Home » TRAVEL EVENT NEWS » One Day As A Farmer Experience In Lao Cai Secures Livelihoods And Culture In The Highlands Of Northern Vietnam Published on
November 16, 2025A pioneering rural tourism paradigm within the northern region of Lao Cai Province has been successfully established, actively drawing a substantial number of domestic and international visitors while concurrently forging new, sustainable economic opportunities for the local highland communities. The strategic implementation of this model has yielded significant advancements in regional development. The captivating natural landscape, characterized by a lush green valley, forms the setting for the noteworthy Ban Lien Commune. This area is distinctly recognized by its traditional Tay stilt houses, which are picturesquely situated adjacent to expansive terraced fields and the ethereal, misty slopes where the famous Shan Tuyet tea is cultivated.The Heart of the Experience: Ban Lien CommuneThe architectural heritage of the area is meticulously maintained, serving as a powerful magnet for cultural immersion. The characteristic Tay stilt houses are kept in their original, traditional form, offering guests a glimpse into the enduring lifestyle of the highland people. It is understood that tourists are arriving not merely for passive relaxation; a much deeper engagement is being sought. The perspective was communicated by Vang A Binh, the owner of Binh Ban Lien Homestay, that guests are motivated to immerse themselves in the local routine, desiring to become actual farmers, if only for a single day. Specific activities such as the specialized task of tea picking, the tranquil pursuit of stream fishing, the preparation of food using a wood-fired apparatus, and the intricate skill of basket weaving are consistently cited as the foremost attractions.Advertisement The Immersive “One Day as a Farmer” ProgramThe distinct appeal of the rural tourism model is rooted in the active participation afforded to visitors. Beyond simple leisure, guests are actively invited to synchronize their activities with the essential rhythms of farm life. The process begins with the foundational agricultural tasks, such as ploughing fields or engaging in the annual harvest of maize. A particularly esteemed activity is the precise work of picking the coveted Shan Tuyet tea leaves, a product highly valued for its quality and unique flavor profile. Furthermore, the specialized skills of weaving brocade and preparing signature regional dishes are being taught. These culinary offerings typically include locally sourced delicacies such as grilled hill chicken, indigenous forest greens, and the flavorful roasted stream fish, each dish serving as a testament to the region’s rich biodiversity and culinary heritage.Economic Empowerment and Cultural PreservationThe establishment of this community-led model has demonstrated that significant economic prosperity can be generated while upholding deep-rooted cultural values. These comprehensive initiatives are effectively boosting household incomes through several channels, including the pro …
