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Hoa Binh

Hoa Binh, Vietnam: An ultimate travel guide for first-time visitors

19/07/2025 218 views

Hoa Binh, now part of Phu Tho Province, is a mountainous region in northern Vietnam known for its rich heritage and natural beauty. From misty valleys to ethnic villages, Hoa Binh offers tourists a peaceful escape.

1. About Hoa Binh, Vietnam

1.1. Location

Hoa Binh, now part of Phu Tho Province, is a mountainous region in Vietnam’s Northwest. It serves as a key gateway between the Red River Delta, the North Central region, and the Northwest highlands. Its strategic position also connects it to Laos, making it a vital transit point between regions.

Hoa Binh Vietnam

Hoa Binh holds a key strategic position in northern Vietnam (Source: Collected)

1.2. History

Hoa Binh’s administrative boundaries have changed many times:

  • June 22, 1886: Under French colonial rule, it was established as Muong Province, encompassing Muong-inhabited areas of Hung Hoa, Son Tay, Hanoi, and Ninh Binh.
  • In 1896: The provincial capital moved to Hoa Binh Commune along the Da River, and the name changed to Hoa Binh Province with four districts: Luong Son, Ky Son, Lac Son, and Mai Da.
  • In 1976: It merged with Ha Tay to form Ha Son Binh Province. 
  • In 1991: The province was separated again into Hoa Binh and Ha Tay.
  • June 12, 2025: Hoa Binh was merged with Vinh Phuc and Phu Tho under the unified name: Phu Tho Province.

Discover: Northern Vietnam: 10 amazing destinations to satisfy your wanderlust

2. Best places to visit in Hoa Binh, Vietnam

2.1. Mai Chau

Mai Chau is a favorite retreat in Hoa Binh, known for its serene scenery and ethnic culture.

2.1.1. Thung Khe Pass

Thung Khe Pass, located on National Road 6, is a limestone mountain road enveloped in white mist that gives it a dreamlike appearance. A sightseeing area with a flagpole and stone benches allows tourists to rest and admire Mai Chau Valley from above. The view reveals rice fields, scattered black rocks, and stilt houses. Here, you can admire the stunning vistas and immerse yourself in the local life while enjoying boiled corn, bamboo rice, and grilled meat at roadside stalls.

Marvel at the fairytale like beauty of Thung Khe Pass

Marvel at the fairytale-like beauty of Thung Khe Pass (Source: Collected)

2.1.2. Lac Village

Lac Village, over 700 years old, is home to the Thai ethnic minority. It is known for its peaceful beauty, endless rice fields, and traditional stilt houses. The village offers a deep cultural experience with vibrant brocade, bamboo flutes, and buffalo horns for sale. Tourists can stroll or bike around the village to enjoy its tranquil air. At night, folk dances, bamboo pole games, and local delicacies like grilled meat and sticky rice await.

2.1.3. Go Lao Waterfall

Go Lao Waterfall is among the most stunning waterfalls in Mai Chau, Hoa Binh, just 15 kilometers away from town. The falls cascade from 20 to 30 meters over polished rocks into a clear, cool pool. From afar, the white water ribbons down the forested cliffs like soft silk. The trail to the falls winds through forests and stilt houses, opening up to spectacular views. Tourists can relax on the large rocks, picnic, or simply soak in the fresh mountain air.

2.1.4. Pom Coong Village

Culture lovers in Hoa Binh cannot miss Pom Coong Village, a quiet Thai settlement of about 70 households nestled between hills and flatlands. Its charm lies in the lush surroundings, traditional stilt houses, and hand-woven brocade. During the day, tourists can walk quiet roads, admire green views, and shop for handmade souvenirs. At night, the village comes alive with drums, music, and hospitality. Thai dishes like seven-color sticky rice, grilled pork, and banana-flower salad complete the cultural immersion.

Discover ethnic culture at Pom Coong Village in Hoa Binh

Discover ethnic culture at Pom Coong Village (Source: Collected)

2.1.5. Hang Kia – Pa Co Nature Reserve

This 5,258-hectare nature reserve in Mai Chau, Hoa Binh is a mountainous paradise rich in limestone formations, wildflowers, and endangered wildlife. At 1,000 meters above sea level, the villages of Hang Kia and Pa Co boast cloud-filled skies, stilt houses, and terraced fields. Tourists can trek, hunt clouds, picnic by streams, or bike through hills and markets. The scenery, culture, and fresh highland air make this a standout attraction for both adventure and serenity seekers.

