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Ha Long Bay is highly regarded for its unique and rare topography, with limestone islands rising above the turquoise waters, creating a majestic and magnificent landscape. However, few people know that, besides Ha Long Bay, Northern Vietnam also boasts many other tourist destinations with similar beauty, dubbed "Ha Long Bay on land".
Ngoi Hoa Bay, a hidden gem nestled amidst the mountains and forests of Northwest Vietnam, is a distinctive highlight in the core area of Hoa Binh Lake tourist zone. It is likened to "Ha Long Bay on land" or "a hidden gem in the mountains," due to its pristine, majestic beauty and peaceful, fresh atmosphere.
Few people know that just about a 2-hour drive from Hanoi, visitors can find a place with picturesque scenery, known as "paradise on earth".
Furthermore, this location possesses another unique feature: it is situated in the heart of a hydroelectric reservoir. This is Thung Nai commune, in Cao Phong district, Hoa Binh province, nestled within a hydroelectric reservoir. Hoa Binh Lake, with its impressive stretch of over 200km from Hoa Binh city to Son La, has long been an attractive tourist destination. The lake, with its impressive length of up to 100km and 47 lush green islands, offers a picturesque and charming landscape.
Ngoi Hoa Bay, a gem in the mountains.
This vast lake is not only an important hydroelectric project but is also blessed by nature with magnificent scenery, a harmonious blend of mountains, rivers, and clouds.
Local people have traditionally called the landscape of Ngoi Hoa "Bua Ram" (Bua meaning flat area, Ram meaning dense forest). This bay has now transformed into a breathtaking mountain bay, affectionately known by tourists as "a miniature Ha Long Bay" or "a gem on the mountain". Thanks to its unique topography, the climate here is cool, fresh, and peaceful year-round.
"Miniature Ha Long Bay" in Hoa Binh Lake
According to locals, Ngoi Hoa Bay boasts a unique and rare geographical location. Situated high in the mountains, within a vast lake, the bay is expansive, its waters crystal clear like emeralds, reflecting the clouds, sky, and majestic mountains. The scenery here is incredibly diverse, from towering limestone mountains and lush green forests to abundant vegetation, creating a stunning natural landscape. The climate in Ngoi Hoa Bay is also very cool and fresh, often shrouded in a misty haze year-round, offering visitors a relaxing and pleasant experience.
Tourists affectionately call this bay "the jewel in the mountains" or "Ha Long Bay on land" because of the stunning beauty it possesses.
The most memorable experience in the bay, and one that almost every visitor chooses, is rowing a boat around the turquoise lake, breathing in the fresh air. Traveling by boat also allows visitors to conveniently stop at the islands in the reservoir, admiring the pristine scenery that nature has bestowed upon this place.
Additionally, visitors can explore many nearby destinations such as Trach Stream, Thac Bo Cave, and Ba Chua Thac Bo Temple to make their trip even more complete.
The scenery is as beautiful as if it stepped right out of a painting.
The beauty of Ngoi Hoa Bay changes with each season, each season having its own unique characteristics. Many tourists emphasize that, especially on the full moon or the 16th day of the lunar month, those who stay overnight will have the opportunity to admire the bright, shimmering moonlight shining down on the hydroelectric lake, creating a magically beautiful scene.
This highland region, with its pristine natural beauty and fresh air, is primarily home to two ethnic communities: the Muong and the Thai. The blend of these two distinct cultures has created a vibrant tapestry, attracting tourists to explore and experience it.
Local culture has become a unique charm of this destination.
Upon arriving here, visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the traditional culture of the Muong people, with ancient stilt houses, vibrant ethnic costumes, and unique folk art forms. Sweet lullabies, graceful Muong dances, and the resonant sounds of Muong gongs will transport visitors to a captivating cultural world.
Moreover, visitors can enjoy delicious local specialties with the rich flavors of the mountains and forests. Grilled pork from the local breed, fresh lake fish, tender and sweet free-range chicken, or crispy bamboo shoots will satisfy even the most discerning diners. Each dish is a culmination of the finest local cuisine, prepared from the freshest ingredients, offering visitors unforgettable culinary experiences.
Ngoi Hoa Bay is romantically beautiful with its clear, captivating blue waters.
In addition, tourists can participate in community cultural experiences, such as joining locals in traditional festivals, learning how to weave brocade, or attending folk art performances. These activities not only help tourists better understand the local culture but also create memorable experiences during their trip.
Recognizing the tourism development potential of the lake area, since 2017 Hoa Binh province has issued Resolution No. 14-NQ/TU, setting the goal of making Hoa Binh Lake tourist area one of the 12 key tourist areas of the Northern Midlands and Mountains region by 2030. These criteria include building a modern infrastructure system, improving service quality, promoting cultural and ecological development, based on the existing advantages of the lake and the Muong cultural identity.
Strong tourism development potential
Over the past seven years since the Resolution was implemented, Hoa Binh Lake has achieved three out of five necessary criteria to become a national tourist area. Firstly, Hoa Binh Lake has been recognized as possessing at least two national-level tourism resources, including natural scenic spots and spiritual tourism destinations such as the Ba Chua Thac Bo Temple, Thac Bo Cave, and Ngoi Hoa Bay. Furthermore, Hoa Binh Lake is included in the list of potential areas for national tourist area development approved by the Prime Minister. Finally, the transportation infrastructure connecting Hoa Binh Lake with neighboring provinces has been significantly improved, with the Hoa Lac – Hoa Binh expressway and numerous inter-provincial roads, facilitating travel for tourists from surrounding areas to the tourist area.
