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.

Wondering where to go in Dong Hoi and what to eat in Dong Hoi in one day? This compact city tour and food guide highlights the best places to visit plus must-try local dishes like banh loc, chao banh canh, banh beo and banh khoai.

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.

This journey intrigued me because of the phrase "The Dau Mau mountains rise tall like a writing brush and the Hac Hai lagoon spread wide like a vast inkwell" and the fact that some of my friends had made their first steps to breathe life into this land. The boat picked us up at Moi pier, in Hong Thuy commune, following a canal westward for over 1km until we reached the Kien Giang river. 

If you want to have the most memorable trip to Quang Binh at the beginning of the year, you should prepare a specific plan 2-3 months before departure date. Because Lunar New Year tourism has many differences compared to...

Quảng Bình, a province in central Vietnam, is renowned not only for its stunning natural landscapes but also for its rich culinary heritage. The local cuisine reflects the region's cultural identity and the resourcefulness of its people. Signature dishes include Bánh Canh Chả Cá, featuring soft noodles in a flavorful fish-based broth; Bánh Bột Lọc, translucent tapioca dumplings filled with shrimp and pork; Bánh Xèo Mực....