HBO – Located in Tuan Lo and Phong Phu communes, Cot Co Mountain (Khu Doi) is considered as a gift the nature offers to the area of Muong Bi in Tan Lac district. Since its appearance in the epic "De dat, de nuoc” (Giving birth to the Earth and the Water), Cot Co (Flagpole) Mountain has been a symbol in locals’ spiritual life. The mountain was officially recognised as a provincial-level landscape in November 2017, which multiplies the pride of locals and encourages people to find out Khu Doi’s legend.
Cot Co Mountain in Muong Bi area –
a cultural symbol honoured by Muong Bi locals as the most sacred mountain was
recognised as a provincial-level landscape in late 2017.
According to scientific documents stored by Hoa Binh Museum, Cot
Co (flagpole) cave is an archaeological relic belonging to the Stone Age in the
Hoa Binh Culture dating back from 30,000 to 11,000 years.
The legend has it that a feng shui master in the region, as
witnessing the poverty and difficulties facing locals, told people to find an
outstanding couple to become their leaders to expand their area.
The locals then found Tung, a man with extraordinary strength, and
his wife, a beautiful and resourceful woman, to lead them in building Muong
area. Under guidelines of the feng shui master, Tung and his wife directed
local people to build dams blocking Da River’s water, thus expanding farming
areas.
As they were building the dams, Tung, stronger and quicker, left
his wife behind when Sat, a muscular man from the nearby region went by. Enchanted
by the woman’s beauty, Sat kidnapped her and ran away. Tung chased Sat through
many mountains and hills to save his wife until he sunk into the mud and did
not able to get out. Tung desperately threw soil and rock into Sat, but in
vain. The soil and rock then became high mountains spanning Hoa Binh province
to Thanh Hoa province. After he died, Tung turned into a mountain standing in
the middle of a massive field. People called it Tung Mount (Khu Doi). Viewing
from far away, the mountain looks like a flagpole, thus locals also called it
Muong Bi Flagpole.
Boasting a mystical beauty with cultural, historical and spiritual values, Cot
Co Mountain has become an attractive tourist site. Visiting the site, tourists
can offer incense at a small temple. Those who like adventure can climb to the
top of the mountain where they enjoy the happiness of finishing an "unconquerable”
road, and seeing the scenery like a fairyland. The first thing that tourists
feel here is fresh air and the sound of mountain wind blowing through leaf
canopies. For those who cannot reach the top, visiting caves at the foot of the
mountain such as Nuoc, Cot Co Mountain (Chang Choanl), Cui and Ang Ca is also an
option../.
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.
