The stars of the CBT Vietnam project

For nearly a decade I have been fortunate to be a part of a community based tourism project through Capilano University. I have worked on this transformational project in Vietnam in varying capacities and have many people to thank.

Sapa's inspiring terraced landscape.

In northern Vietnam there is a (in)famous tourist destination known as Sapa. Inspiring terraced landscape, cool climate and colourful culture is easily accessible via overnight train. For one hundred years visitors have frequented Sapa. Tourism is here to stay.

The ‘CBT Vietnam’ project emerged from a trip to Sapa by a group from Hanoi Open University (Vietnam), Capilano University(Canada) and North Island College (Canada). Dr. Geoffrey Bird led an initial five-year project supported by the Association of Canadian Community Colleges. The project focused on skills-based training in the villages of Tavan and Taphin. Volunteer students and faculty from partner schools developed and delivered training primarily to local women. The goal was to create new opportunities for employment, develop a more sustainable form of tourism, and increase quality of life.

I was a student volunteer on the project who was changed by the experience. In fact, I took a leave from my studies and moved to Vietnam to travel and work in tourism. I was inspired.

Speaking with Khu in Lao Chai.

Two years after the project had completed I visited Taphin village and some of the locals. We discussed the idea of another project. Planning, entrepreneurship, network building, collective marketing and mutually beneficial partnerships were themes that would eventually lead to a series of projects generously supported by the PATA Foundation. The projects continue to bring Vietnamese and Canadian volunteer students together in the delivery of community tourism learning programs.

Some of the stars: Taryn, Stephanie, Jase and Kyle.

My current role as a project lead, and the successes it brings, is the product of the hard work of many. I am thankful for those who have continued to selflessly put forth their time and effort. Instructors and Deans, Stephanie Wells, Jen Reilly, Kim McLeod, Dr. Chris Bottrill, Casey Dorin, Ms. Ngoc Anh and Ms. Que have been instrumental in making these projects happen. The countless students that have been on the CBT Vietnam project are the heroes and heroines. Our stars. In the field they have excelled. They have been the energy and the true grit of the project. 

In a training workshop. Ms. Ly Man May is pictured second from the left. 

But the people that deserve the most appreciation are those from the villages. They have inspired us all. Tearful goodbyes when we depart from a project trip are testament that we are more than partners in the experience. This community development project is not an ‘us’ and ‘them’ case study. People like Ms. Ly Man May in Taphin, Ms. Soi in Tavan and Ms. Mai in Lao Chai are some of the individuals that deserve all the credit. These resilient, thoughtful women have trusted and welcomed us into their homes. 

When you go to Sapa you might have the opportunity to stay with some of these women. Learn from them like we have, and when you leave, be sure to thank them in their language.

Cho Lach Tourism full of attraction

In the middle of the western waterway there is a hypothetical market is located in the reed area. Over hundreds of years of development, the market has become the center of a district. It’s Cho Lach district in Ben Tre province.

Located away from Ho Chi Minh City about 120km to the west, along National Road 57 from Mo Cay district to go up, visitors easily run info the tourist destinations just visiting once is enough to get an unforgettable impression in tourists’ heart.

Hung Khanh Trung B Commune, the gate into Cho Lach is the first point stop after a long trip about 25km from the city of Ben Tre through Ham Luong Bridge into Cho Lach. It is very popular for its specialty of ornamental animal plants, ornamental shape plants, uniquely shaped by skilled hands of artisans, who must be considered uniquely skillful Nam Cong (Nam Cong ornamental plant establishment) with ornamental shaped product, ornamental animal plants which are exported to may countries around the world.

Nam Cong’s photograph of interesting ornamental animal plants

Bordering Hung Khanh Trung B commune is Vinh Thanh commune area, a fertile land with many special kinds of fruit trees that few places can match up. The highlights of Cai Mon – Vinh Thanh village is the birth of 10 seedling craft villages with many different types in which typically yellow apricots ornamental bonsai are created by artisans with quite elaborate shapes, some trees up to hundreds of years old to be at Vinh Thanh, visitors do not forget to miss the chance of visiting ancient impressive Cai Mon church which was built in 1872, visiting memorial stela of scholar Truong Vinh Ky. After the tourist trip in Vinh Thanh City, tourists can visit the resort and stop to rest at the ornamental tree base, garden cafe Lan Anh.

