Discover the inspiring story of Vàng Thị Thông, a remarkable Tay woman from Bản Liền, Lào Cai. After six years of dedicated effort, blending traditional rice farming with sustainable tourism, her life dramatically changed. This article explores how her authentic approach to homestay hospitality, recently featured on a reality TV show, has brought unexpected fame and positive attention to her community.
From Humble Beginnings to a Homestay Vision
From Humble Beginnings to a Homestay Vision:
Vàng Thị Thông’s journey began in the rice fields of Bản Liền, a remote village where life revolved around agriculture. She and her husband, deeply rooted in their Tày heritage, envisioned a way to improve their livelihood without abandoning their traditions. In late 2019, they embarked on a new path, deciding to transform their family home into a homestay.
Their participation in the sustainable rural tourism project was pivotal. They received invaluable training in guest reception, safe cooking practices, and effective accommodation management. A crucial initial loan of 50 million VND enabled them to renovate their 100 m2 stilt house, creating Bản Liền Pine Homestay. This homestay features seven dorm rooms and one private room, accommodating up to 20 guests, with an overnight stay priced at 150,000 VND per person.
Initially, they faced challenges such as limited capital and a lack of experience in managing a tourism business. However, Ms. Thông’s modern mindset and eagerness to learn proved instrumental in overcoming these obstacles, setting the stage for her success.
Blending Farm Life with Unique Tourist Experiences
Blending Farm Life with Unique Tourist Experiences
Ms. Thông’s homestay distinguishes itself by seamlessly integrating traditional Tày farming practices with immersive tourist experiences. While managing the homestay, she continues to cultivate her rice fields, offering guests a firsthand glimpse into her daily life. Tourists can participate in a variety of activities, such as tea picking in the lush hills, trying their luck at stream fishing, assisting with raking fields, and learning the intricate art of rice planting. They can also delve into local crafts like palm leaf weaving and discover the secrets of traditional tea processing, gaining a deeper appreciation for Tày life and culture.
The tours are flexible, aligning with the family’s daily schedule, allowing guests to experience authentic rural life. Remarkably, about 80% of visitors prefer following the family’s routine. For a group, a selection of 4-5 activities costs between 400,000 and 500,000 VND. Safety is paramount; therefore, potentially dangerous tasks are carefully omitted from the tourist activities.
The Reality Show Phenomenon and Sudden Fame
The turning point in Vàng Thị Thông’s journey arrived with her appearance on the reality TV show “Gia đình Haha – Những ngày trời bao la” on VTV3. The show, filmed at her homestay, featured popular artists like Jun Phạm, Rhymastic, Bùi Công Nam, Duy Khánh, and Ngọc Thanh Tâm, who stayed with her family for a week.
What resonated with audiences was Thông’s genuine, humorous, and compassionate personality. Her natural interactions and caring nature made her a “healing balm” within the show’s dynamic. The impact was immediate. After the show aired in early July, her homestay experienced an unprecedented surge in bookings. She was fully booked for three months, from July to September, and inundated with hundreds of unreplied messages.
This sudden fame brought immense joy and a significant increase in income. To manage the demand without overwhelming her family, Thông implemented a schedule of three days hosting guests followed by two days of rest and preparation. Her work was recognized by the Director of the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Lào Cai and Yên Bái provinces, further solidifying her status as a local icon.
Sustaining Culture and Community Through Tourism
Sustaining Culture and Community Through Tourism
Ms. Thông’s philosophy centers on sustainable tourism, ensuring that the influx of visitors enhances, rather than disrupts, Bản Liền’s way of life. A core principle is avoiding overbooking. She understands that overwhelming the village with tourists would strain resources and alter the very traditions that attract visitors. Instead, she prioritizes a balanced approach.
When Bản Liền Pine Homestay is fully booked, Ms. Thông refers excess guests to other families in the village. This fosters shared income and encourages community development. By distributing the benefits of tourism, she ensures that the entire village has a stake in its success.
Her passion lies in developing tourism while meticulously preserving highland culture and Tày traditions. She continuously seeks opportunities for learning and growth as a tourism entrepreneur, attending workshops and networking with others in the industry.
Ms. Thông envisions a future where “tourism is only sustainable when the whole village shares and maintains its unique identity.” Her model empowers other ethnic minority women to pursue their dreams, improve their lives, and safeguard their cultural heritage.
Final thoughts
Vàng Thị Thông’s journey exemplifies the power of combining tradition with innovation for sustainable development. Her dedication to preserving Tày culture while fostering community tourism not only transformed her own life but also uplifted Bản Liền. Her story serves as a vibrant inspiration, highlighting how authentic local experiences can lead to unexpected success and a brighter future for highland communities.