Late night memories from Lao Chai

I can't believe we have been home from Vietnam for a week already! Saying "see you later" to Vietnam was sad, but I left the trip with so many special memories. There is one particular that keeps bringing a smile back to my face.

While in the village of Lao Chai, I got to spend the day helping the villagers prepare to meet tour operators in Hanoi with the CBT Team. Our training session was held at Ms. May's beautiful house. I was so impressed with how eager the women were to learn what Mia and I were teaching. Frequently, I thought back to moments when I was in the classroom at Capilano University, where it seemed as though none of my classmates were paying attention to the content that they had paid tuition to learn. This was not the case in Lao Chai! After each concept we covered about professionalism during business meetings, the women would burst into excited discussion. There was a keen interest from the villagers to learn  above and beyond what we had taught them already. Ms. Do (pronounced "z-uh") for example, was so excited about practicing her new English words that she asked if she could meet Mia and I later that evening to practice her pronunciation. We were more than happy to help! 

At the end of the day, we had the opportunity to stay overnight at Ms. Xung's home stay. Ms. Dq joined us after dinner so that we could help her go over some of the food vocabulary items she was struggling with. If I had been in Vancouver, I would have simply pulled up images on my computer to help her visualize the words she was saying. However, because we didn't have laptops or Internet available, I tried my best to draw examples of what we were talking about. Despite my lack of artistic skill, she seemed to understand and remember the words a lot better with the drawings. It was such a pleasure helping her practice new words! She was so happy to be learning something new that she almost lost track of time. We eventually had to call it a night because the next day we would be bringing the villagers to Hanoi.

As I head into my final semester of my Bachelor of Tourism Management at Capilano University, I will dearly remember that night with Ms. Dq.  Because of her passion for learning, I will take with me a renewed enthusiasm for my education. It's amazing how it can be taken for granted when you've been in school for a while. Teaching Ms. Dq was an excellent reminder to be appreciative of the opportunities that I have been given, and to push myself to keep learning.

 

Photo taken by Mia Chiappetta McCannel

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Ripple effect of tourism dollars in the Sapa communities

Community development and community support is the foundation of the CBT project. What started out as an idea to help get tourists to stay the night in a village has quickly developed into a trickle down effect that economically impacts more than just the homestay operators.

The project helps maintain critical capacity building momentum so that the benefits of increased tourist visitation are distributed widely in the villages and throughout the region.

During our most recent project trip this past August, the CBT team travelled to Tavan for lunch. This village is one of the original villages the CBT Vietnam project worked with from 2002 - 2007. Our host, Ms. Xoi, talked  about the economic impacts our lunch had on the village. 

Each portion of our meal was connected to the village through two or more people. The rippling of our economic activities from the homestay lunch was beneficial to many within the local / regional community. Her are just some of the examples Ms. Xoi highlighted: 

• A Giay woman down the street made the tofu that we ate, while another woman grew the soy beans to produce the tofu in Ta Van as well;
• The rice wine she bought from her sister, who does not own a homestay, but supplies many business owners with traditional rice wine for their guests;
• Another Giay person had butchered the meat we were eating which came from a family that raises pigs. Many of the pigs in the neighbourhood at the product of another family that studs out the male pigs throughout the village to all of the  people who have female pigs which creates an entire animal husbandry industry.
• Ms. Xoi grows most of her own vegetables but whatever she is unable to pick from her garden she purchase in the village at one of the family-owned markets. 

The UNWTO advocates for tourism's connectivity. “As so many different activities and inputs make up the tourism product, which has a large and diversified supply chain, spending by tourists can benefit a wide range of sectors such as agriculture, handicrafts, transport, and other services. Additional rounds of spending by those people whose income is supported by tourism spread the economic benefit further (the multiplier effect)” (STEP.UNWTO.ORG).

