In recent years, the Hoa Binh Lake Tourist Area has established a waterway tourism route using boats on the Da River. (Source: Vietnamtourism)

Hoa Binh Lake covers a water surface area of approximately 8,900 hectares, spanning several highland communes in the challenging regions of the former Hoa Binh province (now Phu Tho province). The lake boasts a diverse ecosystem with many rare freshwater fish species and rich vegetation. Surrounding the lake are villages of the Muong, Dao, and Thai ethnic groups, where traditional stilt houses, gongs, mo dances, and evening kitchen smoke are preserved through generations, creating a dense, pristine cultural space.

In recent years, the Hoa Binh Lake Tourist Area has established a waterway tourism route using boats on the Da River, and developed walking and cycling routes along the Da River banks in the districts of Tan Lac, Mai Chau, and Da Bac (former).

Additionally, the former Hoa Binh province has strengthened connections with other tourist areas and sites within the province and the Northwest route; effectively implemented tourism development cooperation programs with Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City; and linked tourism development with Hanoi and northern provinces to effectively exploit the tourism potential of Hoa Binh Lake.

Developing Hoa Binh Lake into a National Tourist Area

To more effectively exploit tourism resources, on June 22, 2017, the Standing Committee of the former Hoa Binh Provincial Party Committee issued Resolution No. 14-NQ/TU on developing the Hoa Binh Lake Tourist Area into a National Tourist Area and making tourism a key economic sector of the province.

According to the Resolution, by 2030, the Hoa Binh Lake Tourist Area will become a National Tourist Area with relatively synchronized and modern technical infrastructure; become the largest tourism center in Hoa Binh province, and one of the 12 key tourist areas of the Northern Midland and Mountainous region, with distinctive tourism products focusing on exploring and experiencing Muong culture linked to the Hoa Binh Lake ecosystem.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister's Decision 439/QD-TTg clearly states that the general planning of the National Tourist Area of Hoa Binh Lake by 2035 aims to make it a key tourism center of the Northern Midland and Mountainous region.

To date, the lake area has about 20 tourism investment projects underway, covering a total area of over 1,500 hectares, focusing on eco-tourism, resorts, and local cultural experiences. These projects are expected to contribute to forming a chain of distinctive tourism products linked to the lake's landscape, creating economic and social development momentum for the Hoa Binh lake area.

Chairman of the Phu Tho Provincial People's Committee, Tran Duy Dong, and the working delegation inspect two tourism investment projects in the Hoa Binh Lake area on October 26, 2025. (Source: Phu Tho Newspaper)

Not only the largest hydroelectric project in the North, Hoa Binh Lake is also the "freshwater fish basket" of the province and the region. Currently, the lake area has over 5,000 fish cages, with an average annual yield of 8,550 tons, playing a crucial role in agricultural economic development and providing stable employment for local residents.

Among these, 18 out of 20 businesses and cooperatives raising cage fish have been certified with VietGAP. Since 2017, the former Hoa Binh province has implemented the certification brand "Da River Fish - Hoa Binh" and "Da River Shrimp - Hoa Binh", granting usage rights to dozens of households, cooperatives, and businesses. This is an important step in affirming the brand of regional specialties.

The Hoa Binh Lake area is also an attractive eco-tourism destination with hundreds of islands, many famous landscapes, and the unique culture of the Muong, Thai, and Dao ethnic groups. Eco-tourism, resort, and water sports tours are increasingly attracting tourists, helping the "Da River Fish" brand become a distinctive product associated with Hoa Binh tourism.

Chairman of the Phu Tho Provincial People's Committee, Tran Duy Dong, affirmed: "Hoa Binh Lake is a valuable resource for the province. Therefore, planning and managing the construction planning of the National Tourist Area of Hoa Binh Lake should be given special attention, contributing to proper development, balancing landscape protection, ecological environment, and promoting socio-economic development of the province".

The priceless potential of Hoa Binh Lake continues to be "awakened".

"Awakening" the priceless potential

The priceless potential of Hoa Binh Lake continues to be "awakened".

Currently, the Hoa Lac-Hoa Binh expressway shortens travel time from Hanoi, the 435 road connecting the city with Thung Nai Port-Ngoi Hoa Bay (Muong Hoa) is being upgraded, especially with the Hoa Binh-Moc Chau expressway project being expanded, and lakeside roads are being invested in...

In the core area of the national tourist area, Muong Hoa commune is also witnessing daily changes. The Ngòi Hòa eco-tourism project by Hoang Son company, covering 146 hectares with a total investment of over 650 billion VND, has been put into operation in phase 1.

In the Hoa Binh Lake tourist area, there are also over 100 accommodation facilities, including 61 community tourism guesthouses and 2 high-end resorts, along with hundreds of passenger transport vehicles. This is helping Hoa Binh Lake tourism gradually meet the criteria of a National Tourist Area.

Management agencies are intensifying planning, attracting investors with vision and dedication to build high-class tourism products that harmonize with nature. It is believed that with a strong determination to build a national brand, the Hoa Binh Lake Tourist Area will increasingly affirm its important position and role in the national tourism development strategy and the development of tourism in the Northern Midland and Mountainous region.