Quảng Bình is not only home to a magnificent system of caves and unique, long-standing cultural and historical values. With its sloping terrain, predominantly mountainous area, and vast stretches of pristine forests, the province boasts numerous rivers, streams, and breathtaking waterfalls where locals and visitors can freely enjoy and bathe. Some streams are located within popular tourist attractions, while others lie deep in remote and hard-to-reach areas. Let’s explore these fascinating streams and waterfalls through this article to help you plan your trip!
Mooc Spring
The spring originates from a mountain cliff beside the western branch of the Ho Chi Minh Road. It features a large body of water with white streams seemingly rising from the crystal-clear surface as if emerging from the earth itself. This phenomenon gives the spring its name, “Moc Spring,” locally referred to as “Mooc Spring.” The spring is located about 5 km from the Paradise Cave eco-tourism site and 20 km from Phong Nha town. The path to Mooc Spring meanders beneath a lush canopy of trees, winding alongside the stream amidst the vast forest.
The spring splits into numerous smaller flows, weaving through layers of rocks. In some places, the water stream suddenly disappears. In other places, the stream rises white and then converges into the gentle Chay River. At the center of the tourist area, there is a fairly large pool with big rock slabs nestled beneath ancient trees. This is where visitors can rest, bathe, and swim. Standing here, looking downstream, you’ll see a flowing current with numerous small waterfalls cascading in brilliant white.
Mooc Spring is ideal for visitors to explore and swim during the sunny summer season, as the water temperature typically ranges from only 20-22 degrees Celsius. The scenery at Mooc Spring is stunning, with a harmonious blend of nature, greenery, rivers, streams, and mountains. There are numerous spots for tourists to take photos.
The route to Mooc Spring is quite convenient. It is accessible by motorbike or car via the western branch of the Ho Chi Minh Road. The entrance fee is 80,000 VND, while the full-service package costs 180,000 VND per person.
Tourists often don’t visit Mooc Spring alone but combine it with other destinations on their journey. These typically include paying respects at the Eight Ladies Cave, exploring Paradise Cave, and then returning to Mooc Spring to swim, relax, unwind, and enjoy local cuisine.
Mo Waterfall
Mo waterfall is located in Hoa Hop Commune, Minh Hoa District. About 110 km from Dong Hoi City and 500 meters from the eastern branch of the Ho Chi Minh Road, this destination is considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Minh Hoa District. Amidst the pristine and tranquil setting of the mountains and forests, the Mo Waterfall flows over layers of rocks, creating cascading white waterfalls. Downstream, the water gathers to form a vast, flat lake.
On hot summer days, immersing yourself in the cool waters of the waterfall brings a sense of excitement and relaxation, allowing you to lose yourself in the idyllic natural scenery of lush greenery and the melodious chirping of birds. Mo Waterfall is ideal for locals and tourists to relax and enjoy swimming during the summer. The site is now managed by a business entity offering various services, such as selling beverages and local specialty dishes, including com poi (steamed cornmeal mixed with tapioca), forest vegetables, stream fish, and grilled free-range chicken or pork. During the rainy season, when water levels rise significantly, the business often closes its operations.
Minh Hoa District offers numerous attractions, historical sites, and festivals. Visitors can combine attending the Minh Hoa Full Moon Festival in March with exploring the Tan Hoa Tourism Village, the Tu Lan cave system, and the historical site of Cong Troi (Heaven’s Gate). Afterward, they can relax and enjoy swimming at Mo Waterfall. The route to Mo Waterfall is quite straightforward: It is located near the eastern branch of the Ho Chi Minh Road, making it accessible by car or motorbike.
Bang Spring
Bang Spring is a hot mineral spring with a record-breaking boiling temperature of 105°C at its source, making it the hottest mineral spring in Vietnam. It is highly regarded for its mineral content, which is beneficial for health recovery and supporting the treatment of certain ailments.mBang Spring is located in Kim Thuy Commune, Le Thuy District, approximately 60 km from Dong Hoi City. From Dong Hoi, take the eastern branch of the Ho Chi Minh Road southward for about 50 km to the Thach Ban – Bang intersection, then turn right onto DT16 and continue for another 10 km to reach Bang Spring.
Currently, this area has been designated by the Quang Binh provincial government for development by Truong Thinh Group JSC into the Bang Onsen Resort & Spa. The project includes a system of accommodations, Japanese-style restaurants, hot mineral bathing facilities, salt stone saunas, and a variety of relaxation services designed to meet resort standards. The winter-spring season is particularly ideal for soaking in the hot mineral waters here.
Currently, Bang Onsen offers a wide range of pricing ranges, which are flexibly adjusted based on the season and period. Bang Spring is well-suited for leisure travelers, older visitors, and those with higher incomes. However, middle-class or younger visitors can still combine their trips with experiences at other attractions in Le Thuy District. These include exploring the Cha Loi Cave system, Kieu Cave, Coi Da Valley, the Dong Chau – Khe Nuoc Trong Nature Reserve, conquering Duong Cam Waterfall, visiting the memorial house of General Vo Nguyen Giap, and admiring Hoang Phuc Pagoda—a 700-year-old temple. Afterward, visitors can relax and rejuvenate at Bang Spring. As a tourist destination, Bang Spring is easily accessible by both motorbike and car.
Chao Rao – Cha Cung Spring
This stream originates from the Truong Son mountain range, winding through ancient forests with numerous rocky rapids. Located in Truong Son Commune, Quang Ninh District, it is about 95 km from Dong Hoi City. To reach Chao Rao – Cha Cung Spring, tourists can travel by car or motorbike.
From Dong Hoi City, visitors follow the East branch of Ho Chi Minh Road to the Viet Trung Farm intersection, then turn left and go through the Viet Trung Farm area for about 40km. Then, they turn left onto the West branch of Ho Chi Minh Road and go another 50km to reach the center of Truong Son Commune. Continue for about 5km more and visitors will reach Cha Rao Spring. From Cha Rao stream, go another 2km to reach the Cha Cung waterfall bathing spot.
Currently, the management of this attraction offers two tour packages. The one-day tour has an entrance fee of 75,000 VND per person, while the two-day, one-night tour costs 150,000 VND per person. At Chao Rao – Cha Cung Spring, visitors can freely swim in the spring, participate in waterfall sliding, rope swinging, kayaking, and enjoy local cuisine.
Additionally, tourists can cycle through nearby villages, experience the life of the local ethnic communities, and admire the pristine and peaceful natural surroundings. This attraction primarily serves tourists during the summer. When visiting, tourists are required to follow safety regulations and maintain cleanliness to protect the pristine environment of the area.
Suoi Da
Suoi Da is located in Phuc Trach Commune, Bo Trach District, about 50 km from Dong Hoi City. This eco-tourism area has been developed with various services for visitors. A large swimming pool has been created from the crystal-clear spring water flowing from the rocky crevices, providing a cool and refreshing experience. There is a communal restaurant and many private huts for family groups, as well as camping tents for tourists who wish to stay overnight.
Due to its proximity to beautiful caves such as Phong Nha Cave and Paradise Cave, this area is an ideal spot for visitors to relax and enjoy swimming in the spring and local cuisine after exploring the caves during the summer.
The route to the Suoi Da tourist area is quite well-connected. From Dong Hoi City, tourists can rent motorbikes, private cars, or tourist vehicles and follow the eastern branch of the Ho Chi Minh Road to reach the entrance of the tourist area.
Currently, the entrance fees for the Stone Spring tourist area are as follows:
- Adults: 90,000 VND per person.
- Children under 1.3 meters: 30,000 VND per person.
- Other services are charged separately according to each activity.