Prior to the enhanced development of homestays and community tourism products the guides and tour companies trucked in the food for their guests. Our research suggested that the economic impacts to the community were minimal. Now with increased number homestays and the development of local services, there is an increased need to have things like food markets in town to support the local community. Each time we visit the villages we notice that the the community has found ways to develop the local supply chain to benefit the local community. 

To learn more about the CBT Vietnam project please visit our website. 

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Exciting news from the CBT Vietnam team!

The CBT Vietnam Project has been nominated for a

 Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Award!

The Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Award recognizes the region’s most inspiring responsible tourism initiative. The award marks the 10th year of working with the people in the region of Sapa to ensure that tourism is mutually beneficial to the tourist and to the host community.

We are incredibly honoured to be nominated as a finalist. The community of people and organizations that are working hard to foster responsible tourism in Asia is one that is innovative, resilient, and inspiring. To be a part of this group has been an experience we are very proud of. Congratulations to all of the finalists!

Photo courtesy of the CBT Vietnam Flickr - Photo taken by Kyle Sandilands

Here are some highlights of the CBT Vietnam project so far:

• Approximately 400 people, including ethnic minorities, have been involved in the training that CBT Vietnam is providing
• Over 60 tour guides from the Sapa Region have been trained
• Nearly 30 authentic cultural homestays have been set up in 3 villages: Tavan, Taphin and Lao Chai
• An increase from US$500/year to US$2400/year of revenue/income generated by some individuals in the village has been seen

In addition to these project achievements and milestones, the project has also served as a tool to create responsible travellers. 

"Projects such as CBT Vietnam play a crucial role in creating responsible tourists. It can be so easy for travellers visiting developing Asian countries to spend their whole holiday in very insular environments --on the tourist track and separate from the local communities. CBT Vietnam helps tourists witness the impacts and experiences that tourism has on the local people. The kind of understanding this creates for a tourist is invaluable and I don’t believe it’s possible to produce responsible tourists without it."
- Taryn Bodrug, student volunteer (CBT Vietnam 2010 - 2014)

Photo courtesy of the CBT Vietnam Flickr - Photo taken by Kyle Sandilands

Not only has this initiative positively impacted the community members and tourists visiting the region, it has also had a profound impact on the volunteers that have helped out with CBT Vietnam and the way that they view sustainable tourism.

"Since I've participated in the CBT Vietnam project, I've become more aware of the impact of my choices and my influence on the environment and the lives of those I come in contact with. I have come to understand that having the privilege of traveling comes with certain responsibilities, and fulfilling these responsibilities is not only a moral obligation, but also a rewarding experience. "
- Hedieh Ahmari, student volunteer (CBT Vietnam 2014)

"Responsible tourism is treating others the way they wish to be treated, traveling within means of continuity for the community and its members, without compromise. CBT Vietnam has shown me the effects of tourism on a community and the fine line that run along responsible tourism and green washing."
- Samantha Macgregor, student volunteer (CBT Vietnam 2014 - 2015)

"CBT Vietnam was developed with the community, based on its assets, objectives, and the desire of the locals to achieve an economic development. It is based off of what the locals need, rather than what the tourists need, which is why it is successful. Not only does it benefit the current local people and tourists, but it also impacts future generations through empowerment and education." 

- Sabrina Ouellette, student volunteer (CBT Vietnam 2014)

For more information about the amazing things CBT Vietnam has accomplished, please visit our website.

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Day One and Two in Hanoi

After months of preparation and anticipation the big day was here. With everything I will need for the next month packed into an 85 liter bag I made my way to YVR airport to meet up with my fellow student, Marina, and instructor Henry. For all of us it was our first time to Vietnam, and after a 24-hour travel day Chris was waiting for us at the airport ready to guide us into Hanoi for our CBT Vietnam adventure!

How the Vietnamese do.
Fixing the power lines in the middle of the street.

Day One – In the morning I woke up to the sound of motorbikes, people eating on the street, and more horns than New York City. Chris led us to a favorite breakfast spot where we got to enjoy street food amongst the locals, before heading to enjoy some Vietnamese coffee. Traditionally prepared with condensed milk and strong coffee, we were awake and ready to explore Hanoi.  

