Nestled at the foot of a mountain with the serene Sia stream flowing by, Hich 2 village in Mai Hich commune, Mai Chau district, offers a tranquil retreat and an authentic cultural experience of the Thai ethnic community. Known for its unspoiled nature and preserved traditions, it has become a favourite destination for international tourists.
Foreign tourists explore community based tourism in Hich 2 village, Mai Hich commune, Mai Chau district.
French traveler Thew Baillieu, who has visited multiple times,
described his three-month stay as an enriching cultural exchange, where he
learned Vietnamese and participated in homestay operations.
Meanwhile, Helen from Australia praised the village’s cleanliness, traditional
stilt houses, and the residents' ability to maintain their customs and daily
rituals.
Guests coming to the village enjoy a blend of relaxation and adventure.
Activities range from cycling and trekking through lush forests to bamboo
rafting on the Sia stream.
Local homestays provide cozy, traditional accommodations, while local cuisine
such as sticky rice, hill chicken, and pork marinated with mac khen (wild
pepper) adds to the appeal. Evenings feature cultural performances, giving
visitors a deeper connection to Thai traditions.
Hich 2 village, with 98% of its population Thais, has embraced community-based
tourism since 2013. With 12 homestay businesses, it balances tourism with
traditional agriculture, including rice farming and livestock. The village
hosts over 5,000 visitors annually, with international tourists making up 80%
of its guests.
By preserving its cultural heritage and natural beauty, the village has become
a model for sustainable tourism in Vietnam. Its success has improved local
livelihoods and positioned it as a key destination in travel routes exploring
Vietnam’s Northwest region.
For travelers seeking authenticity and tranquility, Hich 2
offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Thai culture and nature.
The northern mountainous province of Hoa Binh has been listed among the 71 most beautiful places to visit worldwide by the prestigious US travel magazine Condé Nast Traveller.
Hoa Binh province’s rich natural and cultural resources position it as a prime location for developing community-based tourism (CBT). In recent years, support from central and provincial policies, as well as assistance from non-governmental organisations, have encouraged local ethnic minority and mountainous communities to actively engage in the sector.
Van Son Commune, Tan Lạc district, Hoa Binh province also known as "Cloud Valley," boasts a cool climate, stunning natural landscapes, and majestic scenery. Visitors who have been to this place should make a stop at Chien Hamlet to experience a lot of fascinating things and feel the friendly, warmth of the Muong ethnic people.
Thanks to the effective exploitation of natural landscape and the cultural diversity of ethnic minorities, Hoa Binh province has become an attractive destination for tourists seeking experiences and exploration.
The Department of Cultural Heritage has just coordinated with the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Hoa Binh province to organize a training on implementing the model of the cultural heritage connected in the cultural tourism journey in Cao Phong and Lac Son districts.