Cai Mon flower village

Cai Mon Church

Leaving Cai Mon – Vinh Thanh, along National Road 57 west to Long Thoi commune, Hoa Nghia commune, Cho Lach town, visitors have the chance to watch the special orchards with speciaties as: Mangosteen, langsat, rambutan, durian … bearing much, ripe fruit.

Through Cho Lach town of a few kilometers is to come to Vinh Binh commune, here there is a preservation area of small snail, getting boat down the river, watching the gentle flow of water in Co Chien river, gazing at people tapping small snails … There is also Ba Ngoi eco- tourism there.

Phu Da rice snail – Vinh Binh commune

Leaving Ba Ngoi tourist site toward Phu Phung, we could come to Nam Vu tourist site. Every place is different, but fruit is everywhere. The same fascinating waterways and the same hospitable people.

Thua Duc Sea Tourism (Binh Dai Province)

Thua Duc – Binh Dai Sea Tourism. The Beauty Of A Sea

If you have the opportunity to return to Binh Dai, visit Phu Sa Sea resort lying on a long sandy beach of Thua Trung Hamlet, Thua Duc Commune – Binh Dai district; Phone: 075.3742006. Thua Duc Beach is far from Ben Tre City approximately 67km of road. It attracts tourists from its wild beauty, with the stretch of fine sand beach together with the dark green poplar swinging in the wind along the beach, the sound of the waves whispering to harmonize with the whisper of the poplar rows creating a unique sound as a piece of music performed to captivate the people’s heart. All will make visitors forget the hustle of everyday life, to spead their hearts along with the sea, with the wind.

Road to Thua Dua sea

From Ben Tre City, only 60 minutes away by car, travelers come to Phu Sa Sea, Tourists, not only swim in the sea and watch beautiful scenery of the sea but also enjoy seafood specialties such as: Clam, shrimp, crab, oysters, and especially the pancakes (Vietnamese pizza) at the sea location.

Delicious Pancakes and unique flavor is the combination of sauce and fresh green vegetables. From the acrid, bitter taste of young mango leaves to the pungent smell of broccoli, lettuce fragrant, herbs with hot sauce, a little sweet, not any delicacies can match.

In Phu Sa sea resort – Thua Duc after swimming at the sea, setting by the tray of pancakes emitting smoke spreading good smell when not eating, how delicious, we feel After finishing eating delicious pancakes, visitors can lie down in the hammock under green poplar rows, to wholly enjoy the fresh air here, A day to experience in Thua Duc beach will leave visitors more unforgettable memories when being with this sea area.

Thua Duc Sea travel With The “Branch”of Pancakes

If you have the opportunity to go to Binh Dai, you will be invited to visit the tourist site “Bien Phu Sa”, lying on a long sand beach at Thua Trung Hamlet, Thua Duc Commune. A fine sandy beach stretch out to the sea with the green poplar row; the sea waves are whispering together with the sound of poplar trees of sugar to creating a unique sound.

Coming to “Bien Phu Sa” resort you not only sunbathe and watch beautiful scenery of the Sea, but also enjoy special dishes such as: baby clam, shrimp, fresh crab which are just caught by fishermen. And especially pancakes which are “specialty” associated with Bien Phu Sa resort. Most people who come here at least once taste the pancakes.

The main ingredients to make pancakes include rice flour, shrimp, meat, turmeric powder and other spices. To make a cake they put a frying pan on the stove, when the pan Is hot they pour cooking oil 9fat) into the pan, they put shrimp and half lean half fat pork sliced into pieces, scooping the solution of the to spread out the pan hollow. Powder reaching hot oil, emit the sizzle pleasing the ear. Then they add some green bean sprouts, or turnip onto the cake, cover and let itself cooked until crisp enough. Open the pan lid and then fold the cake in half, set the cake onto the plate to invite guests. Looking at the plates of crisp yellow and fragrant cakes, the diners want to enjoy immediately.

Pancakes wrapped with young mango leaves, silky leaves, with a pungent water cress, chicory; fragrant herles together with sweet sour, hot sauce will make you hardly forget “Bien Phu Sa” tour./.

So I'm back. What now?

Sam is pictured standing in middle of the back row with her fellow CapilanoU student volunteers.

I have been travelling pretty extensively for the last ten years. Whenever I had the opportunity I would save, plan, pack and go. Before the Vietnam trip I hadn't travelled for a year so one could imagine how excited and honoured I was wen I was selected as a student volunteer. With a full course load and working two new jobs I jumped right in!

