Despite its distance far beyond Viet Nam’s beaten tourist paths, Con Cuong District in western Nghe An Province has experienced positive changes from community-based tourism (CBT). The area’s experience has convinced local leaders of CBT’s ability to not only strengthen local economies, but also help to preserve traditional cultural values.
What makes Con Cuong such a below-the-radar draw for tourists? The primeval jungle that covers the area is certainly a major attraction – the forest cover shelters a rich collection of plants and animals, and reveals natural creeks and majestic waterfalls to active tourists.
In 2023, the district welcomed over 28,000 visitors, generating 6.2 trillion VND in tourism revenue—a significant achievement for an area still new to CBT. Tourists come to enjoy the homestays in Xieng and Khe Ran villages, as well as the many natural attractions of Pu Mat National Park, among others.
Villages such as Khe Ran, Nua, Pha, and Xieng have seen a growth in local jobs, improvements in family incomes, and even a renewed interest in traditional activities like folk performances, handicrafts, and local cuisine.
What can you expect when visiting Con Cuong? Here’s a short rundown.
Xieng Village: Brocade Beauties
Xieng Village in Mon Son Commune is a model for sustainable tourism, where visitors can experience the everyday life of the Tai Dam ethnic minority.
The village offers several homestay options in traditional stilt houses, providing an opening to engage with local families and participate in daily routines – enjoying ethnic Tai Dam dishes, and observing traditional performances like folk songs and dances. By the time you’re done, you’ll be almost as Tai Dam as the locals!
Additionally, Xieng Village is known for its brocade weaving, where local artisans produce intricate textiles from naturally-dyed yarn. Visitors can tour the weaving workshops, try their hand at weaving, and learn about this craft’s significance in Tai Dam culture.
Image courtesy of Tourism Nghe An
Khe Ran Village: Homestays and delicious local food
Five homestays in Khe Ran Village, Bong Khe Commune lie at the heart of local community-based tourism: Since starting this initiative in 2017, Khe Ran has attracted tourists who are interested in experiencing the simplicity of Tai Dam village life.
Visitors can stay at traditional Tai Dam stilt houses, and enjoy basic but comfortable accommodations. They’ll also enjoy local folk music, dance performances, and traditional Tai Dam meals. A homestay experience, in fact, is an ideal venue from which to experience the distinct Tai Dam cuisine, which includes grilled meats, sticky rice, and unique regional dishes like buffalo horn-shaped cakes and mat fish.
Getting lost in nature at Pu Mat National Park
It won’t take long for homestay visitors at either village to reach Pu Mat National Park, a key attraction for nature enthusiasts visiting Con Cuong.
The park spans over 194,000 hectares and features a wide variety of animal and plant species, making it one of Vietnam’s most biologically diverse regions.
One of the park’s main highlights is Khe Kem Waterfall, which flows over a 500-meter drop and is surrounded by lush greenery. Visitors can also visit the Pu Mat Cultural and Natural Museum, where they can learn about the ethnic groups living in the area and their connection to the local environment.
For those looking to spend more time outdoors, the park offers additional activities such as canoeing on the Giang River, kayaking, or exploring the area’s trails.
Image courtesy of Tourism Nghe An
Why Con Cuong CBT matters
For a district like Con Cuong, where economic opportunities have traditionally been limited, the success of community-based tourism offers a promising path forward, giving travelers more than their money’s worth in authentic cultural and nature-based experiences.
With homestays in Xieng and Khe Ran villages, visitors can experience the everyday life of the Tai Dam people while enjoying local food and traditional performances. For those interested in nature, Pu Mat National Park provides an opportunity to explore one of Vietnam’s most ecologically rich areas.
Con Cuong’s community-based tourism allows visitors to support local communities while gaining a deeper understanding of the region’s culture and environment.
