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../.
On the occasion of the Lunar New Year, visitors from near and far are eager to come to the mountainous district of Da Bac to have unique cultural experiences such as learning to wrap traditional cakes of ethnic minorities, practicing writing ancient Tay characters or immersing themselves in the Tay melodies.
Tan Lac has great potential for tourism development. In addition, the Provincial Party Committee issued Resolution No. 13-NQ/TU, dated October 17, 2022, on building the highland communes in Tan Lac district into provincial-level tourism areas by 2030, with a vision to 2050. However, according to the assessment, implementing the goals in the spirit of Resolution No. 13-NQ/TU has had limited results.
Recognising that tourism and agriculture are local strengths, Mai Chau district is committed to building a green economy through an action program with specific pathways, achieving notable results in line with the resolution of the 26th Party Congress of the district.
With its majestic natural landscapes, diverse ethnic cultures, and numerous unique festivals, Hoa Binh province is an attractive destination that entices travellers from far and wide to explore and experience during the Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday.
Being held around the 30th of the 11th lunar month right after the harvest season ends, the traditional New Year of Mong ethnic group lasts until the last day of the 12th lunar month. On this occasion, the community tourism destinations of Pa Co and Hang Kia communes (Mai Chau) attract many visitors to experience and explore the unique customs of New Year.
Located just a 20-minute drive from Hoa Binh City, Ora Hill Farmstay & Glamping Hoa Binh is a captivating new destination nestled in Mo hamlet, Bình Thanh commune, Cao Phong district. Combining farming with leisure, this tranquil retreat is perfect for those seeking balance, joy, and an immersive experience in the expansive beauty of nature.
