Dung Village is a recreation and cultural experience destination located just outside the center of Dong Hoi. Only a 10- 15-minute drive from downtown, it offers a peaceful setting inspired by the traditional villages of Central Vietnam. Dung Village invites travelers to step into a rural landscape of bamboo bridges, vegetable gardens, ponds, and traditional folk games. For travelers arriving in Dong Hoi by plane or train before continuing to Phong Nha, Dung Village makes an ideal half-day stop to experience the local culture and countryside.
Dung Village recreates the traditional countryside of north-central Vietnam
Located in Quang Tri (formerly Quang Binh), Dung Village offers an authentic countryside experience where traditional architecture, natural landscapes, and rural life come together in one peaceful setting.
Traditional architecture and rural landscapes
Dung Village recreates the timeless charm of a traditional North Central Vietnam village. Thatched-roof houses, simple bamboo walls, narrow paths winding through vegetable gardens, and bamboo bridges stretching across quiet ponds reflect the region's familiar rural scenery. In the late afternoon, wisps of cooking smoke drifting through the village add to its peaceful atmosphere, bringing back memories of a slower, simpler way of life.
Scenes of traditional rural life
The village is brought to life through scenes of everyday rural life. Women dressed in “áo bà ba” carry flower baskets and shoulder poles of rice across bamboo bridges with graceful, steady steps. Horses roam nearby, while rabbits nibble fresh leaves in simple wooden pens, eagerly gathering when visitors come to feed them. Around the village, small market stalls, farmers threshing rice, and water buffalo grazing in the fields recreate the familiar rhythm of traditional countryside life.
A meaningful rural experience
Dung Village offers a rewarding experience for families with children, groups of friends, and travelers interested in Vietnam's rural culture. Children can cross bamboo bridges, feed the horses, wander through vegetable gardens, cool off in the water, and play on swaying suspension bridges. Familiar scenes once found only in storybooks or school lessons become real, offering younger generations a chance to experience the simple charm of the countryside firsthand.
Things to do at Dung Village
Beyond exploring the village and its peaceful rural setting, travelers can enjoy a variety of light outdoor activities and traditional games.
Traditional folk games
Classic folk games such as bamboo balance bridges, monkey bridges, swinging bridges, and boat rowing offer more than simple entertainment. They reflect the everyday games once enjoyed by children growing up in the Vietnamese countryside. Each challenge calls for balance and coordination to avoid falling into the water, while the inevitable splash often becomes the most memorable part of the experience.
Outdoor challenge activities
For those seeking a more active experience, Dung Village offers a range of fun physical challenges that are exciting yet suitable for all ages.
One of the highlights is cycling across a narrow bamboo bridge over the water. Equipped with life jackets and safety gear, participants ride carefully across the slippery bridge, testing their balance and coordination. On land, an artificial climbing wall set beneath the trees challenges visitors to climb using fixed handholds before reaching a safe platform above the ground.
Children's play area
The children's play area features simple outdoor activities, including balance beams, rope climbing nets, and suspended balance obstacles. Designed to encourage free play, these activities help children explore, build confidence, and enjoy the outdoors.
At the animal area, children can feed horses and rabbits while observing them up close. Horse riding through the village garden is also available, adding another memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
Fishing at Bau Dung Lake
Dung Village also features a fishing lake for anglers seeking a relaxing outdoor experience. Covering around 40,000 square meters, Bau Dung Lake is home to many species of fish, including grass carp, pomfret, snakehead fish, tilapia, and silver carp. Some fish have lived in the lake for more than ten years, with several weighing over 10 kilograms.
Anglers fish from simple thatched huts built along the lake, shaded by roofs and umbrellas while enjoying natural breezes and peaceful countryside views. Fishing tickets cost around VND 200,000 per person, with opening hours from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Visitors are asked to use a single fishing rod and dough bait. Reel rods and animal-based bait, such as worms or insects, are not encouraged. An additional fee of VND 200,000 applies for a second fishing rod.
Dining and relaxation at Dung Village
Dining at Dung Village reflects the comforting flavors of Vietnamese home cooking, complemented by a peaceful lakeside setting. Rustic thatched huts overlooking the water provide a relaxing place to enjoy a meal while taking in the fresh air and quiet countryside surroundings.
The menu features a variety of local specialties, including grilled chicken, chao canh (Quang Binh-style noodle soup), crispy spring rolls, braised fish, and stir-fried vegetables. Prices range from VND 50,000 to VND 380,000, offering options for different budgets.
For groups, the signature grilled platters include grilled meats, Dung Village chicken, sticky rice with peanuts, fish cakes, and other local dishes. Set meals serve 2 to 10 people, with prices ranging from VND 280,000 to VND 1,200,000.
Entrance fees at Dung Village
Dung Village offers affordable admission, making it suitable for families, groups, and day travelers.
- Adults: VND 70,000 per person
- Seniors: VND 50,000 per person (a valid ID is required)
- Children under 1.3 meters: Free admission
- Groups of 10 or more: 10% discount on total admission fees
Best time to explore Dung Village
The best time to visit Dung Village is from March to August, when Quang Tri enjoys sunny weather, low rainfall, and pleasant conditions for outdoor activities. Between September and February, travelers are advised to check the weather forecast and choose dry days for the best experience.
Most visitors spend 2 - 3 hours exploring the village and enjoying its activities. A morning visit or an afternoon trip from around 3:00 PM offers a comfortable time to explore.
Families visiting with young children should bring hats, sunscreen, and drinking water. Adult supervision is also recommended, especially near the lake and outdoor play areas.
