Hang Kia – Pa Co, Mai Chau, Hoa Binh Guide

Geographically, Hang Kia Valley is located on the edge of the Moc Chau Plateau overlooking the great valley of Mai Chau. Administratively, Hang Kia belongs to Mai Chau  District of Hoa Binh Province.

Travel Guide to Hang Kia – Pa Co, Mai Chau, Hoa Binh

Overview

Hang Kia is often associated to Pa Co as the route to Hang Kia goes via Pa Co and the two communes belong to Hang Kia – Pa Co Nature Reserve. This guide also includes information for Pa Co.

Hang Kia Valley

The Hang Kia Valley was much separated from the mainstream society until recently. The inhabitants of Hang Kia now are Flower H’Mong People, but originally the valley had been inhabited by the Thai for a long time, the Thai moved out of Hang Kia due to unfavorable conditions. The H’Mong are better suited to high mountains, secluded places and harsh living conditions.

As of writing there is no natural water source in Hang Kia and people still look to rain water for their daily consumption. When rain water is not enough, people look to that transported from Pa Co.

Things to do and what to see in Hang Kia – Pa Co

1/ Cloud-Hunting Peak (Dinh San May)

This is a good place to catch sunrise and take photos of clouds on a nice day.

2/ Pa Co Market (Sunday Morning)

This is a lovely ethnic market in which local ethnic groups are dressed up in colorful costumes.

3/ Hang Kia – Pa Co Nature Reserve and trekking trails

There are patches of primeval forest left in Hang Kia – Pa Co and the forest offers lovely off the tourist track treks. Alternatively you can trek down the mountain and up again back to Hang Kia to visit Thai villages in Cun Pheo, down in Mai Chau Valley.