In Hanoi, there is a traffic light once in a blue moon, and crosswalks are merely painted lines on the ground that are readily ignored. For crossing the street there are two main rules to follow. First, don’t make eye contact with the motor bikers. They won’t run into you unless you acknowledge their presence. Secondly, don’t ignore the cars, and especially the busses. They are the bullies of the road, and will hit you.

Before we knew it our exploration day in Hanoi was coming to an end, and we found ourselves on our way to meet with Hanoi Open University to get an update on how the villages in the Sapa region were doing over dinner. With more food than we could ever eat put in the middle of the table, the feast began concluding our night.

Yum!

Day 2 – Jetlag hit us strong this morning, as we were up at 5:00 am basically ready to start the day. Meeting time for the group wasn’t for a few hours so this was the time to do some last minute planning complete and rest before hitting the street to pickup anything we may need for Sapa and Lao Chai.

We had a plan of action for the day. Chris made the executive decision to send Emily off on her own to head to “Stationary Street” as its called, as she is familiar with Hanoi from her previous trip. Henry, Marina and I went in the other direction doing our best not to get lost in the bustling and winding streets of Hanoi. While Chris, a ninja that he is, took off on a Xeom (motorbike taxi) to complete his tasks at lightening speeds. 

With us all being such a great team we all completed ahead of time and were able to have some leisure time to enjoy one of the best meals we have had so far. The restaurant had tables on the sidewalk of one of the busiest backpackers street in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, great for some entertaining people watching. After the meal, we headed back to our hostel in Hanoi to grab our things and head to the train station to get ourselves to Sapa.

More to come shortly on our CBT Vietnam adventure!

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Throw Back Thursday

It's only one and a half weeks until Kyle, Marina, Chris and Henry depart for their trip to Vietnam! Which means that it's only four months until I (Sam!) return to Lao Chai with Megan, Mia and Henry.

One year ago today, the 2014 CBT Vietnam team carefully balanced exams and trip prepping for the one-month long, 10-person trip.

Its incredible to think back to the stress and excitement we felt, through all of the tears and panicked calls, as we prepared for our month long trip in Vietnam. But the experience was completely worth all that we went through.

Photo courtesy of Samantha Macgregor

Today, as a new graduate (albeit my final grades are still to come) of the Bachelor of Tourism Management Program, I am sitting helping the 2015 teams (April and August) prepare for the upcoming trips.

As per tradition, we met for Vietnamese food at V-Nam in North Vancouver. Megan tried pork for the first time in years (in preparation for eating village food) and we  are still working on Mia, our resident vegetarian, to try meat before our trip begins in August. Some ordered and tried new dishes, while others (like myself!) went with their old favourites.

Getting to sit in and help with the new team it is incredible... It's amazing to see all that they have accomplished, and how they are using their strengths and working together as a cohesive unit. There is no doubt in my mind about the numerous success and educational experience they will bring to the village of Lao Chai.

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Behind the Scenes with Kyle Sandilands

Kyle Sandilands has been a volunteer with CBT Vietnam since 2011. He graduated from Capilano University’s Motion Picture Production program and has recently completed a new video, The Black H’mong of Lao Chai Village. In just a few days, the video has received over 1,000 views from 33 countries, and is continuing to be shared with viewers from around the world. I asked Kyle a few questions to get a better idea of what this process was like behind the scenes.

Photo courtesy of Kyle Sandilands 

From the initial concept to the final posting online, how long does it take you to create something like this?

It takes a long time to put together a video like this. In this particular video, scenes with Chris Carnovale and Jen Reilly chatting with the H'mong guides on the streets of Sa Pa were shot on my first trip to the region four years ago and did not have a home in the edits of any of the previous videos that focused on the Red Dao in Ta Phin. Telling the story of the Black H’mong guides and sellers in Sa Pa is something we’ve wanted to do for a long time, and now that the CBT Vietnam project has begun to wrap up training in Ta Phin it was only natural that last May’s trip would be the time. We shot it in May, edited a rough cut to screen for the PATA Foundation in September and continued to edit it over the past few months between other projects. It’s great to have it finally online!

