Hang Kia Pa Co – Mai Chau, Hoa Binh
Hang Kia and Pa Co are two highland communes in Hoa Binh, inhabited by the Mong ethnic group. Perched at an altitude of over 1,000 meters above sea level, Hang Kia-Pa Co is often enveloped in a blanket of clouds, offering a comfortable ambiance even during the hottest summer days.
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| Hang Kia and Pa Co, home to the Mong ethnic group, shrouded in mist. Photo: Bao Hoa Binh |
Recently, the locals have enhanced the area’s allure by planting flowers and developing supporting infrastructure, thereby providing tourists with the perfect setting to witness the majestic sea of clouds and capture breathtaking photographs. The ideal time to catch this ethereal sight is from 5 am to 9 am. As visitors ascend towards the cloud-hunting spots, they are treated to a spectacle of floating white clouds, fresh air, and serene tranquility.
Beyond cloud hunting, Hang Kia-Pa Co captivates with its poetic beauty. Unlike other renowned cloud-hunting destinations, this area is relatively peaceful and less frequented by tourists, providing an ideal atmosphere for those seeking relaxation and gorgeous photo opportunities.
Lung Van – Tan Lac’s Cloud Valley
Lung Van, also known as the Cloud Valley in the Tan Lac district, resembles a magical wonderland amidst the clouds, sitting at an altitude of 1,200 meters above sea level. Once a tranquil village, Lung Van was devastated by a catastrophic flood, leaving only a couple who survived by taking refuge in a giant tree called Bi.
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| Lung Van, the Cloud Valley in Tan Lac, is a dreamy landscape hidden among the clouds. Photo: VHS Group |
According to the “Land and Water” epic of the Muong ethnic people, the tree had deep roots in nine rivers and ten mountains, which is why it withstood the flood. The surviving couple built a new life under the tree, cultivating the land, domesticating wild animals, and eventually establishing a hamlet named after the tree in gratitude for their salvation.
Nestled among verdant mountains and far from the main road, Lung Van remains unknown to many. This land of fairy tales, also known as the land of longevity, boasts a traditional cultural and architectural heritage, including tortoise-shaped roofs and the distinctive black dresses of Muong women adorned with colorful patterns. Even today, these dresses retain their original designs, albeit with modern adjustments for functionality.
Lung Van is also remarkable for the longevity of its residents, with many individuals reaching the age of 100 years and still maintaining their health. The locals attribute their long lives to the pure water from the streams, their simple and wholesome lifestyle, and the pristine atmosphere of Lung Van.
Thung Khe Pass: A Majestic Mountainous Road
Thung Khe Pass, also known as White Rock Pass or Da Trang Pass, is a popular tourist destination in Mai Chau – Hoa Binh. This area presents a stunning natural landscape, with Mai Chau draped in silver mist and surrounded by limestone rocks, creating a poetic scene that embodies the beauty of Northern Vietnam.
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| The breathtaking scenery of Thung Khe Pass. Photo: @dden.99 |
Situated between Mai Chau and Moc Chau, along National Road 6, Thung Khe Pass rises to an elevation of over 1,000 meters above sea level. From its summit, one can behold the panoramic beauty of Mai Chau, a tranquil and picturesque landscape. The pass impresses with its majestic mountain roads, lush green grass, and foliage, occasionally veiled in mist, creating an air of mystique.
Mai Chau Flagpole: A Backpacker’s Paradise
The Mai Chau flagpole stands about 60 kilometers northwest of Hoa Binh city center, serving as a popular check-in point for backpackers exploring the enchanting Mai Chau Valley. The local market, with its unique cultural features, offers a range of specialties and handicrafts, providing visitors with a glimpse into indigenous culture and contributing to the valley’s tourism appeal.
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| The Mai Chau flagpole, a backpacker’s haven, is located about 60km from Hoa Binh city center. Photo: @dauphay |
Ba Khan: A Tranquil Enclave
Ba Khan, a commune in Mai Chau district, is located just 100 kilometers from Hanoi. As you travel through Hoa Binh’s Thung Khe, you’ll discover Ba Khan, quietly nestled within a sea of mist, resembling a mystical land. Comprised of three hamlets – Khan Ha, Khan Ho, and Khan Thuong – along the Da River, Ba Khan is often likened to “Ha Long on land” due to its captivating scenery and monumental mountains and hills.
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| Ba Khan, a serene commune in Mai Chau district, is just a 100km drive from Hanoi. Photo: @dongvui |
Festival of northwest tourism villages to run in Hoa Binh
A festival gathering 14 typical community-based tourism villages across the northwest region will take place in Hoa Binh province from October 6 to 8.
Reviving Tourism in Lac Village
After weeks of avoiding travelling due to fears of COVID-19, many people have started travelling again thanks to improvements in epidemic prevention in Vietnam. Story from Lac village in Hoa Binh province.
Vivid jade Hoa Binh Lake from lakeside views
NDO – Let’s join a boat tour along more than 200km long inside Hoa Binh Lake, visitors can be conquered by the beauty of a popular tourist destination dubbed the “Ha Long Bay on land.”
New tours linking Thanh Hoa and Laos’s Houaphanh launched
NDO/VNA – Authorities in the central province of Thanh Hoa launched several new tours linking the province and neighbouring Houaphanh province in Laos on March 15.
Cultural festival showcases ethnic groups
A series of festivals organised by different ethnic minority groups from the country’s northwestern region are taking place at the Vietnam National Villages for Ethnic Culture and Tourism in Hanoi.
