Community-based tourism in Vietnam: Authentic village experiences for international travelers

Vietnam is increasingly recognized as a leading destination for community-based tourism (CBT),attracting international travelers who seek authentic cultural experiences rather than mass tourism. 

Vietnam’s diverse natural landscapes, unique customs and ways of life, along with its rich culinary culture, provide a strong foundation for the development of community-based tourism across the country.

At Dental Trip, we believe that a journey to Vietnam can go beyond healthcare or sightseeing. Community-based tourism allows travelers to slow down, engage with local communities, and experience the country in a more responsible and human-centered way.

What Is Community-based Tourism?

Community-based tourism (CBT) is a form of travel where local communities play a central role in planning, managing, and benefiting from tourism activities.

Visitors stay in locally owned accommodations, take part in daily activities, and learn directly from residents about their culture, traditions, and way of life.

CBT focuses on preserving local culture, protecting the natural environment, and ensuring that tourism brings fair and lasting economic benefits to local people.

In Vietnam, community-based tourism has developed strongly in ethnic villages and rural areas, where natural scenery, traditional lifestyles, unique customs, and rich local cuisine create ideal conditions for this model.

CBT helps ethnic minority communities improve their livelihoods while preserving cultural heritage and welcoming travelers in a responsible way.

Iconic community-based tourism villages in Vietnam

Vietnam boasts a remarkable array of community-based tourism villages, each offering a distinct window into the country's rich ethnic diversity and traditions.

These iconic destinations, ranging from the award-winning to emerging gems, provide foreign travelers with unique opportunities for authentic cultural immersion, direct engagement with local communities, and support for sustainable development and heritage preservation.

Embark on a captivating journey through Vietnam's breathtaking landscapes to discover these living museums, where ancient customs thrive and genuine connections are forged.

From the verdant valleys of Lang Son to the majestic mountains of Ha Giang and Lai Chau, these villages invite you to experience the heart and soul of Vietnam through its diverse ethnic communities.

Quynh Son community cultural tourism village

Located in Bac Son District, about 80 kilometers southwest of Lang Son City, Quynh Son is a community-based tourism village known for its beautiful natural scenery and distinctive Tay ethnic culture.

The village lies in a wide valley surrounded by limestone mountains and vast rice fields, creating a peaceful and authentic rural atmosphere.

A defining feature of Quynh Son is its traditional stilt houses. Hundreds of wooden houses share a uniform architectural style and face the same direction, reflecting the Tay people’s cultural beliefs and the strong sense of harmony within the community.

Experiences in Quynh Son Village

When visiting Quynh Son, travelers have the opportunity to explore the unique cultural heritage of the Tay ethnic group.

Guests can listen to traditional Then folk songs, watch performances with the Tinh lute, and learn more about cultural practices that have been preserved for generations.

Local cuisine is another highlight of the experience. Visitors can enjoy a variety of traditional Tay dishes such as roasted pork, Tay-style banh chung, banh ngai made from mugwort leaves, and khau nhuc, a richly flavored slow-cooked pork dish.

During the day, travelers can walk or cycle around the village, admire golden rice fields stretching across the valley, or take part in farming activities like rice harvesting. These experiences offer a deeper connection to rural life and local traditions.

In the evening, Quynh Son offers a memorable cultural atmosphere.

Visitors can gather around a campfire, observe the star-filled sky, and listen to traditional Then singing performed by local villagers, creating a warm and meaningful community-based tourism experience.

Thai Hai Community-based Tourism Village, Thai Nguyen

Thai Hai is internationally recognized as one of the World’s Best Tourism Villages in 2022. It is a meaningful destination for travelers who are interested in ethnic cultures and sustainable ways of travel rather than conventional sightseeing.

Set within a vast green area of nearly seventy hectares, Thai Hai offers a calm and refreshing environment where nature and culture are closely intertwined.

At the heart of the village are thirty traditional stilt houses that have been preserved through generations. These houses are not museum exhibits but living spaces where local families continue their daily routines.

The image of residents dressed in indigo-dyed clothing, living a gentle and community-oriented lifestyle, creates a cultural atmosphere that feels sincere and deeply rooted.

Experiences in Thai Hai Village

Travelers visiting Thai Hai can immerse themselves in cultural spaces that recreate important moments in Tay ethnic life, including traditional festivals and daily rituals.

