Huu Lien Commune in Lang Son: A New Sustainable Tourism Success Story in Northern Vietnam

Published on December 3, 2025

One of the most sought out provinces for both local and global tourists is Lang Son in the north of Vietnam. For the past few years, the area has been changing due to the development of community participatory tourism and adventure tourism. Huu Lien Commune has emerged as one of the most vibrant and sustainable tourism centers in the area, as it is the most balanced location for tourists interested in culture and outdoor activities.

Huu Lien Commune: A Rising Star in Sustainable Tourism

Huu Lien Commune, nestled in Lang Son, has quickly gained recognition for its unique blend of community tourism and adventure sports. Its model, which integrates cultural immersion with outdoor activities, has not only enhanced the tourist experience but also created sustainable livelihoods for the local community. By focusing on authentic cultural exchanges and eco-friendly adventure options, the commune has positioned itself as a prime example of sustainable rural tourism.

The commune’s tourism offerings include visits to ethnic villages, learning traditional crafts, trekking, camping, and rock climbing. This combination has proven to be a major draw for visitors seeking both relaxation and adventure. Moreover, the community’s commitment to preserving local traditions while embracing modern tourism trends has greatly increased its appeal.

Acknowledging Huu Lien’s Achievements: ASEAN Recognition

The recent recognition of Huu Lien with two prestigious ASEAN Tourism Awards for 2025 has put the commune firmly on the tourism map. The Huu Lien tourism site won the ASEAN Community-Based Tourism Award, while the Yen Thinh Homestay Cluster received the ASEAN Homestay Award. These awards have not only highlighted the area’s cultural and natural strengths but also helped boost its visibility across the Southeast Asia region.

These accolades have provided a significant boost to the commune’s tourism sector, attracting more visitors and investors alike. The international recognition has proven that community-based tourism, when managed effectively, can drive both cultural preservation and economic growth.

Transforming Rural Livelihoods Through Tourism

For many residents of Huu Lien, community tourism has been a gateway to improved livelihoods. Tourism has created new job opportunities that are often more stable and less physically demanding than traditional agricultural work. Vi Thi Anh, a Tay ethnic resident and homestay owner, shared how her life has improved since she transitioned from farming to running a homestay.

“Life has improved a lot,” Anh said. “Farming often required eight to ten hours of hard labor. Running a homestay is easier, and the income is more reliable.” Anh’s Green Forest Homestay, one of the many in the commune, attracts both domestic and international visitors. Guests participate in cultural activities such as making traditional cakes, helping preserve local culinary traditions.

Similarly, Leo Thu Phuong, another homestay owner, emphasized how tourism has brought the community together. “Tourism has created opportunities for many households,” she explained. “We support each other, sharing guests, supplying food, and ensuring visitors have a genuine local experience.” Phuong’s homestay also sources ingredients directly from the local villages, ensuring freshness and generating extra income for residents.

Revitalizing Local Economy Through Tourism

The growth of tourism has had a profound impact on the local economy, particularly for farmers. Products like rice, custard apples, and seasonal fruits are now sold more easily and at higher prices, thanks to increased demand from tourists. Ngo At Mao, a veteran homestay host in the commune, has seen firsthand how tourism has stimulated the local economy.

Mao, who runs a homestay in a traditional Tay stilt house, commented on the added value that tourism has brought to his products. “Visitors enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, the hospitality, and the chance to join activities like trekking, climbing, and camping,” Mao said. His homestay has attracted a steady stream of foreign tourists, who appreciate the authenticity of the experience.

American guests have particularly praised the commune’s warm hospitality, breathtaking scenery, and delicious local meals. Traditional dishes such as roast pork, grilled pork rolls, and herbal rice wine have become favorites among travelers, contributing to the cultural richness of the experience.

Adventure Tourism: A Thrilling New Attraction

Huu Lien is increasingly recognized for its adventure tourism offerings, which include rock climbing, trekking, and camping. The region’s rugged terrain, with high-quality limestone cliffs, has made it an ideal destination for sport climbing. VietClimb, a pioneering climbing organization, has played a key role in developing climbing routes in the area since 2016. The company partnered with local residents to provide accommodation, food services, and technical support for climbers.

The adventure tourism scene in Huu Lien has become one of the commune’s most popular attractions. Climbers of all levels—beginners and seasoned athletes alike—have praised the routes for their thrill and challenge. First-time climbers often report a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence after completing their climbs, adding to the commune’s growing reputation as a top-tier adventure destination.

Moving Forward: Expanding and Improving Community Tourism

While the ASEAN awards have provided significant momentum for Huu Lien’s tourism industry, local hosts remain committed to improving their services and infrastructure. Operators like Ngo At Mao are focused on maintaining high standards in hospitality by ensuring proper legal documentation, food safety, and guest comfort. Mao also hopes to see more investment in environmental protection and cultural preservation.

Furthermore, there is a push to enhance community cooperation through shared promotional efforts. Mao suggests creating a unified promotional website for all homestays in the commune, which would help present a cohesive image to potential visitors. By working together, homestay operators aim to ensure that Huu Lien remains a sustainable and thriving destination for years to come.

For homestay owners like Leo Thu Phuong, the focus is on expanding experiential activities while preserving 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.”

A Model for Sustainable Tourism

Huu Lien is becoming a prime example of sustainable rural tourism due to its strong community involvement, diverse cultural history, and increasing interest in adventure tourism. The commune is exceptional in demonstrating how community-based tourism can economically benefit the local community, while simultaneously preserving the culture and the natural environment. Huu Lien is the example of how the sustainable tourism can enhance the rural community in terms of economic welfare and cultural heritage preservation in the northern Vietnam, and the region is highly diverse.