Hoa Binh province is home to 11 recognised traditional craft villages which have played a crucial role in increasing income, improving living conditions, and driving economic growth in rural areas.
Residents of Mai Ha alcohol village (Mai Ha commune, Mai Chau district) examine product quality before distribution.
Among these, Mai Ha alcohol village in Mai Ha commune, Mai Chau district, stands out as a model of cultural preservation combined with economic growth. Mai Ha alcohol is not only a distinctive local beverage but also a source of pride for the community.
Mai Ha alcohol stands out for its traditional distillation, using natural underground water and a unique herbal fermentation starter made from over a dozen forest plants. This process, refined over generations, produces a crystal-clear liquor with a smooth taste and lingering sweetness.
More than 200 households in the village produce thousands of litres of alcohol annually, gaining nationwide recognition. The brand has earned a three-star rating under the national One Commune One Product (OCOP) programme, boosting its market value and distribution.
Beyond providing stable income, alcohol production preserves a cultural heritage passed down through generations. The village has become a tourist attraction, drawing visitors eager to witness the process and sample the famed liquor.
According to the provincial Sub-Department of Rural Development, Hoa Binh has 11 recognised craft villages. Two of them, including Mai Ha, specialise in alcohol production, while others focus on woodwork, bamboo weaving, ceramics, and brocade textiles. These industries sustain traditional values while generating income for rural communities.
The province’s craft villages employ around 1,300 workers, with monthly wages ranging from 3 to 5 million VND. Many have developed OCOP-certified products, enhancing market appeal.
Despite their contributions, challenges persist such as unstable raw material supplies, market competition, a lack of skilled successors, and outdated production techniques. Despite the government's support policies, access to loans and trade promotion remain limited.
Hoang Van Tuan, Deputy Director of the Sub-Department of Rural Development, reaffirmed the province’s commitment to training programmes, business networking, and product promotion. Authorities are also strengthening quality control and embracing digital transformation, registering products for traceability and showcasing them on e-commerce platforms to expand markets.
These combined efforts are driving Hoa Binh’s craft villages forward, contributing to the rural areas' development.
Amid efforts to streamline the administrative apparatus, Hoa Binh province has intensified measures to address challenges in land clearance, resettlement support, and infrastructure investment, aiming to speed up the progress of key projects.
Hoa Binh province has posted an unprecedented economic growth rate of 12.76% in the first quarter of 2025, marking its highest quarterly performance to date and positioning it as the second fastest-growing locality in the country, trailing only Bac Giang province.
Under current regulations, products in the One Commune – One Product (OCOP) programme that are rated three stars or higher must undergo re-evaluation every three months. However, in reality, some of these products fail to consistently meet the required standards, raising concerns about the sustainability of their OCOP certification. This underscores the urgent need for producers to enhance product quality and gradually develop their OCOP products into strong, marketable brands.
In 2019, the "One Commune, One Product" (OCOP) programme took root in Yen Thuy district. At the time, local products lacked branding, packaging, and labels, mostly sold in raw form through small-scale distribution. However, amid these challenges was a crucial advantage: farmers' willingness to change, experiment with standardised processes, and learn to package and price products based on value, not just weight.
Once barely visible on the northern region’s tourism map, Hoa Binh province welcomed 4.3 million visitors last year, generating a tourism revenue of nearly 4.74 trillion VND (USD), according for 31% of its GDRP. Beyond mere statistics, the milestone demonstrates that tourism and services have become new growth engines for the locality.
