VietNamNet Bridge – For a long time, Hoa Binh Province has been considered the cradle for ancient Muong people with many significant cultural features, more than 200 historical relics and landscapes, of which 64 have been recognized as national relics.

A romantic scenery in Hoa Binh.

With more than 50 tourist-cultural villages, Hoa Binh has much potential in community tourism development. To Hoa Binh, travelers will have memorable experiences in daily local activities, friendliness and kindness and austerity of locals. Hoa Binh is also attractive due to peaceful images of stilt houses and romantic scenery.

Mai Chau, a small town in Hoa Binh, was named by the respected U.S. Business Insider as among the ‘10 Awesome Cultural Tours That Will Make You Feel Like a Local.’

The attraction of Mai Chau lies in not only simple life but also scenic landscape.

The U.S. magazine described Mai Chau as a wonderful destination if visitors are interested in a deeper experience of Vietnam with a warm and welcoming population and unspoiled natural beauty. Just three hours outside of the capital Hanoi, Mai Chau is a mountainous region dotted with traditional stilt houses. Two ethnic minority groups – the White Thai and Black Thai – make up the majority of the population there.

About 12 kilometers from downtown Hoa Binh City, Gang Mo Village in Binh Thanh Commune is also suggested as an interesting venue for foreigners to learn more about indigenous culture of Muong, Thai, Tay, Dao and Mong peoples.

Mai Chau Village in Hoa Binh Province in early morning.

The highlight of the village is its stilt houses which number over 100 and remain in good condition with old water pipes, rice husking mortar, arcs, crossbows and terraced rice fields. There, ethnic people still keep their own customs.

Exploring a bit further, tourists can go to Cu Village in Tu Ne Commune and Thau Village in Lac Sy to explore primitive landscapes and ethnic culture.

Hoa Binh is also impressive with its traditional festivals such as Vai Communal House festival, gong festival, Muong Bi summer festival, Hang pagoda festival, and Tien pagoda festival. As a whole, the festival clearly illustrates the traditional faith and the cultural exchange among different groups.

Source: SGT