(HBO) - On August 1, 2016, the Prime Minister approved a master plan on the development of the Hoa Binh Lake National Tourism Site which serves as an important lever for disadvantaged areas along the lake to boost socio-economic development. After a long sleep, now Ngoi village in Suoi Hoa commune (Tan Lac district), Ke village in Hien Luong commune, Da Bia community tourism site in Tien Phong commune, and Sung village in Cao Son commune (Da Bac district) have became famous places on Vietnam's tourism map.
A corner of Hoa Binh lake.
Hoa Binh lake
has a surface area of about 9,000 ha and a capacity of about 9.45 billion cu.m,
spreading over the districts of Cao Phong, Da Bac, Tan Lac and Mai Chau and Hoa
Binh city. It is home to 47 islands, including 11 limestone ones covering an
area of about 116 hectares, and 36 mountainous land ones with a total area of
157.5 hectares. In addition, on Hoa Binh lake, there is a pristine and
mysterious karst cave system with multicolored stalactites like Thac Bo cave
and Hoa Tien cave. During all the four seasons, the lake water is clear and
green. Lying along the two banks are immense forests with rich flora.
Hamlets
of Muong, Thai and Dao ethnic groups dot Hoa Binh lake, where their diverse
cultural identities are being preserved. Ancient customs and traditions are expressed
through Muong folk songs, Mo Muong or special Muong gong performance. In addition,
the cuisine of the people here is rich, diverse and unique; and the craft of weaving
is passed down from generations to generations.
The
natural landscape mingled with the cultural identities of locals has created a
charming picture that can attract any visitor.
Bui Thi
Hieu, Vice Chairwoman of Da Bac District People's Committee, said that since
2014, the Australian Foundation for the Peoples of Asia and the Pacific (AFAP)
has supported four households in Ke village (Hien Luong commune) and Duc Phong village
(Tien Phong commune) in building and repairing houses, buying blankets, pillows
and cushions, and in training human resources, community tourism skills for
locals.
Before
2016, to support local people in developing their economy and improving their
living standards, the province had conducted a survey on potential of lakeside
communes to develop a tourism development project. The provincial Department of
Culture, Sports and Tourism had cooperated with other departments and agencies
to restore relic sites on Hoa Binh lake such as Bo temple in Cao Phong and Da
Bac districts, and Hoa Tien cave in Tan Lac district./.
As the new year begins and festive spirit fills the air, visitors flock to Hoa Binh lake, often dubbed the "Ha Long Bay on land," to enjoy its breathtaking beauty and serene atmosphere. In spring, the lake comes alive with lush greenery and delicate blossoms, while boats carrying eager tourists glide across its tranquil waters.
With effective business operations, significant increases in the number of visitors at weekends and on public holidays, and being listed among the 71 most beautiful places to visit worldwide by the prestigious US travel magazine Condé Nast Traveller, Hoa Binh’s tourism is "spreading its wings" on its journey towards the targets of welcoming 4.9 million visitors, including 1 million foreigners, and achieving total tourism revenue of 5.4 trillion VND (211.89 million USD) in 2025.
On February 21, the Provincial People's Committee held a conference to implement the tourism plan in 2025 and meet with tourism businesses operating in the province. The event was chaired by Mr. Nguyen Van Toan, the Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee and the Head of the Provincial Tourism Steering Committee.
Tien Pagoda is located in the valley of Lao Noi and Lao Ngoai villages, Phu Nghia commune, Lac Thuy district; it is surrounded by two mountain ranges stretching like two giant dragons reaching for the blue sky. Every year, when spring comes, thousands of Buddhists and tourists from all over the country make a pilgrimage to Tien Pagoda. The relic complex of Tien Pagoda is ranked as a national relic by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism with 21 relic sites of many types: historical and cultural relics, scenic relics, and archaeological relics.
Cao Phong has paid due attention to developing tourism, creating impetus for socio-economic development towards completing the targets set in the resolution of the district’s 28th Party Congress for the 2020-2025 tenure.
A great number of visitors have flocked to tourist attractions in Hoa Binh province in the first lunar month every year to admire the beautiful scenery, fully enjoy the spring atmosphere, and immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere in many localities.