2.1.6. Mo Luong Cave

Mo Luong Cave lies inside Pu Kha Mountain and stretches over 500 meters. It features four chambers with dramatic stalactites shaped like flowers, clouds, and mythical figures. A hidden stream runs through the cave, and small rafts allow tourists to explore its depths. The entrance offers valley views, and the cave itself stays cool year-round. With ties to local legend and wartime history, this natural wonder brings cultural depth to its striking beauty.

2.1.7. Pa Co Market

Pa Co Market takes place every Sunday from 5 AM to 9 AM, drawing locals from the Thai, Muong, and H’Mong communities. Held 40 kilometers north of Mai Chau, Hoa Binh, it bursts with color as misty mornings reveal stalls full of textiles, herbs, meats, and traditional accessories. Especially eye-catching are the bright H’Mong skirts and handmade trims used in ethnic clothing. The market’s energy, cultural richness, and authentic atmosphere offer a vivid glimpse into highland life.

Soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Pa Co Market

Soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Pa Co Market (Source: Collected)

2.2. Thung Nai

Often referred to as “a miniature Ha Long Bay,” Thung Nai is a hidden gem in the heart of the Da River reservoir. This lakeside commune was formed during the 1980s, when Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant turned high mountain peaks into scattered green islands. Tourists can take a boat ride to Coconut Island for local dishes like hill chicken and lake fish, enjoy folk games, or relax in stilt houses. The peaceful boat ride reveals floating villages and misty hills in the distance, while a visit to Mo Village offers a glimpse of well-preserved Muong culture.

2.3. Hoa Binh Lake

Stretching across multiple districts, Hoa Binh Lake is one of Vietnam’s largest man-made lakes, surrounded by forested mountains and dotted with islets. This lake is home to caves filled with colorful stalactites and bays that reflect the forest year-round. Along the shore, Muong villages preserve their traditions. Tourists can explore sacred sites like Thac Bo Temple and Hoa Tien Cave, kayak on the clear water, swim, cycle around, or hike through the pristine forest. Evenings offer lively shows, ethnic cuisine, and warm interactions with the local Muong and Dao people.

2.4. Mu Waterfall

Mu Waterfall is a refreshing summer retreat known for its multi-tiered cascades. The waterfall flows into a clear pool perfect for swimming. With lush greenery and misty air, it is ideal for trekking, camping, and enjoying a riverside BBQ. Local specialties such as grilled mountain chicken, bamboo-tube rice, and forest vegetables add to the charm. Each layer of the falls creates a different sound and visual rhythm. The gentle slopes make the waterfall family-friendly, while its natural beauty ensures a rejuvenating visit.

Visiting Mu Waterfall is one of the best things to do in Hoa Binh

Visiting Mu Waterfall is one of the best things to do in Hoa Binh (Source: Collected)

2.5. Lung Van Commune

Perched 1,200 meters above sea level, Lung Van is enveloped in mist and charm. Known as a cloud-hunting spot in Hoa Binh from February to April, this Muong commune showcases rice terraces and ancient customs. Springtime reveals lush forests and peach blossoms. Tourists can sleep in traditional stilt houses, help the locals with farming, or explore markets to experience the ethnic culture firsthand. With its cool weather and ethereal scenery, Lung Van is a perfect retreat into heritage and nature.

2.6. Ba Chua Thac Bo Temple

Located on a serene island within Hoa Binh Lake, Ba Chua Thac Bo Temple honors two legendary women of the Muong and Dao ethnicities who aided King Le Loi. Accessible by boat from Thung Nai, this temple complex is a spiritual site framed by limestone formations and sacred caves. Here, ancient architectural features remain, including tiled roofs and a dragon relief. There are vibrant festivals from January to March. Tourists can explore the nearby caves and enjoy the tranquil lake setting.

2.7. Tien Pagoda Scenic Complex

Spanning over 53 hectares, Tien Pagoda Scenic Complex offers insight into Vietnamese Mother Goddess worship. Highlights include Trinh Temple, Mau Temple, and Tien Pagoda, each boasting many intricate statues. Mau Long Cave and Tam Toa Cave dazzle with surreal rock formations, while Tien Cave contains traces of ancient Vietnamese settlers. Climbing 150 meters to Cung Tien Cave reveals ethereal views. Other sacred spots like Ong Hoang Bay Cave and Ong Hoang Muoi Cave honor legendary figures. The complex’s spiritual ambiance and stunning landscapes make it a top site for pilgrimage and eco-tourism.