Photo courtesy of Kyle Sandilands

How important would you say it is creating materials like this for the Sa Pa region and the H’mong people?

It’s very important. There is so many travellers I meet who know little to nothing about the H’mong or any of the minority groups in the Sa Pa region. Often I hear that the area is too ‘touristy’ or that the sellers are too aggressive. Or that visiting these villages and snapping photos of the people resembles a type of 'human zoo'.

These are all valid concerns, but hopefully with the videos, it can both help share the stories and perspectives of the villagers who call Sa Pa home, and better inform travellers to the area about the positive and negative effects tourism is having on the region, as well as what CBT Vietnam’s role is.

What is your greatest memory or favourite shot that you have gotten throughout this project?

The trip to Hanoi with the Dao women was a pretty amazing experience. Watching the ladies overcome their own hesitations to leave Ta Phin for the big city was incredible to be a part of and to try to see the world through their eyes. Filming the ladies ride escalators for the first time, test out massage chairs and eat sushi was something I’ll never forget. For the newest video, I really tried to showcase just how beautiful and expansive the area is, as well as focus on the intricate details that make up the H’mong culture. Embroidery, batik, harvesting rice - it really is an amazing culture.

What projects are you currently working on, and what can we look forward to seeing from you in the future?

Right now I’m back in Canada working onset on a film in Vancouver, and am in prep on a few more documentary projects.

Photo courtesy of Kyle Sandilands 

What does this project mean to you?
Going to Vietnam with this project in 2011 was absolutely a life-changing experience that opened my eyes to this amazing area and incredible people. It opened the doors to many other interesting projects since, both in Canada and abroad, filming in Africa and South America on a feature documentary for CBC, as well as spending a winter in Yellowknife for History Channel’s Ice Pilots. It’s been hugely important project to me that I’m forever humbled to be a part of.

Kyle, thank you so much for letting us know a bit more about the incredible work you have done for this project! If you haven’t seen Kyle’s latest video yet, please click here.

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Spotlight on the Black H’mong

When thinking of the people residing in Vietnam your mind will likely start to conjure up images of the Vietnamese people. But, did you know that there are actually 54 minority groups that also call Vietnam their home?

Each of these ethnic minorities has their own unique culture and history that are wildly different from each other and from that of the Vietnamese. One of those ethnic minority groups is called the Black H’mong and they have a fascinating history and culture.

Black Hmong woman tending to her indigo-dyed hemp fabric - photo by Caitlin Rowe 

The exact origin of the Black H’mong people is still unknown to this day. This is partially because most of this culture’s history is passed down orally, making it challenging to trace. Some believed that they may have come from Europe, due to stories of ancestors having blue eyes and blonde hair. This is actually an occurrence that, even though rare, still happens today. However, through evidence surrounding similar linguistic patterns, it is believed that they spent at least 2,000 years in China up until approximately 300 years ago. The Black H’mong left China after rebelling against Chinese imperialism during the Ming and Qing dynasties. They found safety in areas of Northern Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. 

Ms. May, owner of a homestay in Lao Chai - photo by Caitlin Rowe

In Sapa, the Black H’mong are the most populous group out of all of the ethnic minorities, with its people living in villages such as Lao Chai and Ta Phin. Many have relied on farming and agriculture as their main occupation; however, with the increase of tourists in the Sapa region, they now use tourism as a source of income. The relationship between tourists and the Black H’mong has been strained at times, primarily as a result of cultural conflict. Now armed with a better understanding of the tourist mindset and more conscious international visitors, the relationship has greatly improved. In today’s society, the Black H’mong people are happy to welcome tourists into their homestays and its people are learning how to use tourism to their advantage. 

