Hiking through Mountains and Valleys
With the majority of Hoa Binh’s landscape dominated by mountains, the province is a trekking paradise. Imagine hiking through ancient forests, rice fields that stretch to the horizon, crystal-clear streams, and quaint villages along the way. The best time to trek is between October and April when the weather is dry and cool.
There are 2 rice seasons in Hoa Binh from May - June and August - October
Hiking is definitely one of the best things to do in Hoa Binh. Some recommended hiking routes in Hoa Binh include:
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Thung Khe Pass – Hang Kia – Ta Xong A Ancient Plum Orchard – Pa Co Market – Hang Kia-Pa Co Nature Reserve – Tat Nang Waterfall – Ba Khan Village
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Trekking across Lac, Chieng Chau, Tien Phong, Mai Ha, and Mai Hich villages
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Mai Chau Village – Pu Luong Nature Reserve
Explore Thung Khe Pass
Thung Khe Pass is one of Hoa Binh’s most famous destinations. It offers beautiful views as you wind your way through the mountains. Known for its striking white stone terrain, it’s a must-visit for travelers, especially on misty winter mornings when fog blankets the area, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
Visit Thung Khe Hoa Binh
There is no entry fee. Besides, Thung Khe Pass is also a stop for travelers to relax after a long ride, take in the scenery, or enjoy local snacks like grilled corn, grilled egg, or barbecued meats from nearby stalls.
Visit Hoa Binh Hydropower Reservoir
An engineering marvel, Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant is one of Southeast Asia’s largest, providing one-third of Vietnam's electricity. Completed in 1994, it offers a unique man-made attraction with an entrance fee of about 2 USD.
Visit Hoa Binh Hydropower Reservoir
The area is vast, so renting a bike or motorbike is recommended for exploring the surroundings. Notable sights include the Ho Chi Minh Monument, engineers' letters, and memorial sites.
Paragliding at Doi Bu
This renowned paragliding spot offers breathtaking aerial views of northern Vietnam’s majestic mountains. For around 81 USD, including safety gear and instructor guidance, you can book your paragliding experience through platforms like Traveloka or Klook.
Paragliding at Doi Bu is one of the best things to do in Hoa Binh
Discover the Muong Cultural Space Museum
The Muong are the native inhabitants of Hoa Binh, which is home to the largest Muong community in all of Vietnam. The 5-hectare Muong Cultural Space Museum is dedicated to preserving the rich culture of the Muong people, who make up 63% of Hoa Binh’s population.
Muong Cultural Space Museum Hoa Binh
With an entrance fee of 2 USD, visitors can explore exhibitions showcasing Muong artifacts and traditional life. The museum is divided into four main stilt houses, each representing the different social classes of the ancient Muong society.
Visit Ethnic Minority Villages
Aside from the Muong, Hoa Binh is home to several other ethnic groups, including the Thai, Dao, Tay, and Hmong people. A visit to these remote villages offers a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle, architecture, and crafts of these communities. Whether cycling through the scenic landscapes, engaging with the locals, or enjoying home-cooked meals, this is one of the best things to do in Hoa Binh.
Local life in Hoa Binh
Some notable villages to visit are:
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Lac and Pom Coong Villages (Mai Chau): Famous for their weaving tradition and friendly homestays
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Giang Mo Village: Home to 100 traditional Muong stilt houses
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Sung Village (Da Bac): A Dao ethnic village known for its pristine natural setting
Lac Village in Hoa Binh
Visit Local Markets
Hoa Binh’s bustling markets are perfect for discovering local crafts, fresh produce, and regional delicacies. Markets are more than just places of trade. They are cultural hubs where you can witness the vibrancy of ethnic traditions and meetings.
Best experiences and things to do in Hoa Binh to explore the region
A few markets worth visiting:
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Pa Co Market (Mai Chau): Held every Sunday
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Lung Van Market: A daily gathering of the Muong people, it lasts until noon.
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Muong Bi Market (Tan Lac): Only held once a year from the 6th to the 8th of January in the lunar calendar.
Enjoy Local Cuisine
Hoa Binh’s cuisine is a unique blend of local mountain ingredients and rich cultural traditions. The dishes here are delicious with highlights such as bamboo tube rice, stir-fried buffalo meat with forest leaves, sour bamboo shoots soup, colorful sticky rice, fermented rice wine, various pork dishes like roasted or boiled pork, as well as stream fish and the famous Cao Phong oranges. A typical local meal will set you back around 6 to 10 USD per person.
Enjoy local cuisine is one of the best things to do in Hoa Binh
You can easily order these dishes at your homestay or hotel, or explore some well-known local restaurants such as:
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Bo Luong Restaurant: Tieu Khu 4, Mai Chau
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Hop Thuy Restaurant: Tieu Khu 2, Mai Chau
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Hoa Ban Restaurant: Mai Chau
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Ba Chi Em: Chieng Sai, Mai Chau
Retreat at Resorts
Another best thing to do in Hoa Binh is indulging in a relaxing retreat. Close to Hanoi with a serene mountainous landscape making it a renowned destination for mountain getaways. The area is home to numerous eco-friendly resorts nestled in picturesque lakeside settings, perfect for unwinding, rejuvenating in hot springs, camping, kayaking, and more.
Having a good time in Hoa Binh mountain resorts
Here are some recommended resorts in Hoa Binh ideal for foreign visitors seeking a restful stay:
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Serena Resort Kim Boi: About 61 USD/room/night
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Mandala Retreats Kim Boi: About 69 USD/room/night
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Avana Retreat: About 250 USD/room/night
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Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort: About 65USD/room/night
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Mai Chau Ecolodge: About 610 USD/room/night
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Maida Lodge: About 93 USD/room/night
Relax in Hot Mineral Springs
Hoa Binh is one of Vietnam’s prime destinations for hot springs, offering a wealth of mineral-rich waters that are highly beneficial for health. Historical records show that hot springs and mineral mud baths have been enjoyed in this region for centuries. The water temperature here hovers around 40°C, with a typical hot spring bath costing between 4 and 12 USD per person.
Hot Springs amidst nature in Hoa Binh
Some of the renowned spots for hot spring bathing in Hoa Binh are resorts in Kim Boi such as Serena, An Lac, and Mandala, as well as specialized hot spring areas like Onsen Hot Springs and Kim Boi Mineral Springs.
For a related discussion, head to our article on Vietnam's best destinations.
This list highlights the 10 best things to do in Hoa Binh with some insights and recommendations for planning your visit. If Hoa Binh captures your interest and you seek more information about this destination, feel free to explore other travel guides or Vietnam tours offered by us. Our team is always ready to assist you with any inquiries.