Tien Pagoda Scenic Complex is a must visit landmark

Tien Pagoda Scenic Complex is a must-visit landmark (Source: Collected)

2.8. Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant

Inaugurated in 1994, Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant was Southeast Asia’s largest of its kind at the time. Summer months, especially July and August, are ideal for witnessing its roaring water discharge. Tourists can explore the tunnel system which houses eight massive turbines and learn about hydroelectric technology. A must-see here is the towering Ho Chi Minh Statue standing 18 meters tall atop Tuong Hill. From the hill, sweeping views of the dam, the reservoir, and the city unfold in all directions.

Explore 15 unique things to do in Mai Chau!

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3. Top foods to try on your Hoa Binh tour

Hoa Binh’s cuisine highlights the cultural essence of local ethnic groups, offering earthy flavors made with ingredients from the mountains and forests. Must-try dishes include:

  • Fermented pork (thit lon muoi chua): A tangy specialty made from free-range pork, forest herbs, and wild leaves.
  • Chicken cooked with pickled bamboo shoots (ga nau mang chua): A combination of chewy hill chicken and sour bamboo spiced with aromatic doi seeds.
  • Buffalo cooked with lom leaves (thit trau nau la lom): A hearty stew of buffalo meat, wild leaves, and rice simmered in clay pots.
  • Grilled fish in bamboo clips (ca kep thanh tre): Fresh fish grilled over charcoal with hints of banana leaves and bamboo fragrance.
  • Pork wrapped in pomelo leaves (cha cuon la buoi): Minced pork grilled inside crispy pomelo leaves for a slightly bitter, citrusy taste.
  • Grilled bitter bamboo (mang dang nuong): A crunchy, slightly bitter snack charred over fire and best enjoyed with chili and salt.
  • Loong soup (canh loong): A traditional Muong dish made with sliced wild banana stems and a meat broth.
Hoa Binh cuisine

Hoa Binh’s cuisine stands out with its simple yet flavorful dishes (Source: Collected)

Check out 13 Hoa Binh restaurants for a true taste of the local cuisine!

4. Guide for visitors to Hoa Binh, Vietnam

4.1. When to visit?

Hoa Binh weather is influenced by a tropical monsoon climate with cold, dry winters and hot, rainy summers. Average annual temperatures stay above 23°C. June is the hottest month (27-29°C), while January is the coldest (15.5-16.5°C).

You can visit Hoa Binh at any time of year depending on what you want to experience: May-June for golden rice fields in Mai Chau; May-August for the clear waters of Thung Nai; December-January for Kim Boi hot springs; and March-April for the blooming flowers in Lung Van.

4.2. How to get there?

From Hanoi, reaching Hoa Binh is easy:

  • By coach or limousine bus: A coach ride from the bus station of My Dinh, Giap Bat, or Yen Nghia in Hanoi to Hoa Binh costs around 60,000 VND. Limousine buses offer more options regarding pick-up points and more comfort, but a ride costs from 220,000 VND.
  • By personal vehicle: You can take yourself to Hoa Binh via the Hoa Lac – Hoa Binh Expressway (for cars) or National Road 6 (for motorbikes).

More on: Hanoi to Mai Chau: Your essential transportation guide

4.3. Where to stay?

Accommodations in Hoa Binh are diverse, concentrated in areas like Mai Chau, Kim Boi, and Luong Son. Options range from homestays in ethnic villages to mid-range hotels and luxury resorts with hot springs. Whether you are on a budget or seeking a retreat in nature, there is always something suitable for you.

There are various places to stay in Hoa Binh

There are various places to stay in Hoa Binh (Source: Collected)

4.4. What to bring home?

Before leaving Hoa Binh, consider picking up some local specialties as souvenirs such as dried bamboo shoots, sticky rice in bamboo, fermented pork, purple sugarcane, can wine, Cao Phong oranges, and Long Luong garlic.

Hoa Binh offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and history. Whether you are exploring mist-covered mountains, visiting traditional villages, or enjoying the local cuisine, Hoa Binh promises authentic moments off the beaten path. Don’t miss the chance to discover the peaceful beauty that makes this land special.

Beyond Hoa Binh, Vietnam is home to other iconic destinations like Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, and Hoi An. More than breathtaking scenery and cultural charm, they also feature VinWonders, a series of top-tier entertainment complexes filled with roller coasters, water slides, aquariums, safaris, and cultural shows for all ages. 

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Dive into heritage at VinWonders Nam Hoi An

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