(TITC) – “Haha Family” is a reality television program that embraces the concept of “leaving the city for the countryside,” featuring well-known artists, actors, and KOLs such as Jun Phạm and Duy Khánh. During their journey to Ban Lien commune in Lao Cai, the cast lived like locals amid lush mountains, terraced fields, stilt houses, and communal meals that required them to forage for vegetables and bamboo shoots in the forest, much like the daily lives of ethnic residents.
Through the “Haha Family” model, Ban Lien Village (Lao Cai) attracts a large number of visitors to experience its rural tourism products
Everyday life on screen – and in real tourism
On the show, the artists plowed fields, caught fish, joined the local market, herded ducks, and gathered wild vegetables in the mountains, all alongside their host family led by Ms. Vàng Thị Thông. The humorous, genuine, and down-to-earth situations resonated with audiences. As a result, every episode has surpassed one million views and ranked among YouTube’s trending videos.
Beyond entertainment, “Haha Family” has inspired a trend among young Vietnamese travelers to explore and experience rural tourism. The vivid depiction of Ban Lien showcases breathtaking terraced rice fields, centuries-old Shan Tuyet tea hills, endless palm forests, and the rare freshness of the highland air.
Culture and community brought to life
The show also highlighted the cultural richness of the Tay ethnic community in Ban Lien. From rustic stilt houses and vibrant xòe dances to unique traditional cuisine, the program vividly conveyed the charm of a community that has preserved its cultural identity through generations. This authentic portrayal has encouraged many to visit Ban Lien to immerse themselves in the culture, traditions, and natural beauty of Vietnam’s northwestern highlands.
From reality show to real tourism growth
Following the show’s success, Ban Lien tourism has become increasingly lively. A range of community-based tourism products now allows visitors to participate in rural life: working in the fields, harvesting Shan Tuyet tea, joining local markets, or sharing cultural exchanges with Tay families. Homestays, once quiet, are now thriving, with most fully booked during the summer. Notably, Ms. Thông’s homestay, featured in the show, has become a favorite, but other homestays in the commune are also welcoming a surge of guests.
“Haha Family” has provided local tourism operators with fresh perspectives, encouraging them to diversify and modernize their agricultural and rural tourism products. For travelers, Ban Lien has become the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life – a place to rediscover peace, reconnect with nature, and experience the pristine beauty of the Northwest.
Unique rural tourism experiences
Newly developed tours are attracting strong interest, particularly from young travelers. Popular experiences include:
Ban Lien Market Tour – exploring the colorful local market and engaging with Tay culture.
Farming Experience Tour – working alongside locals in scenic terraced rice fields, especially during the water-pouring season (May–June) and the golden harvest (September–October).
Shan Tuyet Tea Picking Tour – venturing into lush tea hills to learn about and harvest the region’s ancient tea.
These activities not only provide visitors with hands-on experiences but also generate additional income for the community, helping to sustain cultural practices and protect the natural environment.
A model for rural tourism development
Ban Lien’s rise demonstrates how cultural storytelling and media exposure can transform a rural commune into a sought-after destination. By combining the authenticity of daily life with the creativity of media and tourism, Ban Lien is shaping a sustainable future for agricultural and rural tourism in Lao Cai.
For those longing to step away from the fast-paced city and discover the tranquil, genuine charm of the highlands, Ban Lien – with its terraced fields, misty mountains, and warm-hearted Tay families – is a destination not to be missed.
Tourism Information Technology Center
