Tân Hóa: A village transformed by Tourism

Exploring Tú Làn caves: The spark that ignited change

In 2011, Oxalis Adventure began pioneering adventure tours through the Tú Làn cave system, weaving authentic cultural experiences into each expedition. With a focus on safety, showcasing the unique beauty of the natural environment, and celebrating the distinctive local culture, the Tú Làn adventures have become some of the most sought-after in Vietnam.

These immersive journeys, ranging from one to six days, take guests deep into the heart of pristine caves and primeval forests. Imagine swimming through subterranean rivers, marveling at the unique formations of Hang Hung Ton, Hang Ken, Hang Kim, Hang Tú Làn, and many more. Picture yourself camping in the most breathtaking spots of Tú Làn, surrounded by waterfalls and natural swimming pools. And savor the unforgettable culinary experience with delicious local dishes prepared by talented local chefs.

A highlight of the tours is the opportunity to connect with the local culture. Guests enjoy intimate dinners in the homes of local villagers, engaging in conversations that reveal the rich traditions of the Nguồn people in Tân Hóa and their inspiring resilience in adapting to the challenges of flooding and unpredictable weather.

The dinner will be prepared and served by the host, featuring the most distinctive traditional dishes of the Nguồn people in Tan Hoa village.

Beyond cave exploration, Oxalis Adventure offers cycling tours through the charming Tân Hóa countryside and exhilarating ATV adventures through Lim Forest, where visitors can witness the mystical beauty of one of Vietnam's few remaining natural ironwood forests. Guests can also stay overnight at Tú Làn Lodge, a unique accommodation built 11 meters above the ground to adapt to the area's annual floods.

Breathtaking view at Tu Lan Lodge - the accommodation where tourists will stay for one night after finishing exploring jungles.

Tourism's transformative impact on the local community

Each year, Oxalis Adventure brings 10,000-12,000 visitors to Tân Hóa. In 2024 alone, this small village welcomed 11,000 tourists, with 80% coming from overseas. The impact on Tân Hóa's economy and society has been nothing short of transformative.

Today, over 130 Tân Hóa residents are directly employed in tourism through Oxalis, working as porters, chefs, safety assistants, tour guides, office staff, and hospitality personnel at Tú Làn Lodge, as well as running Rural homestays and hosting tourists for meals in their homes. These individuals now enjoy stable jobs with average monthly incomes ranging from 6 to 12 million VND. Many others indirectly benefit from tourism through partnerships with livestock cooperatives, vegetable farms, and forest owners who supply the Tú Làn expeditions.

Oxalis supports training Rural Homestay owners to improve customer care and room management skills, thereby improving service quality and income.

Thanks to their involvement in sustainable tourism, the people of Tân Hóa have seen their average annual income increase dramatically from 4.8 million VND in 2014 to an estimated 36-42 million VND in 2024. Since 2022, with the establishment of Tú Làn Lodge, Oxalis has empowered the people of Tân Hóa to run their own homestays and host tourists for dinner, generating an additional income of 8 to 12 million VND per month.

This economic progress is reflected in Tân Hóa's revenue from fulfilling financial obligations to the state, which has skyrocketed from a mere 2-3 million VND in 2014 to 592.1 million VND in 2024.

Local guides and the host will guide visitors through the experience of making traditional Pồi rice of the Nguồn people.

Over the past decade, Tân Hóa's population has grown from 2,885 (668 households) in 2014 to 3,581 (715 households) in 2024. This growth is a testament to the village's development and its appeal to people seeking new opportunities.

The poverty rate has plummeted from 85.7% in 2010 to a remarkable 2.6% in 2024 (corresponding to 19 households out of 715). This achievement underscores the significant improvement in living standards as people transition from unsustainable practices to sustainable tourism.

Education in Tân Hóa has also seen impressive progress. While around 70% of students completed high school between 2014 and 2020, this number has now climbed to over 80%. Furthermore, local workers have been empowered through professional training programs in tourism. Between 2022 and 2024, Oxalis Adventure sponsored 12 locals to attend a tourism guide training program at Saigon Tourist College, reinforcing the company's commitment to employing and developing local talent.

Recognized as the Best Tourism Village by UN Tourism

In 2023, Tân Hóa's unwavering dedication to sustainable tourism was recognized by the UN Tourism with the prestigious title of "Best Tourism Village." Acknowledging the village's tourism potential, local authorities and organizations have also contributed to infrastructure upgrades, including solar-powered lighting, road improvements, landscaping, and clean water systems.

The entrance to Tan Hoa Tourism Village – the Best Tourism Village in 2023.

In ten years, Tân Hóa has transformed from a flood-prone village into a captivating tourist destination. It is a place where visitors can marvel at the grandeur of nature, immerse themselves in a vibrant local culture, and witness the inspiring efforts of a community dedicated to sustainable development through tourism.

The Oxalis Experience.