References:

Lacharbey, Juliette. (n.d.). The Hmong People of North Vietnam. Scribol. Retrieved from http://scribol.com/anthropology-and-history/the-hmong-people-of-north-vietnam

Cha, Dia. (2004). Field Guide to Hmong Culture. Madison Children’s Museum. Retrived from 

http://csumc.wisc.edu/cmct/HmongTour/howwedidit/HMONG_FIELD_GUIDE_WEB.pdf

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Tết Nguyên Đán!

The CBT Vietnam team would like to wish everyone a happy new year!

Tết Nguyên Đán (or Tết for short), translates to “the first morning of the first day” in Vietnamese. This celebration is one of the biggest and most important for our friends in Vietnam. I’ve heard that there is some debate over whether or not this Lunar New Year is the Year of the Goat or the Year of the Sheep. In Vietnam, it is considered to be the Year of the Goat. In an article I read, goats are much more common in Vietnam due to the heat, which is one of the reasons why it is not referred to as the Year of the Sheep.

Thank you Sam for contributing these awesome photos from your time in Vietnam!
Much like the festivities that I go to for New Year’s Eve, this time of year for the Vietnamese is all about celebrating with friends and family and eating lots of great food. I’ve always found it interesting when you are able to draw parallels between different customs in various countries. Even though it is so far away from Canada, Vietnam may not be so different after all! However, unlike the New Years that I grew up celebrating every year, on December 31^st, Lunar New Year has a different day each year. This year, it fell on February 19, and in 2016 it will be celebrated on February 8.

I was born in the Year of the Rooster. After doing some research, I learned that Roosters are generally considered to be hardworking, courageous, talented, attractive and beautiful… I swear I’m not making this up!

I found the whole research really interesting and looked into other information about my other 2015 CBT Vietnam teammates as well.

Marina was born in the Year of the Horse. Horses are considered to be extremely animated, active and energetic. Knowing what I do about Marina’s personality, I would definitely say this is an accurate description of her.  Mia was born in the Year of the Monkey. Monkeys are typically known for their mischievousness, curiosity, and cleverness. Monkeys are also thought to be the “masters of practical jokes”. We may need to keep an eye on Mia, (just kidding!). Kyle was born in the Year of the Pig. Pigs are believed to be diligent, compassionate, and generous. Pigs also have great concentration: once they become focused on a goal, they will be completely dedicated to reaching it. Hopefully Kyle can apply that focus to the training manual he is currently working on to guide us when we are over in Vietnam.

On February 8, 2016 Vietnam will bring in the year of the monkey – but until then, bring on the Year of the Goat!

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Drumroll Please...

The four students for the 2015 CBT Vietnam team have been selected!

I am proud to say I am joining one of the best teams here at Capilano University. The selection process was intense, fun, and competitive but all four of us agreed it was well worth the effort. We are immensely excited to contribute to this amazing project and are ready to get to work!

Now without further adieu, let me introduce the newest members!

First, we have Mia. She was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba but considers herself a true Islander, having grown up in Victoria, BC. Mia is most excited about embracing a new culture, as well as working alongside the women and children of the Lao Chai Community. Mia's favourite foods are sweet potatoes and sushi. Fun fact: Mia was a competitive gymnast for 12 years! 

Mia running a marathon!

Kyle was born in the Canadian capital of Ottawa; however, he found his love for the outdoors growing up in Washington state. Kyle is excited for the opportunity to experience a new environment and to build a trail in the mountainous region of Sapa, Vietnam! He has a love for any kind of chicken dish. On another note, he loves to mountain bike in his spare time.

Kyle kayaking in the Pacific Northwest.

Megan was born and raised in North Vancouver. She loves working with people, and is excited to get to know the locals of Vietnam. Megan is terrified of heights, but despite her fear has tried gliding, zip-lining,  climbed the Eiffel Tower and has even hiked the Atlas Mountains! Her favourite food is anything with cheese. Fun Fact: if you scramble up the letters in her first and last name it spells "Angel Dreams".

