Vietnam’s Hoa Binh province boosts tourism by showcasing vibrant ethnic festivals and cultural heritage, attracting thousands of visitors each spring.

With its deep-rooted cultural identity and vibrant folk traditions, Hoa Binh province in northern Vietnam is embracing its rich heritage as a driving force for tourism growth. Known for its strong Muong ethnic presence—comprising over 60% of the local population—the province is positioning traditional festivals as both a cultural celebration and a major tourism magnet.

Spring is the most dynamic season in Hoa Binh, as it comes alive with a series of colorful Muong festivals such as Khai Ha, Chua Tien, and Dinh Kenh. These events not only strengthen local community ties but also captivate tourists in search of authentic cultural experiences.

A standout among these is the Khai Ha Festival, also known as the “going down to the field” or forest-opening ceremony. This sacred event, celebrated at the start of the lunar new year, pays homage to the ancestors of the four major Muong regions—Muong Bi (Tan Lac), Muong Vang (Lac Son), Muong Thang (Cao Phong), and Muong Dong (Kim Boi)—who pioneered wet rice farming, a vital part of Vietnam’s ancient civilization.

Another spiritual highlight is the Thac Bo Temple, a popular destination blending ecological beauty with religious reverence. Located in the picturesque Hoa Binh Lake area, the temple draws thousands of pilgrims and tourists annually, particularly during its traditional festival from the second day of the first lunar month through the end of the third. This year, the site recorded peak days with over 4,000 visitors, according to the provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.

Diverse ethnic communities in the province also celebrate their own distinct festivals. In Mai Chau district, the Mong people in Hang Kia and Pa Co communes host the colorful Gau Tao festival, while the Thai community in Chieng Chau commune holds the revered Xen Muong festival—an essential event that showcases the spiritual and cultural values of the Thai ethnic group.

Looking forward, Quach Thi Kieu, Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, emphasized the commitment to preserving traditional festivals while weaving them into strategic tourism initiatives. The province aims to ensure that cultural heritage plays a central role in local economic and social development.

This year, Hoa Binh’s tourism sector is set to roll out a variety of programs to raise awareness about the importance of cultural heritage in sustainable growth. By integrating tradition into tourism, the province hopes to safeguard national identity while shaping a globally connected tourism industry.

During the recent Lunar New Year holiday, Hoa Binh welcomed over 250,000 tourists, including nearly 6,000 international visitors and more than 244,000 domestic travelers—a 25% increase compared to the same period last year. The province generated 132 billion VND (approximately 5.18 million USD) in tourism revenue, reflecting an 11.8% year-on-year rise and reaffirming the province’s growing appeal as a cultural tourism hotspot.

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