In just a decade, Ha Giang has transformed from a little-known stop for a few thousand visitors into a dream destination for millions.

Across Vietnam, a transformative movement is quietly reshaping the landscape of local livelihoods, particularly in remote and mountainous areas as community-based tourism turns the rich traditional cultures and daily lives of ethnic groups into interesting attractions for foreign travelers.

Situated in the lower reaches of the Hau River and separated from the mainland, this area in Soc Trang province has been earmarked for community tourism development, high-end resort services, and as an attractive residential destination for both locals and visitors from other provinces. This is Cu Lao Dung district—a desirable place to live in the Mekong Delta.

Quang Ninh province is expanding its tourism focus to include community tourism, especially in mountainous areas, to diversify its offerings, attract more visitors, increase earnings, and improve local living standards.

A model of community-based tourism in Ngoc Hoi district, the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum, has been recognised by the provincial People’s Committee, and local authorities and residents expect it to serve as a boost to this kind of economic activities.

Less than 170 km from Hanoi, Van Ho district in the northern mountainous province of Son La is within the planning area of the Moc Chau national tourist site, boasting diverse natural landscapes and unique ethnic minority cultures. These are prerequisites for developing community-based tourism in association with preserving and promoting unique local cultural features and building new rural areas.

The Hanoi Department of Tourism said, the city welcomed more than 2 million visitors in May, including 316,000 foreign travelers. The figures saw increases of 6.4% and 200% times against the same period last year, respectively.

Starting on May 15, visitors to Hoi An ancient town in the central province of Quang Nam will be required to purchase entrance tickets to explore the Old Quarter and other destinations.

To improve the quality of tourism offerings on the Huong River and Tam Giang Lagoon, the central province of Thua Thien-Hue is conducting a project to upgrade seven piers connected to community tourism destinations.

Visitors to Son Tra peninsula in Da Nang city have a new and interesting check-in point after a mural street project opened recently.

About 160 km from Hanoi, Hoan Trung hamlet in Chien Thang commune, Bac Son district in the northern province of Lang Son has emerged as an attractive community-based tourist destination.

Con Son islet in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho has recently started offering community tourism.