Recognising that tourism and agriculture are local strengths, Mai Chau district is committed to building a green economy through an action program with specific pathways, achieving notable results in line with the resolution of the 26th Party Congress of the district.
By making significant strides in
community-based tourism, Mai Chau has become an attractive destination for
visitors, presenting new opportunities for development.
Ha Cong Nghị, Deputy Secretary of the district
Party Committee, said that the district’s tourism has undergone a remarkable
journey, showcasing the unity of the party, government, and local ethnic
communities.
The guiding principle through three Party
congresses has been to "develop community-based tourism in conjunction with
rural development," fostering strong consensus among local authorities and
meeting residents' aspirations.
The year 2010 marked the starting point for Mai
Chau's new development journey. At that time, the district had only 11
guesthouses, 54 community-run accommodations, and eight communes engaged in
community-based tourism, generating nearly 10 billion VND (396,000 USD) in
tourism revenue per year, with around 64,000 visitors.
The only recognised community-based tourism
village was Lac in Chieng Chau commune with few tourism products, modest
service quality.
Facing these challenges, the entire political
system of Mai Chau was determined to establish a breakthrough direction for
local tourism, focusing on community-based tourism.
After 15 years, Mai Chau has successfully
realised comprehensive socio-economic development goals, with tourism emerging
as a leading sector. Today, the district has a well-organised tourism
development plan. Through effective implementation of key decisions, Mai Chau
has transformed tourism into a key economic sector.
The resolutions from the district's party
congresses have served as guiding principles for tourism activities. Numerous
synchronized and effective solutions have been deployed, enhancing state
management over tourism operations, investing in tourism infrastructure, and
linking tourism development with cultural preservation.
As a result, the number of tourism
accommodations has grown to nearly 150 establishments, including seven
community-based tourism sites, 12 hotels, 28 guesthouses, and 106 homestays,
providing jobs for over 1,200 people in the tourism sector.
Currently, there are 15 tourism and commerce
projects approved by the provincial government, with total registered capital
exceeding 1.17 trillion VND, all aiming to meet high-quality tourism demands.
These efforts have led to the service and tourism sectors accounting for 37% of
the district's economic structure by 2024, surpassing the targets set in the
26th Party Congress resolution.
Pham Van Hoan, Chairman of the Mai Chau district
People's Committee, emphasised that in addition to tourism development,
agriculture remains a pillar for socio-economic development. To elevate
agricultural production value in line with the 26th Party Congress resolution,
the district has made efforts to create new breakthroughs.
Local authorities have intensified leadership
and oversight of agricultural production. They promote the transition to
commercial crop and livestock production, tailored to each region, focusing on
sustainable value enhancement.
Ngan Van Toan, Deputy head of the Mai Chau
district Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, notes that the
district encourages residents to select suitable crops and livestock for
production. Initiatives have included intensive farming, transitioning to
commercial production, and establishing high-value farming models, such as safe
vegetable cultivation in Chieng Chau, Bao La, and Mai Hich, alongside applying
advanced technology in livestock and disease monitoring.
To improve product consumption and value, the
district invests in building collective trademarks for distinctive agricultural
products like "Thung Khe sticky corn," "Phuc San colocasia
antiquorum" "Thanh Son purple garlic," "Muong Pa black
pig," "Mai Ha wine" "Hang Kia and Pa Co black chicken"
and "Mai Chau green fish".
These effective agricultural development
strategies have contributed to the sustainable socio-economic growth of the
district. In 2024, the district agricultural, forestry, and fishery production
valued at 1.45 trillion VND, accounting for 28% of the economy. Meanwhile,
tourism remains the largest sector, reinforcing its position in the district's
economic structure.
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.
