Developping rural tourism in Sung hamlets, Da Bac district
With over 76% of its population residing in rural areas, Hoa Binh is home to diverse ethnic groups that preserve rich cultural traditions. This cultural diversity provides a strong foundation for the province’s rural tourism initiatives, which have flourished in recent years.
Currently, Hoa Binh boasts over 20 villages of ethnic minorities such as the Muong, Thai, Dao, and Mong providing community-based tourism services. These villages, featuring nearly 200 homestays and a variety of tourism services, have become popular destinations for both domestic and international tourists.
Three primary forms of rural tourism are thriving in the province: community tourism, agricultural tourism, and ecological tourism. Among these, community tourism has received the most attention and investment, leading to rapid development of various models. Notable examples include cooperative-based community tourism in Ban Lac and Ban Hang Kia in Mai Chau district, locally managed community tourism in Mu, Khuong, Mon, and Sat Thuong hamlets in Lac Son district, and company-managed tourism in Ke, Duc Phong and Sung hamlets in Da Bac district.
Additionally, tourism companies have partnered with local families to set up community tourism ventures, such as those in Ai hamlet (Phong Phu commune in Tan Lac district). The new infrastructure built under the rural development programme, combined with the growth of tourism, has not only increased incomes but also encouraged cultural preservation and environmental awareness.
Luy Ai hamlet in Phong Phu commune in Tan Lac district has achieved OCOP (One Commune One Product) 3-star status in community tourism, highlighting the positive impact of community tourism on preserving cultural heritage and advancing rural development.
In addition to these tourism models, Hoa Binh also features farms and agricultural production areas that appeal to tourists, such as organic vegetable farms in Tan Lac, Cao Phong orange gardens, and fish farms on Hoa Binh Lake.
Several localities have developed farm-stay and experiential tourism models. In 2024, efforts will focus on enhancing OCOP tourism products, aiming for at least a 3-star rating. This includes creating souvenirs and traditional handicrafts by the Hoa Ban Cooperative in Lac hamlet (Chieng Chau commune in Mai Chau district), and digitising cultural and historical information in Cao Phong and Tan Lac districts.
The growth of rural tourism in Hoa Binh is revitalising local economies while fostering cultural and environmental stewardship, setting a model for sustainable rural development.