How to get to Dung Village
Dung Village is about 7.6 km from Dong Hoi Railway Station, 12 km from Dong Hoi Airport, and 12 km from Nhat Le Beach, making it an easy stop on a day trip around Dong Hoi or before continuing to Phong Nha. From downtown Dong Hoi, follow Ho Chi Minh Road. At the Thuan Duc Gateway intersection, next to Me Thai Grocery Store and Di Lan Grocery Store, turn into the village entrance and continue for about 1 km to reach Dung Village.
Travelers can reach Dung Village by motorbike, private car, taxi, or ride-hailing services such as Grab and Green SM in approximately 15 - 20 minutes.
Places to visit near Dung Village
Thanks to its convenient location, Dung Village can easily be combined with many of the top attractions in Dong Hoi and Phong Nha. Travelers can plan a flexible itinerary based on their interests and available time.
Attractions in Downtown Dong Hoi
Around 10 km from Dung Village, several cultural and historical landmarks are worth visiting:
- Me Suot Monument on the banks of the Nhat Le River honors the heroic Vietnamese mother who ferried soldiers and supplies across the river during the war.
- Dong Hoi Citadel preserves the historical legacy of the Trinh - Nguyen period and the city's defensive past.
- Quang Tri Museum, located beside the citadel, showcases archaeological collections, historical artifacts, and exhibits highlighting the region's cultural heritage.
- Dong Hoi Market is a great place to sample local specialties such as banh bot loc (tapioca dumplings), banh beo with crispy shrimp, and banh nam (steamed rice cakes).
Nhat Le Beach
Located 12 km from Dung Village and about 2 km from downtown Dong Hoi, Nhat Le Beach is an ideal place to unwind after a day of exploring. Its soft white sand, clear blue water, and open coastal scenery make it perfect for swimming, relaxing by the sea, and enjoying fresh seafood as the waterfront comes alive in the evening.
Quang Phu Sand Dunes
About 17 km from Dung Village, Quang Phu Sand Dunes offer a striking contrast to the lush countryside. Rolling white sand hills create a unique coastal landscape where visitors can try sandboarding, ride an ATV, capture scenic photos, or simply enjoy the views at sunrise or sunset.
Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park
From Dung Village, travelers can continue about 42 km to Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, where ancient forests, spectacular caves, and nature-based adventures await.
- Phong Nha Cave: Travelers take a boat along the Son River to reach the cave entrance, then explore its impressive river cave system on foot via wooden walkways.
- Phong Nha Caves Exploration Museum: This interactive museum showcases the history of cave exploration in Phong Nha - Ke Bang through original expedition photographs, maps, equipment, and documentary exhibits. Its highlight is the 5D VR Son Doong Expedition, where immersive visuals and special effects recreate the journey through the world's largest cave.
- Paradise Cave: Recognized as Asia's longest dry cave and home to one of the continent's most spectacular stalactite and stalagmite systems, Paradise Cave offers a scenic forest walk followed by a journey through vast underground chambers filled with remarkable rock formations.
- Oxalis Adventure Cave Tours: Travelers looking for a deeper adventure can join Oxalis expeditions. For example, Son Doong Cave, the Hang Ba cave system, Hang En, Hang Va, Hang Nuoc Nut, and the Tu Lan cave system in Tan Hoa. Each tour combines jungle trekking, underground river crossings, cave exploration, and camping in the forest or inside caves. Every expedition follows a different route, offering a unique way to experience the spectacular landscapes of Phong Nha - Ke Bang.
- Commander Cave Museum: This remarkable seven-storey cave, built largely by hand, once served as the strategic headquarters and logistics hub of the Ho Chi Minh Trail during wartime in Vietnam. Today, travelers can explore restored wartime spaces and gain insight into the daily lives of the soldiers who operated along this vital supply route.
- Adventure Parks in Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park: Travelers can enjoy kayaking, ziplining, swimming in natural streams, tackling treetop obstacle courses, or taking a mud bath in Dark Cave. Depending on their interests, they can choose between Dark Cave for cave adventures, Mooc Spring for scenic boardwalks and freshwater swimming, or Ozo Park for its treetop activities and forest games.
Where to stay when visiting Dung Village
Travelers visiting Dung Village can choose from a variety of accommodations, depending on their travel style and itinerary.
- Hotels in Downtown Dong Hoi: Most hotels are located along the Nhat Le River, Nhat Le Beach, and the Bao Ninh coastal resort area, about 10 km from Dung Village. Options range from budget-friendly hotels to luxury resorts, with easy access to restaurants, beaches, and the city's main attractions.
- Blue Diamond Retreat (about 20 km from Phong Nha): Nestled among forests and natural streams, Blue Diamond Retreat offers a peaceful nature escape with comfortable accommodation and professional services. Travelers can also enjoy kayaking, swimming, boat cruises on Blue Stream, forest walks, and local cultural experiences.
- Chay Lap Farmstay (about 24 km from Phong Nha): Surrounded by mountains and rural landscapes, Chay Lap Farmstay provides a tranquil countryside setting close to nature. It also offers convenient access to nearby attractions, including Dark Cave (3 km), Mooc Spring (6 km), and Paradise Cave (10 km).
Community tourism at Dung Village
Beyond being a recreational destination, Dung Village is a community-based tourism model that supports local livelihoods and preserves rural heritage. By showcasing traditional architecture, local cuisine, and cultural activities, it helps keep the region's traditions alive while creating stable employment opportunities for local residents. At the same time, Dung Village promotes responsible tourism by encouraging meaningful connections between travelers, local communities, and the natural environment.
