In 2024, Xom Trai Cave in Tan Lap commune and Mai Da Lang Vanh (the stone roof of Vanh village) in Yen Phu commune, Lac Son district are recognised as National Special Relics. 

The Hoa Binh Culture existed between 18,000 BCE and 7,500 BCE, with the majority of sites dating from 12,000 BCE to 7,500 BCE, representing the classic phase of HBC. Only a few sites belong to the earlier period. 

This culture had a widespread presence across various provinces and cities, including Hanoi, Hoa Binh, Thanh Hoa, Lai Chau, Son La, Thai Nguyen, Ha Nam, Ninh Binh, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, and Quang Ninh. Most of the archaeological sites, however, are concentrated in Hoa Binh and Thanh Hoa.

The Culture extended beyond Vietnam, reaching southern China, eastern Sumatra (Indonesia), and much of mainland Southeast Asia. 

Due to the high density of archaeological sites in Hoa Binh, archaeologists named the culture after the province. 

The Hoa Binh Culture sites mainly consist of caves or rock shelters, typically found in limestone mountain regions, with very few sites located in open areas or along river and stream terraces. This characteristic is a common feature of the Hoa Binh Culture across Southeast Asia, with the limestone mountains of Hoa Binh and Thanh Hoa being the most concentrated areas. 

Archaeological remains at Hoa Binh Culture sites include shellfish remains and bones of vertebrate animals. Common artifacts found include hearths, burial sites, food remnants, stone tools, and other primitive implements. 

To date, over 130 sites have been discovered, yielding a vast collection of artifacts, animal bones, and human remains. Among 30,120 recorded artifacts from 65 excavated sites, there are nearly 28,000 stone tools, 250 specimens of bone, horn, and shell tools, and 1,800 pottery fragments.

Stone tools are the dominant feature of the Hoa Binh Culture, and the stone crafting techniques from this era are often referred to as "Hoa Binh techniques" by researchers. 

The existence of the Hoa Binh Culture not only affirms Vietnam's role as part of the cradle of human civilisation but also provides critical scientific data for archaeologists, anthropologists, and scholars worldwide. These findings help researchers understand the evolution from prehistoric apes to modern humans, subsistence strategies, agricultural practices, and social organisation. 

Through excavated relics, people have been able to uncover aspects of prehistoric Vietnamese society, shedding light on the lives and cultural development of ancient inhabitants who preserved and passed down this primitive yet rich cultural heritage. The artifacts found in Hoa Binh provide valuable insights into the social structure and survival strategies of the prehistoric people in the region. 

On July 18, 2024, Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long signed Decision No. 694/QĐ-TTg, officially recognising Xom Trai Cave in Tan Lap commune and Mai Da Lang Vanh in Yen Phu commune, Lac Son district as National Special Relics. 

In recent years, several prominent sites, including the newly-recognised National Special Relics, have become popular destinations for both domestic and international tourists. The local government and relevant authorities are committed to absolute preservation of the sites, while also implementing sustainable tourism strategies that promote historical exploration, environmental conservation, and cultural heritage protection. 

The Hoa Binh Culture, along with both tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the Muong ethnic group and other ethnic communities in the province creates a distinct and deeply rooted cultural identity. This important cultural foundation serves as a key driver for cultural tourism and eco-tourism development, contributing significantly to the socio-economic growth of Hoa Binh Province.