(HBO) - Bestowed with breathtaking landscapes, fresh air, and unique cultural features, Hoa Binh province’s Tan Lac district, about 100 kilometres from Hanoi, is an ideal destination for those who love the Muong ethnic minority culture and seek peace and tranquillity.
Capitalising
on the beauty of local landscapes, many households in the Van Son mountainous area
have opened homestays.
Renovating their
home while retaining their ethnic minority identity, Ha Thi Tham’s family was
among the pioneers in developing community-based tourism. Prior to COVID-19, she
welcomed an average of 15-20 visitors on weekends.
The owner of
the Hai Than homestay in Chien hamlet, Van Son commune, Tham said her homestay has
welcomed an increasing number of guests since the pandemic was brought under
control.
"Most tourists are satisfied with our homestay services and impressed by local
people’s hospitality, the temperate climate, adventurous trekking trails, and the
mysterious beauty of Nam Son Cave,” she added.
Visitors should not miss Lung Van Market, where an array of local staples are
sold by regional traders, including Nam Son tangerines, Quyet Chien chayote,
and brocade.
The highland area of Tan Lac includes Van Son, Ngo Luong, and Quyet Chien
communes, which are adjacent to primaeval forests. All boast excellent cultural
features, stunning terraced rice fields, and beautiful waterfalls.
According to Le Chi Huyen, Vice Chairman of the Tan Lac District People’s
Committee, as the district boasts huge potential for tourism development, it is
also an ideal destination for investment in ecotourism, resort tourism, and
experiential tourism.
Tan Lac is now
sharpening the focus on developing key tourism destinations in mountainous
areas and creating attractive tourism products, to contribute to improving
local livelihoods./.
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.
Community-based tourism has been thriving in Pa Co commune, Mai Chau district thanks to advantages in natural landscape and cultural identity.
Doan Ket commune of Yen Thuy district has recently held a ceremony to receive a certificate recognising Ta communal house as a provincial-level historical and cultural relic site.