Le Thuy, the southern district of Quang Binh, is a destination where nature and culture converge.
Here, travelers can immerse themselves in “Ho khoan Le Thuy” – a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, and explore traditional craft villages such as An Xa mat weaving and Quy Hau conical hat making. Every National Day (September 2nd), the boat racing festival on the Kien Giang River fills the air with excitement, drawing tens of thousands of visitors.

Nature lovers will be enchanted by Bang hot spring, the refreshing Nuoc Lanh stream, and the pristine Dong Chau – Khe Nuoc Trong Nature Reserve. Cultural and historical highlights include Hoang Phuc Pagoda, the tomb of Nguyen Huu Canh, and the memorial house of General Vo Nguyen Giap.

With its harmony of heritage and natural beauty, Le Thuy is truly a destination not to be missed.

Since the unification of Quảng Bình and Quảng Trị, this land has become a vast living canvas — stretching from the sapphire waves of Nhật Lệ, Cửa Tùng, and Cửa Việt; to the emerald cascades of Tà Puồng nestled in the Trường Sơn mountains; and sinking deep into the magical limestone palaces of Phong Nha – Kẻ Bàng.

Son Tra Peninsula – the “green lung” of Da Nang – stands out with its ancient forests, rare red-shanked douc langurs, remarkable geological features, rich cultural and historical heritage, and ongoing conservation efforts that help preserve its pristine ecosystem.

A historical journey along Route 20 Quyết Thắng in Quảng Bình reveals wartime sacrifices, legendary caves, and immersive experiences, honouring Vietnam’s heroic past in a peaceful jungle setting.

Phong Nha Botanical Garden is a unique ecological destination nestled within a Phong Nha - Ke Bang World Natural Heritage site. Its 77-hectare expanse offers a rich tapestry of experiences: marvel at rare hardwood forests, bathe in the refreshing Gio Waterfall stream, stroll along the tranquil Vang Anh Lake, and observe precious botanical and zoological specimens. It is also an ideal setting for environmental education, scientific research, and nature-based relaxation.

Natural hydrotherapy (balneotherapy) is a healing practice using thermal mineral springs to support the treatment of joint and skin conditions, while also improving mental well-being.
Vietnam is home to many natural hot springs such as Bang Spring in Quang Binh, Thap Ba, and Kim Boi.
The challenge lies in ensuring that these healing waters remain accessible to local communities – not as a luxury, but as a shared gift of nature.

Morning sunlight stimulates the production of vitamin D, regulates mood, improves sleep quality, and strengthens the immune system. Meanwhile, mineral-rich seawater—especially high in magnesium—soothes the nervous system, reduces inflammation, and enhances blood circulation.

Where to go, eat, and stay on Con Co Island? Discover the ultimate travel guide—from itinerary and attractions to food and lodging.

In 1954, following the Geneva Accords, the Ben Hai River suddenly became a temporary military demarcation line—dividing the nation along the 17th parallel.
And so, Ben Hai turned into a raw and painful wound between North and South—a place where families were torn apart, where loved ones stood on opposite banks, calling out across the water in helpless longing.

After leaving the Vinh Moc Tunnels – a hauntingly vivid relic of wartime resilience – we made a brief stop at Cua Tung.
The next morning, as the sun shyly rose above the sea, we followed the coastal road to Cua Viet, where our journey to Con Co Island began.

We didn't dig tunnels to live forever underground—we dug them so we could live freely above ground, without the sound of bombs and bullets."

There are places you visit once and forget, but there are also lands that touch you with all your senses—through light, sound, scent, the salty taste, and tender memories. For me, Đồng Hới is such a place. A small city by the Nhật Lệ coast, where a single visit makes you feel not just seeing the sea—but truly touching its essence.

