(HBO) - Covering more than 6,000 ha, Thuong Tien Nature Reserve spreads across the three communes of Kim Tien, Thuong Tien (Kim Boi district), and Quy Hoa (Lac Son district). Thuong Tien commune lies in a core zone of more than 5,000 ha. Khu hamlet, inhabited by the Muong ethnic group, has the largest wild forested area in the province.

Thuong Tien Nature Reserve with Khu stream.

The distance from the headquarters of the People’s Committee of Thuong Tien commune to Khu hamlet is over 5 km. After half an hour of travel, the hamlet appears amongst the green terraced fields. From Khu hamlet, we started our journey exploring Thuong Tien Nature Reserve. Lined along both sides of the road are majestic, old trees – most of which would take two or three people to wrap their arms around the base.

An hour later, we were about 2 km deep into the forest and found a large rocky area with huge stones. This was the Khu stream. It is interesting to note that many parts of the area have quite flat sand banks, suitable for camping or putting up a tent to stay overnight. There are also some sections of the stream blocked by large stones, creating deep rock pools which are dozens of square metres wide. Local people have come to describe them as natural pools in the forest. 


Despite her exhaustion, Bui Kim Thanh from Ha Bi commune (Kim Boi) said she was very impressed with this experience.She said: "This is the first time I’ve been to the Thuong Tien Nature Reserve. I am impressed by its stunning scenery with a beautiful stream in the middle of the primeval forest. Once it receives proper investment, the reserve will undoubtedly become an attractive tourism spot.”

We stopped at a flat rocky area near Khu stream, with ancient trees lining the two banks. The water is so clear that the riverbed can be seen from above. We had the chance to enjoy grilled fish, grilled chicken, and some jungle-grown vegetables. We did not need to bring along chopsticks, spoons, or cups for drinking wine with as these were all sourced by finding nature’s crockery solutions in the forest.

We had a talk with some of the local residents who expressed their hope that the reserve will soon become a tourism site, helping to alleviate poverty in the area.

Bui Thi Hai, Secretary of the Thuong Tien commune youth union said: "Many people have visited and explored the primitive and stunning beauty of the Thuong Tien Nature Reserve. People living in the commune have faced a range of difficulties as they completely rely on agriculture with low earnings. Therefore, tourism development would help them raise their incomes and living standards.”

The Hoa Binh provincial People’s Committee aims to develop tourism at the Thuong Tien Nature Reserve. Currently, the commune is making efforts to restore and develop local specialties, preserve and promote the traditional culture of the Muong ethnic group, and continue to coordinate with the management board of the reserve to improve works in forest protection.

Nguyen Ngoc Thuy, Chairwoman of the People’s Committee of Thuong Tien commune said: "The provincial People’s Committee has plans to develop tourism at the reserve. Thuong Tien commune is working hard to restore and develop local specialties, preserve and promote traditional culture of Muong people, and better forest protection works.”


Related Topics


Spring journey on Hoa Binh lake: A serene escape

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.

Hoa Binh tourism makes impressive start to new year

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.

Implementing the Tourism Plan in 2025 and Meeting with the Local Tourism Businesses

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.

The spring trip to Tien Pagoda

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 district promotes tourism development

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.

Hoa Binh – destination of spring festivals

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.