Vietnamese cave explorer, 12-year-old daughter conquer 300-meter waterfall in Hue

"The greatest value of the journey was not conquering a trail or a waterfall, but having the opportunity for my daughter and me to experience it together, overcome challenges together, and witness each other's growth,” Dung told Tuoi Tre Online.

Located within Bach Ma National Park, Do Quyen Waterfall is named after the vibrant rhododendron flowers that bloom in the surrounding forest.

Despite its delicate name, the waterfall is renowned for its dramatic scenery and is considered one of Vietnam's most demanding trekking routes.

As a veteran cave explorer and founder of Jungle Boss, an adventure tourism company specializing in adventure tourism in Vietnam, Dung has spent years exploring forests, caves, and some of the world's most challenging trekking routes and caverns.

Yet this marked the first time he had taken on such a demanding adventure with his daughter.

Together, the father and daughter tackled a series of physically demanding obstacles, including a 130-meter Via Ferrata climbing route with a suspension ladder, a 301-step climbing route ascending 150 meters, an 85-meter zipline across the waterfall, and a 200-meter canyoning descent.

"I've always wanted my daughter to grow up surrounded by nature rather than phone screens or electronic devices," Dung said.

"My goal has never been for her to become an explorer or follow in my footsteps.

“I simply hope that every journey teaches her to become more independent, appreciate nature, care for others, overcome difficulties, and treasure the simple things in life."

Although Ngoc had accompanied her father on many work trips before, this was the first time she had genuinely participated in a forest trek and tackled such a technically demanding route.

Before the trip, Dung's biggest concern was his daughter's physical endurance, as the activities at Do Quyen Waterfall require continuous movement and sustained concentration throughout the journey.

Weather conditions in the area could also significantly affect the experience.

However, Ngoc's composure and determination surprised even her father, a seasoned cave explorer.

The journey was not without difficulties. At some points, the 12-year-old burst into tears after realizing the obstacles were far more challenging than she had imagined.

Encouraged by her father, supported by the guiding team, and driven by her own steadfastness, Ngoc regained her composure, continued the expedition, and successfully completed every challenge.