A single mother overcomes prejudice to become a successful homestay owner in Nghia Lo town

Mrs. Sam Thi Tam (center) at the Ban Muong homestay

Mrs. Sam Thi Tam is one of the typical participants in the training course on Enhancing the knowledge and practical skills on developing community-based tourism for the local people in Eastern mountainous areas of Yen Bai province, Nghia Lo town sponsored by Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF). Yen Bai Women's Union in collaboration with the Center for Women and Development (CWD) organized this training course from September 12 to September 14, 2022. 

Tam shared that she got married at the age of 16, and at the age of 32, she decided to divorce due to her unhappy married life. At that time, there were still many prejudices and barriers against divorced women in her village. At first, her family also objected, but after witnessing her unhappy life, her parents supported her decision.

Once she had the opportunity to go to Nghia An and Nghia Loi communes in Nghia Lo town, she found that their homestay business model here is very developed while in Nghia Phuc commune, where she lives, there is no homestay model. Returning from the trip, she has boldly pioneered building a homestay model on her parents' land to introduce Muong ethnic culture and cuisine to visitors, and at the same time have an additional source of income to raise her children.

She opened the Ban Muong homestay in 2020. When she first run the business, she faced many difficulties because the model was new and unknown to tourists. She did not have much experience in welcoming tourists. She also did not learn about tourism or hotel management before. Most of the experiences that she gained came from her own experiences when visiting homestay models elsewhere. After welcoming a few tourist groups, the Covid epidemic broke out, the tourism industry was frozen, and she had to close the homestay for a long time. It was the most difficult time for her.

When the tourism industry re-open, Tam actively participated in the training courses on community tourism in the area organized by the Women's Union with the desire to improve the quality of service for her homestay. In the training course on enhancing the knowledge and practical skills in developing community-based tourism for the local people in Eastern mountainous areas of Yen Bai province, Nghia Lo town, she was updated by local authorities with the latest policies on homestay model management in the area, local homestay development guidelines and policies. She also learned the skills of homestay management and how to welcome guests professionally and thoughtfully.

A photo of the training course in Nghia Lo town from 12/09-14/09/2022

Ms. Tam also said that what she enjoyed most in this training course was the fact that she was able to meet and discuss with other homestay owners in the area, who had decades of experience ahead of her. Their practical experiences and sharing are valuable lessons for her to apply immediately to her homestay model. After the training course, she shared her knowledge with the waiters and family members so that everyone knew how to welcome and serve guests more thoughtfully.

During the peak tourist season in Nghia Lo Town from September to mid-October, her homestay can welcome up to 500 visitors per day. Currently, every visitor coming to her homestay can enjoy dishes imbued with Muong ethnic culture, experience sleeping on community stilts and enjoy unique traditional dances.

Tam prepares dishes imbued with rich Muong culture to introduce to guests.

Visitors coming to Ban Muong Homestay will enjoy the unique traditional dances of the Muong ethnic group

She always keeps in mind that when she welcomes guests with her sincerity, she will always be loved, supported and recommended to their friends. After each stay, her homestay always receives positive feedback. Currently, most guests coming to Ban Muong homestay are introduced by her friends, relatives and former guests. Mrs. Tam hopes that in the coming time, the authorities will continue to pay attention and support Yen Bai province to organize training courses on promoting homestay models to tourists so that new homestay owners like her have more useful experience and skills, contributing to the development of community-based tourism in the locality.

After all the difficulties and challenges, Tam has now become more confident and optimistic. She always had a smile on her face when recounting memories to each group of guests. She hopes that in the coming time, she can expand her homestay model to welcome more visitors to Nghia Phuc commune, Nghia Lo town, and Yen Bai province.