In Đà Nẵng, Community-Based Learning Tourism Turns Travel into a Classroom
A quiet revolution is underway in Vietnam’s tourism hotspots. In Đà Nẵng and surrounding areas, a new model is taking root. It is called community-based learning tourism, or CLT.
This approach shifts the focus from entertainment to education. Local residents become teachers rather than performers. Visitors are invited into daily life to learn, observe, and understand.
In Giàn Bí, a village of the Cơ Tu people, middle-aged tourists listen intently. A local explains traditional weaving practices. They take notes.
In the afternoon, a farmer from Nam Yên valley speaks. He discusses water scarcity and forest restoration methods. Again, the tourists document his words.
The next day, a boat driver on the Thu Bồn River gives a mini lecture. He explains the nipa palm ecosystem. His passengers take detailed notes.
Within days, these visitors traverse Đà Nẵng’s diverse landscapes. They learn about geography, culture, and community challenges. Tourism becomes a genuine learning experience.
Putting Communities First
The goals of CLT are clear and community-centered. First, it preserves local ecosystems and traditional knowledge. Second, it improves residents’ incomes in sustainable ways.
This model places residents at the center of decision-making. They decide how tourism can improve their lives. It prevents tourism from eroding culture and environment.
CLT represents central Vietnam’s latest effort to transform tourism. It moves beyond pleasure and mass entertainment. It creates meaningful exchanges between visitors and hosts.
Challenges Remain
Despite its promise, CLT faces significant obstacles. Climate change threatens the very ecosystems communities depend on. Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns disrupt traditional practices.
Pressure from mass tourism is another constant challenge. The conventional model is deeply entrenched. Switching to a slower, more educational approach requires effort and investment.
Rapid economic development also creates tensions. Communities must balance growth with preservation. The pull toward quick profits can undermine long-term sustainability.
Yet the model persists and grows. More communities are exploring how CLT can work for them. Visitors increasingly seek authentic, educational experiences.
The classroom of Đà Nẵng is open. Its teachers are farmers, weavers, and boat drivers. Its lessons are about culture, ecology, and resilience. And its students leave with more than photographs—they leave with understanding.
