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Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)
Over the past two decades, Ban Lai, a small village nestled in the mountains of Sapa, Lao Cai Province, has gradually transformed from an isolated ethnic settlement into an emerging destination for both domestic and international visitors. The development journey of the village not only reflects a path out of hardship but also showcases the agency and adaptability of the Black H’Mong community in embracing tourism without compromising their cultural identity.
Tourism as a Catalyst for Village Transformation
According to Ms. Vy B, a local resident, Ban Lai previously had little to no tourism activity, and villagers relied heavily on subsistence agriculture. However, in the past 20 years, tourism has slowly made its way along dusty trails—bringing with it both opportunities and challenges.
“Around 20 years ago, we had very few tourists coming… Life was harder. But then we saw they enjoyed visiting, so we decided to try homestays.”
Recognizing visitors’ interest in cultural immersion, many households began shifting toward homestay-based tourism. With support from local networks and civil society organizations, residents received training in hospitality, guest engagement, and environmental preservation.
Homestays as an Economic Gateway
Within just a few years, the homestay model in Ban Lai experienced significant growth. Numerous families—particularly women—ventured into tourism entrepreneurship, offering authentic H’Mong-style accommodations with hands-on experiences such as weaving, cooking, and farming.
“Now our village is changing… I’m happy to see visitors come. People like me can run homestays and earn money. It’s a better life.”
Tourism has not only improved household incomes but also enhanced living standards and community visibility, empowering ethnic minority groups within modern Vietnamese society.
Women of Ban Lai “Bringing the Village to the City”
A turning point in Ban Lai’s tourism journey came when 11 residents, mostly women, traveled to Hanoi to meet with travel agencies, including EXO Travel. For many, it was their first time leaving the mountains—to directly present and “sell” their village and homestay services.
“We had around 11 people go meet tour companies… we had to try to sell our village and homestay in Lai.”
This trip served as both a promotional mission and a learning experience, offering villagers valuable insights into the tourism market, customer expectations, and modern lodging models such as resorts, hotels, and hostels.
“Becoming a tourist myself was amazing… it’s truly a different world.”
They also brought along traditional handicrafts to sell at Hanoi’s night market—promoting local culture while generating supplementary income.
Culture as the Foundation for Sustainable Development
While open to new ideas, the Black H’Mong of Ban Lai remain committed to preserving their heritage. Although greater access to education and urban exposure for youth is seen as positive, it also presents challenges to maintaining the language, clothing, and customs of the community.
“I want to teach the young to preserve this culture… if we don’t, we will lose it.”
Locals believe that their unique cultural identity is what draws visitors to Ban Lai—and it must be safeguarded to ensure sustainable tourism.
A Future Rooted in Confidence and Community-Led Change
The story of Ban Lai exemplifies how ethnic minority communities can take ownership of tourism as a development tool. Rather than waiting for external aid, they proactively seek out opportunities, learn independently, and venture into the wider world—with resilience, optimism, and cultural pride.
“We are confident that travel companies will help our village, and we are happy about that.”
As community-based tourism continues to expand across Vietnam, Ban Lai stands out as a model, where tradition and modernity are not in conflict—but coexist and co-evolve in harmony.
