Hang Kia - Pa Co Nature Reserve is assessed by domestic and international scientists as an area with a biological population with many rare species of animals and plants, many of which are listed in the Vietnam Red Book. Furthermore, Hang Kia - Pa Co Nature Reserve is also known for its remaining limestone forest populations in the Northern region of Vietnam with Pa Co pine populations and coniferous species such as: Fujian cypress, rocky mountain cycads, pine chestnut, northern red pine, short-leaf bamboo pine, etc. In recent years, homestay owners of Hang Kia and Pa Co communes have coordinated with the Management Board of the Reserve to organize groups of visitors to explore the natural forest, experience and observe wild animals and plants. 

Natural forest in Hang Kia - Pa Co Nature Reserve.

Hang Kia - Pa Co Nature Reserve has a total area of ​​5,252.98 ha. The entire forest area of ​​the Reserve is located within the administrative boundaries of eight communes of Mai Chau district. Of which, the main area is located in three communes: Hang Kia, Pa Co, Tan Son; the remaining area is located in five communes, including: Cun Pheo, Bao La, Pieng Ve, Na Meo, Dong Bang. The Reserve is divided into three sub-zones: Strictly protected sub-zone with an area of ​​2,251.96 ha; ecological restoration sub-zone 2,953.28 ha; administrative service sub-zone 47.74 ha. In addition, Hang Kia - Pa Co Nature Reserve also has nearly 5,000 ha of buffer zone. Of which, the outer buffer zone has a total area of ​​4,413.57 ha; Buffer zone in 525.22 ha.

The beauty of Hang Kia - Pa Co Nature Reserve

Hang Kia - Pa Co Nature Reserve has the rustic and simple beauty of a land imbued with the cultural identity of the Mong ethnic group. The Mong people here maintain their own unique customs and practices, festivals, traditional costumes, musical instruments, dances, and songs associated with the spiritual life of their people. People exploit the potential and advantages to develop community tourism, bringing groups of visitors to explore the natural forest. Therefore, in order to protect forest resources, the Management Board of the Reserve closely coordinates with households living near the forest gate to manage and protect the forest as well as protect biodiversity in the reserve. The homestay owner sets out regulations for visitors when exploring the reserve such as absolutely not littering, encouraging everyone to be aware of preserving the landscape and environment. Anyone who commits an act of encroachment, even if it is just taking a flower branch or an orchid from the mountain, will be strictly dealt with according to the regulations of the tourist area.

Tourism activities, including mountain climbing and nature exploration, are contributing to changing the picture of the Hang Kia - Pa Co highlands. The development of tourism helps to raise awareness among local people, gradually shifting from agriculture to tourism and service development, being aware of protecting resources, ecological environment, and preserving national cultural identity to attract tourists. Thereby, it has created livelihoods for the surrounding people, especially those in the "buffer zone", contributing to improving people's lives and ensuring security and order in that area.

                   Thu Thuy