Three Vietnamese villages among the best tourism villages in the world, according to UNWTO

In 2024, Vietnam continues to impress on the global tourism map by having, for the third time in a row, a representative honored in the “World's Best Tourist Villages” category by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Join Authentik Vietnam to explore these remarkable destinations, starting with Tra Que Vegetable Village, a symbol of innovation and sustainability in organic agriculture.

Tra Que Vegetable Village in Quang Nam

Located just 3 km from the Hoi An Ancient Town, the Tra Que Vegetable Village is Vietnam’s most recent representative to be honored in 2024 by the UNWTO in the list of “Best Tourism Villages.” This village, founded in the 16th century, is nestled between the Co Co River and the Tra Que Lagoon. Benefiting from a mild climate and fertile soil, it offers ideal conditions for growing organic vegetables.

Innovation and development in organic agriculture

Owing to innovative farming methods and dedication to preserving traditional values, Tra Que goes beyond producing healthy vegetables and stands out as a unique tourism destination where visitors can immerse themselves and experience the richness of local culture.

Far more than an age-old village, Tra Que is a vibrant symbol of sustainable agriculture in Vietnam. Today, its 202 households and 326 workers farm 18 hectares of fertile land, where every row of green vegetables reflects the hard work and ingenuity of the local community. Beyond ensuring a stable income for local families, Tra Que embodies the heart of an ecological movement, promoting the importance of organic farming and eco-tourism. 

A land where the harmony between man, nature, and tourism is fully felt, where trivial figures are transformed into an inspiring story, celebrating a perfect balance between innovation and authenticity.

Experience a verdant and peaceful atmosphere

Tra Que Vegetable Village, a living canvas of the Vietnamese countryside, welcomes visitors with its lush greenery, stretching as far as the eye can see. The air is filled with the scent of fresh herbs, mingled with birdsong, and the refreshing breeze from the Co Co River. It's an ideal place to get away from the hectic pace of modern life and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature.

Explore the village on foot or by bike

Start your adventure in Tra Que by walking or cycling along the village’s winding roads, bordered by rows of lush greens and multicolored flowers. Each step brings a feeling of relaxation, to the rhythm of the pure air, the murmur of water flowing from the canals, and the warmth of the earth beneath your feet.

Become a farmer for a day: Experiencing life through touch

Have you ever tried growing, watering, or harvesting vegetables by yourself? At Tra Que, visitors can wear the traditional brown clothes of farmers, don conical hats, and engage in the daily activities of the locals. Whether it's working the soil, watering with coconut shell buckets, or harvesting bunches of fresh vegetables, each activity offers an intimate and enriching experience.

Garden cuisine: The taste of purity

No visit is complete without savoring the local cuisine. Here, you can learn to prepare traditional dishes made with fresh vegetables, such as Vietnamese pancakes (bánh xèo), fresh spring rolls (gỏi cuốn), or stir-fried water spinach with garlic (rau muống xào tỏi). These simple yet flavorful dishes hold the essence of the Vietnamese countryside, with every bite delivering the freshness of the village.

A value greater than price 

For just 35,000 VND, Tra Que offers more than just a tourist destination—it provides unforgettable moments and a deep connection to nature and local culture. This journey is not just a break but a way to discover and celebrate the beauty and simplicity of rural life in Vietnam. Let the Tra Que vegetable village become the place where you rediscover balance, feel the beauty of slowness, and leave with memories imbued with freshness and serenity.

The 2024 "Best tourism villages" award

The 2024 “Best Tourism Villages in the World” award honored 55 villages from around the globe. The award aims to highlight the importance of tourism in preserving rural villages. Evaluation criteria include exceptional natural landscapes, local knowledge, biodiversity, cultural heritage, and local economic activities such as agriculture, forestry, livestock farming, fishing, and gastronomy.

After examining over 260 applications from 60 countries, the UNWTO acclaimed Tra Que Vegetable Village as an exemplary model. The village embodies the three fundamental pillars of sustainable tourism development: economy, society, and environment.

This international recognition not only underscores Vietnam’s cultural and natural wealth but also highlights the dedication of its local communities to a sustainable future, where tradition and innovation harmoniously converge.

Tan Hoa Village, Quang Binh: Turning Challenges into Opportunities

On October 19, 2023, in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) recognized Tan Hoa Village in Quang Binh province as one of 2023’s "Best Tourism Villages of the World." This prestigious honor highlights Vietnam's innovative approach to tourism, as Tan Hoa's "weather-resilient tourism village" model stood out among contenders from Quang Binh, Son La, Lai Chau, and Hoa Binh provinces.

A story of resilience and creativity

Nestled in Quang Binh’s region, infamously known as the "cradle of floods," Tan Hoa experienced a catastrophic flood in 2010, with water levels rising up to 12 meters, submerging almost every home. Villagers sought refuge in caves and rocky outcrops to survive. Yet, instead of succumbing to despair, they seized the adversity as an opportunity.

In 2011, they began constructing floating houses on rafts, followed in 2012 by fully floating homes. Today, over 600 floating houses, funded by generous donors, serve as enduring symbols of their resilience and ingenuity.

