With its strategic location, well-developed transport network, and diverse soil and climatic conditions, Hoa Binh is emerging as a must-visit destination in Vietnam's northwestern tourism corridor. The province boasts numerous attractions, including the Kim Boi hot springs (Kim Boi district), the Dau Rong cave complex (Cao Phong), the Mai Chau valley (Mai Chau), and the iconic Hoa Binh hydropower plant.
The Dau Rong cave complex and
Bong Lai temple festival in Cao Phong district offer visitors an enchanting
spiritual and cultural tourism experience.
Hoa Binh is also home to a rich tapestry of
ethnic cultures from its Muong, Thai, Dao, Tay, and Mong communities, with
highlights including the renowned Hoa Binh Culture, Mo Muong heritage, and "De
dat – De nuoc (the birth of land and water)” epic, alongside distinctive
cuisine and abundant local specialties. Known for their revolutionary
traditions, resilience, hospitality, and industrious spirit, local people form
a key resource for developing diverse tourism models, particularly in
agricultural and eco-cultural-historical tourism.
The Serena Resort Kim Boi
capitalises on abundant hot mineral water resources in Kim Boi district to
offer premium wellness experiences.
The province is currently developing several
promising tourism models, such as homestays, spiritual and cultural tourism,
circular agriculture paired with experiential tourism, educational tourism
services, and e-commerce for tourism. Homestays, in particular, have gained
popularity among domestic and international travelers, particularly proven
effective when driven by collaborations between local households and
professional tourism companies.
Och fish soup with sour bamboo
shoots – a culinary staple of the Muong land – is a favorite among tourists
exploring the Hoa Binh Lake tourism site.
Hoa Binh also holds potential for entertainment,
sports, and adventure tourism. In today’s landscape, the industry benefits from
the Fourth Industrial Revolution, supportive government policies, and
opportunities to learn from successful models. However, challenges persist,
including limited access to financial resources, underdeveloped operational
skills, and an uneven ecosystem. Additionally, there is an absence of flagship
tourism models to lead the development of a cohesive and sustainable tourism
ecosystem.
To address these issues, Hoa Binh must increase
awareness of successful tourism models. Media outlets should implement
strategic, long-term promotional campaigns, while related training programmes
should focus on enhancing services management and operational skills. Moreover,
promoting new tourism routes and products through various channels is
necessary.
To translate its potential into reality, the
province should improve its business climate and competitiveness, ensuring a
balance among economic growth, cultural, social, and environmental development,
and defence-security maintenance. Prioritised investments should target
socio-economic infrastructure, eco-agricultural tourism, and the One Commune
One Product (OCOP) programme. It is also important to focus on branding,
e-commerce development, and the promotion of high-quality, innovative tourism
products, such as eco-agricultural experiences, educational farm tourism, and
wellness retreats that preserve and celebrate the province’s cultural and
natural charms.
Van Son Commune, Tan Lạc district, Hoa Binh province also known as "Cloud Valley," boasts a cool climate, stunning natural landscapes, and majestic scenery. Visitors who have been to this place should make a stop at Chien Hamlet to experience a lot of fascinating things and feel the friendly, warmth of the Muong ethnic people.
Thanks to the effective exploitation of natural landscape and the cultural diversity of ethnic minorities, Hoa Binh province has become an attractive destination for tourists seeking experiences and exploration.
The Department of Cultural Heritage has just coordinated with the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Hoa Binh province to organize a training on implementing the model of the cultural heritage connected in the cultural tourism journey in Cao Phong and Lac Son districts.
The Sung village in Cao Son commune, Da Bac district, is endowed with pristine natural landscape, and Dao Tien ethnic minority community in the village preserves rich cultural heritage, including traditional housing, clothing, language, scripts, customs, and daily life practices. Since the community-based tourism model was introduced in the locality, these traditional cultural values have been further preserved and promoted.
Currently, in the region of Mong ethnic people, Hang Kia commune (Mai Chau) is exploiting the community tourism activities relatively effectively. The tourism economy has been sustainably developing, basing on the potential and advantages of the natural resources and traditional cultural identity. The model is increasingly being replicated, creating changes in awareness, and contributing to the progressive changes in people's lives.
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.
