Mong cultural village attracts tourists to Ha Giang

Meo Vac District (Ha Giang) has Ma Pi Leng Pass and Nho Que River, which are especially popular with tourists. In recent years, the district has had many policies to develop sustainable tourism associated with economic development for the people living in this area, typically the Mong ethnic community cultural tourism village in Pa Vi commune.

From the top of Ma Pi Leng Pass (going from Dong Van town), visitors will see the village gate designed with the symbol of 2 panpipes. Visitors park their vehicles in the parking lot and walk about 200m into the village.

The cultural village is planned and built according to areas A, B, C... The Mong cultural house is located in the middle of the village, making it convenient for visitors to visit and experience. Here, visitors can weave linen, sew brocade, brew wine and weave...

Every Saturday and Sunday, the mobile propaganda team of the Meo Vac District Cultural Center also organizes cultural exchange programs imbued with the identity of the Mong people, as well as ethnic minorities in Ha Giang.

The Mong ethnic community cultural tourism village with 28 homestay businesses has become an experience for many tourists.

The homestays are 300 – 500m2 wide, built of wood or bricks, located adjacently, revolving around a circular courtyard in the middle for panoramic views. The wild natural scenery, attractive Mong cultural space, combined with highland music help visitors feel excited and happy.

According to Mr. Hoang Van Sen (Giay ethnic, owner of A Sen homestay), wood is the main material in his house. The roof is covered with yin-yang tiles, the fence around the house is made of stones, large and small stones, with many angles, stacked together, creating a solid wall.

Inside the homestay, the decorations are mostly labor tools, specialties, traditional costumes of the Mong people... That helps guests staying here feel close to the local people.

Room rental prices here range from 400,000 to 700,000 VND/night. Dormitories suitable for backpackers cost an average of 200,000 VND/person, serving meals according to guests' needs.

In addition, visitors can experience additional services such as herbal baths and enjoy Mong ethnic performances.

Running a homestay, after deducting all expenses, Mr. Sen can earn a profit of 20-25 million VND/month. This is a large amount of money for people in this highland area.

Mr. Quang - owner of Yen homestay said that since 2016, when the People's Committee of Meo Vac district had a policy to develop community tourism, he immediately registered to participate. This is an opportunity for households here to build houses and develop the economy.

Mr. Quang was supported with a loan. He estimated that the total cost would be around 700 - 800 million VND. However, when the project was completed, the capital increased to more than 2 billion VND. At the time of operation, the Covid-19 pandemic broke out, making business difficult. In the past two years, more tourists have known about the Cultural Village, so business has gradually improved, helping people gradually pay back the loan.

According to the Project on tourism development of Meo Vac district to 2025, with a vision to 2030, the district plans Meo Vac town center to become the cultural - tourism center of the district, meeting the requirements of a civilized, elegant urban area, imbued with the unique characteristics of ethnic groups, focusing on Mong ethnic culture; investing, building, and upgrading the system of cultural institutions from the district to the grassroots.

At the same time, organize the collection of traditional cultural values; protect and embellish cultural heritages and the environment, tourist landscapes; restore traditional cultural features that are fading; maintain and promote traditional festivals...

In the first 8 months of 2023, Meo Vac district welcomed more than 330,000 tourists (an increase of 160% over the same period last year), with revenue reaching more than 280 billion VND.