Megan hanging out with a camel.

And finally there's myself, Marina! I was born and raised in Vancouver with a love for anything by the sea. What I am most excited about Vietnam is to meet the people of the Lao Chai community and exchange knowledge and experiences with everyone I encounter. My favourite food is anything spicy, and I can usually be found in the kitchen cooking up a storm!

After a hike up The Chief in Squamish, B.C.

Keep an eye on our blog, as we will be posting our entire journey here!

Thank you #PATAFoundation and #CapU. And thank you #CBTVietnam for picking us!

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Connections and transformations

"How was your trip?" 

I get asked that question almost every day and it's probably the most challenging question to answer. The truth is, it's hard to express how much the CBTVietnam trip means to me. Whenever, I try to explain it I never feel like I do it justice as words can't describe it. It was a trip of a life time and can only be truly understood by experiencing it for oneself. However, I want people to hear about it even if its only a taster of how inspiring and rewarding it was.

Going to Vietnam was more than I could have ever wished or dreamt. I didn't believe it when Chris, Stephanie and Caitlin said it would change my life. It seemed cliche and unbelievable that one trip could touch that many hearts so deeply but once I arrived in Lao Chai all my doubts vanished. The villagers are the most welcoming, open and loving people I have ever met. Right away, they invited us into their homes and treated us like family.

While in Lao Chai, I worked with so many amazing people and witnessed how hard they worked everyday to make a living. Ms. Sao and Ms. Di are two local batik artists who run workshops in their handicraft shops just off of the main road that travels through the village.  I had the pleasure of working with them to further refine their workshops and find ways to advertise to the tourists. It was surprising how much we were able to communicate to each other without speaking the same language. These interactions showed me how powerful body language can be and how it can often be more effective because the meaning of words vary so much from culture to culture.

Working on the batik product also gave me a chance to see how strong the bonds of community are in the village. On the last CBT Vietnam Trip in August 2013, Ms. Di was the only batik artist running workshops in Lao Chai. Since then she shared the knowledge and resources on how to run a workshop with Ms. Sao, again illustrating the strong sense of community this village has. Sharing this information was not seen as a threat to business but a growth of the whole village. The unquestionable generosity and compassion of the Hmong people opened my eyes to the self-centred attitude that I often see at home.  

When I think back to the CBT Vietnam trip, I am amazed at how much I have learnt, not only about community based tourism and Hmong culture but about how to be a better person. The Hmong people showed me how beneficial and important it is to enter every situation with an open mind and a smile. 

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I Need to Get My Name on that Book!

Even though technology has left its mark on most households, nature still rules in the village of Ta Phin. There is a story behind every custom and tradition. Dao people have learned from their parents how things should be done, and for most parts those rules still apply to their lifestyles today.

Nights in the village begin early at dusk as families gather around the fire to cook dinner. Although women run the kitchen, in all the families that I stayed with, men had an active part in preparing the food; from preparing the meat to setting the table, pouring the rice wine and entertaining the guests.

Dao kitchens are part of a big open area in the house where everyone gathers upon entering. There are usually two stoves in the kitchen; one for cooking and one for preparing the herbs for the herbal bath. Dao women cook one dish at a time on the cooking stove, and they use the same pot to prepare all the dishes. Considering that there are usually five to ten different dish prepared for every meal, preparing dinner can take up to an hour. They set the table and where everything is ready, you are invited to eat.

Dinner table at a Dao Home stay

I stayed with Chao Ta May and her family on my second night in Ta Phin during the recent CBT Vietnam Project trip to SaPa. At night we all gathered around the fire as she welcomed us with a bowl of fries; a very unique fried potato dish with garlic and salt or sugar! A much needed appetizer while we were waiting for the actual meal.

Chao Ta May’s son had recently got married and was living with his new bride at the same house. As Chao Ta May was preparing the dinner, I asked her about the wedding customs of Dao people.  

