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.
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.
