Located to the northwest of Hanoi, the mountainous province of Hoa Binh offers interesting experiences for tourists with picturesque stilt houses and the hospitality of local people.

Dubbed as the cradle of the ancient Muong ethnic group, Hoa Binh boasts nearly 200 historical relic sites and landscapes, of which 64 have been given provincial and national statuses.

In addition, more than 50 villages and hamlets in the locality have been highly appreciated for their community-based tourism potential.

Notably, Mai Chau district was named as one of the top ten incredible places for cultural tours by US Business Insider.

“Just three hours outside of the capital Hanoi , Mai Chau is a mountainous region dotted with traditional stilt houses. Two ethnic minority groups - the White Thai and Black Thai - make up the majority of the population there,” Business Insider reported.

The Business Insider suggested the best way to immerse yourself in the region is through a homestay with local families.

The province is home to the Muong, Thai, Tay , Dao and Mong people, who live harmoniously with rich cultural values.

About 12km from the centre of Hoa Binh city, Giang Mo hamlet in Binh Thanh commune, Cao Phong district, is popular among foreign tourists.

Here, the stilt houses of the Muong people are the main attraction, with nearly 100 houses remains preserved despite ups and downs.

Such facilities and tools as water pipes, rice mortars, crossbows and farming tools, plus festivals and traditional practices offer new interesting experiences for tourists.

Visitors can go farther to Cu hamlet in Tu Ne commune, Tan Lac district and Thau hamlet in Lac Sy commune, Yen Thuy district.-VNA