An informal meeting in the Lao Chai.

Looking back on this past winter; the hours I stressed over not doing enough for the project, working too much, and my studies, at the time it felt like the end of the world. The experience of barely seeing the light at the end of the tunnel can be daunting.


Well, I did it! I reached the end of the tunnel, and damn it was awesome! Vietnam was amazing. Not only am I walking away with a new outlook, I have developed a new sense of humility and a incredible appreciation for the access to opportunities as a Canadian.

Some of the amazing women in Lao Chai. 

The women in the village taught me more than I could have ever brought to them as a member of the CBT Vietnam team. I owe them more then words can ever explain, and the only way to do right by them is to bring this knowledge and personal change and use it in the future. As my 440 Paper (the final graduating paper for my Tourism Management Degree) comes around I plan to use this and start my next chapter. I hope to find a female mentor with experience in community development, learn from her, and research a subject around females in tourism.

Looking forward to new challenges, opportunities and experiences. Thank you CapilanoU, CBT Vietnam, and the PATA Foundation. 

Cai Cam Eco-Tourism

Tan Long Hamlet 3, Tan Thanh Binh Commune, Mo Cay Bac District, Ben Tre Province

Tel: 0753.3820850 Fax: 0753.3820850

Email: bentretour@mekongstay.com

Website: www.Mekongstay.com

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One day – Tour: Ben Tre – Mo Cay

From Tien Giang province, visitors take National Road 60 to Rach Mieu bridge connecting the two banks of Tien Giang – Ben Tre, tourists set foot onto Dong Khoi homeland. At Tan Thanh Roundabout Ben Tre city, turning right to Son Hoa commune, travelers take the boat across the Ham Luong River to Thanh Tan Islet (Mo Cay – Ben Tre), Tourists will go by tricycle, or bicycle along the country rood under the coconut trees after another full of shade, stopping to watch the coconut candy facility (Ben Tre specialty).

At the House of Uncle Ba (Luom), tourists enjoy Siamese coconut milk and a number of specialty fruits in Ben Tre. Continue to go down the rowing boat in the winding canals and the vessels take the tourists Cai Cam River; on the cruise, the boat will stop to visit coconut preliminary processing facilities, visitors will learn more about Ben Tre coconut trees.

Ms. Mai, a house is built of entire coconut for vacation (you can spend the night here if wishing to join the tour to the day after), enjoying the afternoon special dishes of Ben Tre … Small Shrimp roasted with coconut juice.

Before getting on the car to say goodbye to Ben Tre, tourists stop by at the coconut broom base in Xep Market. Saying farewell and setting a date to see Dong Khoi homeland later.

Lan Vuong Tourism

If visitors have the opportunity to come to Ben Tre to enjoy the waterway tourist of garden area, they do not forget to visit Lan Vuong tourism, Hamlet 2, Phu Nhuan Commune, Ben Tre city, about 3 km from Ben Tre city. This is an interesting stop, with cool green coconut-lined space, of an area of over 100,000 m².

Here, it is taking shape an organization of cultural activities, sports and travel along the city of Ben Tre. This is a tourist site of trees, shade, ornamental flowers, rowing boat … Especially thatched huts are located on the banks of the coconut made of plant materials in which they serve foods and drinks stage performance, a variety of special fruits like grapefruit, An Phuoc green skin plum, Hoa Loc mango, green Siamese coconut, … Tourists will enjoy right the spot.

Visitors can participate in exchanges of folk music amateurs, music and song, karaoke, etc. In recent years Lan Vuong eco-tourism has really become a great place to organize the camp, art festivals – sports, contests or festivals of coconut  cuisine, a top of the field tourists to the source or the conferences, seminars, traditional gathering …

Coming to Lan Vuong tourism is an exciting discovery that tourists can not miss the opportunity of being with Ben Tre. Please contact Mr. Tran Ba Sanh for more details; phone number: 075.3838030, Mobile: 0913.886178./.

Hai Ho Tourist Destination

Located at hamlet 2, Phu Nhuan commune, Ben Tre city, it lies away from Ben Tre city about 4km. Hai Ho tourist destination with a cool setting, helping visitors with both tasting and enjoying the natural scenery. Shaggily fried shade fish dipping in tamarind sauce or fried spring – rolls has always been the choice of many tourists.

The winding entrance with row meandering coconut causes operators to take visitors here to be crept along the rural gardens lined with coconut tree and tricycle and bicycle or floating in the small boat between two rows of shady green water coconut tree.

