Boasting stunning landscapes, and standout cultural traits, many localities across Hoa Binh province have developed unique offerings to bolster rural tourism.
Activities of the herbal medicine production group in Sung village, Cao Son commune, Da Bac district have been an attractive tourism offering for visitors.
A wide range of new offerings have been developed in Sung village in Cao Son commune, Da Bac district, renowned for its untouched landscapes, and excellent cultural practice and customs of the Dao ethnic people, with the support of a non-governmental organisation.
The village set up brocade weaving groups, and herbal medicine and "do” paper production teams to serve visitors.
According to Ly Thi Nhat from a brocade weaving group, the establishment of the groups help locals introduce their products to visitors and create new tourism products to improve their livelihoods sustainably. She said herbal massage balms, mosquito repellent sprays, and brocade bags, among others, have been favoured by many tourists.
Meanwhile, Ngoi village in Suoi Hoa commune, Tan Lac district, inhabited by the Muong ethnic people, has branched out its community-based tourism, attracting visitors from far and wide to experience local food, caged fish farming, and experience net fishing.
Hoa Binh is now home to more than 20 community-based tourism hamlets and villages, five of which have been recognised as three or four-star OCOP products. Many farms have provided lodging and experiential service for visitors, including An Lac Eco Farm Hot and Springs in Kim Boi district, and Happy Farm in Luong Son district. Furthermore, various agro-cultural tours have been set up in craft villages across the province.
Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Bui Xuan Truong said the province has accelerated its rural tourism development programme in recent years, with many high-quality offerings having launched to serve tourists.
However, the province has countered many challenges while carrying out the scheme such as inharmonious development of rural tourism infrastructure, and limited connectivity among tourism activities in many areas.
In the coming time, the province will provide resource support for rural tourism, with a focus on the training of the labour force, promotion of digital transformation, and enhancement of inter-sectoral coordination, and international cooperation in the area, while developing more OCOP products, and shaping up a value chain that engage experience tourism and eco-tourism, he added.
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.
