Donning a picturesque patchwork of white and pink hues, courtesy of the blooming plum and peach flowers in spring, community-based tourism villages in Hoa Binh province have drawn a large number of visitors from far and wide, helping mountainous localities get out of poverty.
Ethnic women in Ngoi village, Suoi Hoa commune, Tan Lac district, are making meticulous preparation to welcome visitors.
According to Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Bui Xuan Truong, local community-based tourism has been attractive to both domestic and foreign visitors.
Twenty-two community-based tourism villages with 180 homestays have been developed in the province so far, bringing a better life to the Muong, Thai, Mong and Dao people, he said, adding many households have escaped poverty thanks to tourism.
The community-based model was developed in Chien hamlet - a small Muong village with difficulties in 2019 with the support of the Australian non-governmental organisation Action on Poverty (AOP). After four years of operation, it has helped the hamlet position itself in the province’s tourism map with more visitors coming to experience local landscape and culture.
Mai Hich commune in Mai Chau district, bestowed with scenic beauty and unique cultural traits, has branched out community-based tourism, with 11 households in Hich 1, Hich 2 and Cha Lang hamlets providing this kind of service. Each homestay in the district could accommodate up to 30 guests.
Although the commune has not gained popularity like Lac village or Pom Coong village, it has drawn an increasing number of domestic and foreign arrivals, bringing better income for local residents.
Meanwhile, Sung hamlet in Cao Son commune, Da Bac district, locating in the foot of Bieu mountain, has become a magnet for tourists who come to enjoy the standout cultural traits of the Dao Tien ethnic people.
Being introduced to indigo-dying technique and traditional brocade-weaving craft, giving it a try to print patterns on fabric with beeswax and healing themselves with Dao herbal bathing are among the most interesting experiences that visitors have while staying in the hamlet. Beyond cultural exchange, community-based tourism has contributed to creating jobs and increasing income for local residents.
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.