Hai Ho tourist destination has Homestay overnight service with reasonable prices, courteous and safe. Tourists coming here can directly contact phone number: 0918.105.601.

Southern Green Coconut Tourist Destination

Located at Hamlet 2, Phu Nhuan District, Ben Tre city, Ben Tre province, about 5 km from Ben Tre city.

Destination of “Southern green coconut” is one of the tourist sites in the countryside nature. Here visitors can enjoy the rustic dishes processed by the chefs of garden area such as vegetable shrimp soup fried spade fish, steamed shrimp with coconut milk, shrimp pancakes free-range, chicken (lemon grass cooked, porridge, fried with butter, etc.) eat fish cooked in claypots, fruit of all kinds.

With the cool air, quiet, with the country side nature from the hatched roof, surrounded by a garden of green coconut. When stopping to stay overnight tourists will have Homestay built in the model of Chu Dinh (Chinese word) in the South, with 5 rooms, up to 25 people.

To come to Southern Green  Coconut destination we can go on road bike, both cycling and enjoying the natural beauty along the way or cruising in winding waterway ride in the river and canals. Tourists can contact the following address:

Services Co. Ltd – Mekong Travel Legend

Address: 217C, Hung Vuong street, ward 5, Ben Tre city, Ben Tre province

Phone: 0753.511496 or 0903.100055 meet Mr. Lai Quang Phuoc

Ba Ngoi Tourist Destination – Cho Lach

Going down the area of orchard and ornamentel plants of Cho Lach district, tourists not only visit the orchards laden with fruits: rambutan, mangosteen, durian, … the village transplanting seedlings and ornamental flowers, but also visit the memorial stela of scholar Truong Vinh Ky, ancient architectures such as Cai Mon church, Long Thoi ancient house …

Ba Ngoi Tourist site is located along the country road full of green tree shade, both sides are orchard laden with fruits, together with the advantage of poetic and lyrical Co Chien River adjacent to it with airy space, tourist destination Ba Ngoi is an interesting stop for tourist exploring journey in the tour program to discover Cho Lach waterway of the garden area in Ben Tre.

Coming here, visitors also enjoy fruit in the garden such as: durian, mangosteen, rambutan, … you, visitors enjoy fruit, in listening to folk music with deep, sweet songs, then you will enjoy rustic dishes such as: free-range chicken soup, pancakes, small snails, delicious mussel pancakes served for many tourists afar to be enthusiastic, especially visitors will enjoy boiled small snails dipping in chili lemon grass sauce. It’s very tasty and attractive. To travel to Ba Ngoai Tourism is a funny experience of tourists in an exciting trip to explor the western waterways.

Ba Ngoi Tourist site is about 46 km of road from Ben Tre city, tourists can start from Vinh Long through about 12 km to get to the destination.

Contact Phone: 0753.871897 or 0989721118, meet Mr. Nguyen Van Tang.

To be here. Please contact the following address: Ba Ngoi Tourism Park – Phu Hiep Hamlet, Vinh Binh Commune, Cho Lach District, Phone: +84 75 3871897.

Temple of South Viet’s guerilla base General

Until now, several generations of Ben Tre have the same pride of the talented, compassionate General.

He is not only a military general under the first generation of Ben Tre set a bright example for the next generations in the two protracted wars of resistance, great hardship, which in time of peace, even in any position, he always completed his tasks assigned by the Party and the Army. At the old age under poor health, he was still restless, but always positive to contribute to the charitable, activities, the movement of repaying and returning favor … until his death.

Who is he?

He is General Dong Van Cong – Hero of People’s Armed Forces. His hometown is Tan Hao Commune, Giong Trom District.

Recognizing the merits and for the posterity. Giong Trom People built his temple at the (on the occasion of) Junction area of Ms. Ba Ngoi Bridge, Tan Hao commune, Giong Trom district. The 6th anniversary of his death (August 6th, 2005 – August 6th, 2011), the Department of Defense coordinated to organize a ceremony setting up Dong Van Cong bust in traditional rituals.

Before setting up the bust is the traditional death anniversary. The funeral oration of the anniversary has it that:

What a glory!

The hero’s name will be resounding for thousand years

The man of on standing talent and sense of purpose will be eternally glorious

“Mr. Cong’s army” Ben Tre steel land, Southern part Brass citadel talented General …

Visiting the temple of Lieutenant-General is not only to review, the past to understand the present but also to contribute to the preservation of tradition of drinking water to remember the source of our nation./.

