HBO – An incense offering ceremony was recently held in Quen Ang pagoda, Tan Phong commune, Cao Phong district, the northern province of Hoa Binh to pray for bumper crops. Thousands of locals inside and outside the commune and visitors attended the event.

An art performance of Muong ethnic
group is performed at incense offering ceremony in Quen Ang pagoda.
The
event is held annually to pray for national peace and prosperity for the
nation, people’s happiness and bumper crops. This year’s event included ritual
and festive activities. The ritual began from the morning of the eighth day of
the first lunar month. The procession departed from Quen Ang pagoda for But (Buddha)
temple at the foot of Coi mountain in Trang Tren 3 hamlet to invite the Buddha
to attend the festival. The procession was led by a group of people holding
flags, followed by shamans, Buddhist followers and 12 unmarried girls.
Returning the pagoda, shamans took over worshiping ritual.
The
festive part heated up the event with volleyball matches. On February 11, or
the seventh day of the first lunar month, a Muong beauty contest took place
with the participation of eight contestants from eight hamlets. An amateur art
contest was also held in the day, attracting eight teams with each performing
two performances.
Quen
Ang pagoda in Tan Phong commune is associated with a legend on Coi mountain
flower garden, which used to be a revolutionary base located in the Cao Phong –
Thach Yen Revolutionary Base Complex. The complex was recognised as a national
cultural and historical relic site in 1996./.
A diverse chain of eco-tourism and resort destinations concentrated in Hoa Binh city and the districts of Tan Lac, Da Bac, and Luong Son… Along with the launch of several key high-quality resort tourism projects, these developments have reshaped the landscape and enhanced the appeal of Hoa Binh as a travel destination.
Boasting diverse terrain, a mild climate, and rich natural resources, Cao Phong district is increasingly asserting its place on Vietnam’s tourism map, attracting both domestic and foreign visitors. The district is renowned for its stunning landscapes, majestic mountains, a crystal-clear hydropower lake, and the unique cultural identity of local ethnic groups.
With its pristine landscapes, unique cultural heritage of Muong ethnic minority, and an expanding range of visitor experiences, Tan Lac district of Hoa Binh has fast become a captivating destination for both domestic and international tourists.
Until now, Sung village in Cao Son commune, Da Bac district remains the only Dao ethnic community in Hoa Binh province to develop a community-based tourism model. Beyond its untouched natural landscapes, cultural identity serves as the cornerstone attraction for visitors.
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 Phong Linh (Yellow Tabebuia) flower garden in Thang village, Thach Yen commune, Cao Phong district is currently in full bloom, drawing a large number of visitors.