In the local language, “Sin Suoi Ho” means “stream with gold”. True to its name, the area is home to a waterfall cascading from great heights, forming a winding stream that meanders through the village, creating a fairy-tale-like landscape.
Nature has endowed this land with a pristine and refreshing climate, an untouched primary forest ecosystem, and a wealth of breathtaking natural wonders, including Trai Tim Waterfall, Tinh Yeu Waterfall, Ma Quai Thang Waterfall, Ky Quan San Peak, Son Bac May Peak, and Da So Do Rock. These scenic spots, surrounded by rolling mountains, wild orchids, and endless terraced fields, add to Sin Suoi Ho’s undeniable charm.
Many scholars and cultural researchers who have visited and explored this region agree that Sin Suoi Ho embodies the core values of local culture. Indeed, visitors to the village will not be surprised to see elderly artisans meticulously teaching younger generations the art of traditional embroidery, carefully stitching intricate patterns onto their ethnic costumes under the eaves of ancient houses.
In 2015, Sin Suoi Ho was officially recognised as a cultural and community-based tourism village. With prior experience in the tourism industry in Sapa and Saigon, H’Mong woman Hang Thi Su and her husband, Nguyen Thanh Ngoc, decided to settle in the village.
Fluent in foreign languages and adept at using social media, the couple has actively promoted Sin Suoi Ho to friends near and far. In addition to running a homestay business, they have expanded their offerings by opening Ka Sha Coffee, a popular café that attracts tourists looking for a relaxing check-in spot.
A unique aspect of Sin Suoi Ho is the preservation of its indigenous cultural values. From traditional festivals and customs to ethnic attire, local cuisine, and the distinctive trinh tuong (earthen) houses with moss-covered stone fences lining the village paths—every element contributes to the area’s priceless heritage. These authentic features have helped transform Sin Suoi Ho into the “jewel” of Lai Chau’s tourism sector over the past decade.
Since the village first embarked on its tourism journey in 2015, it has grown to include 28 homestay businesses and Trai Tim Cooperative, which provides lodging and culinary services. With over 400 beds available, the village can accommodate more than 500 guests per night. Additionally, the village boasts a restaurant, four coffee shops, and various stalls selling handmade brocade items and traditional costumes for rent.
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Visiting Sin Suoi Ho on a Saturday or Sunday, visitors can experience the market in the village. |
This well-rounded tourism infrastructure has significantly boosted visitor numbers, making Sin Suoi Ho the highest-earning community-based tourism village in Lai Chau. According to local government reports, in 2024 alone, the village welcomed more than 30,000 visitors, generating over 3 billion VND in tourism revenue.
Nguyen Minh Tung, a visitor from Hanoi, shared his thoughts: “Though I don’t visit often, every trip to Sin Suoi Ho leaves me in awe of its landscape, services, and warm-hearted people. The locals are humble, sincere, and incredibly hospitable. What’s even more impressive is that the H’Mong men and women here are exceptionally talented—not only do they farm, build traditional houses, brew liquor, and cultivate orchids, but they also play musical instruments, sing, dance, and even host performances. To me, they are truly ‘multi-skilled farmers’ who leave a lasting impression on visitors.”
A key factor in Sin Suoi Ho’s tourism success is the strong sense of community. The villagers work together to develop tourism, treating the entire village as one big family. Those unable to invest in homestays or other services contribute by keeping their homes clean, planting wildflowers, and decorating their houses with eco-friendly materials to enhance the village’s overall aesthetics.
In return, revenue from entrance ticket sales and a portion of the profits from local tourism businesses are reinvested into the community, funding essential infrastructure projects. Additionally, a portion of these funds support families facing financial difficulties, ensuring that all households benefit from tourism. Thanks to this model, 100% of households in Sin Suoi Ho voluntarily participate in tourism activities to make their village more widely known and welcoming to visitors.
In 2023, as part of the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF), Sin Suoi Ho received its third ASEAN Community-Based Tourism Award. In 2024, the village was nominated for “Best Tourism Village in the World”.
