Last September, Typhoon No. 3 severely impacted Lao Cai, particularly its tourism sector and the lives of its residents. Beyond the damage to infrastructure and the economy, the typhoon also affected the spirit and daily lives of the community. In this context, eco-tourism combined with volunteering tours have emerged as a dual solution, helping to revive local tourism and providing practical support to flood-affected people. This is not only a journey to discover the natural beauty and unique culture of Lao Cai but also an opportunity for tourists to join hands in sharing and contributing to rebuilding lives for the local community.
Lao Cai and The Scars After Typhoon No. 3
The aftermath of Typhoon No. 3 brought prolonged heavy rains to Lao Cai, causing severe flash floods and landslides in many areas. Bao Yen, Bac Ha, Bat Xat districts, and Sa Pa town were the most heavily affected. Not only were houses and fields destroyed, but many key transport routes were also damaged, causing difficulties for people’s travel and daily life.
Lao Cai’s tourism industry, a pillar of the province’s economy, also suffered significant damage. In September, tourism revenue was almost frozen, tours were canceled en masse, and visitor numbers plummeted dramatically. Initial estimates put direct losses to the tourism industry at VND 15 billion, with visitor numbers down about 72% compared to the week before the typhoon hit. The Fansipan cable car tourist area, a famous destination in Lao Cai, also saw a revenue decrease of up to 87%. This not only affected tourism businesses but also negatively impacted the livelihoods of thousands of local workers.
Area in Lao Cai damaged by Typhoon No. 3, impacting livelihoods and agriculture. Photo: Seo Sung.
In the face of such difficulties, reopening tourism activities is not only an economic solution but also of great spiritual significance, demonstrating the resilience and determination of the people of Lao Cai to overcome adversity. And eco-tourism combined with volunteering is the appropriate direction, both revitalizing the tourism potential of the region and spreading the spirit of mutual support within the community.
Eco-Volunteer Tourism: A Humanistic Tourism Model
Eco-volunteer tourism is a special form of tourism that not only focuses on exploring nature and culture but also emphasizes social and community responsibility. This model harmoniously combines meaningful travel experiences with practical volunteer activities, bringing dual benefits to both tourists and local people.
With this form of tourism, visitors not only immerse themselves in pristine nature, explore the unique cultural features of ethnic minorities in Lao Cai, but also have the opportunity to directly participate in volunteer activities, contributing to helping people affected by natural disasters. Volunteer activities can include donating gifts, supporting the rebuilding of houses and schools, or participating in sustainable community development projects.
Eco-volunteer tourism not only provides a deeper and more meaningful travel experience for tourists but also creates a sustainable source of income for local people, contributing to the preservation of traditional culture and the protection of the ecological environment. This is a humanistic tourism model, aimed at sustainable and harmonious development between people and nature.
Exploring Eco-Volunteer Tourism Routes in Lao Cai
To meet the tourism and volunteer needs of visitors, Lao Cai has launched many attractive eco-volunteer tourism routes, spanning across localities affected by storms and floods. Each tour route offers unique experiences, suitable for different preferences and desires of tourists.
Sa Pa – City of Mist and a Journey of Sharing
Sa Pa, with the magical beauty of majestic mountains and a cool climate all year round, is always an attractive destination for tourists. On the eco-volunteer tourism tour in Sa Pa, visitors will explore the “city in the mist” with famous attractions such as Fansipan peak, Cat Cat village, and Muong Hoa valley.
In particular, the volunteer program will focus on the Muong Hoa area, which was heavily affected by landslides. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the lives of local people, share the difficulties they are facing, and participate in practical support activities together. This is an opportunity for tourists to gain a deeper understanding of the indigenous culture while contributing to alleviating the losses that the local community has experienced.
Bac Ha – Highland Market and the Majestic Beauty of the Chay River
Bac Ha is famous for its colorful highland market, a cultural intersection of many ethnic minorities. The eco-volunteer tourism tour in Bac Ha will take visitors to this unique market, experience the bustling atmosphere, discover exquisite handicrafts, and enjoy unique local cuisine.
In addition, visitors can also take a boat trip on the Chay River, admire the majestic natural scenery, and learn about the historical sites of the area. The volunteer program will be organized in Hoang Thu Pho or Lung Phinh communes, where people are still facing many difficulties after the floods. Tourists can participate in volunteer activities such as donating gifts, helping to repair houses, or joining local people in planting trees and forests, contributing to protecting the ecological environment.
Bao Yen – Spiritual Tourism and the Warm Embrace of the Community
Bao Yen is a land rich in cultural and spiritual traditions, with many historical relics and famous scenic spots such as Bao Ha Temple and Co Tan An Temple. The eco-volunteer tourism tour in Bao Yen will take visitors to worship at these sacred temples, learning about local history and culture.
Visitors will also visit community villages, experience the daily life of the Tay people, enjoy traditional cuisine, and participate in folk cultural activities. The volunteer program will focus on Nghia Do and Phuc Khanh communes, the localities most severely damaged by storms and floods. Visitors will have the opportunity to donate gifts, encourage spirits, and join local people in overcoming the consequences of natural disasters and rebuilding their lives.
People in Lao Cai being assisted after floods, highlighting the focus of eco-volunteer tourism. Photo: Trong Diem.
Bat Xat – Ecological Land and Conquering Peaks
Bat Xat is a border highland district of Lao Cai, famous for its pristine and majestic natural landscapes. The eco-volunteer tourism tour in Bat Xat will take visitors to explore Muong Hum, Y Ty, Lung Po – destinations imbued with the cultural and natural identity of the Northwest Highlands.
Visitors will experience eco-tourism activities such as trekking, mountain climbing, exploring primeval forests, and enjoying the fresh air of the highlands. The volunteer program will be organized in A Lu and Nam Pung communes, where the community still faces many difficulties. Tourists can participate in volunteer activities such as supporting infrastructure construction, helping people develop the economy, or participating in environmental protection projects.
Meaning and Value of Eco-Volunteer Tourism
Eco-volunteer tourism is not only a new form of tourism but also a meaningful journey, bringing profound humanistic values. Participating in these tours, visitors not only experience new things, discover the natural beauty and unique culture of Lao Cai, but also have the opportunity to contribute to the recovery and development of the local community after natural disasters.
This is an opportunity for visitors to connect with people and nature, better understand the difficulties and challenges that the community is facing, and spread the spirit of sharing and love. Each eco-volunteer tourism journey is a practical contribution to the sustainable development of Lao Cai, helping local people to soon stabilize their lives and rise up after difficulties.
Conclusion
In the context of Lao Cai’s efforts to recover from the damage caused by storms and floods, eco-volunteer tourism emerges as a direction full of potential and meaning. These tours not only provide visitors with memorable experiences but also make an important contribution to the reconstruction and development of the local community. Let’s explore the beauty of Lao Cai together and join hands in sharing love, so that each trip is not only a journey of discovery but also a practical action for a brighter future for the land and people here.