Mekong Legend Travel Company

217C Hung Vuong Street, Ward 5, Ben Tre City, Ben Tre Province

Tel: 075.9453511, Fax: 075.3511946

Email: info@mekonglegend.com.vn

www.mekonglegend.com.vn

TOURIST INFORMATION

RIVER CRUISES – PEOPLE’S HOUSE TOUR – BICYCLE TOUR – FISHING

DITCH SCOOPING TOUR – THE TYPES OF DISCOVERY TRAVEL TO OTHER RICH GARDEN AREAS

TYPICAL TOUR – PEOPLE’S HOUSE SLEEP STATE

Day 1:

Picking at Hung Vuong cruise port. Sailing up the Ben Tre River seeing the daily life of the people in the river (net fishing, side netting …) Stopping at Mr. Tulo’s brick kiln to see how to make, bake bricks by hand, visit handcraft coconut candy processing base along the river, keep worming their way into the canals to Nhon Thanh village. Strolling motorbike on the village road through coconut garden, rice field, upland crop cultivated upland (cassaba melon, cucumber, bitter melon, etc.). Lunch at the “green coconut” riverside.

People check-in at people’s home, resting. Afternoon cycling to Uncle Sau Khanh to view the collection of antique ceramics, walking the fields, meeting the farmers, helping harvest crops or plant trees.

Joining cooking together, having dinner with the families, sleeping in people’s house.

Day 2:

Breakfast, biking to the local market. Visiting Phu Nhuan temple with Thanh Tue ancient tree of more than 100 years old with over 10 tops. Saying Goodbye to the host, boat rowing on water coconut-lined canals. The canal boats take visitors back to Hung Vuong terminal getting into the car to Ho Chi Minh City or National Road 60 through the Ham Luong Bridge, through Co Chien Ferry to Can Tho, Tra Vinh. Ending the program.

Cho Lach Services and Tourist Lpt. Company – ChoLach Tourist

Tour tourist attractions: The beauty of the countryside

Charming waterways.

Cho Lach from central Ho Chi Minh City 127 km, along the National Road 1A, 60 and 57 away from Ben Tre 41 kilometers, from Ho Chi Minh City. 15km, from Vinh Long coming. To Cho Lach you seem to let your heart in a peaceful countryside. Childhood memories will come back when you make a tour around the small rivers, villages in the shade of green tree. Here, you will be together with people to the plantation of durian, rambutan, … with people to harvest fruit. And here, you will join the head of family to process the countryside waterway food like mussel pancake, rolling salade, small snail boiled with lemon grass, free-range chicken soup.

After rustic meal, you have the opportunity to visit one of the famous ornamental flower villages of Cai Mon – Vinh Thanh, visiting the famous and largest cathedral of the Mekong Delta’ “Cai Mon Church”. You will visit the memorial stela of scholar Truong Vinh Ky. All values in a trip only contribute to our lives more meaningful.

Office of transactions: National Road 57 Hung Nhon Hamlet – Hoa Nghia Commune, Cho Lach District, Ben Tre province.

Phone: 0753.711822 – 0756.280177

Fax: 075.3710710

Mobile: 0985.014.616

Email: dulichcholach2008@yahoo.com

Website: www.cholachcaimon.com

Ngan Ha Tourist Company

Ngan Ha Tourist Company specializes in organizing tours round the country, the tours at the request of tourists with high quality services from a team of the guides, vehicles, restaurants, hotels and places with attractive preferential price.

To provide the following services:

- Organizing domestic and overseas tours.

- Extension of visa, guiding immigration records

- Organization of conferences, events, team building

- Organization of the garden tour, ecotourism

- Air tickets for domestic and international trips.

For further information, please contact:

Ngan Ha Tourist Company

Address: 156D, Nguyen Van Tu street, Ward 7, Ben Tre City

Tel: 0908874371 (Ms. Ngan – Director of the company).

Bao Duyen Tourist

BAO DUYEN TOURIST specializes in organizing tours to explore historic-provincial culture; River Tour, eco-tourism and discover the garden of the coconut; Special service: Yachts for eating and drinking in Ham Luong River, Ben Tre River; Traveling inland to explore the attractive destinations of the tourist sites in the country; Bao Duyen Tourist provides services, organizing tour for companies to travel inside and outside the province in need of a link that takes visitors to the country of the three-range isle.

