Exploring the Wonders of Phong Nha-Ke Bang with Friends

Saturday Reflections on the Sông Son

Today was all about soaking in the natural beauty of Phong Nha and enjoying the simple pleasures of good food and company. It’s amazing how much a change of scenery can do for the soul. Leaving Berlin in December is always a good idea, especially when it involves escaping to a place as tranquil as this. The crisp air, the stunning landscapes, and the warm hospitality of the Vietnamese people have made this trip with my friends truly unforgettable.

Our day began with a leisurely breakfast at The Villas Restaurant. I opted for the *Bo Ne*, a delightful beef dish served with eggs, pate, and a crusty baguette. It was the perfect way to fuel up for the day ahead. The Villas Restaurant is known for its beautiful location along the Sông Son, offering stunning views of the karst mountains. It was a great start to the day, chatting with my friends and planning our activities. I must admit, I felt a pang of guilt not having Hans and Sophie here to share this view. I made a mental note to plan a similar getaway for us soon; perhaps a trip to the Harz Mountains would do the trick.


Discover exquisite Vietnamese cuisine amidst the natural beauty of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park at The Villas Restaurant.

After breakfast, we decided to take a stroll along the Bờ bắc sông Son – Phong Nha Kẻ Bàng – the northern bank of the Sông Son. The views were simply breathtaking. The Sông Son meanders through Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, its serene waters reflecting the towering limestone karsts that define the landscape. The air was fresh and clean, and the gentle breeze rustled through the trees lining the riverbank. We walked at a leisurely pace, stopping occasionally to take photos and simply admire the scenery. It’s moments like these that make me appreciate the beauty of our planet and the importance of preserving it.


Discover the serene beauty of Bờ Bạc Sông Son in Phong Nha Kẻ Bàng, Vietnam, where lush landscapes and adventure await every traveler.

Sometimes, the greatest adventures are found not in grand expeditions, but in the quiet moments of appreciation.

For lunch, we chose Lantern Vietnamese Restaurant, enticed by the promise of authentic local flavors. The restaurant itself was cozy and inviting. I decided to try the mushroom and tofu clay pot with rice, and it was absolutely delicious. The flavors were rich and complex, and the tofu was perfectly cooked. My friends raved about their meals as well, a mix of *Cà Ri* (Vietnamese curry) and fresh spring rolls. It’s always a joy to discover new culinary delights, and Lantern Vietnamese Restaurant certainly delivered. I even made a mental note to try and recreate the clay pot dish back in Berlin; Hans would absolutely love it.


Savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine amidst the stunning landscapes of Phong Nha at Lantern Vietnamese Restaurant.

As the afternoon wore on, we decided to explore more of the town. Phong Nha is a small place, but it has a certain charm that’s hard to resist. We wandered through the streets, admiring the colorful buildings and soaking in the laid-back atmosphere. We stopped at a local market, where we browsed the various stalls selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. I picked up a few souvenirs for Sophie – a hand-painted silk scarf and a small wooden carving of a water buffalo. She’s been studying Vietnamese culture in school, and I know she’ll be thrilled to have these little reminders of my trip.

Before dinner, we took a break at Cây Bàng Quán - Big Tree Restaurant, a charming beer garden known for its tranquil setting. We sat under the shade of a massive tree, sipping on local beers and chatting about our adventures. The atmosphere was relaxed and convivial, and it was the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring. It reminded me of some of the *Biergartens* back in Berlin, though with a distinctly Vietnamese twist.


Discover the beauty of Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng at Cây Bàng Quán, a scenic beer garden offering local brews and delicious cuisine amidst stunning nature.

Dinner was at ARTIST'S ZONE, a restaurant recommended for its inviting ambiance and friendly staff. I opted for the chicken salad, while my friends chose spring rolls and sandwiches. The food was delicious, and the service was excellent. The restaurant had a quirky, artistic vibe, with colorful paintings and sculptures adorning the walls. It was a fun and lively place to end our day. I must say, the food here is so different from what I usually cook at home. I’m almost tempted to take a Vietnamese cooking class when I get back to Berlin.


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

As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I can’t help but feel grateful for this incredible experience. Phong Nha has a way of slowing things down and allowing you to appreciate the simple things in life. Tomorrow is our last day, and we plan to visit Phong Nha Ke Bang itself, before heading off. I’m looking forward to exploring more of this beautiful national park and creating even more lasting memories. I’m hoping to find a nice souvenir at the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park shop to bring back for Hans. I know he’d appreciate a little piece of Vietnam to remind him of my adventures. It’s funny how much I miss them, even after just a few days. But I know that these experiences will make me a better teacher and a more well-rounded person. And who knows, maybe one day I’ll be able to bring them both back here to experience the wonders of Phong Nha for themselves.

The weather in Phong Nha in December is quite pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 23°C. There are occasional cold fronts, but overall, it’s a great time to visit. I made sure to pack layers, as the evenings can get a bit chilly. I did forget to pack insect repellent, which was a bit of a nuisance, but thankfully, the local shops sell it. And I definitely could have used swimwear, especially when we were near the river, but that's a small price to pay for the amazing experiences I’ve had. I’m already looking forward to sharing my stories with my students back in Berlin. Perhaps I can inspire them to explore the world and discover new cultures, just as I have done here in Phong Nha.