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.
Foreign tourists explore community based tourism in Hich 2 village, Mai Hich commune, Mai Chau district.
French traveler Thew Baillieu, who has visited multiple times,
described his three-month stay as an enriching cultural exchange, where he
learned Vietnamese and participated in homestay operations.
Meanwhile, Helen from Australia praised the village’s cleanliness, traditional
stilt houses, and the residents' ability to maintain their customs and daily
rituals.
Guests coming to the village enjoy a blend of relaxation and adventure.
Activities range from cycling and trekking through lush forests to bamboo
rafting on the Sia stream.
Local homestays provide cozy, traditional accommodations, while local cuisine
such as sticky rice, hill chicken, and pork marinated with mac khen (wild
pepper) adds to the appeal. Evenings feature cultural performances, giving
visitors a deeper connection to Thai traditions.
Hich 2 village, with 98% of its population Thais, has embraced community-based
tourism since 2013. With 12 homestay businesses, it balances tourism with
traditional agriculture, including rice farming and livestock. The village
hosts over 5,000 visitors annually, with international tourists making up 80%
of its guests.
By preserving its cultural heritage and natural beauty, the village has become
a model for sustainable tourism in Vietnam. Its success has improved local
livelihoods and positioned it as a key destination in travel routes exploring
Vietnam’s Northwest region.
For travelers seeking authenticity and tranquility, Hich 2
offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Thai culture and nature.
Until now, Sung village in Cao Son commune, Da Bac district remains the only Dao ethnic community in Hoa Binh province to develop a community-based tourism model. Beyond its untouched natural landscapes, cultural identity serves as the cornerstone attraction for visitors.
Alongside the diverse cultural identities of the Kinh, Muong, Tay, Thai, Dao, and Mong ethnic people, Hoa Binh province is also renowned as the "capital" of the northwestern Vietnamese cuisine, offering unique and distinctive dishes. At festivals, during Lunar New Year (Tet), or on significant family or community occasions, special dishes are prepared, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.
A Phong Linh (Yellow Tabebuia) flower garden in Thang village, Thach Yen commune, Cao Phong district is currently in full bloom, drawing a large number of visitors.
Community-based tourism has been thriving in Pa Co commune, Mai Chau district thanks to advantages in natural landscape and cultural identity.
Doan Ket commune of Yen Thuy district has recently held a ceremony to receive a certificate recognising Ta communal house as a provincial-level historical and cultural relic site.
In Lac Thuy district, the fertile alluvial land along the Boi River is now home to lush green mulberry gardens, marking the emergence of a new agricultural industry - mulberry cultivation and silkworm farming.
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