Harvesting rice, venturing into the forest and sailing aboard traditional boats have long been part of everyday life and livelihoods in Quang Ninh. Today, these familiar activities are being transformed into distinctive tourism experiences, offering visitors new ways to discover the region, from its coastal areas to its highlands.
During the golden harvest season in Luc Hon, terraced rice fields stretch along the mountain slopes, while houses peek out from behind leafy gardens. For local farmers, this is harvest time; for visitors, it is an opportunity to experience rice harvesting first-hand, a familiar part of rural life in the area.
Golden rice terraces, dishes made from newly harvested rice and traditional handicrafts preserved by local communities all add to the visitor experience. A visit here is not just about enjoying the scenery, but also about discovering the way of life of local people.
Luc Hon is not the only place where visitors can experience local lifestyles. Similar activities are also drawing travellers to highland villages across the region. In Khe Tien Hamlet, Hoanh Mo Commune, two traditional earthen-walled houses built in the style of traditional Dao homes offer accommodation for travellers. The surrounding landscape is ideal for village walks, giving them opportunities to learn about local customs, cuisine and seasonal farming activities.
Leaving the terraced fields behind, visitors can also enjoy sailing aboard three-panel boats. Since late June 2026, six such boats have been operating along a coastal route, departing from the area around Ha Long I Market in Hong Gai Ward. Each vessel can carry up to 12 passengers on a journey lasting approximately one hour. Restored to reflect the design of traditional sailing boats, they feature two masts and bat-wing-shaped sails. Once used for fishing and seafaring, these vessels offer visitors a glimpse into the maritime way of life of coastal communities in the past.
Tourism experiences inspired by the everyday activities of local people can now be found in many parts of Quang Ninh. On Quan Lan Island, visitors can join fishermen in digging for sipunculid worms and catching seafood, while in Yen Duc Village they can try their hand at rice milling, pounding rice, catching crabs and fishing. In the mountainous area of Binh Lieu, they can explore Ngan Chi Forest and Do Waterfall, wade through streams and catch freshwater snails. Travellers can also learn about the traditional embroidery of the Dao Thanh Y people in Bang Ca (Quang La Commune) and bamboo and rattan weaving in Ban Cau (Luc Hon Commune). In Hoanh Mo, they can join local residents in gathering bamboo shoots and learn about the star anise harvest. Each activity offers a unique insight into local life, helping visitors gain a deeper understanding of local lifestyles and traditional occupations.
By Ha Phong
