(HBO) – Da River, which runs along imposing mountains and primeval forests and connects Hoa Binh, Son La, Lai Chau and Dien Bien provinces, boasts huge potential to develop cultural, eco and spiritual tourism, thus helping improve local livelihoods. Building tourist attractions along the river is seen as a key task in tourism development.

A series of tourist attractions have been set up around the 600 square kilometre Hoa Binh reservoir which spans residential areas of Mong, Thai and Lu ethnic minority groups in Lai Chau province. Those include Sin Ho village with excellent cultural features of Mong ethnic people, King Le Thai To Temple which was recognised as a national treasure, and Pu Dao commune, lying at the height of 1,400 metres above sea level with breathtaking natural landscapes.


Meanwhile, excellent dances and swallow tail boat race can be seen in Muong Lay commune (Dien Bien province).


Hoa Binh reservoir has gorgeous natural landscapes with a range of tourist destinations. Photo: Thac Bo Temple in Thung Nai commune (Cao Phong district) and Vay Nua commune (Da Bac district).


Hoa Binh reservoir plays an important role in Hoa Binh province’s tourism development plan. The Prime Minister has approved a master plan to develop the Hoa Binh reservoir into a national tourism site. Accordingly, studying and experiencing the culture of the Muong ethnic minority in parallel with the reservoir’s ecosystem are seen as typical tourism products in the locality.


Community-based tourism has been a magnet for both domestic and foreign visitors. Famous community-based tourism villages in the province are Ngoi hamlet in Ngoi Hoa commune; Da Bia hamlet in Tien Phong commune (Da Bac district), Ke and Sung hamlets (Da Bac), Dua (Coconut) island, Thung Nai (Cao Phong), Thac Bo Temple in Vay Nua commune (Da Bac).



Foreign visitors discover tourism route connecting Ke hamlet in Hien Luong commune to Sung hamlet in Cao Son commune.


The provincial People’s Committees of Hoa Binh, Son La, Lai Chau and Dien Bien along Da River have preferential policies and mechanisms to attract enterprises, organisations and individuals to pour investment in local tourism. They should work to evaluate tourism development potential, form sets of solutions to implement major tourism infrastructure projects.


Waterway tourism through Hoa Binh, Son La, Dien Bien and Lai Chau provinces, Hoa Binh-Son La tourism programme and Lai Chau-Dien Bien-Son La tourism programme must be paid due attention as well.

Related Topics


The attractions of Hoa Binh’s ecotourism and resort

A diverse chain of eco-tourism and resort destinations concentrated in Hoa Binh city and the districts of Tan Lac, Da Bac, and Luong Son… Along with the launch of several key high-quality resort tourism projects, these developments have reshaped the landscape and enhanced the appeal of Hoa Binh as a travel destination.

Cao Phong steps up investment to unlock tourism potential

Boasting diverse terrain, a mild climate, and rich natural resources, Cao Phong district is increasingly asserting its place on Vietnam’s tourism map, attracting both domestic and foreign visitors. The district is renowned for its stunning landscapes, majestic mountains, a crystal-clear hydropower lake, and the unique cultural identity of local ethnic groups.

Tan Lac district taps into tourism potential

With its pristine landscapes, unique cultural heritage of Muong ethnic minority, and an expanding range of visitor experiences, Tan Lac district of Hoa Binh has fast become a captivating destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Dao Tien ethnics’ community-based tourism create unique travel experience

Until now, Sung village in Cao Son commune, Da Bac district remains the only Dao ethnic community in Hoa Binh province to develop a community-based tourism model. Beyond its untouched natural landscapes, cultural identity serves as the cornerstone attraction for visitors.

Hoa Binh cuisine: An unforgettable experience for visitors

Alongside the diverse cultural identities of the Kinh, Muong, Tay, Thai, Dao, and Mong ethnic people, Hoa Binh province is also renowned as the "capital" of the northwestern Vietnamese cuisine, offering unique and distinctive dishes. At festivals, during Lunar New Year (Tet), or on significant family or community occasions, special dishes are prepared, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.

Phong Linh flower in Thang village, Thach Yen commune attracts tourists

A Phong Linh (Yellow Tabebuia) flower garden in Thang village, Thach Yen commune, Cao Phong district is currently in full bloom, drawing a large number of visitors.