Thứ Sáu, 7 tháng 4, 2017

On, in and over the river: upstream in Quang Binh

There's a misconception that the coastal province of Quang Binh's charms lie only on its beaches, discouraging any attempt to look further than its crystal clear waters. However, the province is more than just sun, sea and sand thanks  to its gorgeous inland streams and caves.

There are many ways to get to Quang Binh, but the most popular way is by coach so people can enjoy the beautiful scenery along the road.

Photo by Ngoc Xinh

Kayaking is a popular activity on the Chay River, whether you're exploring with a partner or just enjoying lazy laid-back afternoon. Photo by Ngoc Xinh

If you're more of a hard plastic person, inflatable boats are always available. Photo by Ngoc Xinh
In the middle of the photo is a net designed to catch people who fall off a zipline. Up to you if you want to try! Photo by Ngoc Xinh
The Chay River, with its year-round jade water, is one of the rare places in Vietnam to have a zipline. Photo by Ngoc Xinh
Photo by Ngoc Xinh
Swings are hung on every branch that stretches out over the water. Hold tight and dip your toes into the cool water below, especially at this time of year with the mercury rising. Photo by Ngoc Xinh
Photo by Ngoc Xinh
When you're finished with soaking in the river, it's time to get back to Quang Binh  for a local treat. Above is a fish noodle soup. Photo by Duyen Nguyen
Sauteed snails with coconut AA "picky" experience for any crustacean lovers. Photo by Duyen Nguyen
Photo by Duyen Nguyen
Photo by Duyen Nguyen
Photo by Ngoc Xinh

Sources of information: vnexpress

Thứ Tư, 22 tháng 3, 2017

Quang Binh Province, the land of caves, has some cheaper alternatives from Son Doong, if you're up to the challenge.

The central province of Quang Binh is not only home to the world's largest cave, Son Doong, but also other cavernous expanses such as Thien Duong, Tu Lan and En , all of which pose a daunting challenge for those brave enough to enter into the depths and explore their scemic beauty.

You need to be fit, able to swim and know how to manage a boat across the difficult terrain.

Thien Duong (Paradise) Cave

Dubbed an underground palace, Thien Duong Cave (Bo Trach District) is 31km (19.2 miles) long. It features a 7km (4.3 miles) trail that runs deep into the cave for tourists to explore.


The journey requires explorers to tackle diverse terrains, kayaking through the underground river and rock - climbing. One of the highlights of the cave is the place known as Heaven's Well, where the sun  shines through the glowing cavern.

Tu Lan Cave



The Tu Lan Cave system is located 70km (43 miles) from Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, next to Tan Hoa Village. It consists of more than 10 caves with stunning rock formations.

An expedition to Tu Lan Cave is classed as difficult, and requires visitors to be in good health, with trekking swimming experience. Prices range from VND5.5 to 20 million (2-4 days).

En Cave



An adventure into En Cave usually takes two days and one night, and involves crossing a large stream, trekking through primeval forest and valleys, and camping inside the cave. Next to En Cave is Cold Cave , where visitors can swim through the darkness to reach the stalactites. This journey requires visitors to walk 10km (6.2 miles) per day. The price of a tour is VND7 million ($307).

Nuoc Nut - Va Cave


The two-day tour to Nuoc Nut Cave and Va Cave involves a 10km (6.2 miles) walk, impressing visitors with its magical stalactites and underwater limestone towers. To get there, visitors need to cross rocky terrain and steep, sharp slopes with the aid of spe cialized equipment. Tents, lights and heaters are also required for a safe journey. This tour will set you back VND8 million ($351).

Resource: Vnexpress

Thứ Ba, 28 tháng 2, 2017

Phong Nha - Ke Bang welcomes 10,846 tourists during Lunar New Year

(Quang Binh Portal) - Phong Nha - Ke Bang tourism has seen an impressive start during the Lunar New Year of 2017.





During the Tet holidays, total number of tourists to the world's natural heritage site, Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park were 10,846 tourists, of which the Phong Nha - Ke Bang Tourism Center welcomed 6,539 tourists (up 3% against the same period last year), including 1,300 international tourists (down 3% against the same period last year); tourism routes under the management of the Park received 61 tourists; the Phong Nha botanical garden received 246 tourists (up 156% from the same period last year), including 200 international tourists; Thien Duong Cave ecotourism site welcomed 4,000 tourists.

In addition, quality of services at the destinations has been improved, ensuring security and social safety as well as foodhygience. A series of activities have been organized to serve tourists, including opening "Tet" fair at the Phong Nha - Ke Bang Tourism Center, organizing cultural activities to welcome the Lunar New year for international tourists according to the customs and cultural traditions of Vietnamese people.


Especially, the ceremony of opening forest door and launching the first tour to Son Doong Cave - the world's largest cave for 10 international tourists in 2017.
Nguồn: quangbinh.gov.vn