Orientation for organizing the landscape of ethnic minority villages in the Northwestern mountainous region to support sustainable tourism development

Abstract

The Northwestern mountainous region (MNTB) possesses immense tourism potential with its magnificent natural scenery, unique culture, and heroic history. It is blessed with a majestic and distinctive beauty in terms of terrain, climate, geology, landscape, and ecosystems. The Northwestern mountainous region has a special tourism appeal, offering an unparalleled combination of pristine forests and rich cultural heritage. Alongside its breathtaking landscapes, the traditional culture of ethnic communities is a key highlight of the region’s tourism resources. The Northwest is home to many ethnic groups, including the Tày, Nùng, Thái, Mường, Mông, Dao, Kinh, Hoa, Khơ Mú, Lào, Lự, Hà Nhì, Kháng, La Hủ, Si La, Phù Lá, Bố Y, Mảng, Giáy, Xơ Đăng, Lô Lô, Pà Thẻn, Phù Lá, Cờ Lao, La Chí, and others. These communities contribute to a vast and diverse cultural space. Many ethnic groups have preserved their traditional cultural identities through customs, practices, festivals, attire, musical instruments, folk songs, and dances.

Preserving and maintaining cultural identity also means enhancing the region’s appeal to visitors interested in exploring local traditions and customs. However, in some areas of the MNTB provinces, cultural identity has gradually faded. Moreover, despite its rich cultural diversity in daily life, this aspect has not been effectively utilized and remains underrepresented in tourism products.

This article focuses on researching and identifying the unique landscape values of ethnic minority villages in the Northwestern mountainous region. Based on these findings, it proposes spatial planning and architectural landscape strategies to support sustainable tourism development.

Keywords: Orientation for organizing the landscape of minority villages; Ethnic minority villages in the Northwestern mountainous; Sustainable tourism development