(VOVWORLD) - Amid the towering limestone mountains of Vietnam’s northeastern region, Huu Lien commune in Lang Son province has been better known as an attractive destination for its unspoiled natural beauty and cultural values that have been preserved for generations. The locals are now turning this heritage into a resource for sustainable community-based tourism.
 An aerial view of Huu Lien community tourism village (Photo: baolangson.vn) |
The Huu Lien tourism site lies within the core zone of the Huu Lien Nature Reserve, whose forest ecosystem is home to many rare species of flora and fauna. The area is inhabited by ethnic communities who possess a rich heritage of distinctive festivals, folk songs, and cuisine.
Recently, Huu Lien has begun to welcome many international visitors who have come to hike through the forest, climb the limestone mountains, plant rice with the farmers, or simply observe the slower pace of daily life in this ethnic rural region.
American tourists Robin and Larar said: "We cycle to the crack which was beautiful, the landscape like the villages and the fields. You could look around and everything is really beautiful. This morning we just woke up and in front of us, the scenery is beautiful."
"We had so much fun on the routes, seeing the village and all the friendly people. The kids were always saying hello and waving. We really like the homestay, the food and the hospitality. Of course the landscape is beautiful."
 The main entrance to Huu Lien community tourism village (Photo: baolangson.vn) |
Community tourism has been established in Huu Lien when several households turned their traditional stilt homes into homestays. The wooden stilt houses with their traditional yin-yang tiled roofs have been restored in their original style while being equipped with more comfortable facilities for the guests.
Ngo At Mao, owner of Mao Homestay, said: “Vietnamese and foreign visitors staying here enjoy the fresh air and local cuisine. They can go mountain climbing, trekking, and camping in the countryside. The houses here still have their original, rustic features. Guests appreciate the way they’re cared for and say they’re satisfied with the accommodation and meals.”
 Homestays are restored in their original style. (Photo: baolangson.vn) |
The authorities say tourism development is linked with the goals of environmental protection and cultural preservation. This improves local livelihoods while safeguarding the area’s natural and cultural heritage.
Hoang Minh Tien, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Huu Lien commune, said: “We’re promoting the cultural values of the Dao community. We’ve established community arts troupes, tourism groups, and Then singing and Tính lute troupes to introduce our culture to visitors. We encourage homestays to coordinate with these cultural teams to promote our intangible cultural heritages and culinary traditions.”
 The homestay owner prepares local foods for visitors. (Photo: baolangson.vn) |
As the sun sets behind the limestone mountains, smoke from wood-stoves is carried from the stilt houses on the evening breeze and visitors gather around a fire to enjoy the local cuisine and listen to stories about the land and people.
The Huu Lien Community Tourism Village in Lang Son province has managed to retain its natural charm and peaceful atmosphere while leveraging its heritages of nature and culture for sustainable development.