Buzz
With its mesmerizing emerald green waters and untouched scenery, the Chay River and Mooc Stream are names that may be new to you but are absolutely worth experiencing this summer.
Embark on a journey to discover the breathtaking 'paradise' in Quang Binh that you may not have heard of.
Recently, Quang Binh has become a new tourist destination for young travelers who love adventure. Its pristine landscapes, majestic natural beauty, especially after the filming of King Kong took place here, have made Quang Binh a must-visit for those passionate about adventurous travel.
And if you've heard of places like Mouse Cave, Yen Phu Lake, or the Chay Noi Valley – where scenes from the King Kong movie were shot – then jot down the following destination in your notebook – a place that's entirely new, very untouched with breathtaking beauty, and crystal-clear waters rivaling the Nine Dragon Falls or any other renowned tourist destination in the world. That place is none other than the Chay River, Mooc Stream, and Dark Cave.
The Chay River originates from the limestone mountains in Phong Nha – Ke Bang, so what meets your eyes is an incredibly beautiful emerald green hue, as if someone poured an entire palette of colors onto it. Along the river banks are lush, fertile fields, dense tropical forests teeming with countless wild animals.
Mooc Stream lies along Route 20 Quyet Thang, on the western branch of the Ho Chi Minh trail, about 10km northwest of Phong Nha. Amidst the valley of limestone mountains, Mooc Stream emerges as a wilderness spot in some Discovery expedition.
Just by looking at the pictures, you might already feel overwhelmed by the pristine beauty of this place, right? Not only immersing in nature, but the Chay River also scores points with tourists for thrilling activities like ziplining into the cool waters, participating in underwater games, or kayaking.
Boating along the Chay River for about 5km, you'll reach Dark Cave – where stalactites and stalagmites adorn the cave walls, covered in an enchanting green moss. Dark Cave, a branch of the Phong Nha cave system, was discovered and named by British royal explorers. Its name, meaning 'Dark Light in the Cave', is so profound that one might feel they can almost touch it. Surely, exploring Dark Cave may not be as daring, but it's undoubtedly as fascinating as Phong Nha or Son Doong caves.
If you're not into adventurous games at the Chay River, you can enjoy your summer trip at Mooc Stream with temperatures ranging from 16-18 degrees Celsius. The scenery and weather here are perfect for picnics with family and friends. Sitting amidst the cool water, listening to the gentle flow of the stream and the singing of birds all around – it seems like all life's worries will quickly disappear.
And of course, this is a newly discovered tourist spot, so you don't have to worry about crowds or the pristine beauty being affected. It's also within the conservation area of the famous Phong Nha Ke Bang tourist site.
Don't hesitate to come here if you're not into adventurous games or afraid of the lack of modern resort facilities. Sitting on the thatched roofs, admiring the tranquil scenery, breathing in the fresh air, is enough to make your trip wonderful.
Don't believe it? Check out these photos below.
- From Dong Hoi city, Quang Binh province, take the eastern branch of the Ho Chi Minh trail northward for about 60km until you reach Khe Gat junction. Take the western branch and drive another 5km, and you'll arrive at Mooc Stream.
- Kayak rides cost around 50,000 VND per trip.
- You can visit Dark Cave – a cave with high ceilings and an underground river nearly 6km long nearby, which is equally stunning.
- Traditional dishes are served at 'bird nest' restaurants such as porridge, grilled carp, forest vegetables... Most notably, the dish of chicken 'chasing crickets during the day, sleeping under lime at night' is a must-try.
- The all-inclusive package including entrance tickets, life jackets, kayaks, zip-lining... costs 200,000 VND for adults and 120,000 VND for children.
As per The Youth Intellectuals
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Reference: Mytour Travel Handbook
From MytourMay 28, 2018
