Hoa Binh province has harnessed its rich cultural heritage and human potential to forge the path towards sustainable development in the new era.

The province is home to six main ethnic groups, with the Muong people making up over 63% of the population. Each group contributes distinctive cultural elements that create a diverse tapestry of traditions. The locality boasts a long-standing historical and cultural values with an array of festivals such as Tien Pagoda, Khai ha, Bo Temple, and Xen Muong.

Besides, the province boasts the world-renowned Hoa Binh Civilisation that dates back to prehistoric times, along with the four major Muong regions of Bi, Vang, Thang, and Dong. Standing as a cradle of the Vietnamese culture, Hoa Binh is now preserving hundreds of bronze drums and nearly 10,000 precious gongs.

Seeing culture as a motivation for sustainable development, the province has carried out various measures promote the values of the Muong ethnic culture and the Hoa Binh Civilisation. It has emphasised the people as both the centre and goal of development. Given this, the provincial Party Committee has launched multiple action programmes to cultivate locals’ ethics, lifestyle, and patriotism. The hardworking, compassionate, and creative people of Hoa Binh have become the nucleus of all development policies and also a bridge linking traditional values with the modern time.

According to Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Quach Thi Kieu, Hoa Binh province has paid due attention to preserving and promoting traditional cultural values. It is home to 41 national heritage sites, 71 provincially ranked sites, and 303 protected historic and scenic locations. Additionally, 786 elements of intangible cultural heritage from five ethnic minority groups – Muong, Thai, Tay, Dao, and Mong – have been documented. One site has achieved special national relic site status, while five intangible cultural elements have received national recognition. In particular, a dossier has been compiled to seek UNESCO's inclusion of the Mo Muong cultural heritage in the list of heritage in need of urgent safeguarding.

Provincial authorities have implemented strategic campaigns to attract socio-economic investment while preserving cultural heritage through Resolution 04-NQ/TU, issued bythe provincial Party Committee's Standing Board in October 2021, which outlines the preservation and promotion of local ethnic groups' cultural heritage values for 2021–2025, with a vision to 2030.

The province has also activelypromoted creativity among the public, resulting in numerous artistic works and cultural programmes. Notably, it has worked to enhance cultural preservation in tandem with tourism development. Tan Lac, Mai Chau, and Lac Son districts have become popular destinations as they are able to capitalise on ethnic culture.

Hoa Binh is advancing by utilising its soft power – cultural and human assets. Culture has become a strategic force driving economic development, social stability, and improved living quality for local residents.