The Beginning of a Discovery Journey at Phong Nha Botanical Garden

From the documents we have studied, the Phong Nha Botanical Garden contains thousands of plant species living in their natural environment. It has been additionally planted with over 150 forest tree species, creating a collection of over 500 different plant species. This diversity reflects the rich tropical forest ecosystem with many rare and endemic tree species, including those with high medicinal value and large trees providing precious wood. This place is the natural habitat of many animal species. Notably, adjacent to it is a wildlife rescue area that cares for more than 80 individuals of wild animals with over 20 different species, including several that are prioritized for protection such as the Indochinese tiger, Red-shanked douc, small lorises, wild cats, Javan pangolins, four monkey species, some species of civets, and a number of mountain turtles. These efforts aim not only to conserve rare animal species but also to facilitate their reintegration into the natural environment.

 Created by Van Tri Vo 

The natural landscape here is quite outstanding, perhaps due to the geological, geomorphological, and hydrological features of this area. First to mention is the Gio Waterfall. The waterfall, about 30m high, flows down from the Three Khe stream, located about 500m east of the Botanical Garden Center. Gio Waterfall brings picturesque natural scenery, amidst the green forest and waterfall, providing fresh and cool air in the summer. Vang Anh Lake is a natural water body on the Three Khe stream, about 300m west of the Garden Center. The lake is small but relatively large compared to the stream that forms it. With its primitive and serene beauty, Vang Anh Lake is an interesting spot for sightseeing and relaxation. Dan Cave is a dry limestone cave, 5m high, 7m wide, and 30m deep. During the American War, Dan Cave was used to store weapons and ammunition by the Vietnamese military, to protect the Victory Road 20. Although Dan Cave is an important historical site, it also serves as an attractive environmental interpretation site thanks to the population of Hatinh langurs living above the cave. This provides an opportunity to educate visitors about the unique and distinct ecological characteristics of this endemic primate species of the Truong Son area, highlighting the biodiversity and important conservation values of the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park. The Sao viet tree (Hopea vietnamensis), over 100 years old, is a recently scientifically identified plant species that has been almost exhausted elsewhere. In the Botanical Garden, this species is quite abundant, with large trees up to 300cm in circumference, over 20m tall, and estimated to be over 100 years old. The Fairy Waterfall, about 30m long, 10m high, and 8m wide, hidden in the natural forest on the Ba Khe stream. Beneath the waterfall is a deep pool, about 18m deep and 50m^2, suitable for activities like waterfall sliding, stream bathing, and photography. The ancient Gua tree, about 5m in circumference and over 50m tall, is home to many wild bee colonies and various bird species. Located beside the Ba Khe stream, it is an attractive tourist spot, allowing visitors to not only admire the ancient forest trees but also learn about the communal life and the relationship between trees and animals. Vong Canh Hill is a scenic stop on the environmental interpretive trail, with an elevation of over 300m above sea level, allowing visitors to overlook the entire limestone valley and the scenic fields and villages of Phong Nha.

 Created by Van Tri Vo 

Here, there are educational programs designed to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation and encourage community participation in environmental protection activities. Additionally, research projects at the Botanical Garden help to deepen understanding of biology, ecology, and propose effective conservation measures.

This is just an initial exploration for an exciting journey at the Phong Nha Botanical Garden - Ke Bang. Surely, everyone will learn more about the ecology through images, videos, and descriptions of this area on an upcoming real trip.

By Van Tri Vo