“We found her in the book” she replied with a smile. It took me a while to figure out that this ‘book’ was actually a record of available girls in the neighborhood villages and was made by a matchmaker. “I picked her. We sent her family two silver bracelets and waited to see if they would accept them” she eagerly continued. “Then we sent the chicken”. “The chicken?!” I asked spuriously. “Yes! 10kg exactly, and we waited again. When they accepted it, we sent the 70kg pig”. She explained that these numbers were important because the bride’s family had to invite certain people in the process and needed to feed them. “Things have changed!” she continued. “When I was getting married I had no way of seeing or contacting my future husband until the wedding day. He was in another village! Nowadays kids contact each other before the marriage. My son and his wife had sent each other pictures by phone and were talking for a while” she continued with a smile. “When all the decisions are made, the bride should start making her dress. It takes her one year to finish the dress” she said that with a smile! She must have been thinking about her own dress.

As Chao Ta May was sharing this with us, I couldn't help but thinking about the traditional weddings and arranged marriages. If it was not for the match makers and the ‘books’, have these young boys and girls who live miles away in different villages ever had a chance to meet? After all, there seems to be a place and time for everything, even for an arranged marriage and that is in Ta Phin and among Dao people. As for the book, I am on one already; it is called Facebook, so where is my chicken!? 

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Marketing the Market

Imagine walking through a market in another country. As a tourist, we tend to just browse through the selection and ignore the people trying to sell to us, afraid that if we talk to them we'll have to buy something. Usually the most important task will be trying to get a product for the cheapest price.

Reviewing ideas for merchandising

This last month I, along with Sabrina, were blessed to work in TaPhinwith the Red Dao women. This formalized market was recently completed and we were given the opportunity to discover new ways to bring the market alive to attract more tourists. Our work began before we arrived as we took photos of local Vancouver markets to illustrate various ways of merchandising and cooperating.  We had so many ideas running through our heads and wanted to be sure that tourists could feel comfortable in browsing the market AND talking with the locals.

We spent six days meeting and working with the market sellers in both group and one-on-one sessions. I felt that we only scratched the surface of the Red Dao culture and development of a successful market.

Sabrina dressed in traditional Red Dao garments

During our discussion of culture, we generated ideas for improved tourist experiences. We helped the women display their booths in appealing ways, such as creating bamboo hangers in order to display the handicrafts and clothing. For product diversification, we helped each woman see the benefits of placing their differentiating products at the front of their booth, instead of featuring the same products as their neighbour. We expect to see in the near future, as high season approaches, booths filled with teas, fruit and vegetables, and herbal bath products. 

Discussing ideas

Through our discussions, the women began to think of new ways to manage street selling and the hassling of tourists. The most difficult task moving forward is keeping the market full. Many of the women cannot come to sell every day due to other responsibilities in the fields. Also, there are many women who prefer to sell on the streets because this is the way it has always been done. We hope that our efforts and cooperation with the Red Dao women and local government will create a more sustainable and beneficial tourism product for the people of TaPhin. 

The relationships we developed, in such a short time, have impacted our lives in numerous ways. I have already made a promise to myself that I will come back someday. The women have told us that the time we spend to get to know them is very special, as many of the tourists treat them as if they do not exist. 

With Ta May

One of the relationships I created on this trip was with Ta May. I will be working closely with her over the next month because she has taken on a huge responsibility. Ta May told us as we were leaving that she wants to be in charge of the market. She will work each day with the Red Dao women to keep the ideas flowing, in hopes that one day they will be able to stop street selling and have a thriving market. 

The development of a relationship is a two way street. If these women are taking the time to learn how to interact with tourists in a polite and enjoyable way, it is important for tourists to take the time to sit down and talk. If tourists take the time to get to know locals during their travels, they will have a more memorable experience.

I thank Capilano University, the PATA Foundation and our partner in Vietnam Hanoi Open University for the most amazing experience and opportunities.

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