Boasting stunning landscapes, and standout cultural traits, many localities across Hoa Binh province have developed unique offerings to bolster rural tourism.
Activities of the herbal medicine production group in Sung village, Cao Son commune, Da Bac district have been an attractive tourism offering for visitors.
A wide range of new offerings have been developed in Sung village in Cao Son commune, Da Bac district, renowned for its untouched landscapes, and excellent cultural practice and customs of the Dao ethnic people, with the support of a non-governmental organisation.
The village set up brocade weaving groups, and herbal medicine and "do” paper production teams to serve visitors.
According to Ly Thi Nhat from a brocade weaving group, the establishment of the groups help locals introduce their products to visitors and create new tourism products to improve their livelihoods sustainably. She said herbal massage balms, mosquito repellent sprays, and brocade bags, among others, have been favoured by many tourists.
Meanwhile, Ngoi village in Suoi Hoa commune, Tan Lac district, inhabited by the Muong ethnic people, has branched out its community-based tourism, attracting visitors from far and wide to experience local food, caged fish farming, and experience net fishing.
Hoa Binh is now home to more than 20 community-based tourism hamlets and villages, five of which have been recognised as three or four-star OCOP products. Many farms have provided lodging and experiential service for visitors, including An Lac Eco Farm Hot and Springs in Kim Boi district, and Happy Farm in Luong Son district. Furthermore, various agro-cultural tours have been set up in craft villages across the province.
Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Bui Xuan Truong said the province has accelerated its rural tourism development programme in recent years, with many high-quality offerings having launched to serve tourists.
However, the province has countered many challenges while carrying out the scheme such as inharmonious development of rural tourism infrastructure, and limited connectivity among tourism activities in many areas.
In the coming time, the province will provide resource support for rural tourism, with a focus on the training of the labour force, promotion of digital transformation, and enhancement of inter-sectoral coordination, and international cooperation in the area, while developing more OCOP products, and shaping up a value chain that engage experience tourism and eco-tourism, he added.
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.
Community-based tourism has been thriving in Pa Co commune, Mai Chau district thanks to advantages in natural landscape and cultural identity.
Doan Ket commune of Yen Thuy district has recently held a ceremony to receive a certificate recognising Ta communal house as a provincial-level historical and cultural relic site.
In Lac Thuy district, the fertile alluvial land along the Boi River is now home to lush green mulberry gardens, marking the emergence of a new agricultural industry - mulberry cultivation and silkworm farming.
Officially opening in February, Ngoi Hoa Ecotourism Site (PriorBay Resort) in Suoi Hoa commune, Tan Lac district, has quickly become a sought-after destination. It offers visitors a chance to indulge in distinctive and enticing experiences.
Gia Trang Heian Homestay, a unique cultural oasis in the heart of Hoa Binh city, has become a compelling attraction for tourists seeking ethnic cultural experiences within an urban setting. Bui Thi Hien, a local in Kim Boi district with aspiration for ethnic culture and community-based tourism development, created the homestay that seamlessly blends traditional and contemporary features.