Overview of Hoa Binh Province

Area: 4,596.4 km2; Population: 854,131 people; Ethnic groups: According to statistics, there are 6 main ethnic groups living together in the province, the most numerous being the Muong people, accounting for 63.3%; the Viet (Kinh) people accounting for 27.73%; the Thai people accounting for 3.9%; the Dao people accounting for 1.7%; the Tay people accounting for 2.7%; the Mong people accounting for 0.52%; and other ethnic groups accounting for 1.18%.

Map of Hoa Binh Province

Geographical location and socio-natural conditions.

- Hoa Binh is a mountainous province in the Northwest of Vietnam, bordering the capital city of Hanoi . It serves as a gateway for exchange between the Northern Delta, North Central region, and Northwest Vietnam; it is also a gateway to Upper Laos (the nearest point is 30km from the Vietnam-Laos border), located within the limits of 20°19' - 21°08' North latitude and 104°48' - 105°40' East longitude. It borders Phu Tho province to the north, Hanoi city to the east, Son La province to the west, and Ninh Binh, Ha Nam, and Thanh Hoa provinces to the south. Hoa Binh province has a high, complex, and steep mountainous terrain oriented in a Northwest-Southeast direction, divided into two regions: the high mountainous region in the Northwest, with an average altitude of 600-700m and rugged terrain, occupying 44.8% of the total area; The low mountainous region is located in the Southeast, occupying 55.2% of the province's total area. The terrain consists of low mountain ranges, with little fragmentation, an average slope of 20-25 degrees, and an average altitude of 100-200m above sea level.

Hoa Binh has a tropical monsoon climate, with cold, dry winters and hot, rainy summers. The average annual temperature is above 23°C. June has the highest temperature of the year, averaging 27-29°C, while January has the lowest temperature, averaging 15.5-16.5°C.

- The river system in the province is relatively evenly distributed, with major rivers such as the Da River, Boi River, Buoi River, and Bui River…

Traffic

Hoa Binh province has a fairly good road network, which is very convenient for socio-economic development, becoming a gateway for exchange between the Northwest provinces and the Red River Delta provinces, Hanoi, and the Northeast development triangle: Hanoi - Hai Phong - Quang Ninh and the North Central provinces. National Highway 6 runs the entire length of the province from Hanoi through Luong Son - Hoa Binh City - Cao Phong - Tan Lac - Mai Chau to the Northwest. National Highway 12B connects Hoa Binh with Thanh Hoa and the North Central provinces. National Highway 21A connects Hoa Binh with the delta provinces of Ha Nam - Nam Dinh, ending at Thinh Long beach, Hai Hau district, Nam Dinh province. National Highway 15 is a strategic road connecting Hoa Binh (through Mai Chau district) with the mountainous region of Thanh Hoa province and into Upper Laos. The Ho Chi Minh Highway runs along the eastern slopes of the province through Luong Son - Kim Boi - Lac Thuy - Yen Thuy districts.

In October 2018, the Hoa Lac - Hoa Binh Expressway connecting road was completed and put into use, shortening the travel time from Hoa Binh City to the center of Hanoi to just 40 minutes by car.

Hoa Binh also has a convenient waterway network for transporting goods and trade on the Boi River, Bui River, Buoi River, and on the 8,900-hectare surface area of ​​the Song Da Hydropower Reservoir.

History of formation

Hoa Binh is an ancient land with limestone mountain ranges running along the southeast, parallel to the Truong Son range in the west, creating many basins and valleys with rich flora and fauna. Therefore, since prehistoric times, humans have settled on this land with a famous culture, the "Hoa Binh Culture," which was formed and developed during the Old Stone Age, existing from about 18,000 to 7,500 years ago.

During the French colonial period, Hoa Binh province was established on June 22, 1886, by a decree of the Governor-General of Tonkin, under the name Muong province, encompassing the Muong ethnic minority areas from Hung Hoa, Son Tay, Hanoi, and Ninh Binh provinces. In 1896, the provincial capital moved from Cho Bo town (belonging to Da Bac district) to Hoa Binh commune, on the left bank of the Da River, opposite Phuong Lam. From then on, the Muong province was called Hoa Binh province, with four districts: Luong Son, Ky Son, Lac Son, and Mai Da. Lac Thuy district at that time belonged to Lac Son district, but in 1908 it was transferred to Ha Nam province. From then on, the administrative boundaries were basically stable. In May 1953, Lac Thuy district, along with several communes from Nho Quan district, Ninh Binh province, was transferred to Hoa Binh province.

From 1950 onwards, the districts were changed into counties, and the administrative units of Hoa Binh province underwent changes: On September 21, 1956, Mai Da district was divided into two counties: Da Bac north of the Da River and Mai Chau south of the Da River. On October 15, 1957, Lac Son district was divided into two counties: Lac Son and Tan Lac. On April 17, 1959, Luong Son district was divided into two counties: Luong Son and Kim Boi. On August 17, 1964, Lac Thuy district was divided into two counties: Lac Thuy and Yen Thuy.

