CultureKeepers

Ha Giang is a secluded province located in the northeastern region of Vietnam, stretching along a 270 km border with Southern China. Dubbed as Vietnam's last uncharted territory, Ha Giang offers a unique blend of remote natural beauty and cultural richness.

Ha Giang is a culturally rich province that is inhabited by over 22 distinct ethnic minority groups, each with their own unique customs and traditions. These groups form the fabric of Ha Giang's cultural tapestry and offer a unique window into the diverse heritage of the region.

Ha Giang boasts some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Vietnam, including towering mountains, pristine valleys, and authentic villages that paint a picture-perfect backdrop. These awe-inspiring landscapes are what make Ha Giang a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

However, there are few problems existing in the area: 21% poverty in the province in 2010, income’s dependent on solely agriculture, no proper education so unemployment rate is very high.

Ha Giang has become a popular tourist destination since opening its doors to visitors in 2010. Tourists from all over the world come to marvel at its stunning landscapes, immerse themselves in the local culture, and gain a deeper understanding of the lives of the people who call Ha Giang home.

YESD social enterprise wanted to develop the province’s tourism in a way that not destroy its essence in the future and bring more benefits to the local communities, at the same time, preserve its people’s culture and traditions.

YESD social enterprise wanted to develop the province’s tourism in a way that not destroy its essence in the future and bring more benefits to the local communities, at the same time, preserve its people’s culture and traditions.

With that mission, YESD introduced the concept of responsible tourism to the villagers and persuaded them to join their training courses.

The residents of Tha village underwent training on how to establish and operate a homestay, allowing them to participate in the growing tourism industry and benefit from the economic opportunities it provides. This initiative helps to empower the local community and preserve the unique cultural heritage of the region. Let's spread the word and give recognition to their efforts.

The residents of Tha village also received training on how to become local tour guides, allowing them to further engage with tourists and share their knowledge and culture with the world.

The residents of Tha village have seen a significant improvement in their English proficiency, thanks to the dedicated training provided by YESD. This improvement in language skills has enabled them to better communicate with tourists, fostering greater cultural exchange and understanding. Let's acknowledge the hard work put in by both the local community and YESD to make this possible.

After the training program, YESD has been successful in promoting tour packages to attract foreign tourists to the area, thereby creating employment opportunities for the trained residents. These residents are now able to apply what they have learned to generate income and improve their standard of living. Moreover, YESD has taken a proactive approach to preserving the culture of the area by ensuring that everyone in the community benefits from the influx of tourism. This is achieved by allocating a portion of the revenue generated from each tour (in the form of $2 per person) to a community fund. This approach helps to mitigate social conflict, promote a sense of inclusivity, and ensure that everyone feels that they are benefiting from the growth of the local tourism industry.

YESD's activities support the achievement of three Sustainable Development Goals, specifically, ending poverty (SDG 1), creating sustainable communities (SDG 11), and promoting responsible consumption and production (SDG 12).