Notably a series of waterway tour to visit Ben Tre coconut land (1 or 2 days, 1 night’s time). The departure of road at the request, Bao Duyen Tourist deployed with many cultural activities to learn the culture, attractive ecotourism, Visiting historical and cultural monuments such as tombs of patriotic poet Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Woman General Nguyen Thi Dinh Temple … going boating in the river to view the fishers to Nhon Thanh commune, enjoying the specialties of the coconut land walking along the country road to see the paddy fields, coconut gardens, field crops, listening to southern Vietnamese traditional music, scooping ditch for fishing, relaxing in the large coconut garden of Bao Duyen …

Together with the staff, local guides who are enthusiastic, dynamic; BAO DUYEN TOURIST gives you tourist products of good quality, reasonable, suitable for all subjects!

ECO-TOURISM LTD COMPANY BAO DUYEN:

Office: 18D, An Thuan A Hamlet, My Thanh An Commune, Ben Tre City (at the foot of Ben Tre Bridge I).

Wharf: 166, Hung Vuong Street, Ward 3, Ben Tre city.

Tel: (075) 3817366; Fax: (075) 3575247; Hotline: 0913.219.539

Email: bentre@baoduyentourist.com; baoduyentour@yahoo.com

Website: www.baoduyentourist.com

Connections and transformations

"How was your trip?" 

I get asked that question almost every day and it's probably the most challenging question to answer. The truth is, it's hard to express how much the CBTVietnam trip means to me. Whenever, I try to explain it I never feel like I do it justice as words can't describe it. It was a trip of a life time and can only be truly understood by experiencing it for oneself. However, I want people to hear about it even if its only a taster of how inspiring and rewarding it was.

Going to Vietnam was more than I could have ever wished or dreamt. I didn't believe it when Chris, Stephanie and Caitlin said it would change my life. It seemed cliche and unbelievable that one trip could touch that many hearts so deeply but once I arrived in Lao Chai all my doubts vanished. The villagers are the most welcoming, open and loving people I have ever met. Right away, they invited us into their homes and treated us like family.

While in Lao Chai, I worked with so many amazing people and witnessed how hard they worked everyday to make a living. Ms. Sao and Ms. Di are two local batik artists who run workshops in their handicraft shops just off of the main road that travels through the village.  I had the pleasure of working with them to further refine their workshops and find ways to advertise to the tourists. It was surprising how much we were able to communicate to each other without speaking the same language. These interactions showed me how powerful body language can be and how it can often be more effective because the meaning of words vary so much from culture to culture.

Working on the batik product also gave me a chance to see how strong the bonds of community are in the village. On the last CBT Vietnam Trip in August 2013, Ms. Di was the only batik artist running workshops in Lao Chai. Since then she shared the knowledge and resources on how to run a workshop with Ms. Sao, again illustrating the strong sense of community this village has. Sharing this information was not seen as a threat to business but a growth of the whole village. The unquestionable generosity and compassion of the Hmong people opened my eyes to the self-centred attitude that I often see at home.  

When I think back to the CBT Vietnam trip, I am amazed at how much I have learnt, not only about community based tourism and Hmong culture but about how to be a better person. The Hmong people showed me how beneficial and important it is to enter every situation with an open mind and a smile. 

VNAT celebrates Viet Nam Tourism Day (July 9)

(TITC) - On 7 July 2014, Celebration of the 54th anniversary of Viet Nam Tourism Day (9 July 1960 – 9 July 2014) solemnly took place in Viet Xo Friendship Labour Cultural Palace in Ha Noi.

The celebration had the presence of leaders of VNAT, representatives of European Union Delegation (EU), Environmentally and Socially Responsible Tourism Capacity Development Program funded by EU (ESRT), representatives of relevant Ministries and Departments; VNAT’s officers and staffs; more than 300 students of tourism universities & colleges in Ha Noi, and media agencies.

Speaking at the celebration, VNAT’s General Director Nguyen Van Tuan affirmed Viet Nam Tourism has played an important role in the national economy and effectively contributed to further promote Viet Nam’s image to the world.

On this occasion, VNAT launched domestic tourism demand stimulation program which focuses on fostering domestic tourism growth in mountainous, coastal, and island areas; encouraging oversea Vietnamese to travel hometown; introducing hospitable and friendly Vietnamese people. The program will be implemented nationwide to maintain continuous growth of the tourism industry which aims to contribute to developing economy, eliminating hunger and reducing poverty.

