Pristine and fascinating destinations
Amidst the deep forest, Mo Waterfall in Hoa Hop commune (now Kim Dien commune) retains its pristine beauty, a harmonious blend of water, rock, and forest. Its main stream forms a natural pool of about 500m², which serves as a natural swimming area for tourists and locals. In addition to its untouched beauty, according to local legend, Mo Waterfall is tied to a mysterious story involving the patriotic King Ham Nghi.
Travelling southward along the western branch of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, one enters the old-growth forests of Truong Son commune, where a network of streams and caves offers ideal conditions for eco-tourism development. Notable among them are the Cha Rao and Cha Cung streams, along with a series of stunning caves near the upper reaches of the Long Dai River.
While Cha Rao is located right on the route from the commune centre to Cay Ca hamlet, to reach the bathing area and Cha Cung waterfall, visitors must walk several hundred metres along a stream under the forest canopy.
Nearby, several other locations such as Duong Cam Waterfall in Kim Thuy commune (now Kim Ngan commune) and Cold Water Stream in Truong Xuan (now Truong Son commune) are also becoming popular among young tourists seeking adventure and immersive experiences.
Awakening potential of streams
During the 2025 tourism season, alongside cave tours and seaside resorts, many tourists visiting the former Quang Binh Province are opting for a more unconventional choice — exploring the region’s beautiful streams.
During this sweltering summer, these destinations have been operating at full capacity, yet they still fall short of meeting the growing demand from tourists and nature-loving locals seeking outdoor experiences.
In addition to their picturesque natural settings, these streams and creeks offer ideal destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), kayaking, or simply unwind by immersing themselves in the cool, refreshing water. They can also go fishing in peaceful surroundings or take part in a variety of fun water sports.
For those drawn to discovery, a trek through the untouched forest with an ethnic minority guide promises encounters with pristine, mysterious corners of the jungle you’ve likely never set foot in.
However, most of these destinations remain largely untapped and have been developed on a trial basis. As such, they lack proper infrastructure, dedicated tourism products, and, most notably, are not well integrated with other major tourist attractions in the province.
Many areas in the western part of the former Quang Binh Province hold enormous potential for eco-tourism and are highly sought after by young travellers from both within and outside the province. However, these areas are located within special-use or protective forests, which makes it difficult — if not impossible — to complete the legal procedures necessary for infrastructure development or to open official tours and routes, said Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the Quang Tri Department of Tourism.
Moreover, being situated in border areas, access for the general public remains challenging, especially for international visitors, who must undergo complex procedures and obtain permission from competent authorities to enter these land-border zones.
The former Quang Binh authorities have permitted businesses to invest in or pilot tourism products focused on streams, waterfalls, and creeks — combining community-based tourism with cultural discovery and immersive experiences among ethnic minority communities. Initial results suggest that these new products are quite appealing to visitors, though some elements still require refinement for better service.
Streams and creeks in the central region, including those in the former Quang Binh area, are extraordinarily beautiful, unspoiled, and full of mystery during the summer — inviting exploration. Yet during the flood season, they can become dangerous, with swift currents capable of washing away infrastructure in tourism areas.
To develop this form of eco-tourism sustainably, experts recommend that Quang Tri Province conduct surveys and categorise streams and waterfalls based on their attractiveness and accessibility. Priority should then be given to those most suitable for eco-tourism, integrated with environmental education. Infrastructure should be developed to an appropriate extent, using environmentally friendly materials and ensuring that the natural landscape is not harmed during construction.
Based on his company’s experience, Tran Xuan Cuong, Director of Netin Tourism Company, believes that sustainable eco-tourism must involve training and employing local people as guides, porters, homestay hosts, and providers of traditional cuisine.
Another key factor is the creation of integrated tours that connect stream and waterfall adventures with cave exploration, village visits, and cultural experiences with the Bru – Van Kieu ethnic minority. In addition, digital technology should be used to promote and map these destinations through media, digital platforms, and social networks — presenting the natural beauty of the former Quang Binh in a modern and youth-friendly way.
Despite challenges, for many young travellers, the beautiful streams and waterfalls of the former Quang Binh have truly become a must-visit destination — offering a peaceful escape into nature and exciting opportunities for self-discovery through outdoor activities.