A model of adaptation and conservation

Tan Hoa not only exemplifies resilience against nature’s forces but also shines as a bastion of cultural heritage and natural beauty. The village has committed to environmental protection, preserving local traditions, and fostering sustainable tourism. These efforts have earned recognition from UNWTO, propelling Tan Hoa into the global spotlight as a model destination.

Transforming adversity into unique tourism

Tan Hoa’s transformation into a flood-season tourism destination is groundbreaking. Visitors can navigate the submerged village by boat, witness the unique way of life in floating homes, and learn how residents adapt to and thrive amid the waters. It offers travelers an unparalleled opportunity to admire the striking beauty of a land shaped by challenges and to experience the strength and ingenuity of its people.

Through its remarkable efforts to transform from a “cradle of floods” into a hub of sustainable tourism, Tan Hoa stands as a source of inspiration for communities worldwide grappling with the effects of climate change.

Discover the vitality of the "Cradle of Floods"

Tan Hoa village, renowned for its unique floating homes, offers visitors unforgettable experiences that combine the raw beauty of untamed nature with the uplifting story of human resilience.

Paddle Through Flooded Waters

During the flood season, Tan Hoa becomes a mesmerizing water world, where visitors can kayak or ride traditional boats through floating homes. The serene landscape, with its verdant surroundings and crystal-clear waters reflecting the towering karst mountains, evokes a rare sense of tranquility.

Experience life in floating homes

Crafted from durable materials and designed for adaptability, Tan Hoa’s floating homes are more than shelters—they’re symbols of creativity. Visitors are welcomed inside to hear heartfelt stories from villagers about their flood-season lives and to observe their harmonious interaction with the environment.

Immerse yourself in daily village life

Travelers can engage in the community’s daily activities, such as traditional fishing, vegetable gardening on floating rafts, or learning local recipes prepared with fresh, regional ingredients. These immersive experiences provide a deep connection to Tan Hoa’s culture and way of life.

Explore the nearby Tu Lan Caves 

Tan Hoa also serves as the gateway to the famous Tu Lan cave system, known as a filming location for Kong: Skull Island. Treks through maize fields, rivers, and awe-inspiring caves promise unforgettable adventures and breathtaking scenery.

Savor Local Delicacies

Don’t miss the chance to taste regional specialties like bánh xèo from Tan Hoa, grilled mountain fish, and jackfruit salad. These dishes, made with fresh, local ingredients, offer simple yet unforgettable flavors that highlight the region’s culinary richness.

Engage in Cultural Exchanges

Evenings in Tan Hoa are magical, as visitors participate in cultural activities like traditional singing, storytelling, and folk dancing. These gatherings reveal the warmth, hospitality, and resilience of Tan Hoa’s people.

Thai Hai Village, Thai Nguyen: A Haven of Tay Culture and Tradition

On December 29, 2022, UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO – United Nations World Tourism Organization) unveiled its list of the 32 Best Tourism Villages worldwide for 2022. Among them, the Thai Hai Ethnic Village in Thai Nguyen stood out as the sole representative of Vietnam. This accolade underscores the village’s significance as a hub for cultural preservation and sustainable tourism development.

A unique natural and cultural heritage

Spanning 25 hectares, Thai Hai Village is a harmonious blend of natural beauty and rich cultural traditions. Nestled amidst verdant hills, tranquil water bodies, and lush vegetation, the village provides a serene escape for visitors. The centerpiece of Thai Hai is its collection of 30 restored stilt houses, reflecting the authentic architectural style and lifestyle of the Tay people from the ATK (Safe Zone) area of Dinh Hoa.

According to UN Tourism, Thai Hai was selected for its abundant natural resources, distinctive culture, and dedication to sustainable development. Its conservation and promotion efforts align closely with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

To date, UN Tourism has recognized 130 villages globally, with Vietnam proudly represented by three, including Thai Hai. This recognition affirms the country's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage while fostering sustainable tourism on the global stage.

Immersing in the Tay cultural identity

Thai Hai offers more than sightseeing—it’s an immersive journey into the daily lives and cherished traditions of the Tay people. Activities are thoughtfully designed to provide an authentic and meaningful experience.

Live like a Tay for a day

Visitors can participate in traditional Tay activities such as weaving, crafting palm-leaf hats, and preparing signature dishes like xoi ngu sac (colorful sticky rice), thit lon gac bep (smoked pork), or banh chung gu (pyramid-shaped sticky rice cakes). These hands-on experiences allow guests to not only taste these delicacies but also gain a deeper appreciation for the Tay’s ancestral culture.

Explore centuries-old stilt houses

Strolling through the village’s historic stilt houses, some hundreds of years old, reveals a unique architectural style steeped in tradition. Surrounded by lush hills and crystalline waters, these homes offer an idyllic and tranquil setting that captivates visitors.

Enjoy traditional music performances

The village hosts captivating cultural performances, including then singing, dan tinh (a traditional string instrument) concerts, and traditional pole dances. These performances not only entertain but also play a vital role in preserving and showcasing the Tay people’s artistic heritage.

Savor local delicacies

Visitors can explore the village’s gardens and fish ponds, handpick fresh produce, and join locals in preparing hearty rural meals. Additionally, handcrafted souvenirs and locally made products are available for purchase, providing a tangible memory of the experience.

TOLUNHA

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