Lesson 1 - The tourism potential of the lake area is "awakened"
Formed by damming, blocking rivers, and conquering nature, the once ferocious Da River has now become a large artificial lake and an attractive tourist area. Along with the goal of making Hoa Binh tourism an important economic sector, the province has been focusing on developing Hoa Binh Lake into a national tourist area.
The tourist trains going up and down the lake add to the beauty and majesty of the natural landscape of Hoa Binh lake.
Covering an area of over 52,000 hectares spread across the districts of Mai Chau, Tan Lac, Cao Phong, Da Bac and Hoa Binh City, the lake area has rich potential and advantages for tourism development. In recent years, with the participation of local authorities and the attention and support of a number of international organizations, the potential and advantages of tourism in the lake area have been promoted and exploited.
Possessing diverse and rich resources
The natural landscape of "beautiful mountains and rivers" in the Hoa Binh Lake area is created by the mountains and rivers. Many domestic and international tourists on the journey of "mountain and water sightseeing" in Hoa Binh Lake cannot help but admire the majestic beauty of the mountains, hundreds of large and small islands undulating in the emerald green water, reminiscent of a "Ha Long Bay on the mountain".
The lake also has a cave system with countless stalactites of many magical shapes and colors. Small bays with clear blue water all year round. On both sides of the shore are vast forests with diverse flora and fauna interspersed with ethnic minority villages that still retain their original identity. All create a magnificent "picture" with wild, peaceful beauty on the vast river area.
In addition, Hoa Binh Lake has many tourist attractions, historical, cultural and spiritual relics. Famous destinations that attract many tourists to visit, make pilgrimages and sightsee are the spiritual tourist area of Thac Bo Temple in Cao Phong and Da Bac districts; Thac Bo Cave in Tan Lac District; Hoa Binh Phat Quang Pagoda (Hoa Binh City); scenic spots such as Ngoi Hoa Bay, Hoa Tien Cave, Ngoc Island Eco-tourism Area, Dua Island and many villages of Muong and Dao ethnic groups that still retain their traditional cultural features. These are rich and unique cultural and human resources suitable for tourism development.
Forming community tourism destinations
Ten years ago, the Australian NGO Action on Poverty (AOP) in Vietnam joined forces with the Da Bac district government to implement the Community Tourism Project (CBT) in Da Bac, in which Da Bia village, Tien Phong commune was the first location selected to implement the model. Ms. Dinh Thi Yeu, one of the households participating in the project, shared: The lives of people in the village previously depended on forestry and fishing on the lake. The economic conditions of most families were difficult, and communication and trade were not convenient. The most valuable "asset" we have is the cultural identity of the Muong Ao Ta ethnic group with customs, habits, and lifestyles that have been preserved for a long time. With financial support and capacity building from the project and the State, households have renovated and rebuilt stilt houses according to the original architecture to serve as homestays to welcome guests, paying attention to preserving the environment. Many tourism services and products have begun to be formed and connected to provide to tourists. At the same time, households are guided in tourism knowledge through training courses, skills and professional training. In addition, cultural values are preserved, agricultural activities and traditional occupations are restored.
Up to now, Da Bia has become a famous destination for community-based tourism. In particular, the village is one of three community-based tourism destinations nationwide to be honored with the ASEAN Community-based Tourism Award at the Asia Tourism Forum - ATF Hong Kong, China in 2019. The attraction of Da Bia Community-based Tourism Village to tourists is growing. Ms. Pham Thu Hoai, a tourist from Hanoi, shared: Da Bia left me with a strong impression of culture through living habits, the story of the somewhat mysterious self-sufficient restaurant model and the unique beauty of the people here, simple and honest. I am also quite satisfied with the living space in the homestays welcoming guests, and the experience services here.
Also through capacity building support, other community tourism destinations in the lake area were formed and put into operation, including: Mo Hem - Tien Phong commune, Ke - Hien Luong commune, Sung - Cao Son commune (Da Bac); Ngoi - Suoi Hoa commune (Tan Lac); Tien - Thung Nai commune (Cao Phong); Bich Tru - Hoa Binh commune (Hoa Binh city).
Attractive ecological areas and spots on the lake
With its unique natural landscape and ideal destination, Hoa Binh Lake has long been targeted by organizations, individuals and businesses, aiming to build eco-tourism and resort tours, exploring the amazing nature of the lake, bringing visitors memorable experiences.
The highlight is Mai Chau Hideaway Resort in Son Thuy commune (Mai Chau). Considered a small bay surrounded by green mountains in the middle of a lake, this is the first luxury resort built on the tourist area. Thanks to its prime location, peaceful space, scenery, and perfect service, as soon as it came into operation, Mai Chau Hideaway became a "hot" destination loved by tourists, especially international visitors. On the tourist area, there are more and more eco-tourism and resort areas and spots such as: Ba Khan Village Resort - Son Thuy commune (Mai Chau); Xoan Retreat - Hien Luong commune, Maida Lodge - Tien Phong commune (Da Bac)... Along with that, weekend resort programs and experiential programs on Hoa Binh Lake tourist area are gradually being exploited.
According to Mr. Dang Tuan Hung, Head of the Department of Cultural Management (Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism), the formation of community-based tourism villages and the appearance of resort areas and spots have brought a new look and vitality to the lake area. Each destination has its own characteristics, visitors can choose from a variety of products: resort tourism, spiritual tourism, experiential tourism, participating in activities and daily life of the people, rowing, swimming on the lake or trekking through the primeval forests, immersing themselves in the vibrant dances of the friendly and hospitable Muong and Dao boys and girls. At some locations, attractive underwater entertainment programs have also been built, visiting some new caves, such as the national scenic spot of Hoa Tien Cave (Tan Lac); Ho Vang Cave, Song Cave, Sung Cave (Da Bac) ...
Hoa Binh Lake Tourist Area has also gradually expanded its connection with other areas and points in the province and the waterway route by boat on the Da River through the provinces of Hoa Binh, Son La, Dien Bien, Lai Chau. In 2019, the tourist area welcomed 550,000 visitors, accounting for 17.7% of the total number of visitors in the province, including 26,000 international visitors, with total tourism revenue reaching 160 billion VND. People in the communes around the lake have changed their awareness and thinking about tourism economic development; tourist areas and points contribute to creating jobs for local workers...
(To be continued)
Bui Minh
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