If you’re seeking a destination off the beaten path in Vietnam, Phong Nha has got you covered. It’s one of those places where you only anticipate passing through and end up throwing your travel plans out the window. Situated in Quang Binh’s central province, Phong Nha is usually left off of most Vietnam travel itineraries. Despite its many diverse attractions, the crowds are few and far between and once you experience its charm, you can’t help but hope it stays that way.
Why Should You Go?
Phong Nha is most notably recognized for its caves and grottoes, where it’s home to over 300 plus. The most iconic, Hang Son Doong, is the biggest known cave in the world. It was only recently opened to tourists in 2013 and is over three million years old. Phong Nha’s Ke Bang National Park is the country’s largest and consistently mentioned on the list of must-see parks in Southeast Asia. Phong Nha cave, a river cave, is located right in town and easily accessible by one of its many daily tours.
Though Phong Nha’s tourism infrastructure is relatively new, it’s only a matter of time before the masses arrive and the secret is out. It’s an easy stop to make when traveling from the north to the south or vice versa. This sleepy rural village has some of the best ways to experience the unique countryside of Vietnam leaving you delighted you made the trip. Phong Nha has an untouched feel to it and it won’t be long before expansive hotels and mass tourism arrives.
Grab A Bike!
The first thing you’ll want to do is hire some bicycles! It’s the most convenient way to get around and the perfect way to experience the unique countryside Phong Nha has to offer. Most hostels will allow you to hire them for free! Some may even provide the convenience of a shuttle bus pick-up when the sun goes down. Unfortunately, these bikes may be the most unreliable mountain bikes you will ever ride on. Prepare yourself for the bottom-of-the-barrel bikes that could break at any moment. But ya gotta make do with what ya got! The trade-off, Phong Nha offers some of the best cycling you will find in Vietnam.
The views are amazing, there are plenty of things to see, traffic is non-existent and the roads tend to be in decent shape. However, after it rains, things can get quite muddy and tough to navigate, but it adds to the adventure. You can easily ride to all of the places mentioned below on a self-guided bike tour of Phong Nha. Biking the Bong Lai Valley is a ride you won’t forget as you take in sights of the farms and quaint villages.
The Duck Stop
The Duck Stop needs no introduction. Before the action, take a break on your ride, relax with a drink, and snack on some peanuts. You’ll be greeted by the Duck Stop’s owner Qhuinn before things get weird. The Duck Stop is quite possibly one of the strangest attractions in Vietnam. However, you’re guaranteed laughs, a unique experience, and a memorable time. The hospitable Qhuinn is a local legend of Phong Nha and will make your visit worthwhile. You can’t help but laugh like a child when countless ducks are pecking at your feet.
Feed the ducks and even toss a duck for a bit of good luck. Not to worry, no ducks will be harmed and you’ll be supporting a local business. For less than $5, you have a one-of-a-kind duck experience, delicious peanuts, a tasty beer, and a Vietnamese pancake. The peanuts here are a local specialty, grown right on-site and man are they addictive. For a few extra dong, you can even take a ride on Qhuinn’s water buffalo named Donald Trump. The duck stop is a must when you’re in Phong Nha, it truly is one of a kind.
The Pub With Cold Beer
The Pub with Cold Beer is the definition of a farm-to-table. It was discovered in 2010 by Ben, the Aussie owner of the Easy Tiger Hostel and Phong Nha Farmstay. The Pub with Cold Beer has come a long way since its beginnings as the local watering hole for hunters and loggers on their way home from a hard day’s work. It just may be the second most popular thing to do in Phong Nha besides exploring the caves.
Back before Phong Nha was on the tourist trail, electricity was not provided to all areas of the village. The Pub got its name as it was literally one of the only places around town with refrigerators to keep drinks cold. Ben would send his guests to the location to take in the sights along the bike ride to reach the pub with a cold brew waiting as a reward. It wasn’t long before the spot became a hit amongst tourists.
However, visitors began to complain that they were hungry after the long ride (around 45 minutes one-way) and wanted a meal to go along with their beer. Ben spoke with the owners and encouraged them to put some local dishes on the menu. In a lapse of culture, the family didn’t totally grasp the concept of fully preparing the food as a restaurant would. So when guests arrived and were hungry, they were handed a cleaver and were pointed to where the chickens were. And so the tradition was born where you could slay the chicken before you eat it, just as the locals would. Talk about an experience.
Today, killing your lunch is totally optional and the family will prepare the entire meal for you. Everything on the menu is locally sourced, including the delicious homemade peanut sauce. While you wait for your food to be prepared, you can swing in a hammock, tube the river, or get hustled by children at the pool table. The Pub with Cold Beer delivers another unique experience only possible in Phong Nha’s countryside.
Chocolate Coffee at the Homestay
Head east off the main road to town, towards the Phong Nha Cave, and you’ll find the Ho Khanh Homestay, home to the Mountain River Café. This place has seriously one of the best coffees you will ever have in your life. If you are a coffee or chocolate lover, it’s a must-try. Go for the coffee and stay for the view. This riverside cafe is a quiet place to relax with a tranquil setting overlooking the Son river.
Phong Nha Farmstay
Just on the edge of the Ke Bang World Heritage National Park, the Phong Nha Farmstay is the perfect place to relax and take in a sunset in Phong Nha. There’s even live music as you watch the sun go down over the mountainous backdrop. It’s a tranquil farm setting surrounded by lush green rice paddy fields, with a great atmosphere and delicious food. They’ve got friendly staff and if you’re looking for a place to stay, the accommodations are top-notch.
Meet Some Locals
One of the best ways to experience a place is by meeting the people who live there. Locals can provide insight into a place that is more valuable than any guidebook. Phong Nha is buzzing with many friendly faces who want to meet you and hear your story. We’ve encountered quite a few new friends during our stay in Phong Nha who were eager to practice their English skills with us. Check out the local soccer games in town or take a stroll through the neighborhoods, you never know who you will meet.
The Real Vietnam
Since it was designated a Unesco World Heritage site in 2003, Phong Nha is now recognized as one of the most beautiful and interesting areas of Vietnam. It’s got caves and culture and even was a filming location for the movie Kong: Skull Island. Tourism is gaining some traction here and soon it will be a major destination marketed to all types of travelers. Whether it be biking or walking around, coming here allows you to experience the unique countryside this beautiful place has to offer, and visiting Phong Nha provides you with a chance to see the real Vietnam.
Vietnam is a country that will steal your heart when you visit it. This destination is a budget travelers dream filled with rich experiences and adventure. If you’re thinking about traveling here, check out our post on 8 Reasons To Fall In Love With Vietnam.
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