HBO – Da Bac district in Hoa Binh province boasts unique cultural and historical tradition, pristine forests, beautiful landscapes, spectacular mountains, numerous caves, streams and waterfalls. It has been included in the plan to build the Hoa Binh Reservoir National Tourist Area. These offer opportunities for the district to develop various forms of tourism, contributing to sustainable economic restructuring and improving the living conditions of local people.
People in Sung hamlet, Cao Son commune (Da Bac) introduce their special food at the 2017 northwestern region community-based tourism village festival in Mai Chau district
Da Bac district boasts its great tourism resources. Its Hoa Binh reservoir has many big and small islands and peaceful bays, which are attractive to tourists. Phu Canh pristine forest, spanning over the communes of Dong Ruong, Doan Ket and Dong Chum, houses valuable timber and animals. Lo Lan cave in the Bieu mountain nature reserve in Hien Luong commune is bestowed with temperate climate, filled with fog all year around. Bo Temple is a well-known spiritual tourism site. The district is also home to Muong, Dao and Tay ethnic minority groups with their own cultural identities, offering chances for tourists to explore and experience local lives.
Nguyen Van Hien, head of the district’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said Da Bac has developed a resolution on tourism development through 2030, as Hoa Binh reservoir is planned to be a national tourist area.
Publicity campaigns have been conducted to promote the Hoa Binh reservoir national tourist site while encouraging locals to preserve the cultural identities, protect the environment and enhance their hospitality kills.
Numerous local firms have showed their interest in tourism projects around Hoa Binh reservoir. A number of community-based tourism models have been established and operated effectively, such as Ke hamlet, Hien Luong commune; Da Bia hamlet, Tien Phong commune; and Sung hamlet in Cao Son commune.
Sung hamlet is one of the attractive homestay destinations in the district, involving 376 people of 71 households. All of them are Dao ethnic minorities. With beautiful landscapes and locals’ plentiful daily activities and delicious food, the hamlet has lured crowds of visitors. Sung hamlet is around 21 km from Da Bac township. Visitors can also take a boat to Ke hamlet in Hien Luong commune and then walk for 18km to Cao Son commune, contemplating Bieu mountain, Lo Lan cave, pristine forests and yellow rice fields on the way.
In Sung hamlet, tourists can engage in locals’ daily activities such as farming, fishing, dancing and sports games; or taste their traditional food such as chicken, fish and wine.
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.
The People’s Committee of Tan Lac district recently hosted a cultural, sports and tourism festival of local highland communes and a ceremony to receive the Heritage Tree designation.
Hien Luong commune in Da Bac district is blessed with beautiful landscapes, thanks to its location besides a vast, picturesque reservoir with clear waters year-round. This natural advantage has allowed the local ethnic minorities to develop sustainable tourism, becoming a community tourism destination.
The 2024 Tour Guide Competition was held in the framework of the Hoa Binh Provincial Culture and Tourism Week, bringing together 13 contestants from seven districts and cities to celebrate the vital role of tour guides as cultural ambassadors.