I’d heard about Rú Lịnh long before I ever set foot there. It’s a patch of untouched forest in Vĩnh Linh District, Quảng Trị Province, near the famous Vịnh Mốc Tunnels—an underground complex built during the American War by local villagers

A small stilt house tucked beneath the forest canopy—earthen floors, a thatched roof, and a simple bamboo table and chairs that remain as they were decades ago. There is nothing grand about it, yet the profound simplicity moves every visitor. Upon entering, one instinctively lowers their voice, as if Uncle Hồ still sits quietly in the corner, drafting vital directives for the future of the nation.

Le Cau Ngu (Whale Worship Festival) is one of the most unique traditional festivals of Canh Duong fishing village, Quang Trach district, Quang Binh province. This festival is an occasion for local fishermen to express their deep reverence to Than Nam Hai (the Whale God), their protector at sea, while also praying for calm waters, bountiful catches, and a prosperous life.

I have had many opportunities to visit the Phong Nha – Kẻ Bàng mountainous region, a place rich in fascinating geological, geomorphological, and biodiversity features of the natural world. This area has been extensively explored and globally recognized for its significance. Beyond its natural values, the region also holds many cultural mysteries. The people here exhibit unique characteristics due to the geographical isolation of the terrain. Despite covering a relatively small area, it is home to nine ethnic groups. The Bru-Vân Kiều ethnic group consists of the Vân Kiều, Ma-Coong, Trì, and Khùa subgroups, while the Chứt ethnic group includes the Arem, Rục, Mày, Mã Liềng, and Sách subgroups. The study of their ethnic origins, languages, and cultural traits requires in-depth research by sociologists.

Visiting Đồng Hới, travelers are not only captivated by the stunning landscapes but also embark on a rich culinary journey filled with the flavors of local heritage. From bánh bèo, bánh bột lọc, bánh nậm to cactus tea and sour stingray soup, each dish carries the essence of the seaside region. Đồng Hới is more than just a destination to explore; it's a place to return to, where lingering emotions and unforgettable flavors remain etched in the hearts of visitors.

Khe Sanh has long been remembered as a symbol of war, particularly for the infamous 1968 battle that cost countless lives. My friend Huy, who joined me on this trip, reminisced about how almost every inch of this land holds the memory of war. Bombs, ammunition, military gear, and the blood of soldiers have all soaked into this sorrowful soil. The remnants of this painful history can still be seen at places like Tà Cơn Airport, Làng Vây, and Lao Bảo Prison.

But that’s the past. Nature has since healed these wounds, allowing new life to flourish. Today, Khe Sanh is a place full of promise, especially for those looking for something different. The region boasts a mild climate, nutrient-rich soil, abundant water, and stunning landscapes—a perfect combination for a fresh start.

When I planned this two-day weekend escape to Khe Sanh – Hướng Hóa, I was drawn not just by its ideal climate but also its convenient location. It’s about 60 km east of Đông Hà, a four-hour drive from either Phu Bai Airport or Đồng Hới Airport.

I first knew about Bạch Mã in the 1990s, during a visit to a friend's hometown. From afar, Bạch Mã appeared as an endless expanse of green, majestic and draped in morning mist, with clouds gathering to create a mesmerizing landscape painting. This time, our visit to Bạch Mã was not for leisure but to explore new efforts in preserving its natural values. We were scheduled to visit various scenic spots and explore the area. Bạch Mã boasts a cool climate, magnificent scenery, and diverse ecosystems. During this warm trip with colleagues and the charm of nature, I was inspired to write a piece to cherish the nature and appreciate the people here.

We  have preparing  for our journey to Quang Binh on a trip that will be primarily an experience of ecological sites to learn more about the natural values of the Quang Binh region – the place with the narrowest distance from the coastline to the Vietnam-Laos border. This land is likened to a yoke carrying both ends of the country. As with other journeys, we will explore the landmarks of this region. One impressive point that I include in our itinerary is the Phong Nha Botanical Garden, due to its biodiversity with a richness of plant and animal species and activities in scientific research, environmental education, and sustainable tourism development. The Phong Nha Botanical Garden is located in the core zone of the Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park on Victory Road 20, about 15km from the Phong Nha town.