Du Gia – An Alluring Stop in the Tuyen Quang Experience Journey

(TITC) – Located within the Dong Van Karst Plateau Global Geopark (Tuyen Quang Province), Du Gia Commune has been steadily capturing the hearts of travelers from both home and abroad. Often referred to as an “oasis” in the Karst Plateau, Du Gia stands out for its lush green cornfields and rice terraces, a striking contrast to the rugged, rocky landscapes typically associated with the region known as “living on stone, buried in stone.”

International visitors admire the scenery on the way to Du Gia. Photo: TITC

It takes about three hours from Ha Giang City to reach Du Gia, but the journey itself is a reward. The winding mountain roads, thrilling passes, and “M-shaped” curves surrounded by majestic limestone peaks and serene valleys dotted with ethnic villages make the ride an unforgettable adventure for motorbike enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Visitors check in at Du Gia Panorama Ecolodge. Photo: TITC

While well-known among backpackers and travel bloggers, Du Gia remains a hidden gem in mainstream media. Beyond its pristine scenery, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of ethnic groups such as the Mông, Dao, Tày, and Cao Lan. The Du Gia weekly market, held every Friday, bursts with colors of traditional brocade costumes and lively trade. Once a year, in the second week of March, locals celebrate the “Phông Lưu” love market, where young men and women from distant hamlets gather to meet friends and potential partners to the soulful sound of the khèn (bamboo flute).

International visitors often choose motorbikes as their means of transportation to Du Gia. Photo: TITC

Through these experiences, travelers can feel the rhythm of traditional life and the deep humanity embedded in local culture.

Alongside its unspoiled natural charm, community-based tourism has been developing strongly in Du Gia, becoming a distinctive highlight. Local residents have been trained and supported to shift from farming and livestock to tourism-related livelihoods, running homestays, restaurants, traditional music performances, mountain trekking, and village tours.

Du Gia Panorama Ecolodge. Photo: TITC

Currently, Coc Pang Hamlet alone has 26 homestay households, with 21 in active operation. Thanks to tourism, local living standards have improved significantly. Each homestay creates stable jobs for 3-5 residents, helping them earn an average monthly income of VND 7-9 million.

Mr. Nguyen Van Khuy, a Tày ethnic resident and owner of Du Gia Panorama Ecolodge, shared that he has been engaged in community tourism since 2020. His ecolodge offers communal and bungalow-style accommodations, local cuisine, and cultural exchange performances for visitors. “I’m planning to introduce herbal baths and foot-soaking services to diversify options for guests,” he said. “We also organize trekking tours and village walks. My business not only sustains my family but also creates jobs for others in the community.”

Visitors experience cultural exchange at Du Gia Panorama Ecolodge. Photo: TITC

Thanks to the growth of tourism, Du Gia has attracted more visitors, boosting household incomes while preserving local identity. Traditional Then singing and ethnic folk dances are now performed for tourists, helping sustain cultural heritage while fostering sustainable economic development.

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