Chu Tien Thanh from Cao Bang may not speak English fluently, but his warmth, food, and passion for his hometown win over travelers from around the world.
Though his English is limited, Chu Tien Thanh, a Dao Tien man from Lung Muoi hamlet at the foot of Mount Phia Oac (Cao Bang), has welcomed hundreds of international tourists through a special connection that transcends language.
Beloved by Western visitors
German tourist Kaiser Theo explores Phia Oac forest with local host Chu Tien Thanh.
“I was a bit anxious traveling alone to a remote mountainous area in Cao Bang. While looking for local guides and accommodation, I discovered Thanh - host of a highly-rated homestay,” said Kaiser Theo, a tourist from Berlin, Germany.
“He knows every corner of the forest, hills, and caves - places of untouched beauty. He’s a great climber, always smiling, and an excellent cook. Choosing Thanh as my guide was a great decision,” Theo shared.
Theo spent five days and four nights in Quang Thanh Commune, Nguyen Binh District, immersed in nature and local life. Despite their language barrier - often bridged by Google Translate - Theo was deeply satisfied. “I could feel his passion through his eyes and smile. It was truly special.”
Many other foreign tourists have left glowing comments on social media about Chu Tien Thanh, born in 1992. "When I first guided tourists around Cao Bang’s forests, streams, and mountains, I could only manage a few words in English. I mostly relied on gestures and translation apps. Over time, many of my guests even helped teach me English,” Thanh recalled.
“Though my English is still limited, I’ve become more confident. I’m happy and proud to introduce my hometown and serve visitors wholeheartedly.”
Staying rooted to escape poverty through tourism
Thanh always welcomes guests with a bright smile.
Lung Muoi hamlet is a serene, green village under Mount Phia Oac.
The traditional wooden homestay lies in a quiet valley by a stream.
Thanh was born and raised in Lung Muoi - a peaceful but impoverished village beneath the 1,931-meter-high Mount Phia Oac, over 50 km from downtown Cao Bang. His family, like most villagers, lived on corn and rice farming, facing many hardships.
With a deep love for exploration, Thanh realized the untapped tourism potential of his homeland - its appeal to both local and international travelers. He dreamed of staying in the village, caring for his parents, and starting a business to lift his family out of poverty.
Lung Muoi, located within the UNESCO Non Nuoc Cao Bang Global Geopark, is rich in scenic beauty, geological wonders, and ethnic culture. The area is home to important historical landmarks like the Tran Hung Dao Forest Special National Site, Keo Quang (Lenin) Cave where President Ho Chi Minh trained revolutionary cadres, Phai Khat and Na Ngan forts, and the Ong Bua Temple.
Villages such as Hoai Khao preserve Dao Tien traditions, from tiled roofs and ethnic costumes to ancient crafts. The Na Reo community is known for its rammed-earth houses, showcasing the Dao Tien people’s masterful construction techniques.
“I’d be heartbroken if such a beautiful and culturally rich place remained unknown,” Thanh said.
In 2014, after completing military service, Thanh traveled around Cao Bang to study homestay and community tourism models. He began leading trekking tours through the forests and caves.
In 2021, with financial support from a friend experienced in homestays, Thanh convinced his family to contribute land and labor to build a small homestay in Lũng Mười.
The homestay is a traditional four-room wooden house, 120 square meters, with yin-yang tiled roofing, nestled in a valley by a murmuring stream and surrounded by mountains. “With limited funds, I built and crafted as much as I could myself,” Thanh said. Inside, he decorates with traditional Dao Tien garments, hung neatly and tastefully.
From a local’s lens: Exploring Lung Muoi through Thanh’s eyes
Thanh prepares authentic Dao Tien meals for guests.
Thanh strives to offer rustic yet refreshing experiences to every visitor.
Thanh created a fan page, taking photos and writing posts to promote the homestay and Lung Muoi. “At first, nobody paid attention, and I was anxious. But thanks to a friend’s help, I gradually connected with more tourists.”
“My wife and I greet every guest with sincerity. We clean, cook, and personally guide visitors through Phia Oac, Phia Den, Hoai Khao… I don’t see myself as a tour guide, just a local sharing stories of my home with pride and love.”
Thanh is also praised for his cooking. He prepares traditional Dao Tien meals from black pork, local chicken, stream fish, and forest vegetables - creating hearty and authentic mountain dishes.
“The peak tourist season is from January to May, ideal for forest walks and stream bathing, and again from August to September during the rice harvest. In winter, Phia Oac may have frost, drawing many domestic tourists. I mostly use online apps to promote and manage bookings,” Thanh noted.
In the off-season, he visits other homestays to learn about customer service, cooking, and beverage preparation.
“My homestay can host about 20 guests at a time. Though we’re not overloaded with tourists, my wife and I now have a stable income,” he added.
In 2023-2024, Thanh entered his Lung Muoi Homestay project into the first Cao Bang Provincial Innovation Startup Competition and won a consolation prize.
Thanh often refers tourists to other local homestays and shares his experience with fellow villagers and those interested in community tourism.
“I hope visitors come to Lung Muoi and Quang Thanh not just once, but many times - and that each visit brings a new and meaningful experience in a different homestay,” he shared.
Vietnamnet.vn
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