Hoa Binh

Location: in the Northwest of Vietnam

Area: 4,684.2 km²

Population: 793,5 people (2010)

Hoa Binh is a mountainous province, situated in the West of Hanoi. The area has a long history associated with the history and development of Vietnamese. It is the land of many ethnic people such as Muong, Thai, Tay, Dao and Kinh, etc. Natural condition and cultural history have created potential tourist attractions.

This land has various high mountains, old growth forest, river and lake with high mineral content, which is valuable for tourism development. There still remains archaeological relics, precious relics that demonstrate the prosperous period of Viet – ancient Muong culture.

Due to locating in the North of Vietnam, Hoa Binh has hot climate in summer and it is very cold in winter. This area has 2 main seasons: summer from April to September, winter from October to March.

There is hilly terrain as well as Thac Bo cave, Hoa Tien cave which is suitable for tourists to climb, go hiking and bathe.

The lifestyle of Muong, Dao, Tay along the lake and valley creates a beautiful picture of this destination. Hoa Binh has a lot of mineral water springs, mysterious valleys such as Kim Boi mineral springs, Mai Chau valley, Da Bac – an upland which is suitable for visiting eco-tourism and culture.

THINGS TO SEE

1. Mai Chau

Located around 135km from Hanoi, Mai Chau brings a different image of Vietnam and the natural beauty of mountainous area. This is also home of several minority groups, especially Thai group living at some small villages like Lac village, Pom Coong village and Van village.

Walking to the villages to enjoy the surrounding countryside and paddy fields is an interesting activity of visitors when coming to Mai Chau. Especially, tourists can also visit Mai Chau market to buy some local products such as honey, corn and brocade made by skilled Thai women.

To sum up, coming to Mai Chau, visitors not only have chance to enjoy natural beauty but also try daily life of ethnic people with special culture.

2. Thung Nai

Belonging to Cao Phong district, Hoa Binh province, Thung Nai is an ideal place to visit with rustic and grandeur beauty, a sparkling scene in the middle of Da River. Thung Nai is known with Ba Chua temple, Thac Bo cave and Mu village. Besides, there are a lot of spots to explore and relax. If tourists want to ike the forest, they can discover Mu village – village of the Muong in the valley. Moreover, they can visit wilderness caves in Da River or float on the waves in La Vong. They also can stay in Muong house and enjoy their specialty.

3. Lac village

Located in Mai Chau valley, Lac village has 5 Thai ethnic group like Ha, Lo, Mac and Loc. Coming to Lac village, visitors can enjoy natural beauty of rice field and stilted house as well as enjoy bamboo cooked rice and experience their daily life.

THINGS TO EAT

• Hoa Binh Man Pig
• Bamboo shoot with chicken
• Hoa Binh grilled fish

WHERE TO STAY

• Mai Chau Ecolodge – Na Thia village, Na Phon Commune, Mai Chau
• Eco homestay – Lac village 2, Mai Chau
• Lu’s Homestay – Lac village, Chieng Chau, Mai Chau, Hoa Binh