From 1976, based on the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, at the proposal of the Government and after studying the opinions of the People's Councils of Hoa Binh and Ha Tay provinces, the 5th National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, 2nd session (December 27, 1975) issued a Resolution merging Hoa Binh and Ha Tay provinces into a new province named Ha Son Binh province.

In 1991, implementing Resolution of the 8th National Assembly, 9th session, dated August 12, 1991, Ha Son Binh province was divided into two provinces: Hoa Binh and Ha Tay. At that time, Hoa Binh province had an area of ​​4,662 km², with a population of 686,920 people, comprising 9 districts: Da Bac, Mai Chau, Luong Son, Ky Son, Lac Son, Lac Thuy, Kim Boi, Tan Lac, Yen Thuy and Hoa Binh town.

In December 2001, the Government issued Decree No. 95/2001/ND-CP dividing Ky Son district into two districts: Ky Son and Cao Phong. The total number of administrative units included 10 districts and 1 town, with a total of 214 communes, wards, and townships.

On October 27, 2006, Hoa Binh town became a type III urban area, renamed Hoa Binh City.

In August 2008, four communes – Dong Xuan, Tien Xuan, Yen Binh, and Yen Trung – all located in the northern part of Luong Son district, were separated and merged into Hanoi City. Following this administrative boundary adjustment, Hoa Binh province now comprises 11 districts and cities, with 210 communes, wards, and towns.

In 2020, the Provincial People's Committee of the National Assembly implemented Resolution No. 830/NQ-UBTVQH14, dated December 17, 2019, on the reorganization of district and commune-level administrative units in Hoa Binh province. After the merger, Hoa Binh province had 10 district-level administrative units (a reduction of 1 unit due to the merger of Ky Son district into Hoa Binh City) and 151 commune-level administrative units (131 communes, 10 wards, and 10 towns).

Hoa Binh City has 19 commune-level administrative units, including 10 wards: Dan Chu, Dong Tien, Huu Nghi, Ky Son, Phuong Lam, Tan Hoa, Tan Thinh, Thai Binh, Thinh Lang, Thong Nhat; and 9 communes: Doc Lap, Hoa Binh, Hop Thanh, Mong Hoa, Quang Tien, Su Ngoi, Thinh Minh, Trung Minh, Yen Mong.

Cao Phong District has 10 commune-level administrative units, including: Cao Phong town and 9 communes: Hop Phong, Thu Phong, Dung Phong, Binh Thanh, Nam Phong, Tay Phong, Thung Nai, Bac Phong, and Thach Yen.

Da Bac District has 17 commune-level administrative units, including: Da Bac town and 16 communes: Muong Chieng, Doan Ket, Nanh Nghe, Vay Nua, Trung Thanh, Tan Minh, Tu Ly, Hien Luong, Tien Phong, Cao Son, Tan Pheo, Yen Hoa, Dong Ruong, Giap Dat, Dong Chum, Toan Son.

Kim Boi District has 17 commune-level administrative units, including Bo Town and 16 communes: Kim Boi, Kim Lap, My Hoa, Xuan Thuy, Hop Tien, Vinh Tien, Vinh Dong, Hung Son, Nam Thuong, Cuoi Ha, Dong Bac, Binh Son, Tu Son, Sao Bay, Du Sang, and Nuong Dam.

Lac Son District has 24 commune-level administrative units: Vu Ban Town and 23 communes: Mien Doi, Quy Hoa, Tuan Dao, Tan Lap, My Thanh, Van Nghia, Nhan Nghia, Van Son, Quyet Thang, Chi Dao, Thuong Coc, Xuat Hoa, Yen Phu, Binh Hem, Dinh Cu, Huong Nhuong, Vu Binh, Tan My, An Nghia, Yen Nghiep, Ngoc Son, Ngoc Lau, Tu Do.

Lac Thuy District has 10 commune-level administrative units, including: Chi Ne Town, Ba Hang Doi Town; and 8 communes: Thong Nhat, Phu Nghia, Yen Bong, Dong Tam, Phu Thanh, Khoan Du, Hung Thi, and An Binh.

Luong Son District has 11 commune-level administrative units, including: Luong Son Town and 10 communes: Cao Son, Tan Vinh, Lien Son, Thanh Cao, Hoa Son, Thanh Son, Cao Duong, Lam Son, Cu Yen, and Nhuan Trach.

Mai Chau District has 16 commune-level administrative units, including: Mai Chau town and 15 communes: Tan Thanh, Tong Dau, Thanh Son, Hang Kia, Van Mai, Bao La, Mai Ha, Chieng Chau, Xam Khoe, Dong Tan, Pa Co, Mai Hich, Son Thuy, Cun Pheo, Na Phon.

Lan Lac District has 16 commune-level administrative units, including: Man Duc town and 15 communes: Gia Mo, Van Son, Ngo Luong, Phu Vinh, Phu Cuong, Suoi Hoa, Quyet Chien, Nhan My, Lo Son, My Hoa, Tu Ne, Thanh Hoi, Dong Lai, Ngoc My, and Phong Phu.

