HBO – Da Bac district in Hoa Binh province boasts unique cultural and historical tradition, pristine forests, beautiful landscapes, spectacular mountains, numerous caves, streams and waterfalls. It has been included in the plan to build the Hoa Binh Reservoir National Tourist Area. These offer opportunities for the district to develop various forms of tourism, contributing to sustainable economic restructuring and improving the living conditions of local people.
People in Sung hamlet, Cao Son commune (Da Bac) introduce their special food at the 2017 northwestern region community-based tourism village festival in Mai Chau district
Da Bac district boasts its great tourism resources. Its Hoa Binh reservoir has many big and small islands and peaceful bays, which are attractive to tourists. Phu Canh pristine forest, spanning over the communes of Dong Ruong, Doan Ket and Dong Chum, houses valuable timber and animals. Lo Lan cave in the Bieu mountain nature reserve in Hien Luong commune is bestowed with temperate climate, filled with fog all year around. Bo Temple is a well-known spiritual tourism site. The district is also home to Muong, Dao and Tay ethnic minority groups with their own cultural identities, offering chances for tourists to explore and experience local lives.
Nguyen Van Hien, head of the district’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said Da Bac has developed a resolution on tourism development through 2030, as Hoa Binh reservoir is planned to be a national tourist area.
Publicity campaigns have been conducted to promote the Hoa Binh reservoir national tourist site while encouraging locals to preserve the cultural identities, protect the environment and enhance their hospitality kills.
Numerous local firms have showed their interest in tourism projects around Hoa Binh reservoir. A number of community-based tourism models have been established and operated effectively, such as Ke hamlet, Hien Luong commune; Da Bia hamlet, Tien Phong commune; and Sung hamlet in Cao Son commune.
Sung hamlet is one of the attractive homestay destinations in the district, involving 376 people of 71 households. All of them are Dao ethnic minorities. With beautiful landscapes and locals’ plentiful daily activities and delicious food, the hamlet has lured crowds of visitors. Sung hamlet is around 21 km from Da Bac township. Visitors can also take a boat to Ke hamlet in Hien Luong commune and then walk for 18km to Cao Son commune, contemplating Bieu mountain, Lo Lan cave, pristine forests and yellow rice fields on the way.
In Sung hamlet, tourists can engage in locals’ daily activities such as farming, fishing, dancing and sports games; or taste their traditional food such as chicken, fish and wine.
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.
