The Homestay Development in Sapa

A visit to the local tour operators in Hanoi revealed that the current tourism development in Sapa is lacking clear structure. Sapa is facing an increase in tourist visitations, but with the lack of facilities and amenities, the region is slowly reaching its capacity and becoming overcrowded. The tour operators in Hanoi have been seeing the rapidly increasing demand for homestays, but as many homes do not meet the criteria of the tour operators, they are not considered for their clients. Simultaneously, some villagers are not motivated to upgrade their homes, because they had yet to witness the influx of tourists in the village themselves; this creates a problematic catch-22 situation.

Meeting with Mr. Hoang Nguyen, HandSpan Travel IndoChina

Mr. Hoang Nguyen, the Vice Director of HandSpan Travel Indochina shared that his experiences working with the local women of Sapa have been positive- but not without its own set of challenges. He has the drive to work directly with the locals there, because it helped him create authentic experiences for his clients, and because it also helped enrich the lives of the local community. According to Mr. Hoang, he felt that enforcing modern living standards and infrastructure in the homes would challenge the truly authentic village experience. To quote him, “the soul of the homestay is important”.  

Late last summer, our CBT Vietnam project linked the Hmong women of Lao Chai with the tour operators of Hanoi, by bringing a small group of women to the big city. One of the women's meetings was with HandSpan Travel Indochina. When they met with Mr. Hoang’s company, the representatives liked the women's proposal and took the opportunity to form a business partnership with them. Unfortunately, he still struggles to meet the demand of his clients, because there wasn’t enough developed homestays. He felt that HandSpan simply required more support from larger tour operators to affect real change. In fact, he has already tried calling the big players to encourage them to work with the locals more, and use local services (like staying at homestays and eating traditional home cooked meals). He believes that those companies can and should assist with the development because they possess a larger client base and expertise.

In the village of TaPhin, Lao Cai, Vietnam

Looking into the future, the homestay owners still need some support from companies to develop the structures and systems needed for a tourist destination to thrive. If both parties can come together and form a synergetic relationship, then the goal can be accomplished and the needs of both parties can be met.

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How to Travel Responsibly

“Responsible Travel” - We’re willing to bet that you’ve seen these two words a whole lot recently. Travel companies talk about their responsible travel policies, travel bloggers post about how they champion responsible travel on the road. Those entrenched in the travel industry talk about these two words a lot.

But while so many of us “hum” and “haw” over how to be more responsible with travel, the uninitiated are often asking, “But what is responsible travel?”

This is a great question, and one that we sometimes forget to answer clearly and simply. But that’s the thing – responsible travel, at its core, isn’t complicated. Responsible travel is just our way of referring to travel that respects, sustains and limits the negative impact of travel on local communities and environments.

But for a traveller like you, how can you be a champion of responsible travel? It starts with simple but important changes you make to your itinerary – and the team at Buffalo Tours is here to help you do it.

To help you be a more responsible traveller on your next trip, check out this visual primer to Responsible Travel. Don’t forget to spread the word – one share can start an important conversation about changing the way we travel!

Embedded from Buffalo Tours Travel Blog

Respect Wildlife

Remember – people aren’t the only communities that are in danger of exploitation with mass tourism. Make sure you do your research before booking wildlife excursions and experiences. Good companies will have a responsible wildlife policy that guides their operations. Don’t be afraid to ask to see their policy!

Save Every Drop

During your visit, think about ways to limit your water consumption. At hotels, avoid laundering sheets and towels too frequently. Try to shorten your showers, and contribute to local initiatives in your destination that advocate for water conservation.

Change Your Commute

Skip the taxis and tourist buses for city excursions, and head out by foot, bicycle or public transportation instead! Not only are these more environmentally-friendly alternatives for your commute, but they’re also great ways to get in touch with a local culture and get a bit of exercise, too!

Focus on Culture

We all love a beach getaway or a resort visit, but make sure your visit includes some cultural experiences, too. Find ways to learn about local culture during your visit – try food tours, homestays and workshops with the locals!

Ask Questions

One of the coolest things about travel is the ability to communicate with people from entirely different walks of life. Seek out ways to ask questions and talk to the locals. Private tour leaders are a great way to do it – they’ll help you tackle the language barrier and make a true and lasting connection.

Share Your Culture

Learning about a destination’s culture is just the first step. Often times, locals are just as interested in learning about your culture, too. Fostering a sense of empathy and understanding with people around the world helps us build bridges that too often separate us.

Invest in Local Culture

Think about how you spend your travel dollar – and do what you can to make it count toward building up the local economy. Eat at locally-owned restaurants, buy directly from local artisans and use travel companies who champion local employment. Think global, act local!

Empower Communities

Charities can do a lot of good in the developing world, but there are even more ways to contribute to the lasting development of a community. Support initiatives that create sustainable income and infrastructure for local communities – including CBT Vietnam's homestay projects that provide fair and lasting income for communities who rarely have access to tourism dollars.

Donate Carefully

Remember that your travel dollars can contribute to something bigger during your travels. Rather than giving money to children on the street, consider donating instead to programs that provide housing, training and support for their families instead. Check out the amazing work of Friends International for some great options in Asia.

Check out this original story on the Buffalo Tours Travel Blog by clicking here!


Guest Post Courtesy of:

Author: Karen Hewell

Bio: As a Content Lead for Buffalo Tours, Karen helps tell stories about destinations, travel tips and responsible travel. As one of the largest and most established travel companies in Asia, Buffalo Tours is leading the way in making tourism in Asia more sustainable.