These experiences provide insight into spiritual values, family structures, and community bonds.

Visitors to Thai Hai can take part in a variety of cultural and daily-life experiences.

These include exploring a space that recreates traditional Tay New Year celebrations, enjoying herbal foot soaking services, and joining agricultural work or everyday activities alongside local residents.

Cultural immersion is deepened through Then singing and the lively melodies of the Tinh lute.

Guests also have the opportunity to prepare traditional co en for festive occasions, make five-colored lucky cords for good fortune, and craft qua con used in traditional festivals.

Ban Lien Community-Based Tourism village

Ban Lien is a community tourism village with a rich cultural heritage that is closely reflected in everyday life.

Traditional stilt houses built with natural materials, long-standing customs, and village festivals all contribute to a strong sense of identity.

Along with local culinary traditions and community activities, these elements create a distinctive atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression on visitors and often inspires them to return.

Experiences in Ban Lien Village

Visitors to Ban Lien can take part in hands-on experiences alongside local residents. Activities include tea picking on hillside plantations, catching fish in mountain streams, and preparing traditional dishes together with host families.

These simple yet meaningful moments allow travelers to connect closely with local life and better understand the rhythms of the community.

Hua Tat Village

Located along National Highway 6, about fifteen kilometers from the Moc Chau plateau, Hua Tat is a peaceful Hmong village in Van Ho District, Son La Province.

In recent years, Hua Tat has become a popular community-based tourism destination, featuring modern and uniquely designed homestays that blend well with the traditional culture of the Hmong people in Vietnam’s northwest highlands.

Experiences in Hua Tat Village

Visitors can take part in cultural activities such as making traditional Do paper, practicing beeswax batik on fabric, preparing glutinous rice cakes, and joining various traditional folk games.

Sin Suoi Ho Village

Located in Phong Tho District, Lai Chau Province, Sin Suoi Ho is a highland Hmong village situated more than one thousand meters above sea level.

The village is known for its cool climate, clean environment, and strong community-based tourism model developed and managed by local residents.

Sin Suoi Ho offers a peaceful atmosphere and well-organized village space, making it an attractive destination for travelers seeking authentic cultural and nature-based experiences in northern Vietnam.

Experiences in Sin Suoi Ho Village

Visitors can take part in activities such as exploring the village on foot, experiencing traditional Hmong daily life, enjoying herbal baths made from forest plants, learning handicraft techniques, and participating in agricultural activities alongside local families

Best time to experience community-based tourism in Vietnam

Vietnam’s diverse geography means the best time for community-based tourism depends on the region you visit.

Choosing the right season helps travelers enjoy local life, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences more comfortably.

Northern Vietnam seasons

Best time: September - November and March - May. Northern Vietnam has four distinct seasons, making timing especially important for community-based tourism. 

• Autumn offers cool, dry weather and stunning rice terraces in places like Sapa, Mai Chau, and Pu Luong. 
• Spring brings mild temperatures and blooming landscapes, ideal for village walks and farming experiences. 
• Winter can be cold in mountainous areas, while summer is hot and rainy but shows lush rural scenery.

Central highlands climate

Best time: November - April. The Central Highlands have a dry and a rainy season, which strongly affects travel conditions. 

• During the dry season, roads are more accessible and visitors can comfortably join farming, coffee harvesting, and cultural activities. 
• The rainy season brings greener landscapes but may limit outdoor experiences.

Southern Vietnam

Best time: December - April. Southern Vietnam has warm weather year-round, making community-based tourism possible in most months. 

• The dry season is ideal for homestays, cycling through villages, and exploring river life in the Mekong Delta. 
• In the rainy season, short showers create a quieter and more authentic local experience.

How to book community-based tourism experiences in Vietnam

Community-based tourism in Vietnam can be booked in several ways. Choosing the right option helps ensure ethical, authentic, and meaningful experiences.

Book through local tour operators

• Local tour operators often work directly with communities and provide guided cultural experiences.
• This option is suitable for first-time visitors who want language support and structured itineraries.

Book directly with communities or homestays

• Some villages and homestays accept direct bookings through websites or social media.
• This option allows closer interaction but requires careful research from travelers.

Community-based tourism in Vietnam offers travelers more than just a trip. It creates meaningful connections with local people, cultures, and traditions.

By staying in villages, sharing daily life, and participating in authentic activities, visitors gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam beyond famous landmarks.