“Green Tourism” on the Mulberry Fields of Thanh Thinh

A Revival After the Storm

Visiting Thanh Thinh in early April, we were amazed by the transformation of a commune that was recently devastated by Storm No. 3. The disaster had left Thanh Thinh – once considered the "capital” of mulberry cultivation and silkworm farming in the district – in ruins. Entire fields were submerged in mud, and the remaining mulberry trees were either covered in sludge or had withered. Yet now, Thanh Thinh has made a strong recovery. The mulberry fields have donned a lush green appearance, and vibrant cosmos flowers line both sides of the roads, swaying in the breeze. Farmers are once again busy picking mulberry leaves in the fields.

Ms. Vu Thi Lan, a resident of Lan Dinh Hamlet, shared while harvesting leaves: "My family has 1.2 acres of mulberry. Storm No. 3 destroyed a significant portion of our crop. Fortunately, with the support from provincial authorities and relevant agencies, we applied advanced techniques to nurse the plants back to health. As a result, the entire mulberry area has now recovered. The trees are thriving with large, thick leaves. This is the second silkworm cycle we are raising this year, and we expect to earn nearly 200 million VND.”

Thanh Thinh currently has nearly 300 hectares of mulberry – the largest area under cultivation in Tran Yen District. Following the storm, 100% of the commune’s mulberry fields were inundated, with nearly half suffering severe damage. In response, local authorities worked with the district’s Agriculture and Environment Division to assess damage and propose suitable recovery solutions. For areas at higher elevation that could be salvaged, scientific methods were applied to support regeneration. Areas requiring replanting were evaluated for soil improvement. Thanks to these timely measures, Thanh Thinh quickly restored its mulberry cultivation, helping to stabilize livelihoods.

Expanding Mulberry Cultivation

Over the years, mulberry and silkworm farming has emerged as a key economic sector in Thanh Thinh. In practice, this model has proven highly effective, generating average revenues of over 200 million VND per hectare annually. Mulberry thrives in the local climate and soil conditions and suits the labor force, which has led to its widespread adoption. The resulting commercial products have strong market potential, providing stable income and enhancing prosperity for local farmers.

To support households in expanding and linking production zones, the commune has organized numerous training sessions to guide farmers in applying intensive mulberry farming techniques. In collaboration with the district’s agriculture department, the commune also introduced a new silkworm rearing model using wheeled sliding trays. These trays are easy to move and clean, require less labor, and ensure hygienic feeding practices.

Additionally, local farmers continue to use wooden frame nets for rearing silkworms and work closely with Mien Bac Silk Joint Stock Company – the commune’s strategic partner in mulberry cultivation, silkworm farming, and cocoon product distribution. By 2025, Thanh Thinh aims to fully utilize its agricultural land to expand mulberry planting by 10 hectares and renovate 26.5 hectares of existing fields. The commune expects to reach an annual cocoon output of 515 tonnes and maintain its OCOP certification for various mulberry-based products, especially Viet Thanh mulberry wine.

Promoting "Green Tourism”

In an effort to develop "green tourism,” Thanh Thinh Commune has partnered with Tay Bac Silk Joint Stock Company to implement the project titled "Building an experiential tourism model of mulberry cultivation – silkworm raising – silk reeling and weaving in Tran Yen District, 2024–2025.” Accordingly, the commune has mapped out a master plan for the experiential tourism zone centered around mulberry and sericulture, harmoniously integrated into the natural landscape and broader ecosystem of experiential tourism in the province. The model presents a balanced complex, blending tradition and modernity, enabling visitors—especially younger generations—to better understand the historical evolution of traditional weaving and the process of producing silk and other sericulture-based products.

The experiential space also offers insight into the rich cultural identity of the local Tay and Muong ethnic communities. Thanh Thinh has already completed a comprehensive zoning plan for the tourism model, incorporating green spaces, cultural spaces, traditional spaces, and culinary areas. Visitors are invited to take photos, pick mulberries and leaves, and tour silkworm houses. They can also enjoy mulberry-derived products such as mulberry tea, wine, and syrup, and purchase mulberry silk items such as scarves.

To ensure the project is effectively implemented, Thanh Thinh has widened intra-village roads from 3 to 5 meters, planted flowers along the roadsides, and built access pathways to the mulberry fields, which has been met with enthusiastic support from residents.

Mr. Tran Van Bac of Truc Dinh Hamlet shared: "My family donated over 700 square meters of garden land to help widen the village road. We also contributed money and labor to pave a stone slope and plant flowers along the route. We hope this clean and beautiful road will leave a lasting impression on visitors coming to explore and experience our area.”

Additionally, the commune has encouraged residents to cultivate Quan Am lotus in low-lying fields unsuitable for mulberry and to develop culinary services based on local ingredients. There are also efforts to expand organic cinnamon cultivation and other organic products.

Mr. Nguyen Minh Thanh, Secretary of the Thanh Thinh Commune Party Committee, noted: "In recent years, Thanh Thinh has pursued the goal of building new-style rural areas to develop tourism and using tourism development as a means to grow the economy, raise living standards, and promote sustainable rural development. At the end of April, the commune will hold a tourism workshop for residents in Lan Dinh, Truc Dinh, Phuc Dinh, and Hamlet 5 (formerly part of Dao Thinh Commune) to learn about community-based tourism and its benefits. Thanh Thinh will also ‘tell its story’ to help visitors discover the commune’s OCOP products.” Currently, the commune has completed road expansions, planted 2 km of roadside flowers, and cleaned up silkworm houses. Officials have also been dispatched to study experiential tourism models in other localities to ensure effective project implementation.

Developing "green tourism” in tandem with agricultural potential, traditional crafts, and local ecological advantages is proving to be a timely and fitting direction for Thanh Thinh. There is confidence that the "Experiential Tourism Model of Mulberry Cultivation – Silkworm Raising – Silk Reeling and Weaving in Tran Yen, 2024–2025” project will soon be completed, offering visitors new and meaningful experiences.

Tourists visiting Thanh Thinh will be able to pick fresh mulberries, check in amid poetic green fields in the cool, clean air, and enjoy immersive experiences in mulberry farms and silkworm houses. These interactions will deepen their appreciation of the traditional weaving craft, the process of silk production, and the value of cinnamon and other local specialties. The rich cultural heritage of the Tay and Muong people, combined with the commune’s serene mulberry fields and golden cocoons, will increasingly attract visitors from far and wide.