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
leave-based feast of the Muong people is often introduced to visitors at
cultural and tourism events of Hoa Binh province.
The Muong people, who make up over 63% of the
population in Hoa Binh, have a rich culinary tradition. Dishes such as grilled
fish, fermented pork, bitter bamboo shoots, coloured sticky rice, com lam
(bamboo rice), and rice wine are part of their culinary heritage. Among these,
the sour bamboo chicken soup has become a signature dish of Hoa Binh cuisine.
The chicken, raised free-range and weighing about 1 kg, is cleaned and cut into
small pieces, marinated with fermented bamboo and spices for 20-30 minutes
before being simmered on a charcoal stove for 1-2 hours. Once the chicken and
bamboo are tender, they are sprinkled with crushed roasted "doi"
seeds.
"Ruou can" (rice wine) is an indispensable
drink in Muong households for welcoming guests, celebrating weddings,
housewarming events, and religious ceremonies. The communal drinking tradition
reflects the spirit of togetherness as people sit in a circle to enjoy the
smooth, sweet, and intoxicating taste of rice wine, accompanied by the sound of
gongs filling the festive air.
The Muong people also bring a simple yet
delightful dish called "steamed vegetables", which adds visual appeal
and also flavour to meals.
The Thai people of Mai Chau have contributed to
the unique cultural identity of Hoa Binh, with their rich culinary traditions
being an important part of the district's heritage. In Mai Chau's
community-based cultural tourism villages, visitors flock to experience local
specialties. The Thai people's farming practices and lifestyle have created a
wealth of traditional dishes such as bamboo rice, dried buffalo meat, and
bitter bamboo shoots. Many of these time-honoured dishes continue to evolve as
locals learn to improve their quality to meet the tastes of modern travellers.
Mai Chau sticky rice is cooked in wooden
steamers by Thai women. The sticky rice is typically served with hill chicken,
grilled stream fish, or pork. Another dish, "com lam" (bamboo rice),
is prepared by placing sticky rice into bamboo tubes, sealing them with dry
banana leaves, and roasting them over an open fire. The result is a unique
flavour where the rice's chewiness blends with the fragrant aroma of bamboo and
banana leaves.
Each ethnic group in Hoa Binh brings its own
culinary specialty, creating a diverse and rich food culture. This diversity
forms a vital foundation for the province's growing tourism industry, giving
visitors to Hoa Binh lasting memories and a deep appreciation for the
time-honoured dishes of the local ethnic communities.
Officially opening in February, Ngoi Hoa Ecotourism Site (PriorBay Resort) in Suoi Hoa commune, Tan Lac district, has quickly become a sought-after destination. It offers visitors a chance to indulge in distinctive and enticing experiences.
Gia Trang Heian Homestay, a unique cultural oasis in the heart of Hoa Binh city, has become a compelling attraction for tourists seeking ethnic cultural experiences within an urban setting. Bui Thi Hien, a local in Kim Boi district with aspiration for ethnic culture and community-based tourism development, created the homestay that seamlessly blends traditional and contemporary features.
To make tourism a key economic sector, Da Bac district has focused on investing in infrastructure, diversifying tourism products, and enhancing promotion efforts to create breakthroughs in developing the smokeless industry.
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.
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