Bringing culture closer to tourists

With love and respect for traditional culture, some Binh Dinh people have brought traditional cultural products closer to tourists through business models; some people quietly sow small seeds to continue the journey of promoting their homeland to friends from all over the world.

Street culture story

At Tree Hugger homestay and cafe (05A Hai Ba Trung, Quy Nhon City), the traditional culture of ethnic minorities is "retold" in a very unique, profound and intimate way. As a former member of the GIZ Component (Phong Nha - Ke Bang Regional Project, Quang Binh Province), Mr. Bui Quang Thinh (from Binh Dinh) noticed that the products made by ethnic minorities are elaborate and unique. From there, he decided to connect with craft villages, building a space combining a cafe and a product display called Tree Hugger, to introduce and promote traditional values in Dong Hoi City (Quang Binh).

In 2023, Tree Hugger was launched in Quy Nhon City, attracting many local and foreign visitors. Here, customers can enjoy coffee and listen to "stories" through each handmade product such as: costumes, woven baskets, backpacks, bags, wallets, pottery, decorative items... from craft villages of ethnic minorities such as H'mong, Dao, Thai, Co Tu... This is also the way Mr. Thinh designed and decorated his homestay.

Ms. Tran Le Thu Hien, representative of Tree Hugger, shared: In order to convey the true spirit and identity of each ethnic group, we spent a lot of time researching, selecting and arranging each product as a way to tell stories about that ethnic group. Through the basic information included, customers can learn more about the culture and origin of each item. We hope that these small actions will contribute to preserving and spreading traditional cultural values, while contributing to the journey of building a sustainable society.

Tour guide Tran Thi Nhu Thuong enthusiastically sings folk songs to serve locals and tourists. This is also the time she takes advantage of to hone her skills. Photo: NVCC

Contribute to spreading the game of Bai Choi

Starting his career as a tour guide in 2009, Le Van Anh (a freelance tour guide in Quy Nhon City) has been exploring his hometown more deeply. To be able to work steadily, he collects books and newspapers; proactively divides regional routes to research and grasp the unique culture through historical figures, traditional craft villages, etc.; records tourists' questions to look up, learn and improve his local knowledge.

In 2018, he initiated a training program on performing Bai Choi for tour guides.

The class initially had only a few students, but later increased to about 40. The idea came to him when he led a group past the Bai Choi performance area at Nguyen Tat Thanh Square (Quy Nhon City) and was unexpectedly asked to sing a line.

Tour guide Le Van Anh shared: I think, I have been in the profession for many years but still confused, so young people may also encounter similar situations. Therefore, I sought out artisan Hoang Viet, and fortunately he taught me wholeheartedly and did not charge any tuition. In 2019 - 2020, I continued to invite artisan Hoang Viet to teach Bai Choi classes for tour guides. What I hope is that when tourists ask for a small thing, which is to listen to Bai Choi chants, tour guides can chant confidently and vividly.

Also a tour guide, Ms. Tran Thi Nhu Thuong (born in 1993, Tuy Phuoc district) regularly practices and participates in local folk singing activities. To be able to sing bai choi, she sought out artisans Nguyen Phu, Minh Duc, Hong Dieu, Dieu Thien to ask for documents, learn more melodies, rhythms and verses; and participated in bai choi training classes organized by the Provincial Cultural Center in 2022 and 2023. At the Tuy Phuoc District Folk Bai Choi Club Festival in 2024, she won third prize.

The videos of her singing Bài Chòi that she posted on her personal Facebook page not only attracted a large number of viewers, but also made many people admire and comment that "the girls of the Nẫu region sing Bài Chòi so well that it breaks the heart".

Ms. Nhu Thuong shared: When welcoming visitors to Binh Dinh, the first thing I am always proud of is introducing the art of Bai Choi in Binh Dinh. No matter how good the introduction is, it cannot help visitors fully appreciate the beauty and charm of Bai Choi. Therefore, I am determined to learn it. Then, I can confidently talk about my hometown with all the heart of a Binh Dinh native.

HUYNH VY

Source: https://baobinhdinh.vn/viewer.aspx?macm=18&macmp=18&mabb=353949