Quang Binh has long been renowned for its magnificent caves, with Phong Nha – Ke Bang often hailed as a “kingdom beneath the ground.” Yet, to think this land is only about towering mountains and deep caverns would be to miss one of its gentler treasures – Ho Thac Chuoi in Phu Dinh Commune, Bo Trach District. Just 24 km from Dong Hoi City, this modest reservoir holds a quiet, pristine beauty, like a green gem hidden amidst the forests and countryside.

A visit to Ho Thac Chuoi offers more than just a refreshing swim, a picnic, or a picture-perfect check-in spot. It is also a peaceful retreat, a pause from the rush of everyday life, where nature’s calm flows gently into your soul.

Location & How to Get There

Ho Thac Chuoi is located in Viet Trung Farm, Bo Trach District, Quang Binh Province (administratively under Bo Trach Commune, the newly established Quang Tri Province), in the gentle countryside to the northwest of Dong Hoi.

• Distance: Approximately 24 km from Dong Hoi Center

• Travel time: 40–45 minutes by motorbike or small car

• Route: From Dong Hoi → National Highway 1A → turn onto the Phu Dinh inter-communal road → park at local houses near the lake

The trip to the lake is not demanding, yet its charm lies in the winding village roads, flanked by rice fields and lines of green trees. As people often say, “the journey itself is the experience, not just the destination”—and with Ho Thac Chuoi, both are equally unforgettable.

Natural Landscape

Ho Thac Chuoi was once a natural lake, later becoming a headwater reservoir of the Dinh River. Its waters are fed by small streams winding through the limestone ranges. Surrounding the lake is a vast expanse of natural forest on earthen mountains, rich with tropical flora. Further upstream rises the majestic U Bo Mountain, towering over 1,000 meters high. The local geology is characterized by earthen mountains formed on sandstone. The lake’s water mainly comes from streams and underground springs, with seasonal variations: in summer it is crystal clear, while during the rainy season (September–November) the water level rises and turns murkier.

The name “Thac Chuoi” carries a rustic, familiar charm. Elders in the village recall that in the past, banana groves once thrived along the lakeshore, their wide green leaves shading an entire corner of the bank. Over time, people simply began calling it Thac Chuoi, and the name has remained ever since.

Culture & Community Life

The name “Thac Chuoi” (Banana Waterfall) carries a rustic, familiar charm. Village elders recall that in the past, clusters of banana trees grew thick along the lakeside, their broad green leaves shading an entire corner of the shore. Over time, people simply began calling it Thac Chuoi, and the name has stayed ever since.

For the people of Phu Dinh, the lake is more than just a scenic spot—it is a summertime gathering place. Children splash and swim, young people picnic and sing by the water’s edge. On summer afternoons, the lake comes alive with laughter and the gentle rhythm of waves lapping against the shore. It is not exactly a “tourist attraction,” but rather a living memory of childhood, an inseparable part of community life.

Travel Experiences

Today, Ho Thac Chuoi is gradually gaining attention among young travelers through social media, yet it still preserves its pristine beauty and sense of freedom.

Popular experiences include:

• Swimming: Immerse yourself in cool waters that mirror the endless blue sky.

• Picnicking: Spread a mat under the shade of trees, enjoy homemade rice balls or rustic snacks, and share laughter with friends.

• Photography: With the lake’s emerald surface and bright skies, even a simple white shirt or flowing dress can create a picture worthy of “a thousand likes.”

• Village exploration: Before reaching the lake, cycle leisurely along Phu Dinh’s village paths, breathe in the scent of young rice, stop by the local market, and chat with warm-hearted villagers.

Current Infrastructure

At present, Ho Thac Chuoi has no official tourism services.

• Restrooms: Not yet available

• Food & Drinks: Visitors should bring their own supplies

• Accommodation: Homestays near Phong Nha are recommended (15–18 km away)

Suggested Itinerary

One-Day Trip

• 08:00: Depart from Dong Hoi

• 08:45: Arrive at Ho Thac Chuoi – swimming, check-in photos

• 11:30: Picnic by the lake

• 14:00: Return to Phong Nha or Dong Hoi

• 15:00: End of trip

Two-Day One-Night Trip

• Day 1: Dong Hoi → Ho Thac Chuoi (swimming, picnic) → Phong Nha (overnight at homestay)

• Day 2: Visit Phong Nha Cave or Paradise Cave → return to Dong Hoi

Safety & Conservation

Every destination comes with precautions, and Ho Thac Chuoi requires even more care due to its untouched, unregulated nature.

Risks: Deep water with whirlpools; slippery paths during rainy weather.

Safety Checklist:

• Travel in groups, avoid going alone

• Always wear a life jacket when swimming

• Avoid visiting during the flood season (September–November)

• Do not litter or make open fires indiscriminately

For both the community and visitors, protecting Ho Thac Chuoi means preserving a piece of the countryside’s soul. With sustainable tourism, this place could become a charming satellite attraction—supporting local livelihoods while keeping its pristine beauty intact.

Potential for Community-Based Tourism

Ho Thac Chuoi possesses all the elements to grow into a community-based tourism product: close to Dong Hoi, easy to access, beautiful landscapes, and closely tied to local life.

Opportunities include:

• Local-operated services such as parking and light food stalls

• Homestays and village-life experiences combined with lake activities

• Satellite tours linking Phong Nha with Ho Thac Chuoi, offering visitors a refreshing alternative while reducing pressure on the more crowded attractions

Standing before Ho Thac Chuoi, time seems to slow. The lake lies still as a mirror, trees leaning over to cast their shadows, cicadas singing softly in the breeze. With no noise, no commerce, it simply invites you to let go of everything and surrender to nature.

Perhaps it is this very simplicity and rawness that makes it most precious. For in our journeys across the country, we do not always need world-famous landmarks—sometimes, all we seek is a small, gentle place where the soul can find rest. And Ho Thac Chuoi, nestled in the peaceful countryside of Phu Dinh, is exactly such a place.

Tour Booking Contact

Phong Nha Viet
📍 Address: 46 Ba Trieu Street, Dong Hoi, Quang Tri
📞 Phone: +84 911 367 789
📧 Email: phongnha.vie@gmail.com
🌐 Website: https://phongnhaviet.com

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