Yen Thuy District has 11 commune-level administrative units, including: Hang Tram town and 10 communes: Phu Lai, Doan Ket, Huu Loi, Da Phuc, Lac Sy, Ngoc Luong, Yen Tri, Lac Thinh, Lac Luong, and Bao Hieu.

Economic development potential:

+ Development of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries:

Agricultural and forestry production: Rich and diverse soil and climate conditions; highly fertile land; large areas of forest land, agricultural land, and unused land provide favorable conditions for investment in forestry, industrial crops, medicinal plants, and high-tech agricultural production.

Aquaculture: Due to the extensive network of rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds distributed throughout all districts and cities, especially the Da River flowing through Mai Chau, Da Bac, Tan Lac districts and Hoa Binh City, and Hoa Binh Lake with a surface area of ​​8,900 hectares, favorable conditions exist for the development of agricultural production and aquaculture.

+ Industrial development: By 2020, Hoa Binh province had planned 8 industrial zones and 21 industrial clusters.

Mineral mining and processing industry: Hoa Binh has many types of minerals such as: cement limestone, construction limestone, gold, paving stones, mineral water - hot springs. In addition, there are coal, pyrite, phosphorite, dolomite, talc, iron, copper, lead, zinc… providing favorable conditions for the development of mineral mining and processing industries and cement production.

Agricultural and Forestry Processing Industry: According to 2018 land statistics, Hoa Binh province has 296,130 hectares of forested land, accounting for over 62% of its natural area; of which, production forests account for 153,256 hectares, protection forests for 114,338 hectares, and special-use forests for 28,535 hectares, providing an abundant source of raw materials for large-scale forestry processing industries. The area of ​​land planted with industrial crops and fruit trees, especially oranges, lemons, and pomelos, is expanding, and production is increasing, creating a stable source of raw materials for the development of agricultural processing industries.

Mechanical engineering, electronics, garment, and footwear industries: Adjacent to the major industrial center of Hanoi and possessing abundant labor potential. According to data from the Hoa Binh Provincial Statistics Department, in 2019, the total number of workers employed in these economic sectors was 553,427, accounting for over 67% of the population. This creates favorable conditions for the development of labor-intensive industries such as mechanical engineering, garment and footwear manufacturing, and supporting industries.

+ Tourism development:

Cultural and spiritual tourism: Hoa Binh has many attractive destinations suitable for various types of tourism: ecotourism, spiritual tourism, relaxation, exploration, and research. Nature has bestowed upon Hoa Binh many magnificent natural caves and picturesque landscapes. There are quite a number of historical and cultural relics associated with fascinating legends and myths linked to mysterious figures in the history of the ethnic groups living on this land (as of 2020, the province had 101 historical and cultural relics classified at various levels, including: 41 relics classified at the national level by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and 60 relics classified at the provincial level).

The vast Hoa Binh Lake, with its picturesque and poetic scenery, is a beautiful natural space that captivates anyone who wants to explore and enjoy it. The Hien Luong, Tien Phong, Nanh Nghe, and Dong Chum waterfronts (Da Bac), Thung Nai (Cao Phong), and Bai Sang - Son Thuy (Mai Chau) are tranquil and peaceful amidst the blue waters of the lake. The Mai Chau valley, the poetic Pho Vang, and the villages of Ban Van, Ban Lac, and Ban Pom Coong – home to the Thai people – attract tourists. Ban Lac (Mai Chau) is one of the top 10 destinations chosen for its exciting experiences for visitors...

Nature exploration tourism: Hoa Binh province possesses rich and diverse natural tourism resources, including rivers, lakes, mineral springs, natural caves, nature reserves, and national parks. In particular, the Hoa Binh hydroelectric reservoir, with an area of ​​approximately 8,900 hectares, a water capacity of over 9.5 billion cubic meters, and more than 40 islands within the reservoir, offers favorable conditions for the development of aquaculture and ecotourism. Nature reserves such as Hang Kia - Pa Co (Mai Chau), Thuong Tien, Phu Canh forest (Da Bac), Suoi Ngoc - Vua Ba (Luong Son), Ngoc Son - Ngo Luong (Tan Lac - Lac Son); and Cuc Phuong National Park also have significant advantages for tourism development.

Nature reserves still retain the pristine, unspoiled character of the wilderness, rich in ecosystems with many rare species of flora and fauna. Thung Hill and Mu Waterfall (Lac Son) are a harmonious combination of pristine, cool natural waterfalls. To date, many tourist destinations have become popular choices for visitors from near and far, such as: the Tien Pagoda complex, the Chi Ne Plantation and the first banknote printing factory of the revolutionary government in Lac Thuy district; the Xom Trai cave archaeological site (Lac Son); Kim Boi mineral spring; Serena Kim Boi luxury resort; An Lac tourist area, Vinh Dong commune; Mai Chau Ecolodge (Na Phon), Mai Chau Villas; golf courses in Luong Son district and Hoa Binh city; Muong Cultural Space Museum, Muong Ethnic Cultural Heritage Museum; Viet-Muong cultural village, Luong Son district; Giang Mo village, Vietnam Doctoral Heritage Conservation Center in Cao Phong…

Source: http://tinhuyhoabinh.vn/