Dong Chau – Khe Nuoc Trong: "Symphony" of the Great Forest and Its Waterfalls
If you are looking for a land where nature still retains its pristine purity, where ancient forests shelter the rarest species on the planet, then Dong Chau – Khe Nuoc Trong (Quang Binh) is a must-visit destination.
1. A treasure of biodiversity in the heart of Truong Son
Established in July 2020, this is the first nature reserve in Quang Binh. With an area of over 22,000 hectares, it boasts a tropical evergreen rainforest on lowland mountains – a rare "specialty" still remaining in Vietnam.Rare "inhabitants": Dong Chau is a safe home for the Wild Bison, Saola, Java Pangolin, Black-shanked Douc Langur, and the majestic Red-crowned Crane.
Endemic bird region: BirdLife International has recognized this area as one of the 62 lowland endemic bird regions of Vietnam with an incredibly rich ecosystem.
Dong Chau – the green gem hidden among the mountains (Source: Internet)
2. Historical marks and Bru – Van Kieu cultural identity
Not only does it have flora, but Dong Chau also carries heroic stories:Memories of the Ho Chi Minh Trail: Located near the 17th parallel, this area was once a strategic base of Brigade 559. Places like Lang Ho, Monkey Bridge, Ammunition Beach... still retain the marks of the years of resistance against American imperialism.
Indigenous culture: The buffer zone of the reserve is home to the Bru – Van Kieu ethnic group. Here, you can enjoy bamboo rice, stream fish, traditional rice wine, and immerse yourself in traditional folk songs and dances by the flickering firelight.
The Bru – Van Kieu ethnic group in Truong Son (Quang Ninh - old Quang Binh) (Source: Internet)
3. The land of waterfalls – A paradise for adventure tourism
Dong Chau – Khe Nuoc Trong is dubbed the paradise of cascading waterfalls, flowing from the headwaters of the Long Dai and Kien Giang rivers.
Majestic waterfall system: Heaven Gate Waterfall, Dương Cầm Waterfall, Tóc Tiên Waterfall... each season brings a different beauty: sometimes alluring and cool; at other times powerful and majestic.
Clear water all year round: Thanks to the absolute forest cover, rainwater is filtered through the "natural filter" of the lowland mountains, keeping the streams clear even during heavy rains. This is a significant advantage that allows trekking and waterfall climbing activities to be organized year-round.
Climbing Dương Cầm Waterfall (Source: Internet)
4. Tips for a perfect trip
How to travel from Dong Hoi: The distance is about 80km, you can choose from 2 main routes:- West direction: Take the Ho Chi Minh Trail East branch -> Provincial Road 10 -> West branch (Tăng Ký intersection) and go another 20km.
- South direction: Take the Ho Chi Minh Trail East branch -> Bang intersection -> Provincial Road 16 -> Tăng Ký intersection -> Cầu Khỉ ranger station.
Important notes:
- Physical fitness: This is a high-intensity activity tour (wading streams, climbing waterfalls, hiking). Make sure you are in good health.
- Clothing: It is advisable to wear long socks to avoid insects and leeches. Although the tour provider offers sandals, a pair of specialized trekking shoes will make you more comfortable.
- Energy: Don't forget sunscreen, a small bottle of water, and some sweets to replenish energy when needed.
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Source: phongnhainfo.com