Within the framework of the celebration, over 300 students took part in a cycling parade program on main streets in Ha Noi capital in order to propagandize and encourage community to travel exploring their beloved country.

Source: vietnamtourism.gov.vn

Vinh Long takes efforts to lure more tourists

The tourism sector of Mekong Delta Vinh Long province has promoted its historical and cultural relic sites and traditional villages along with its strength of eco-tourism in an effort to lure more tourists.

Vinh Long is home to over 450 relics, including 10 national-level and 34 provincial-level ones. Over the past six months, the sites attracted nearly 220,000 visitors.

Luu Hoang Minh, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s Information and Tourism Promotion Centre, said the provincial tourism authority has updated information and knowledge on historical and cultural sites for its guides, thus providing better services for visitors.

The centre in collaboration with universities, colleges and relevant agencies has held courses on professional skills for them, Minh added.

In 2014, the industry targets to welcome 950,000 tourists, including about 200,000 foreigners, and rake in 210 billion VND (9.8 million USD) in revenues.

Located between two major rivers of Tien Giang and Hau Giang, Vinh Long province is known for orchards green all year round and the cannel system which facilitates waterborne travel.

Source: vietnamtourism.gov.vn

I Need to Get My Name on that Book!

Even though technology has left its mark on most households, nature still rules in the village of Ta Phin. There is a story behind every custom and tradition. Dao people have learned from their parents how things should be done, and for most parts those rules still apply to their lifestyles today.

Nights in the village begin early at dusk as families gather around the fire to cook dinner. Although women run the kitchen, in all the families that I stayed with, men had an active part in preparing the food; from preparing the meat to setting the table, pouring the rice wine and entertaining the guests.

Dao kitchens are part of a big open area in the house where everyone gathers upon entering. There are usually two stoves in the kitchen; one for cooking and one for preparing the herbs for the herbal bath. Dao women cook one dish at a time on the cooking stove, and they use the same pot to prepare all the dishes. Considering that there are usually five to ten different dish prepared for every meal, preparing dinner can take up to an hour. They set the table and where everything is ready, you are invited to eat.

Dinner table at a Dao Home stay

I stayed with Chao Ta May and her family on my second night in Ta Phin during the recent CBT Vietnam Project trip to SaPa. At night we all gathered around the fire as she welcomed us with a bowl of fries; a very unique fried potato dish with garlic and salt or sugar! A much needed appetizer while we were waiting for the actual meal.

Chao Ta May’s son had recently got married and was living with his new bride at the same house. As Chao Ta May was preparing the dinner, I asked her about the wedding customs of Dao people.  

“We found her in the book” she replied with a smile. It took me a while to figure out that this ‘book’ was actually a record of available girls in the neighborhood villages and was made by a matchmaker. “I picked her. We sent her family two silver bracelets and waited to see if they would accept them” she eagerly continued. “Then we sent the chicken”. “The chicken?!” I asked spuriously. “Yes! 10kg exactly, and we waited again. When they accepted it, we sent the 70kg pig”. She explained that these numbers were important because the bride’s family had to invite certain people in the process and needed to feed them. “Things have changed!” she continued. “When I was getting married I had no way of seeing or contacting my future husband until the wedding day. He was in another village! Nowadays kids contact each other before the marriage. My son and his wife had sent each other pictures by phone and were talking for a while” she continued with a smile. “When all the decisions are made, the bride should start making her dress. It takes her one year to finish the dress” she said that with a smile! She must have been thinking about her own dress.

As Chao Ta May was sharing this with us, I couldn't help but thinking about the traditional weddings and arranged marriages. If it was not for the match makers and the ‘books’, have these young boys and girls who live miles away in different villages ever had a chance to meet? After all, there seems to be a place and time for everything, even for an arranged marriage and that is in Ta Phin and among Dao people. As for the book, I am on one already; it is called Facebook, so where is my chicken!? 

Black Hmong: Ma's story

It's been a few weeks since I returned from Vietnam and found that I was missing Vietnam’s culture and nature, but mostly it was the connections with the people. While sorting through my pictures, I was back with the Hmong and remembered learning a lot from this minority group while staying with a young Hmong woman named Ma.

