With its pristine landscapes, unique cultural heritage of Muong ethnic minority, and an expanding range of visitor experiences, Tan Lac district of Hoa Binh has fast become a captivating destination for both domestic and international tourists.
The annual Khai ha (going down to the fields) festival of the Muong community in Phong Phu commune, Tan Lac district has attracted a large number of visitors.
Located in north-western Hoa Binh province, Tan Lac is home to the Muong ethnic community, who boasts vibrant traditions and festivals, ancient caves and majestic waterfalls as well as spiritual sites.
Among the district’s most notable attractions are national relic sites, including Thac Bo Cave, Hoa Tien Cave, Bung Cave (Suoi Hoa commune), Nam Son Cave (Van Son commune), Muong Chieng Cave, and Muoi Cave (Man Duc township). In addition, provincial-level heritage and historical sites such as the Luy Ai Shrine (Phong Phu commune), Cot Co mountain, and Trang waterfall (Nhan My commune) offer plenty for nature lovers, trekkers, and campers to discover.
Tan Lac is also a cultural stronghold for the Muong people, with annual festivals such as the Khai ha (going down to the fields) festival in Phong Phu, the Ke Pagoda Festival, and the traditional stream fishing festival in Lo Son. These events offer not just spiritual meaning, but also a chance for visitors to explore the customs, beliefs, and everyday life of local communities. Folk arts such as Muong chieng (gong) performances, Muong folk songs, Mo Muong chants, traditional dress, and handicrafts like brocade weaving further showcase the region’s cultural richness.
With both natural and cultural strengths, Tan Lac has great potential to develop a variety of tourism models — from eco-tourism and cultural tourism to community-based and experiential travel. A standout development is the opening of the Ngoi Hoa – PriorBay Resort eco-tourism area in Suoi Hoa commune, which brings a distinctive high-end retreat to the Hoa Binh Lake tourism area.
Local authorities are actively promoting tourism through policy support, infrastructure upgrades, and community tourism projects. Bui Minh Hong, head of the district’s Culture, Science and Information Division said that Tan Lac continues to implement its tourism development plan to 2030, with a vision to 2050, including supporting the province’s resolutions to turn highland communes into provincial-level tourism zones.
Since early 2025, the district has maintained its existing tourist routes and products while investing in new inter-regional experiences. These include traditional cultural tourism, craft village tours, and new community tourism models. Local communes and towns have been instructed to follow the district’s tourism roadmap, attract investment, and make the most of the area’s potential.
Promotional efforts are underway at traditional festivals, where tourism opportunities are introduced to travel companies nationwide. The district also aims to raise awareness through media campaigns, including tourism features broadcast on public platforms, updates to the official district website, and the launch of a dedicated Tan Lac tourism site. These efforts are designed to give domestic and international visitors easier access to comprehensive travel information.
Tan Lac is also enhancing regional tourism links, working with other provinces and cities to create joint tour packages and expand its domestic and international visitor markets.
Thanks to these well-coordinated strategies, Tan Lac’s tourism sector has made solid progress. In 2024, the district welcomed 294,500 visitors, including 7,850 international tourists, with total tourism revenue reaching 192 billion VND (7.42 million USD). In the first quarter of 2025 alone, 153,230 visitors (4,980 international, 148,250 domestic) arrived in the locality.
With nature as its canvas and culture at its heart, Tan Lac promises to become an unmissable destination where landscapes inspire, traditions shine, and every journey leaves a lasting memory.
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