With love and passion for the rich ethnic cultural heritage, Do Hung from Hoa Binh city's Trung Minh ward, currently working at a provincial administrative agency, has delved into studying the unique fermentation process of the ancient Muong people. He has revived the traditional method of making leaf liquor, creating exquisite beverages imbued with the aromatic flavours and cultural essence of the Muong people's cuisine.

Hung (far right) introduces the production process of
Muong leaf liquor.
Sharing his story, Hung recounted an impressive
encounter during a business trip to a remote highland commune where he had an
opportunity to taste a unique distilled liquor made from fermented leaves, a
cherished tradition among the locals. Intrigued by its distinct taste, he
discovered that it was a traditional Muong leaf liquor, distilled only on
significant occasions such as ceremonies and festivals due to its complex
process. Driven by a desire to preserve and promote the culinary cultural
heritage of traditional Muong leaf liquor, he embarked on a journey of research
and exploration, scouring ancient texts and visiting various local Muong areas
to unlock the secrets of production, bringing this precious liquor to
consumers' hands.
Continuing alongside local residents, Hung
collected leaves and herbs, presenting them to traditional medicine
practitioners, cultural researchers, and herbalists in and outside the province
to determine their names in the herbal medicine directory and their medicinal
properties. After tireless research and experiments, Hung successfully
recreated the traditional method. His exquisite leaf liquor has been warmly
received by customers within and beyond the province.
Hung's dedication extends beyond reviving the
beverage itself. He actively supported the establishment of the Thach Yen
cooperative in Thach Yen commune, Cao Phong district. The cooperative offers
four product lines, namely Thach Yen sugarcane liquor, Yen Thuong sticky rice
liquor, Yen Thuong sticky rice with golden flower liquor, and the signature
leaf liquor made from fermented sticky rice. All products have been recognised
as meeting the local One Commune, One Product (OCOP) 3-star and 4-star
standards.
To meet the stringent market requirements, the
Thach Yen cooperative boldly embraced technology, investing in modern equipment
for production in most stages, from yeast cultivation, mold formation,
fermentation, distillation, purification, and aging to packaging. With a
long-term sustainable development orientation, the cooperative will transfer
technology and establish traditional liquor production villages, fostering
local socio-economic development while creating job opportunities./.
Hoa Binh province’s economy posted an impressive Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) growth rate of 12.67% in the first quarter of 2025, representing a 12.76% year-on-year increase, the highest rate recorded since the beginning of the current tenure, according to the provincial Statistics Office. This robust growth reflects years of strategic groundwork and sets a strong foundation for the province’s annual growth target of over 10%.
With a focus on cash crop farming with science - technology application and brand building, Lac Thuy district is gradually increasing production value, improving people's life quality, and laying the foundation for sustainable socio-economic development.
In recent years, the economic development model "Hoa Binh Earthworm Farm” run by Mr. Bui Van Dang in Co Giua Hamlet, My Thanh Commune (Lac Son district) has not only brought stable economic value but it is also environmentally friendly, helping to protect and reduce pollution, contributing to the construction of a green and sustainable agriculture.
Dao Village’s honey – a product certified with a 3-star OCOP (One Commune One Product) rating by Thong Nhat Agricultural Cooperative in Dao Village (Hoa Binh City) – is highly regarded by consumers for its quality, richness, and variety in packaging. The distinctively sweet taste of Dao Village’s honey leaves a lasting impression on anyone who has tried it.
In alignment with Project No. 07-DA/TU, issued by the Hoa Binh provincial Party Committee on November 1, 2021, Lac Thuy district has actively promoted investment and supported the sustainable development of its industrial and handicraft sectors during the 2021–2025 period. Alongside this, the district has remained committed to preserving and revitalising traditional craft villages.
Located in the northern part of Lac Thuy district, with a temperate climate and fertile soil, Phu Thanh commune has great potential and advantages in growing tea. The long-standing experience, combined with strict adherence to organic farming practices in the tea gardens, ensures that the dried tea products from Phu Thanh and Lac Thuy as a whole are sold out immediately upon production, providing a stable and prosperous life for the local people.