Hoa Binh: Tourism combined with fishing creates sustainable development

After the construction of the Hoa Binh Hydroelectric Plant on the Da River, Hoa Binh is known to have the largest artificial lake in Southeast Asia.

With a length of 230 km and a capacity of 9.45 billion m3 of water, Hoa Binh Lake stretches across districts and cities in Hoa Binh province (70 km). Considered a "Ha Long Bay" on land; with its potential and advantages of a large water surface area; in recent times, the local government has made constant efforts and issued policies to develop tourism combined with fisheries, creating sustainable development for the locality.

Policy on developing Hoa Binh Lake National Tourist Area

According to the master plan for the construction of the Hoa Binh Lake National Tourist Area by 2035, approved by the Prime Minister , this place will become a key national tourist area in the midland and mountainous region of the North, with unique and diverse tourism products, associated with the culture of ethnic groups and the ecosystem of Hoa Binh Lake.

Thau hamlet, Thai Binh ward, is home to many households raising fish in cages on the lake, an advantage for developing tourism associated with fishing. Photo: Trong Dat/VNA.

The Provincial Party Committee and People's Committee of Hoa Binh province have issued policies to promote aquaculture development such as: Resolution No. 12-NQ/TU, dated June 13, 2014 of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee on the development of fish cage farming in the Hoa Binh hydropower reservoir area in the period of 2014 - 2020; Decision No. 10/QD-UBND, dated April 27, 2015 of the Provincial People's Committee on stipulating a number of policies to support and encourage the development of fish cage farming in the Hoa Binh hydropower reservoir area in the period of 2015 - 2020; Decision No. 1354/QD-UBND, dated July 5, 2021 promulgating the action plan to implement Decision No. 339/QD-TTg, dated March 11, 2021 of the Prime Minister on the strategy for aquaculture development to 2030, with a vision to 2045 in Hoa Binh province.

As the locality with the largest water surface area in Hoa Binh province, Da Bac district has over 7,000 hectares of lake surface, many communes are located in the planning of Hoa Binh Lake National Tourist Area. The Resolution of the Da Bac District Party Congress determined to develop sustainable agriculture and forestry associated with tourism and services to promote the socio-economic development of the district. Since then, the district has promoted tourism promotion to attract domestic and foreign tourists.

Homestay serves tourists when visiting Hoa Binh Lake. Photo: Trong Dat/VNA.

Thereby, Da Bac has made a strong transformation, becoming a new countryside thanks to exploiting and promoting the potential and advantages of the lake area. Along with the relatively developed fish cage farming, people participate in the homestay model to welcome guests, building community tourism destinations. Some businesses have attracted investment, built and put into operation resort areas along the lake.

In addition, Da Bac district has promoted large investments, building large-scale and systematic fish farms. For family-owned farms, most have also invested and upgraded to use new types of cages, which are large-volume net cages, providing hundreds of tons of commercial fish to the market. At the same time, many activities on cultural and tourism events have been enhanced, such as: Displaying, introducing and selling OCOP products, local goods; organizing kayaking and walking competitions on the lakeside tourist route. Through that, many businesses and tourists have learned about the Da River fish brand, as well as experienced and learned about the people and cultural features imbued with national identity of Da Bac.

Tourism combined with fishing for sustainable economic development

In recent years, the government of Hoa Binh province has effectively implemented policies and orientations to promote the development of the aquaculture industry and products from Da River fish and shrimp; promoted and affirmed the brand, associated with agricultural products as the ownership of two specialty brands "Da River Shrimp Hoa Binh" and "Da River Fish Hoa Binh". Along with that, combined with the implementation of many solutions to develop tourism into a spearhead economy. In particular, it focuses on promoting and stimulating tourism, in order to attract tourists to visit and relax.

Homestays serving tourists when visiting Hoa Binh Lake. Photo: Trong Dat/VNA.

Mr. Xa Ngoc Hung, Director of Da Giang Cooperative, Tien Phong Commune (Da Bac District) said that the Cooperative is currently oriented to develop aquaculture associated with tourism. Thereby, expanding the scale of fish cages, rafts, renovating rafts to bring tourists to visit and experience the fish farming model. Along with promoting the development of products meeting OCOP standards, the Cooperative continues to expand the consumption market with many designs and products processed from Da River fish. The products are pre-processed, processed and sold at stores and supermarkets in big cities; including some typical products such as fighting shrimp, braised fish... Thereby, contributing to creating stable jobs for local workers, gradually improving the quality of life.

Mr. Xa Van Thuy, a member of Da Giang Cooperative, Tien Phong Commune, said that since joining the Cooperative, he has grasped the techniques of animal husbandry and actively contributed to the development orientation of the local cage fish farming industry. Thereby, he has a stable income and has the direction to invest in this industry combined with tourism services such as sightseeing, fishing... at his household.

Tourist Pham Bich Lien (Ninh Binh), who came to stay at Xoan Retreat, Xom Mo, Da Bac district, shared that the transportation is relatively convenient, the infrastructure and facilities at the resort are also rich, meeting the interests of many ages, from the elderly to children; especially suitable for short weekend getaways. Coming here, tourists can admire the poetic majesty of Hoa Binh Lake, and at the same time enjoy the cultural values ​​and typical ethnic cuisine of the indigenous people.

Tourists visit Hoa Binh Lake. Photo: Trong Dat/VNA.

Tourist Tran Duy Van (Hanoi) said that Da Bac district has many resorts suitable for "healing", with many new features, full of high-class amenities and services, infinity pool, osen jacuzzi, herbal medicine wooden tub, dry sauna, wet sauna, entertainment area for adults, Northwest cuisine restaurant, fishing experience activities, kayaking, canoeing... This is an ideal resort in the heart of Hoa Binh Lake nature, bringing complete enjoyment.

With the aim of both sustainably developing the aquaculture industry and serving the development of lake tourism, all levels and sectors of Hoa Binh province have coordinated systematically and scientifically, strengthening guidance for cage fish farming households and cooperatives to continue developing effective breeding of aquatic species with economic value while protecting the ecological environment.

In particular, focusing on specialty fish of the lake area, applying VietGAP farming process, organic aquaculture, applying science and technology to aquaculture production, aiming to increase added value, reduce costs. At the same time, aiming to develop aquaculture of aquatic species for ornamental and recreational purposes in urban areas and tourist areas; encouraging and supporting the development of aquaculture associated with tourism, educational activities, eco-tourism, and experiential sightseeing.

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/hoa-binh-du-lich-ket-hop-ngu-nghiep-tao-su-phat-trien-ben-vung-20250623090841072.htm