Da Bia hamlet, now Duc Phong, in Tien Phong commune, Da Bac district, was once almost isolated from the outside as the only way to the hamlet was to get a boat ride across the Hoa Binh reservoir. However, as its tourism potential has been unleashed, the hamlet has established itself as one of the most attractive destinations on the tourism map. It has even received the ASEAN Community-Based Tourism Awards in 2019.
Bui
Thi Nhem (R), who is running a homestay in Duc Phong, briefing tourists on the
self-service shop model.
Ban Thi Kim Quy, Vice Chairwoman of the district
People's Committee, stressed that the beautiful natural landscapes, rich
culture, and changing mindset have helped turn tourism into a key economic
sector, generating numerous jobs and improving living standards, particularly for
ethnic minority communities.
This transformation is evident not only in Duc Phong
but also in other hamlets engaging in community tourism throughout the
district, she said, taking the example of Sung hamlet in Cao Son commune, which
has emerged to a bright spot in community tourism from a poor, isolated
locality.
According to Ly Sao Mai, from Da Bac Community-Based
Tourism JSC in Sung hamlet, among the 75 Dao households there, only a few are
currently running homestays, while the others have actively contributed to
local tourism development by offering products and tour guide services.
Quy said over the past years, apart from
implementing action programmes and plans on community tourism, the district has
paid attention tourism promotion, market connectivity, and brand building.
The district expects to welcome 550,000 visitors by
2025, of them 25,000 international, and earn over 297 billion VND (11.91
million USD) from the tourism sector.
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.
