Bong Lai Hamlet is located in Hung Trach Commune, Bo Trach District, Quang Binh Province. The hamlet’s terrain is primarily composed of hills and mountains forming valleys, where residents rely on agricultural production and forest plantation for economic purposes. Its advantage lies in being situated next to the picturesque Son River and within the core of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang tourism area.
In recent years, many households in Bong Lai have shifted their economic focus towards tourism as a way to alleviate poverty. The locals have leveraged the natural beauty of the valleys to develop eco-tourism, transforming them into attractive destinations while preserving their inherent natural charm.
When you visit Bong Lai, you’ll be greeted by serene landscapes of mountains and rivers, where nature feels close and inviting. Walking through this peaceful rural area, you’ll experience a calming sense of relaxation and rejuvenation.
In Bong Lai Valley, over 25 households, many of them young entrepreneurs, have taken bold steps to engage in tourism. They have “revitalized” barren hills into impressive tourist attractions, each offering its unique appeal for visitors to explore.
With just a bicycle, you can travel along tranquil roads to visit Soi Farm, Love Valley, The Duck Stop, Wild Boar Eco Farm, or The Pub With Cold Beer. These locations offer a wide range of activities, from dining and sightseeing to farming alongside locals.
If you’ve already explored the caves in Phong Nha and Tu Lan of Quang Binh, dedicate a day to experiencing Bong Lai. This area promises a refreshing change, fostering a love for nature and moments of connection with the countryside.
Attractions in Bong Lai Valley
O O Lake Silence
Located in the heart of a serene lake surrounded by pine-covered mountains, O O Lake Silence features a small dune beautifully designed as a romantic stopover. The bar is decorated with unique furniture and simple yet stylish swings strategically placed for picturesque moments. With greenery and vibrant flowers blooming year-round, the venue is perfect for photography. Drinks are uniformly priced at 15,000 VND, and the bar is famous for its delicious grilled pasture-raised chicken served with steamed sticky rice, priced between 250,000–300,000 VND. Entry is free.
Love Valley
Once a deserted lowland with hilly sections, Love Valley has become a captivating destination in Bong Lai Valley. With rustic leaf huts, enclosures for horses, ostriches, and rabbits, and vibrant displays of hydrangeas, sunflowers, and marigolds, the valley shines brightly. Visitors can enjoy sightseeing, unique experiences, relaxation, and dining here. Entrance fees range from 30,000–50,000 VND per person.
The Pub With Cold Beer
As its name suggests, this eatery is renowned for its grilled chicken and cold beer. The spacious and airy venue, featuring rustic thatched houses nestled amid lush green valleys, offers an ideal spot to relax with friends and family after a day of exploring Bong Lai Valley. The friendliness and hospitality of the young couple who own the establishment make it hard to leave. Food and drinks here are fresh and reasonably priced, with a menu tailored to your preferences.
What to do in Bong Lai Valley
When visiting Bong Lai Valley, you can join the local residents and farm owners to enjoy fascinating activities such as:
Farming with the locals of Bong Lai
In Bong Lai, the charming local farms are perfect places if you want to try farming activities with the villagers. You can plant vegetables, weed the garden, grow flowers, or even engage in more exciting tasks like plowing fields, cutting grass for cattle, feeding ducks, or collecting eggs. You are free to choose any farm in the village to experience these activities. These moments spent with the locals will surely be unforgettable, and your smiles will shine even brighter in the photos you take. Prices for this activity range from 50,000 to 150,000 VND.
Try adventure games and enjoy swimming
Dare yourself with an adrenaline-pumping experience on the Bali Swing, where you’ll swing high into the air while taking in the breathtaking view of endless mountain ranges. You can also enjoy horseback riding on beautiful white horses as you roam around the farms, cycle through Bong Lai Village, bathe in the stream at Bong Lai Rattan House, or take a ride on an ox cart to explore the endless flower fields. Prices for these activities range from 50,000 to 100,000 VND.
Savor delicious local dishes
Bong Lai is renowned for its signature dish: grilled chicken served with sticky rice. Other mouthwatering dishes include cold beer, grilled pork, fresh vegetables, and more. All these dishes are homemade by the locals to serve tourists, ensuring freshness and high quality. Regardless of when you visit, you’ll be warmly welcomed and well-served. Prices range from 15,000 to 300,000 VND.
Capture stunning moments in nature
The scenery in Bong Lai is as beautiful and poetic as its name suggests. In Vietnamese, Bong Lai refers to Mount Penglai, a place in Chinese mythology believed to be the residence of fairies, renowned for its breathtaking and enchanting scenery. Mountains, rivers, and peaceful countryside create a picture-perfect setting. The locals, who cherish nature, take great care in nurturing the greenery around them. When you visit Bong Lai, be sure to bring your camera to capture amazing “check-in” moments. You’ll leave with a stunning collection of photos to share with friends.
Visit Bong Lai Parish Church
Bong Lai is home to over 50 Catholic households, and the Bong Lai Parish Church is a highlight of the area. Built in Western architectural style, the church becomes particularly enchanting during Christmas when it’s adorned with shimmering lights. If you visit Bong Lai during the holiday season, don’t miss the chance to visit the church to soak in the warm Christmas atmosphere and join the festive celebrations with the locals.
Best time to visit Bong Lai Valley
Spring and summer are the ideal times to visit Bong Lai Valley. During these seasons, the weather is pleasantly sunny and cool, trees are budding, and flowers bloom. Bong Lai rivals Da Lat in beauty and vitality. Winter, on the other hand, sees fewer visitors, making it the perfect time for locals to plant flowers, renovate farms, and prepare eco-tourism spots for the upcoming spring season.
Where to stay in Bong Lai Valley
Some farms in Bong Lai offer accommodations for visitors, with prices ranging from 150,000 to 250,000 VND per room. These options are easy to find upon arrival.
If you prefer higher-end accommodations, you can head to Phong Nha-Ke Bang, about 18 km from Bong Lai Valley. Here are some recommended places to stay:
- Phong Nha Lake House Resort
- Commander Lodge (previously Son Doong Bungalow)
- Phong Nha Dawn Home
Address: Phong Nha Town, Bo Trach District, Quang Binh.
Prices range from 350,000 to 1,500,000 VND.
What to eat in Bong Lai Valley
- Grilled chicken
- Grilled meat
- Mon Tam (a local dish)
- Sticky rice served with peanut salt
- Grilled fish
- Grilled shrimp
How to get to Bong Lai Valley
Bong Lai Valley is located in Hung Trach Commune, Bo Trach District. If you start from Dong Hoi City, take the Ho Chi Minh Road heading west toward Phong Nha-Ke Bang. After traveling 25 km, you will find clear signposts guiding you to the valley. Starting from Phong Nha, head east along the Ho Chi Minh Road for about 17 km to reach Bong Lai.
The road leading to Bong Lai Valley from the Ho Chi Minh Trail is narrow and winding. Therefore, phongnhainfo.com recommends using vehicles such as 4-6 seater cars or motorbikes. For larger vehicles (24 seats or more), you will need to park outside the highway and rent smaller vehicles to reach the valley.
Once a barren land, Bong Lai Valley has now transformed into a prosperous area with stunning natural landscapes. The locals of Bong Lai, who cherish nature and are known for their hospitality, welcome visitors who love exploring, want to discover new things, or wish to experience the life of a farmer. A visit here will surely rejuvenate you after days of bustling city life and stress. On your journey to explore Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, make a stop at Bong Lai Valley to let your soul find peace and serenity.
