(HBO) –Vietnam’s green rural farming communities are turning to agricultural tourism as a new source of revenue to lure visitors and benefit from organic agricultural practices that create jobs.
Hoa Binh province is no exception, as in recent years, farmers’
associations in Mai Chau district have supported members to establish tourism in
tandem with farming.

Mong Space – unique cultural space of Mong
people to Mong homestay in Pa Co commune (Mai Chau district).
As things open after COVID-19, tourism activities in Cha Day
village, Pa Co commune in Mai Chau district are starting to recover, most
notably with visitors to the region on weekends. Sung Y Do, a local in Cha Day
village who has worked in the tourism sector for ten years said the region’s
specialties, such as glutinous rice cake and brocade weaving are a great
attraction for tourists. "Through community-based tourism activities, I want the tourists to get the chance
to discover and enjoy the beauty of my hometown”, Do said.
As more tourists visit Do’s homestay, Do’s business creates jobs
for as many as eight local people. Green agriculture has also taken hold in the region, with farmers growing
organic vegetables and fruits, such as chayote, plums, passion fruit, and
pumpkins, which visitors have grown to love.
Agritourism has expanded in Cha Day village thanks largely to the economic
benefit, and a dedicated farmer’s association that specializes in attracting
tourism in Cha Day village. This association helps local farmers offer visitors
a chance to experience local culture side-by-side with local agriculture. After
three years, the organization has attracted 22 members so far.
Understanding that, Mai Chau district has supported local households engaged in
community-based tourism to learn experience from their peers in other cities
and provinces.
Farmers’ associations providing homestay services in Mai Chau have
been set up in the more rural Pa Co and Chieng Chau communes, drawing a total
of 42 members.
Pham The Anh, Vice Chairman of the provincial Farmers’ Association
said COVID-19 had heavily impacted household incomes over the last 2 years. With
average annual incomes of over 100 million VND/household, homestay services are
becoming more profitable than traditional farming income sources.
Developing this style of community-based tourism not only helps to
create awareness of the regions natural beauty, but it also helps locals
improve livelihoods with fresh revenue streams that result from travelers’
appreciation of local culture./.
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.