Introducing Da Bac

Da Bac district is located in Hoa Binh Province, just two and half hours’ drive west of Hanoi. Unspoiled by mass-tourism and with stunning mountain views and calm waterways, it’s an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of Hanoi. Da Bac district is still relatively untouched by the outside world and is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. The area is best described as the “in-land Halong Bay”. Visitors that have been lucky enough to visit Da Bac have fallen in love with its beauty and the kindness of the local people.

Da Bac CBT is made up of three villages, each one home to a different ethnic group (Dao Tien, Muong, and Muong Ao Ta). During their stay, guests can experience traditional dance and music performances, and learn about each group’s culture from their local guides.

Da Bac Community-based Tourism (CBT) is excited to host you on your trip to Da Bac district, Hoa Binh. This cultural experience has been designed to highlight the best of what the north-west of Vietnam has to offer! This tour will also provide you with an opportunity to learn about the development work that we do, and for you to make an important contribution to the local communities in the area.

On this trip, you’ll have an authentic cultural experience, enjoying delicious local food, staying overnight in a traditional stilt house and talking with the local people. In the evenings you’ll get to hear folk songs, see traditional dances and try some of the special local wine. You’ll also trek through bamboo forests, and past isolated villages. To learn more about the project’s livelihood models you’ll visit the local school and talk to local producers. There are also many opportunities to take part in outdoor activities, including biking, rafting, and kayaking on the largest man-made reservoir in Vietnam.

Your trip to Da Bac will be filled with amazing memories!

Da Bac CBT Joint Stock Company

1 . DA BAC CBT PROJECT

Action on Poverty (AOP) has been helping to develop com m unity-based tourism (CBT) in Da Bac district, Hoa Binh province since 2014 Volunteer AOP saw an Program opportunity to im prove livelihoods in Da Bac,one of the poorest parts December 2017 of Vietnam ,through capacity building and  interest-free loans that give people an opportunity to establish and grow their own businesses.The initial project ran for three years and helped members of the community establish homestays,improve their  hospitality skills,become trained guides,set up ancillary  businesses,and more.It was a huge success, attracting many domestic and international tourists,with a percentage of profits going towards other projects that benefit the entire community.

2 . DA BAC CBT JSC

After three years working in Da Bac to establish professionally run homestays and other products and services,AO P recognised that there was still a need for ongoing marketing and community support. In February 2017, Action on Poverty set up the Da Bac CBT Joint Stock Company (JSC ).It is now in the process of becoming a social enterprise.

3. OUR AIM

The ultimate aim of JSC is to create a sustainable and self-reliant future for the Da Bac community JSC helps to fillgaps in business and managem ent skills until local people from Da Bac can step into these roles.The team is focused on helping the community to improve their service quality, promoting Da Bac through tourism marketing campaigns,form ingpartnerships with tourism operators and agents, and ensuring the whole community sees the benefits of tourism

4. ACHIEVEMENTS

The Da Bac CBT JSC has already enjoyed many successes,forming strategic partnerships with Peak DMC (Intrepid Travel), Dream & Do Learning, Exo Travel,and The Learning Project. At least 3,000 tourists will visit and stay in Da Bac in 2018 as a result of the Peak DMC partnership alone.JSC has also facilitated workshops, study tours and community groups in Da Bac to build the com m unity’s capacity and help residents play an active role in decision-making processes.

5.THE FUTURE

As the JSC transitions to become a social enterprise, we look forward to the continued success of Da Bac CBT as a force for sustainable incomes and improved livelihoods. The Da Bac CBT JSC and the Da Bac community welcome you to this stunning location in Vietnam .We hope you have an unforgettable visit!