Sùng A Tủa - the H’Mông officer bringing Phình Hồ to the World via Tiktok

Sùng A Tủa has transformed from an ordinary young man into a beloved and familiar face on TikTok. His short videos, capturing the dazzling beauty of nature, culture, and local specialities, have touched the hearts of millions.

A Tủa, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Phình Hồ Commune (Photo: Cẩm Tú)

From Simplicity to TikTok Fame

His journey began in 2022 - an inspirational journey from a small village to the vast realm of social media. Initially armed only with an old phone, Tủa documented the everyday moments of the people in Phình Hồ and shared them on his TikTok channel. His sincerity, natural storytelling, and vivid yet rustic imagery made his videos spread far and wide.

While many young people leave their hometowns in search of opportunities, Tủa chose to stay, nurture, and enrich the land that raised him. He saw TikTok as a “long arm” to share Phình Hồ's story with the world. “Tiktok is a fantastic platform to convey information quickly. I want to share about the lives of our people and the beauty of this land so everyone can understand more about Phình Hồ and the lives of ethnic minorities in the highlands. I hope people see Phình Hồ through a screen and visit, feel, and connect with it in person.”

With over 300,000 followers and more than 17,000 interactions per video, Sùng A Tủa has become a pioneer among young people in using social media to promote local culture. His signature appearance in traditional H’Mông attire, accompanied by the endearing greeting “It’s a local officer here again!” has become an image cherished by many.

Mr Tủa guided farmers in selling agricultural products through social media platforms. (Photo: provided by the character)

Whether it’s the serene scenes at Lau Camping, the intricate process of crafting ancient Shan Tuyet tea, or the misty mornings veiling the mountain slopes, Tủa’s videos offer an authentic and emotional depiction of life in Phình Hồ. His heartfelt and creative approach has forged a strong bond between Phình Hồ and the broader community.

Challenges on the Path to Growth

Behind the success are months and years of hard work. A Tủa had to learn video-making and storytelling techniques to captivate and connect with his audience. “I studied law, so I had little knowledge about media. I had to teach myself a lot about TikTok, social networks, and how to produce high-quality videos in content and visuals so that people could better understand our way of life,” he shared.

Balancing his duties as Vice Chairman of the Phình Hồ Commune Fatherland Front Committee, supporting villagers with tea production, and creating TikTok content has been an intense challenge. The pressure to maintain creativity often weighs heavily. Sometimes, I wanted to give up because some videos didn’t perform as I had hoped,” Tủa confined. “But every positive comment from viewers gave me renewed energy. The more support I received, the more I wanted to share about my homeland with the community.”

Phình Hồ remains a remote highland commune with significant challenges. Its people primarily rely on farming and tea cultivation for a living. Yet hidden within these hardships lies the poetic, majestic beauty of nature. “Phình Hồ is a beautiful land, but few people know about it. I want this place to be part of the discovery journey for both domestic and international tourists,” Tủa expressed.

A Vision to Take Phình Hồ Global

Thanks to Tủa’s efforts, hundreds of Vietnamese tourists have visited Phình Hồ, immersing themselves in its lifestyle, cultural activities, and the taste of Shan Tuyết tea while admiring its breathtaking landscapes. Phình Hồ has also welcomed its first international visitors, though their numbers remain modest. Recognizing language as a significant barrier, Tủa is collaborating with young volunteers to organize English classes for children and locals, equipping them with basic communication skills to interact with foreign tourists. Despite limited resources, he remains determined to bridge the gap between Phình Hồ and the global stage.

“I believe the beauty and experiences of Phình Hồ will captivate international visitors. However, even many Vietnamese people haven’t heard of Phình Hồ yet, let alone foreigners,” he reflected. To address this, Tủa is developing TikTok content tailored for international audiences, enhancing his language skills, and incorporating English subtitles into his videos to broaden their reach.

Tủa has connected and brought tourist groups to Phình Hồ (Photo: provided by the character)

Beyond promoting the scenery, Sùng A Tủa uses TikTok to build a brand for Phình Hồ’s Shan Tuyết tea. Through short clips, he narrates the story of century-old tea trees and the efforts of locals in crafting fragrant and flavorful tea that embodies the essence of the mountains. His story inspires the people of Phình Hồ and countless young individuals across Vietnam. Sùng A Tủa is proof that small beginnings can turn into grand tales with passion and perseverance, connecting local culture to the world.

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