Condé Nast Traveller emphasized Hoa Binh's diverse ethnic groups, including the Hmong, Muong, and Dao, and its expansive rice fields as standout features. The magazine's selection criteria considered not only natural beauty but also historical significance and visitor experiences.

 

 

Being the entry point to the northwest part of Vietnam, Hoa Binh is well known for its stunning landscapes and rich ethnic culture. With rice paddies encircled by lush mountains, Lac hamlet in Mai Chau district is renowned for its pristine natural beauty. The village is a great place to cycle and explore the sights from September until late October, when the rice fields are golden. Lac is particularly well-known for its centuries-old stilt cottages, which are approximately 700 years old and covered in mist at the base of verdant hills.
 

 

Traditional Thai ethnic activities, like weaving handicrafts, kite flying, folk dancing, jumping bamboo poles, and nightly campfires, are available to visitors. Local cuisine is another highlight, offering mountain specialties like grilled chicken and fish, com lam (bamboo-tube rice), sticky rice, and wild vegetables, served at local restaurants or eco-resorts. 

 

 

Other Asian destinations recognized by Condé Nast Traveller include Raja Ampat and Bali in Indonesia, the Zhangye National Geopark in China, Bayon Temple in Cambodia, Jodhpur in India, and the Philippines. Japan stands out with three entries: Mount Fuji, Kyoto, and the Arashiyama bamboo forest.

 

 

This recognition underscores Hoa Binh's appeal as a destination that combines natural beauty with cultural richness, offering visitors a unique and immersive experience in Vietnam's northwestern region.