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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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Viêt Nam Trong Trái Tim Tôi: Vietnam is Always in My Heart

My trip with CBT Vietnam was my first time ever visiting an Eastern Culture, but I knew I was ready to be taken out of my comfort zone and try something new. After months of anticipation, and hours of preparation the day had finally arrived to depart for Hanoi.

While I was in Vietnam one of my largest tasks was to photograph every homestay and homestay owner in the Lao Chai and Ta Phin villages. I thoroughly enjoyed capturing moments from behind a lens, however I made sure to put them down for allotted times to soak in the culture as well.

In Ta Phin, Henry, Chung and I photo documented 12 homestays in one morning. That day I learnt that no matter how much I have to get done, I must stop and eat. Stopping to sharpen your axe could get you through the tree faster than continuing to chop with a blunt axe. The next day we began to document the homestays and small shops, and it would be four days before all 19 units were trekked to and documented.

This was an amazing task to be a part of because not only do I now have over 3,000 photos for my memories, but I also got a small glimpse of over 30 homes and the way 30 different families live their lives.

One of the large aspects to the trip was to prepare 12 of the village members for their trip to Hanoi in August.   My task was to facilitate learning around business development and finance to tie into my partner Marina’s lessons of presentation skills. The first lesson to break the ice I put an assortment of plastic toy animals on the table and got people to explain why they would be such animal. This helped to give me insight into their confident areas and helped to get people comfortable and laughing.

The Black H’mong had a good understanding as to what needed to be done to establish a sustainable homestay, however their main issue was finding the financial means. However, those who have found the financial means to change their homes have seen an improvement in their quality of life and that helps to encourage other families to get started who have a desire to improve their lives as well.

My favorite lesson I did was on the second day when I discussed business financing. To start the lesson off I asked everyone what they would do if they won the lottery for 5 Million Ɖ ($5,000 USD) as the introduction, and the reactions were enlightening. Every purchase was to improve the life of their entire family from a car to safely travel, to sending their kids to post-secondary school.

I had many members of the Lao Chai village come up and personally thank me for the information they received through that lesson which felt very rewarding.

All in all, the CBT Vietnam project is the coolest thing I have experienced in my life, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I learnt so much about myself and my goals. Having an experience like this helped me to reevaluate my life intentions and what my needs as a human are to truly achieve happiness. I left this project feeling I had made some new close friends with the team I came with, and I feel I truly helped to make a difference in the village through the learning I helped to facilitate. On my last night in Hanoi I found an old propaganda poster that spoke to me, and I feel after this trip of a lifetime will remain true and relevant in my life. Viêt Nam Trong Trái Tim Tôi: Vietnam is always in my heart.

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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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TaPhin: Where Life Goes by Different Rules

There is a road in SaPa that goes all the way from the mountain down to the valley. I once called it the stairway to heaven. If SaPa is the stairway to heaven, TaPhin is heaven itself! 

We left SaPa on Monday morning and arrived in TaPhin village before noon. The car dropped us off near the entrance of the village in an area known as Doi Mot, or the Commune One. We walked down the valley, crossed a river and trekked up the mountain for about 30 minutes to get to where four home-stay owners run their businesses. The scenery was breathtaking. 

We spent the whole afternoon meeting the owners, touring the homes, asking them about the challenges they are facing, inspecting the capacity and potential development of the homes, and talking to them about promotional and marketing strategies. 

We split up into three groups in the evening to stay in different homestays in Doi Mot, in order to experience what tourists experience when they stay in those homes overnight. I stayed at Ms. Ly May Lai’s house and got to meet her family and extended family who were visiting from China. I offered to help prepare the dinner and May Lai showed me how to clean the pumpkin leaves before she cooked them.

Fresh and local aren't just trends here!

The process of preparing meat is very different from what we are used to in Vancouver. Even in scratch kitchens in North America, things are not as ‘from the scratch’ as are in the village! I didn’t expect the pork and chicken to come out of beautifully sealed packages, but I was still surprised when they just grabbed them from outside, killed them in the kitchen, clean and cut them, and then cook them right away! When I told my host that my family eats rice, I was asked if we have a rice field!

Preparing dinner

Getting ready for dinner

We spent the whole evening cooking on one stove at the corner of the house. There are usually two stoves in each house in TaPhin: one for cooking and one for preparing the herbal bath. May Lai was sitting by the stove the whole time and cooking the dishes one after the other. When one dish was done, it was put into a plate and sent to the table, but no one started dinner until all the dishes were done and placed on the table. The process of preparing ten different dish on one stove and in one pot took about an hour. The whole family then gathered around the dinner table and rice and alcohol were served.

Herbal baths

Even though I was planning to have a herbal bath, I was too tired to stay up late that night. May Lai’s house has two guestrooms. Since I was the only guest that night I got the whole room to myself. The room had 7 beds in a row with red/pink flower patterned blankets. A blue mosquito net was hung on top of each bed, and there was another door at the other side of the room which opened to the washroom and herbal bath areas. I called it my own en-suite shower room. 

Bamboo bug!

Roosters woke me up at 4:30. This was not my first time away from home opening my eyes in an unfamiliar environment, but it sure was the most authentic one. Outside the glassless window chicks and piglets were playing; the sound of a woman singing in the distance had added a mysterious feeling to the foggy view of the valley; and the smell of the burned bamboos in the fireplace was like no other worldly smell. Even the big bamboo bug that May Lai’s father had found outside and brought in didn’t look scary anymore! The time had slowed down letting me grasp and take in this new experience. That morning as I walked down the valley and crossed the river through the fog, I knew I was a different person; I had seen the heaven. 

Ms. May Lai and Hedieh

(Written by Hedieh Ahmari, student volunteer)

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