Slowing down in the river region: Nhi Hoa captivates tourists with the simplest things

The Nhi Hoa community tourism village is organised as a closed-loop tourism service supply chain linked to each household.

As mass tourism becomes increasingly saturated, community tourism models like Nhi Hoa are emerging as alternatives, meeting the demand for deep, personalised experiences. It is not just a trip but a journey connecting with local culture and sustainable living.

Experiencing the simple things

A morning in Nhi Hoa begins with the crowing of roosters, the gentle hum of motorboats on the canal, and the distinctive scent of fresh mud in the Mekong Delta. There are no grand entrances or vibrant check-in spots; instead, visitors are greeted by coconut-shaded paths and the warm smiles of the locals.

The unique aspect of Nhi Hoa lies in its approach to tourism: no staging, no separation between "guest and host", but rather integrating tourists directly into daily life.

From picking fruits, tending gardens, rowing boats, to making traditional cakes... each activity unfolds naturally, reflecting the inherent rhythm of life.

Chi Anh Tuyet, a visitor from Ho Chi Minh City, shares that coming to Nhi Hoa doesn't feel like a tour. Here, you genuinely work, eat, and live like the locals. Each house offers a unique experience.

According to locals, the tourism model in Nhi Hoa is decentralised, with each household serving as an "experience station". Each home leverages its strengths: some are gardeners, some cooks, some bakers... creating a diverse yet non-repetitive experience ecosystem.

At Nguyen Ngoc's orchard, visitors can garden, listen to stories about orchard life, pick fruits, or make banh lot. Meanwhile, Ba Viet's kitchen bustles with the activity of making banh la, where tourists, even if not skilled, are eager to complete their creations.

"We don't do anything elaborate, just hope guests feel as close as if they were at their own home," shares Ba Viet's family.

One of the most memorable experiences is the family meal. Not in a fancy restaurant, but a meal with braised fish, steamed shrimp, sour soup, and garden vegetables...

Visitors join locals in preparing the meal, from picking vegetables to lighting the stove and setting the table. The cosy atmosphere gradually erases the distance between "host" and "guest".

Hoang Long from Ho Chi Minh City says he no longer feels like a guest but like a family member.

Notably, Nhi Hoa's value doesn't lie in "creating something new" but in preserving what already exists. This authenticity—from daily routines to welcoming guests—has become a competitive advantage in a context where many destinations are overly commercialised.

According to local representatives, the tourism development strategy in Nhi Hoa centres around the residents. The government plays a supporting role in skills, connections, and promotion, but does not deeply intervene in each household's approach, aiming to maintain naturalness and inherent identity.

"This model effectively exploits the potential of agricultural tourism while providing stable, long-term livelihoods for the locals," a local representative stated.

Opportunities from the Green Tourism Trend

According to travel companies in Ho Chi Minh City, Nhi Hoa aligns with the trend of experiential and green tourism, where tourists seek closeness to nature and local culture rather than mass tourism.

International tourists, in particular, show interest in the "live like a local" model. However, to develop sustainably, the destination needs to continue improving service skills, infrastructure, and promotion.

Dr. Duong Duc Minh, Deputy Director of the Institute for Economic and Tourism Development Research, believes Nhi Hoa is creating experiential value on three levels: symbolic value, perceived value, and added value.

Among these, cuisine plays a crucial role in leaving an impression on tourists. Each household involved in tourism offers traditional dishes such as cakes, field fish, and coconut-based dishes, tied to the stories of orchard life.

The combination of experience and cuisine makes the destination more lively and emotionally rich.

The message "Nhi Hoa - to remember, to cherish" is also crafted to create emotional connections, aiming to turn the trip into a memory rather than just a sightseeing destination.

From a business perspective, Lai Minh Duy, Chairman and CEO of TSTtourist, notes that the biggest challenge is developing tourism while maintaining simplicity.

"Preserving authenticity is what attracts tourists and is the key factor determining the future of this model," Duy said.

He also suggests that cuisine should be considered the main content axis in designing tourism products, especially for international visitors. Building thematic tours, culinary spaces, or festivals tied to local culture will help Nhi Hoa create a distinct competitive advantage.

Agreeing, Nguyen Thi Khanh, Chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Association, states that Vietnamese cuisine is increasingly being recognised on the international map. This is an opportunity for destinations like Nhi Hoa to capitalise on, enhancing their appeal and market position.

With this direction, Nhi Hoa is not just a destination but also an example of community-based tourism development, where locals are not sidelined but become the creators of value.

Leaving Nhi Hoa, what lingers is not a check-in spot but a very simple sense of peace: the sound of wind through coconut trees, a rustic country meal, and the genuine smiles of the locals.

The journey thus goes beyond exploration, becoming a journey of slowing down, feeling deeper, and preserving unforgettable memories.

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