Exploring the Wonders of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

A Day of Ducks and Darkness

Today was all about embracing the quirky side of Phong Nha. Forget the typical tourist traps; we dove headfirst into experiences that were as unique as they were memorable. Olivia and I started our day with a hearty vegan breakfast, setting the stage for a day that was anything but ordinary.

Our first stop was a place I'd heard whispers about from fellow travellers: The Duck Stop. I’ll admit, I was skeptical. A place dedicated to ducks? But, ever the curious explorer, I decided to give it a go. And boy, am I glad I did! It was about 10km outside Phong Nha town. Luckily my hostel had free bicycle rental so I decided to cycle there. It was really scenic and didn't take too long – the views in Quang Binh province are some of my favourites in all of Vietnam.


Experience the whimsical joy of The Duck Stop in Quang Binh, where friendly ducks and local flavors create unforgettable memories.

The Duck Stop: More Than Just a Quack

The Duck Stop is run by a local family and has cleverly adapted to draw tourists in by hosting an immersive experience where you can feed, hold and lead their noisy flock of ducks. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warmth and laughter. We were given a refreshing cold drink, which was included in the experience fee. The main event, of course, was the ducks. We fed them, watched them waddle, and even experienced the legendary “duck massage”.

Imagine dozens of ducks, their little webbed feet tickling your skin as they scramble for food. It sounds bizarre, and it is, but in the best possible way. Olivia and I were in stitches, laughing as these feathered masseuses worked their magic. I even got to lead the ducks around and hold one to then release it for good luck.

The staff were incredibly friendly and funny and they offered to take photos for us. After our time with the ducks, we got a full leg and arms wash down with some lovely antibacterial soap and a very refreshing hose pipe. To cap it all off, we enjoyed some freshly cooked spring rolls made by the family's mum.

Sometimes, the most unexpected experiences turn out to be the most memorable.

The Duck Stop is more than just a tourist attraction; it’s a testament to the ingenuity and hospitality of the Vietnamese people. It’s a place where you can let loose, embrace the absurd, and create memories that will last a lifetime. And it's quite affordable, costing only 100,000 VND. I can certainly see why there is so much hype for it.

After our delightful duck encounter, we grabbed lunch at ARTIST'S ZONE. It was a great little place, offering tasty Vietnamese food and affordable beer options. I had a chicken salad, and Olivia had some spring rolls.

Experience authentic Vietnamese cuisine amidst artistic decor at ARTIST'S ZONE in Phong Nha – where culture meets flavor.

Venturing into the Depths of Hang Trạ Ang

With our bellies full and our spirits high, we set off for our next adventure: Hang Trạ Ang. This cave is a bit more off the beaten path, requiring a trek through the jungle and a swim through an underground river to fully explore it.

Explore the captivating Hang Trạch Ang in Quang Binh, Vietnam - a natural wonder of caves and stunning landscapes for every adventurer's delight.

The trek to the cave was an adventure in itself. We hiked through lush greenery, the air thick with humidity and the sounds of the jungle all around us. Our guide was fantastic, sharing stories about the local flora and fauna, and pointing out hidden gems along the way. It was a good thing we had our hiking boots with us.

Reaching the entrance of Hang Trạ Ang, we were greeted by a cool, refreshing breeze. The cave itself is a marvel of nature, with stunning stalactites and stalagmites adorning its walls. But the real highlight was the underground river.

We plunged into the icy water, the darkness enveloping us as we swam deeper into the cave. It was an exhilarating experience, the silence broken only by the sound of our own splashing and the occasional drip of water from the cave ceiling. We swam 600m into the Tra Ang Cave. I felt like a true explorer, discovering hidden wonders in the heart of Vietnam.

Vegan Delights and Nighttime Vibes

After our subterranean swim, we were ravenous. We headed to Phong Nha Vegan Restaurant for a well-deserved dinner. This place is a gem, offering a wide variety of delicious vegan meals at affordable prices. Olivia and I shared a few dishes, including the lemongrass chili mushrooms and the braised tofu – both were incredible.

Discover delicious vegan cuisine at Phong Nha Vegan Restaurant - where local flavors meet healthy eating in beautiful Quang Binh Province.

To cap off our adventurous day, we decided to check out the nightlife scene in Phong Nha. We stumbled upon Dubai Pub Phong Nha, a cozy bar with a vibrant atmosphere. It was the perfect place to unwind, sip on some local Vietnamese beers, and share stories with fellow travellers.

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Dubai Pub in Phong Nha, Vietnam - where local culture meets international flair in a cozy setting.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I can’t help but smile. Today was a whirlwind of quirky adventures, delicious food, and unforgettable experiences. Phong Nha has a way of surprising you, of pulling you out of your comfort zone and into a world of unexpected delights.

Tomorrow, we’re planning to explore Phong Nha Cave and the National Park itself, so stay tuned for more caving adventures! I have heard that Phong Nha Cave has massive rock columns, hanging crystals, and shapes that look like dragons or towers. We will also visit the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

Good night from Phong Nha!