourism site in Mai Ha Commune, attracts both domestic and international visitors for sightseeing and cultural experiences.

Nestled in a lush green valley, Lac Village in Mai Ha has long been a bright spot on Vietnam’s tourism map. Developing its community-based tourism model since the 1990s, the village has maintained its allure for nearly 30 years, becoming a top choice for travelers, especially during holidays and weekends.

The success of Lac Village lies not only in its scenery but also in the sustainable approach taken by the locals. Here, 84 households participate in community tourism, creating a diverse service ecosystem. Mr. Nguyen Van Minh, a tourist from Hanoi, shared: "What impresses me most about Lac Village is its rustic yet professional atmosphere. Cycling through rice fields in the morning and joining villagers for the bamboo pole dance or sipping Mai Ha straw wine in a traditional stilt house at night allows me to truly feel the warmth of the land and its people."

Cultural preservation is key to maintaining this appeal. Mr. Ha Cong Tim, owner of Homestay No. 7, noted: "To build a successful cultural tourism village, we integrate State policies into our village conventions. We remind each other to maintain a civilized lifestyle and polite communication. Specifically, we focus on restoring traditional brocade weaving to create unique souvenirs that captivate visitors."

The vitality of Lac Village is just one part of Mai Ha’s grand potential following its administrative merger. Formed by joining Chieng Chau, Mai Ha, and Van Mai communes, the new Mai Ha Commune spans over 71 km2 with a population of over 10,152. With 77.95% of the population being Thai people, the commune possesses priceless intangible cultural values such as the Keng Loong art and the Xen Muong Festival, held annually on the 9th and 10th of the lunar month.

In terms of natural resources, the commune boasts an 87% forest cover and 12 villages characterized by traditional stilt houses, terraced fields, and streams, alongside national relics like Lang Cave and Pieng Kem Cave. These advantages facilitate various tourism types, from luxury resorts to ecological experiences.

The economic results reflect this strategic direction. The commune currently has 88 community homestays, 3 hotels, and 1 resort, welcoming an average of 50,000 visitors annually. Local OCOP products, such as 4-star brocade clothing and 3-star Mai Ha straw wine, have become essential souvenirs, boosting local income.

For the 2026-2030 period, Mai Ha aims to make tourism a primary economic sector. The target is to welcome over 50,000 visitors per year (including at least 5,000 international tourists) and achieve total tourism revenue of 100 trillion VND or more.

To realize this, the commune plans to mobilize investment for infrastructure upgrades, support traditional crafts like bamboo weaving and brocade weaving, and develop local art troupes. Connecting with travel agencies to build signature tours like “Experiencing Thai Cultural Identity” or organizing marathons and cycling races are also part of the roadmap to promote Mai Ha’s image to international friends.

With methodical preparation and the determination of both authorities and citizens, Mai Ha is confidently emerging as a highlight on the high-land tourism map of the Ancestral Land.

Huong Lan