LANG SON: Community-based tourism and adventure sports are transforming Huu Lien Commune in Lang Son into one of the region’s most dynamic and sustainable destinations.
Lang Son has, in recent years, emerged as a compelling destination for both domestic and international travellers.
Its blend of cultural exploration and outdoor adventure, from visiting ethnic villages and learning traditional crafts to trekking, camping and rock climbing, has given the province a distinctive appeal and created memorable experiences for visitors.
Huu Lien Commune is one of the area’s rising stars. Its community-based tourism model, which pairs authentic cultural encounters with adventure sports, has not only enriched the visitor experience but also generated sustainable livelihoods for local residents.
The commune was recently honoured with two Asean Tourism Awards 2025: the Asean Community-Based Tourism Award for the Huu Lien tourism site and the Asean Homestay Award for the Yen Thinh Homestay Cluster.
These accolades highlight its cultural and natural strengths and have boosted its visibility across the region.
Tourism transforming rural livelihoods
Community tourism has opened new development pathways for families in Hữu Liên. For many, it marks a shift from strenuous agricultural work to more stable and less physically demanding income streams.
Vi Thi Anh, a Tay ethnic resident and owner of the second Green Forest Homestay, has been hosting guests for four years.
“Life has improved a lot,” she said. “Farming often required eight to 10 hours of hard labour. Running a homestay is easier, and the income is more reliable.”
Her homestay draws steady numbers of domestic and foreign visitors. Many enjoy hands-on cultural activities such as making pumpkin cakes, wormwood cakes and purple sticky-rice cakes – experiences that, Anh notes, help keep local food traditions alive.
Leo Thu Phuong, owner of the first Green Forest Homestay branch, faced similar early challenges, such as limited experience, unfamiliarity among travellers and a slow start in attracting visitors.
As local authorities stepped up promotional efforts, her homestay gained wider recognition.
“Tourism has created opportunities for many households,” she said. “We support each other, sharing guests, supplying food and ensuring visitors have a genuine local experience. Most ingredients come directly from villages, which guarantees freshness while generating extra income for the community.”
One of the commune’s earliest homestay hosts, Ngo At Mao of Mao Homestay, has seen first-hand how tourism stimulates the local economy.
Agricultural products, especially rice, custard apples and seasonal fruits, now sell more easily and at higher value.
His homestay preserves the rustic charm of a traditional Tay stilt house, while offering clean, comfortable rooms and locally sourced meals.
“Visitors enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, the hospitality and the chance to join activities like trekking, climbing and camping,” he shared. “Most of our guests are foreigners, and they appreciate that we still maintain the authenticity of the traditional house.”
Travellers’ reactions reflect the commune’s growing appeal.
American guests have praised the welcoming atmosphere, beautiful scenery, friendly villagers and flavourful meals. Many valued the freshness of ingredients sourced from local markets or gardens, dishes they had never tasted before.
Traditional specialties of Lang Son, including roast pork, roast duck, grilled pork rolls, smoked sausages, herbal rice wine and a range of distinctive cakes, further enhance the experience.
Cultural exchanges play a vital role in strengthening bonds between hosts and guests.
Visitors can enjoy performances such as Pao Dung singing of the Dao community, as well as Xoan singing, and Then singing accompanied by dan tinh, all contributing to a more immersive journey.
Adventure tourism takes centre stage
Huu Lien has also become a magnet for adventure seekers.
Its rugged landscape, particularly its high-quality limestone cliffs, makes it ideal for sport climbing.
VietClimb, a pioneering climbing organisation, began developing routes in Yen Thinh in 2016 after surveying locations across the country. Huu Lien’s limestone proved to be among the best for installing climbing bolts, prompting the company to partner with local residents to provide accommodation, food services and technical support for climbers.
The adventure offering has since become one of the commune’s most distinctive tourism products.
Climbers, from beginners to seasoned athletes, describe the routes as thrilling, challenging and rewarding.
First-time climbers often speak of pushing past personal limits and gaining confidence.
VietClimb instructors emphasise the importance of good technique and mental calm, noting especially the need to rely on leg strength rather than overusing arms.
Nguyen Thi Thu Thao, from the provincial Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion Centre, said that before applying for the Asean awards, the centre launched promotional campaigns, developed online platforms and organised workshops to raise Huu Lien’s profile.
The awards, she added, have provided strong momentum for further tourism growth, helping the commune position adventure sports as a signature attraction distinct from other destinations.
Asean recognition and the road ahead
For homestay operators such as Ngo Ất Mao, the Asean award is a major milestone.
To maintain a high standard, he emphasises the need for family cooperation, complete legal documentation and rigorous adherence to core criteria on accommodation, dining spaces and sanitation.
Local hosts are also actively improving their English language and guest communication skills to better serve an increasingly international clientele.
Mao hopes to see greater investment in environmental protection, cultural preservation and local infrastructure. He also believes a shared promotional website for all homestays in Huu Lien would help present a unified image to potential visitors.
For operators like Leo Thu Phuong, the priority is to continue developing visitor experiences while safeguarding the commune’s cultural identity.
“We will keep improving our services, expanding experiential activities and enhancing guest comfort,” she said. “But preserving our traditions remains at the heart of community tourism.”
With strong community engagement, growing adventure offerings and international recognition, Huu Lien is emerging as a model for sustainable, culture-rich rural tourism, one that supports livelihoods while protecting the landscapes and traditions that make Lang Son unique. — Vietnam News
