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 Phu Minh Hamlet, Phu Dinh Commune, Bo Trach District, Quang Binh Province (recently merged under Bo Trach, Quang Tri Province). It lies in the gentle countryside to the northwest of Dong Hoi.

• Distance: Approximately 24 km from Dong Hoi City 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

• Estimated GPS Coordinates: 17.5410° N, 106.4200° E

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.

Nature & Science

Ho Thac Chuoi is not a roaring waterfall, but rather a natural lake formed by small streams meandering through the limestone ranges. It is this very limestone foundation—so characteristic of Quang Binh—that creates the lake’s mirror-like surface and its strikingly clear, emerald waters.

• Geology: Typical limestone formations of the Phong Nha – Ke Bang area

• Hydrology: Fed mainly by streams and underground springs, with seasonal changes in flow. In summer, the water is crystal clear; during the rainy season (September–November), the level rises and the color turns murkier.

• Size & Depth: No official survey data is available, but the lake spans several hundred square meters, with spots reaching over 2 meters deep.

Surrounding the lake is a patchwork of secondary forest, with bamboo, rattan, chestnut, and mahogany trees, interwoven with grasses and native shrubs. Within the lake swim small stream fish, while kingfishers and mountain sparrows can sometimes be seen diving for food. For nature lovers, this is a compact yet vibrant ecosystem, evoking the spirit of Vietnam’s countryside in its most authentic form.

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

A Poetic Farewell

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.