Bong Lai Valley, Phong Nha - Ke Bang - review by Rusty Compass
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Bong Lai Valley, Phong Nha - Ke Bang

| 22 Jun 2018
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Bong Lai Valley, Phong Nha - Ke Bang

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22 Jun 2018

The Bong Lai Valley hit the tourist maps because of Phong Nha Farmstay. The Farmstay was one of the first cool places to stay in the Phong Nha area and it’s located right by the valley. Ben and Bich, the owners, have developed the valley as a place to explore local rural life. Even if you’re not staying at the Farmstay, the valley is worth a half or full day.

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A popular backpacker trail has developed around the Bong Lai Valley with stops like The Pub with Cold Beer, The Duck Stop and the Wild Boar Eco Farm. All these places serve food and drinks and some offer river swimming and kayaking.

The highlight for me was cycling around the valley and surrounds. It’s lovely, photogenic country with friendly locals. The area is mostly Catholic and you’ll see churches everywhere as you explore.

Ben from Phong Nha Farmstay invited me to lunch at a place called Moi Moi where we had a chicken barbecued local style. It was spectacular - as were the accompanying dishes. There’s not much English spoken at Moi Moi but leave it to the family owners and they’ll look after you. Ask for chicken, rice and vegetables. It was the best meal I had in Phong Nha - and I ate well elsewhere too.

The Bong Lai Valley is around 10km of easy cycling from Phong Nha town (Son Trach). You can spend 1/2 a day cycling and longer if you have lunch and want to visit some of the backpacker haunts. 

Disclosure
Ben from Phong Nha Farmstay covered lunch at Moi Moi Restaurant and I stayed 2 nights at a discounted rate (around 50% off) and paid for drinks and meals.

Mark Bowyer
Mark Bowyer is the founder and publisher of Rusty Compass.
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