Spanning thousands of hectares and winding gracefully along mountain slopes, hillsides, and riverbanks, the terraced rice fields of Lac Son District present a stunning and captivating beauty. This region, renowned for its remarkable terraced landscapes, is also the centre of Hoa Binh Culture known for numerous archaeological sites.
Terraced fields in the ripen rice season in Mien Doi commune, Lac Son district, attract tourists to explore.
According to the "Terraced rice fields of the Muong people in Hoa Binh" heritage research project in 2021, the majority of the Muong's rice fields are located in Cao Phong, Tan Lac, and Lac Son districts. Among these, the terraced fields of Lac Son have been identified as the core area, featuring hundreds of plots of various sizes in an incredibly scenic landscape. Here, the practice of rice cultivation on terraced fields coexists with deeply rooted spiritual traditions passed down through generations, creating a rich material life and a sustainable ecosystem.
In comparison to other highland communes with preserved terraced fields, the mountainous area of Mien Doi boasts the most distinctive landscapes, covering approximately 800ha across several hamlets, including Thay Voi, Rom Bai, Renh, Than Tren, Than Duoi, Voi Thuong, and Voi Ha. Interspersed among these terraced fields are breathtaking waterfalls, which are some hundreds of meters high, along with small forests and traditional stilt houses, creating a harmonious scene where nature and humans coexist.
When talking about beautiful terraced fields, one cannot overlook those in the hamlets of Theu, Ve, Cu, Ngoc, Kem, Roi, and Doi Thung in Quy Hoa commune, which span around 300ha. These fields sit at elevations ranging from 300 to 750m, where the higher terrain features older natural forests, and the steeper fields blend seamlessly with the environment. In My Thanh commune, there are about 320 hectares divided into two main areas, namely the Co area and the hamlets of Pheo, Riec, Bo Ca, and Xi. Some plots run along the provincial road to Kim Boi, while others are nestled among villages, foothills and forested areas at elevations of 200 to 400m, creating a nice picture.
According to Nguyen The Hung, head of the Culture and Information Division of Lac Son district, the unique characteristics of the terraced field landscape in the Muong Vang region are the extensive and beautiful rice fields, interspersed with forests and the villages of the Muong people that have not been affected by urbanisation. The beauty of the terraced fields is complemented by the unspoiled nature surrounding them, featuring unique karst mountains, waterfalls, caves, grasslands, and hot springs. Additionally, the terraced fields are well-connected by inter-district transport routes, enhancing their accessibility for regional tourism.
The terraced rice fields are also an integral part of the cultural landscape, reflecting local customs, lifestyles, and the living spaces of the Muong community. The area is home to numerous archaeological sites that could serve as tourist attractions, such as the Trai hamlet cave in Tan Lap commune and rock carvings in the Grass hamlet of My Thanh commune. Currently, local authorities are actively promoting awareness among residents to protect and preserve these landscapes. They also focus on reviving and showcasing traditional festivals, particularly those related to rice cultivation, while promoting the tourism potential of these terraced fields. Attention is being paid to conservation and gradually develop tourism products.
With the terraced rice fields highlighting the stunning beauty of the mountainous region, Lac Son district is attracting tourists and various businesses interested in eco-tourism. Notably, the Sun Group has decided to invest in developing a high-end ecological resort at Doi Thung and Kha hot spring resort with a total investment of several trillion Vietnamese dong.
The northern mountainous province of Hoa Binh has been listed among the 71 most beautiful places to visit worldwide by the prestigious US travel magazine Condé Nast Traveller.
Hoa Binh province’s rich natural and cultural resources position it as a prime location for developing community-based tourism (CBT). In recent years, support from central and provincial policies, as well as assistance from non-governmental organisations, have encouraged local ethnic minority and mountainous communities to actively engage in the sector.
Van Son Commune, Tan Lạc district, Hoa Binh province also known as "Cloud Valley," boasts a cool climate, stunning natural landscapes, and majestic scenery. Visitors who have been to this place should make a stop at Chien Hamlet to experience a lot of fascinating things and feel the friendly, warmth of the Muong ethnic people.
Thanks to the effective exploitation of natural landscape and the cultural diversity of ethnic minorities, Hoa Binh province has become an attractive destination for tourists seeking experiences and exploration.
The Department of Cultural Heritage has just coordinated with the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Hoa Binh province to organize a training on implementing the model of the cultural heritage connected in the cultural tourism journey in Cao Phong and Lac Son districts.
