1. Introduction

There are lands where, the moment you arrive, it feels as though you have stepped into a symphony composed by mountains and forests. In the southwestern corner of Quang Binh, close to the Vietnam–Laos border, the Dong Chau – Khe Nuoc Trong Nature Reserve unfolds like a vast green symphony. Here, waterfalls play their crystal-like notes, primeval forests hold the breath of millennia, and humankind finds itself humbled before the grandeur of nature.

Locals call this place the “Forest of Hope”—not only for its wild, untouched beauty, but also for its rare ecological, historical, and cultural values, like a precious treasure preserved by both nature and time.

2. Location & How to Get There

The Dong Chau – Khe Nuoc Trong Nature Reserve is located in Kim Thuy Commune, Le Thuy District, in the southwestern part of Quang Binh Province, right along the Vietnam–Laos border. Spanning 22,000 hectares, its landscape is dominated by steep mountain ranges rising and falling like endless waves.

From Dong Hoi City, travelers can reach the reserve by car or motorbike along the legendary Ho Chi Minh Road, leading directly to the trekking area. In Dong Hoi, numerous travel agencies, hotels, and homestays offer convenient transfer services to the reserve, making it easier for visitors to embark on their journey.

3. Outstanding Natural and Cultural Values

Magnificent Biodiversity

Dong Chau – Khe Nuoc Trong is often referred to as the “second home” of biodiversity after Phong Nha – Ke Bang. Within its endless greenery dwell rare and precious species: the saola – the fabled “Asian unicorn,” the white-cheeked gibbon, the mighty gaur, and the elegant Edwards’s pheasant.
Beyond its wildlife, the reserve shelters vast stretches of lowland tropical evergreen forest—one of the last remaining of its kind in Vietnam, a green jewel carefully safeguarded by nature over millennia.

Historical & Cultural Heritage

This land also carries the deep imprint of history: the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail, the former Khe Gat airfield, and other wartime sites that still echo stories of resilience.
Here, visitors may also encounter the Bru–Van Kieu ethnic community, listen to the rustic rhythms of gongs and folk songs, and explore traditions passed down through generations—a cultural essence that lends the journey both depth and meaning.

4. What to Experience Here

• Trekking & Waterfall Conquering
  Embark on a forest trek, wade through clear streams, and challenge yourself with majestic waterfalls. The journey is both demanding and uplifting—a memorable adventure for every soul that craves discovery.
• Overnight Camping
  In the stillness of the mountains and forests, gather around a flickering campfire while the night sky above unfolds in a mesmerizing blanket of stars.
• Photography & Capturing Moments
  Every corner of the reserve is a masterpiece waiting to be framed: the murmuring Duong Cam Waterfall echoing like the notes of a piano, Cong Troi Waterfall sparkling like a silver curtain, Toc Tien Waterfall flowing like a maiden’s silky hair, and the crystal-clear Tien Stream reflecting the heavens. Each scene offers a natural canvas, ready to preserve your most unforgettable moments.

5. Best Time to Visit & Important Notes

• Dry season (March – August): Clear skies and dry weather make this the perfect time for trekking and camping. The waterfalls flow in full grandeur, and the trails are easier to traverse.
• Rainy season (September – November): The ancient forest becomes more mysterious, yet the paths grow slippery and streams rise high—less suitable for first-time visitors.

Notes for Travelers:

• This is an adventure destination; joining a professional guided tour is mandatory for safety.

• Trekking tours here are suitable for visitors aged 12 and above, with good physical fitness required.

• Essentials to pack: sturdy hiking shoes, quick-dry clothing, sunscreen, and basic personal items.

6. How to Preserve the Beauty

Dong Chau – Khe Nuoc Trong is not just a destination, but a gift of new life that nature wishes to bestow. When you set foot here, please keep the forest clean, avoid littering, respect the local culture, and only join official guided tours. By doing so, this “forest of hope” will forever retain its pristine and sacred essence.

7. Services & Contact Information

Currently, many reputable travel companies in Quang Binh offer trekking tours to Dong Chau – Khe Nuoc Trong, accompanied by experienced local guides. A typical tour package includes: guide service, porter support, outdoor meals, camping tents, travel insurance, and transportation.

👉 Travelers can book tours through official websites, fanpages, or directly at travel offices in Dong Hoi City.

Tour Booking Information:

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

👉 Book your tour HERE

✨ Dong Chau – Khe Nuoc Trong is not just a forest. It is a journey back to the pure essence of nature, where travelers can both challenge themselves and let their souls drift freely in the endless symphony of Quang Binh’s mountains and forests.