(HBO) – We visited the hamlet of Rom Khanh, Thach Yen (Cao Phong) on the last days of June to explore the stunning beauty of its terraced paddy fields dyed in a golden glow by ripening rice. Multi-layered terraced fields stand out among the green colour of the northwestern mountains and forests, promising to be an appealing destination for travellers.
Breath-taking terraced fields in Rom Khanh hamlet, Thach Yen commune (Cao Phong).
From the highest point in the hamlet, we are amazed by the magnificent view of the terraced rice fields, which could be said to be great art works created by the local people and their resilience in hardship. The villagers, both men and women, are racing against time to harvest the rice crops on sunny days.
Bui Van Phuong, a villager of Rom Khanh, said cultivation in the land is hard work because of the rough terrain of the mountains. Villagers here have to make use of rainwater or channel water from nearby streams for irrigation, he said, adding that the use of machinery in farming has also contributed to increasing productivity and ease burdens on farmers.
Thach Yen commune is home to 5,033 people, 90% of whom are from Muong ethnic minority group, living in 12 hamlets. Local households mostly live off agriculture. The local mountainous terrain and lack of flat land have forced them to build terraced fields down the sides of mountains so as to produce enough food for their family.
In this year's spring season, Thach Yen people cultivated 150 hectares of rice, which has been expanded to about 150 hectares in the summer-autumn season thanks to abundant water supply.
The commune has well-preserved the beauty of Muong traditional cultures and customs, with stilt houses and unique cuisine. Local people have been actively shifting to higher-yielding crops and transforming bare hills into fruit farms.
Terraced fields have remained one of the commune’s most popular destinations for tourists to explore. Bui Van Tuong, Vice Chairman of the communal People’s Committee said the beauty of terraced fields here have yet to be brought into full play. He pledged that local authorities will accelerate promotion of local potential among investors and make tourism a key industry in the commune.
Tourism is hoped to help raise earnings and living standard of the villagers and boost local socio-economic development, he said./.
The lantern-floating ceremony on the Da river, held in conjunction with the local ritual praying for bumper fish catches, is an integral part of major festivals and cultural events in Hoa Binh province. Its 2024 edition took place as part of the second Da river fish and shrimp festival.
Returning to the sunny and windy land of Muong Thang - Cao Phong district,
the orange-growing capital of the province. The 2024 - 2025 orange harvest
season has begun. This year, the oranges have not only yielded well but also
fetched good prices, bringing visible joy to the eyes and smiles of the
farmers.
The Week of Hoa Binh Culture and Tourism Week in 2024 takes place from November 15th – 23rd in Hoa Binh city. The opening ceremony takes place in the evening of November 15 at Hoa Binh Square with the highlight being the Ceremony to receive the Ranking Certificate for the special National Monument, the archaeological relics of Trai Cave and Stone Roof in Vanh village, Lac Son district. The Week of Culture – Tourism takes place with a series of unique and attractive activities: Fishing ceremony and releasing flower lanterns on Da River; the Festival displaying the traditional costumes of the province's ethnic groups; Can liquid festival night... The preparations are being urgently completed, creating an exciting and joyful atmosphere to welcome the big festival.
More than 3 years ago, Chi Ne Plantation Industry and Trade Cooperative in Song Boi village, Phu Nghia commune (Lac Thuy) brought mulberry growing and silkworm farming to the locality. The cool climate and the long alluvial land along the Boi River are ideal conditions for growing new crops. With the current mulberry area of about 22 hectares, hundreds of working children in Lac Thuy and Kim Boi districts have been given jobs and improved income. The model is focusing on expanding the raw material areas, aiming to process and weave silk on the spot to serve tourism and export development.
The terraced fields in Mien Doi commune (Lạc Sơn district) are likened to "steps leading to the blue
sky". These steps glow with the prosperous golden hue of abundance and
poetic beauty... The photo series captures impressive and distinctive
moments of beauty and culture in the Mường region of Mien Doi commune.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and leaders of ministers, central agencies and Hoa Binh province attended the groundbreaking ceremony of the Hoa Binh - Moc Chau expressway (Km19+000 – Km53+000) held on September 29 in Xeo hamlet, Cao Son commune, Da Bac district, Hoa Binh province. This is a key transport project and the first expressway in the province.