How But Village Turns Ancient Stilt Homes into Income and Culture

In 2020, local authorities started picking traditional stilt houses for tourism conversion, according to Hoang Manh Hung, vice chairman of the Nam Xuan Commune People's Committee. This marked the first step toward a community‑based model.
Today five households run homestay services, welcoming between 10,000 and 15,000 visitors each year. The influx of tourists generates billions of Vietnamese dong in revenue for the village residents, providing a steady source of income without forcing people to leave their homes.
The tourism model also protects cultural practices. Visitors can watch and learn traditional brocade weaving, enjoy folk songs and dances in evening gatherings, and taste local dishes such as five‑colored sticky rice, grilled stream fish, indigenous pork and free‑range chicken. These activities keep the community’s heritage alive while adding value to the tourist experience.
But Village shows that community‑based tourism can turn cultural heritage into real economic benefits. By converting ancient homes into homestays and showcasing traditional crafts, food and performances, the village creates sustainable livelihoods and stronger incentives to preserve its traditions.