The 2018 Hung Kings Temple Festival is set to unfold at the Hung Temple Complex in Viet Tri city and neighbouring communes, in Phu Tho province from April 21 - 25 (from sixth to tenth day of the third lunar month), with the participation of Thai Nguyen, Quang Nam, Binh Duong and Kien Giang provinces.

Illustrative image.
A series of exciting festive activities will be held during the five-day festival, including an incense offering ceremony; a "banh chung” (square cake) and "banh giay” (glutinous rice cake) making contest; showcasing local products at Hung Vuong Fair, and art performances.
Among the activities, the incense offering ceremony will take place at 6.30 am on April 25, 2018 (tenth day of the third lunar month).
The festival aims to educate the younger generations on patriotism, to express profound gratitude to ancestors and those who have made significant contributions to the establishment and defence of the nation, affirm the efforts of Phu Tho province in preserving the values of cultural heritage in the province, as well as honouring the value of the two heritages "the Hung Kings worshipping ritual" and "Xoan singing” (a type of folk song in Phu Tho province), which are Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Source: NDO
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.