Tan Son develops tourism in tandem with sustainable poverty reduction

In recent years, with a methodical and strategic approach, tourism infrastructure in Tan Son district has seen steady improvement. The district’s natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and unique customs—preserved and promoted by local ethnic minority communities—have helped build a friendly and welcoming image of Tan Son. These features are increasingly attracting both domestic and international tourists to visit, experience, and stay. As a result, local livelihoods have improved, contributing significantly to rapid and sustainable poverty reduction.

The Muong ethnic community in Kim Thuong commune preserves and promotes traditional brocade weaving.

Reviving cultural heritage

In the 1960s and 1970s, brocade weaving thrived in communes such as Kim Thuong and Minh Dai, with almost every household owning a loom. However, over time, the craft faded, and residents became reliant solely on agriculture. Thanks to the intervention and support of local authorities, Tan Son district helped revive this traditional craft, which was officially recognized as a craft village by the Provincial People’s Committee in 2008.

With strong cultural significance and the determined efforts of all levels of government and the community, on August 9, 2024, the brocade weaving craft of the Muong people in Xuan Dai and Kim Thuong communes was listed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. Alongside the Dao people’s Cap Sac (maturity) ceremony, this marks the second national intangible heritage recognized in the district.

Today, the brocade weaving craft has regained its place in the local economy, creating jobs and adding value to community-based tourism. “People here now not only farm but also invest in brocade weaving, improve their surroundings, and participate in tourism services. Our quality of life—both material and spiritual—has improved significantly,” shared Ms. Ha Thi Thanh Xuan from the Chieng area.

Long Coc Ecolodge in Long Coc commune exemplifies environmentally sustainable tourism. Built in harmony with nature, the site includes resort zones and elegantly designed wooden stilt houses that blend modern amenities with eco-friendly materials. Nestled among the rolling green tea hills, it offers guests a chance to unwind in an authentic and refreshing setting.

Most of the lodge’s staff and guides are local Muong people, well-versed in their native culture and trained to provide warm, attentive service. “Over 80% of our staff are locals,” said Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Phuong, Director of Long Coc Ecolodge. “They’ve been trained in tourism services, including foreign languages, and many have visited other provinces to learn best practices. This empowers them with stable jobs and new skills to support their families.”

The facility can host events and team-building activities for up to 160 guests and provides overnight accommodations for more than 70 people—ideal for large groups, families, and multi-generational travelers.

Long Coc Ecolodge in Long Coc commune combines modern comfort with nature and has become a magnet for tourists.

A pathway to sustainable growth

To further integrate tourism into sustainable poverty reduction efforts, Tan Son district has launched a range of initiatives. According to Mr. Tran Khac Thang, Vice Chairman of the District People’s Committee, “Tourism is being positioned as a key economic driver. The National Target Program on Sustainable Poverty Reduction has mobilized community participation and integrated resources to create jobs and increase incomes for ethnic minority households.”

Building on the momentum of its 2008–2015 tourism development strategy, the district rolled out Plan No. 71/KH-UBND in January 2022, setting goals for the 2021–2025 period. Key focus areas include upgrading tourism infrastructure while protecting the environment, developing attractions and travel services, creating distinctive tourism products, promoting tourism more effectively, improving tourism workforce quality, supporting homestay businesses, and enhancing management and consultation efforts.

The district emphasizes the synergy between tourism and cultural preservation. This includes training programs for homestay operators and guiding residents in sustainable tourism practices. In Long Coc and Xuan Son communes, 17 Muong and Dao ethnic households now run homestays, with training in customer service, food and beverage preparation, photography, video creation, and English communication.

Tourists can also engage in hands-on experiences such as picking and processing tea, learning about traditional crafts, and enjoying local folk performances. The district is also developing unique tourism-linked OCOP products, such as multi-spurred chickens, stream ducks, badger pigs, honeybees, and premium green tea, along with traditional culinary and craft products.

Tourism is increasingly seen as a catalyst for economic transformation and sustainable development in Tan Son. Ecotourism and community-based tourism are reshaping the local economy—reducing poverty, creating jobs, and preserving cultural identity. Importantly, they also raise awareness about environmental conservation and promote diversified, locally rooted tourism offerings.

Between 2018 and 2024, Tan Son welcomed nearly 200,000 tourists and earned VND 36.2 billion in tourism revenue. In the first five months of 2025 alone, the district received over 10,000 visitors, generating an estimated VND 3.5 billion. The poverty rate has decreased by approximately 1.5% annually, while average income among ethnic minority households has surpassed VND 36 million per person per year.

Ngoc Lam