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.
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.
