Ta Lai community-based tourism – Where culture and nature intersect
(TITC) – Located in the buffer zone of Cat Tien National Park, Ta Lai commune (Tan Phu district, Dong Nai province) possesses wild beauty and unique ethnic cultural identity.
Only about 3 hours drive from Bien Hoa city and Ho Chi Minh city, Ta Lai is an ideal destination for those who want to explore the peace and relaxation of nature, while learning about the traditional cultural values of the Ma and X’Tieng ethnic communities.
The community-based tourism model in Ta Lai is currently developing strongly with the highlight of the traditional long house of the Ma people, where visitors can experience the real life of the local community, learn about traditional crafts such as brocade weaving, basket weaving, and natural dyeing from nature plants.
Ta Lai Ecolodge, the first homestay in Ta Lai village, officially opened in March 2024. This is an ideal stopover for those who want to combine tourism and experience local life.
With a convenient location, next to Cat Tien National Park and Ta Lai fields, Ta Lai Ecolodge has a friendly accommodation space, close to nature. Here, visitors can participate in interesting activities such as rowing, mountain biking, camping in the fields, or even join brocade weaving and basket weaving classes with the villagers.
Ms. Ka Tuyen – a native of Ta Lai village and founder of Ta Lai Ecolodge, said: “I witnessed many difficulties in my village and I do not want these cultural values to disappear. That is why I am determined to create a sustainable tourism project, helping the community develop, while preserving and promoting the unique cultural values of the local people.”
Ta Lai Ecolodge aims to build a sustainable tourism model where local culture is respected and preserved, while bringing economic benefits to the community. This project has implemented sustainable development criteria according to United Nations standards, especially in the areas of poverty eradication, education, gender equality and environmental protection.
In addition to creating jobs for local people, especially women, the project also opens up learning and skill-building opportunities, helping local people to communicate better with tourists through English and local language classes.
Every trip to Ta Lai is an interesting experience of nature, an opportunity to contribute to the preservation of traditional crafts and cultural values of the local community.
Tourism Information Technology Center
