(HBO) - Na Phon commune in Mai Chau district of Hoa Binh province has exploited the potential of natural landscapes and cultural features of ethnic groups to attract tourists.
.jpg)
'Keeng loong' dance – a special cultural identity of the
Thai group in Mai Chau district.
F. Martine, a tourist from France, was very excited about
joining Thai ethnic people in Nhut hamlet dance and learning about 'keeng
loong' culture. She said she was surprised to see local people with bamboo
sticks and a big wooden stump create different dances and vibrant sounds.
Previously, stall dancing and 'keeng loong' were only held during holidays and
festivals. However, in recent years, when Na Phon strongly develops
community-based tourism, hamlets in Na Phon set up a cultural team, organise
stall dancing, and play 'keeng loong' for tourists to experience.
Moreover, homestays in the commune focus on building green
space, creating environmental landscapes to preserve and bring visitors
authentic experiences about the culture of the Thai people. The commune is more
and more attractive to visitors with the year-round green natural landscape,
the friendliness and hospitality of the people, and community activities
bearing the identity of the indigenous people.
Na Phon commune is nearly 2 km from the district's centre and still retains the
original and rustic architectural and cultural features of the Thai people
including cuisine, costumes, and houses on stilts. Moreover, the commune together
with Lac village in Chieng Chau commune and Poom Cong village in Mai Chau town
forms a tourism triangle to attract tourists. Seizing the opportunity, the
authorities and people of Na Phon commune have invested in tourism facilities.
The commune currently has 19 homestay establishments and two resorts. The
commune still maintains 100 brocade looms and established 22 artistic teams.
Over the years, the work of preserving and attaching cultural
heritages of ethnic groups in the development of community tourism has been
exploited.
Traditional costumes, old houses, cuisine, folk songs, dances,
and traditional brocade products are among tourism products attracting domestic
and international visitors.
Lo Van Hiep, Vice Chairman of the Na Phon Commune People's Committee,
said that to develop sustainable tourism without losing the cultural identity
of ethnic groups, the commune has a preservation policy. Tourism development
help improve local living conditions and prosper socio-economic development of
the locality./.
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.