On February 14, reporters were present at Thung Nai port (Thang Nai commune, Cao Phong district) - one of the places with the largest concentration of tourist boats in Hoa Binh lake area.
Recorded here, there were hundreds of people crowded, lining up to get on the boat to move to Thac Bo Temple and other tourist attractions on the lake. The number of visitors coming here is very large in the first days of the year, causing the ports to always be in a state of "shipless".
Mr. Nguyen Ba Trung (33 years old, residing in Huu Nghi ward, Hoa Binh city) said: "Every year, my whole family goes on a spring trip to Chua Thac Bo temple. Right from the 2nd day of Tet, the number of visitors coming here is very large, so I always have to book a boat a few days in advance to ensure a smooth trip".
Ms. Trinh Thi Dao (owner of Phuoc Dao boat) shared that after Tet, there are many tourists coming to Hoa Binh lake, especially on weekends. Many boats here are also closed from after Tet until the end of January.
"Customers mainly go to Chua Thac Bo Temple, Co Doi Thuong Ngan Temple and Thac Bo Cave. For customers who want to go to parties in the morning, they have to call to book in advance, said Ms. Dao.
According to this boat owner, the boat rental price for the week fluctuates around 4 million VND per trip, while at the weekend, the price will be slightly higher, about 7 million VND. This is the price for the whole package of the boat, for customers traveling alone, if they want to join a group, the price will be different.
Mr. Ngo Thanh Tung - Deputy Director of Tay Bac Media and Tourism Company - said that every year, the Bo Temple Festival takes place from the second day of the Lunar New Year and lasts until the end of the third lunar month. This is also considered the golden time to attract tourists.
"On this occasion, every day, tourist boats welcome thousands of tourists from all over the world to travel, celebrate and travel. Thereby, creating stable income for business units, as well as promoting the tourism industry of Hoa Binh province", Mr. Tung assessed.
Talking to reporters, Ms. Quach Thi Kieu - Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Hoa Binh province - said: "During the Lunar New Year, the number of tourists coming to visit and relax at Hoa Binh Lake increased sharply, especially the Thac Bo Temple attracting a large number of tourists from all over to offer incense, pray for peace and fortune. There are days when this spiritual tourist destination welcomes 4,000 visitors".
According to Ms. Kieu, the department has had plans to support businesses and transportation establishments operating here, along with propaganda activities to attract tourists to the lake tourism area.