Ma a trekking guide for the FAM trip

Ma is a trekking guide and has just started a homestay in Lao Chai. During our first introduction, she invited me to stay with her and was very eager to get to know me. During our time in Lao Chai I spent a night at her place and was amazed by her great English skills and her sense of humour. Ma is only two years younger than me and although we are from very different countries and cultures I realized that we both share similar values.

Family is an important aspect of my culture as well as for the Hmong. Ma believes in family bonding and support for one another. In Hmong culture the whole family works together whether it's building a home or planting rice. Ma stayed with her family-in-law for three years while everyone helped build her new home. I was impressed with this cultural behaviour since it would be uncommon to find this level of support from people in my culture.

Ma’s house and rice field

I have worked many summers on various farms and developed an appreciation for nature. The Hmong people also value their natural surroundings for its diversity and balance. Ma thinks that letting her children play outside is good for them. It allows kids to experience danger themselves and have a better understanding of their environments. In addition, since Ma is also a farmer, nature becomes a necessity, she learned to respect the land at a very young age.

Another value Ma and I share is our open-mindedness. We are both curious about each other’s culture and we appreciate each other’s differences. Ma questioned me a lot about my life back home, especially about my diet and my family. During our goodbyes, she once again amused me when she spontaneously told me that I should have children soon while my body is still young. I laughed, but quickly felt sad to realize that I will deeply miss my new friend.

Ma and I before trekking the Muong Hua Valley

Working and living with the Hmong showed me how welcoming certain culture may be. Ma and many others have a generosity I have never seen and experienced before. Reflecting on the trip and our shared values I feel I have a better appreciation for simplicity and try to find happiness in the smallest things. Amongst this community, I have learned to be more respectful, attentive and patient with one another.

I would like to thank Capilano University, CBT Vietnam, PATA, and everyone that made this project possible. Without everyone’s initiative and hard work, I would not have the opportunity to meet inspiring and unforgettable people, such as Ma.

Marketing the Market

Imagine walking through a market in another country. As a tourist, we tend to just browse through the selection and ignore the people trying to sell to us, afraid that if we talk to them we'll have to buy something. Usually the most important task will be trying to get a product for the cheapest price.

Reviewing ideas for merchandising

This last month I, along with Sabrina, were blessed to work in TaPhinwith the Red Dao women. This formalized market was recently completed and we were given the opportunity to discover new ways to bring the market alive to attract more tourists. Our work began before we arrived as we took photos of local Vancouver markets to illustrate various ways of merchandising and cooperating.  We had so many ideas running through our heads and wanted to be sure that tourists could feel comfortable in browsing the market AND talking with the locals.

We spent six days meeting and working with the market sellers in both group and one-on-one sessions. I felt that we only scratched the surface of the Red Dao culture and development of a successful market.

Sabrina dressed in traditional Red Dao garments

During our discussion of culture, we generated ideas for improved tourist experiences. We helped the women display their booths in appealing ways, such as creating bamboo hangers in order to display the handicrafts and clothing. For product diversification, we helped each woman see the benefits of placing their differentiating products at the front of their booth, instead of featuring the same products as their neighbour. We expect to see in the near future, as high season approaches, booths filled with teas, fruit and vegetables, and herbal bath products. 

Discussing ideas

Through our discussions, the women began to think of new ways to manage street selling and the hassling of tourists. The most difficult task moving forward is keeping the market full. Many of the women cannot come to sell every day due to other responsibilities in the fields. Also, there are many women who prefer to sell on the streets because this is the way it has always been done. We hope that our efforts and cooperation with the Red Dao women and local government will create a more sustainable and beneficial tourism product for the people of TaPhin. 

The relationships we developed, in such a short time, have impacted our lives in numerous ways. I have already made a promise to myself that I will come back someday. The women have told us that the time we spend to get to know them is very special, as many of the tourists treat them as if they do not exist. 

With Ta May

One of the relationships I created on this trip was with Ta May. I will be working closely with her over the next month because she has taken on a huge responsibility. Ta May told us as we were leaving that she wants to be in charge of the market. She will work each day with the Red Dao women to keep the ideas flowing, in hopes that one day they will be able to stop street selling and have a thriving market. 

The development of a relationship is a two way street. If these women are taking the time to learn how to interact with tourists in a polite and enjoyable way, it is important for tourists to take the time to sit down and talk. If tourists take the time to get to know locals during their travels, they will have a more memorable experience.

I thank Capilano University, the PATA Foundation and our partner in Vietnam Hanoi Open University for the most amazing experience and opportunities.