Home stay tours attract tourists to Quang Binh province

Many tourists who have been on tours to Chay Lap village, Bo Trach district in the central province of Quang Binh said they were overjoyed to have been able to live like a real member of the community.
You can do many things that you have never thought of doing, said tourist Indius Peterson, adding that you can join the local people in their daily activities or explore the natural beauty of the region with kayaks or mountain bikes. “These are experiences that you will never forget,” he said.
In contrast with modern and convenient four and five-star hotels, tourists can enjoy a stay in a traditional wooden house situated in an orchard. They will be allowed to plant vegetables, feed pigs, go fishing and plough as well as do their own thing.
The community tourism project was introduced to Chay Lap village at a cost of 97,000 USD by the Counterpart International Vietnam in 2004. It is designed to ensure a stable income for local residents, improve their standard of living and replace the illegal exploitation of natural resources in the area.
Pham Van Khai, who lives in Chay Lap village, said that his family was provided with a loan of 300 million VND from the Counterpart International Vietnam to refurbish their two wooden houses and add more facilities to serve tourists.
Our life has become much better since we got involved in tourism, he said.
The tourist model “Rustic Chay Lap” set up by local residents has so far attracted a great number of tourists, as from June 2008 to February 2009, the Khai family welcomed more than 200 foreign guests.
On the tours, tourists can visit grandiose caves and forests as well as see rare endangered birds and animals in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a world natural heritage site, which lies next to Chay Lap village.
The Vice Chairman of Bo Trach district’s People’s Committee Pham Van Gon, said that Chay Lap’s leaders and the representatives of five travel agents including Asia Voyage, Buffalo Tours, Handspan, Huong Giang and Wild Lotus have all signed agreements to develop this model of tourism further.