Vietnam’s Quang Tri to open 2,000ha ancient forest, ethnic village to eco-tourism

The Calocedrus rupestris Aver. forest in this area, which spans more than 2,000 hectares and is estimated to be about 500 years old, was first discovered in 2004.

The project is led by the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park Management Board, covering subzones 645, 643, and 288A in Thuong Trach Commune.

With a total investment of VND4.29 billion (around US$163,000) under a joint venture model, it is expected to run until 2030.

Three tours lasting one to three days are expected to be introduced, featuring visits to the ancient forest, Kling Cave, Ruc Ca Roong Cave, A Cu Cave, and the Arem ethnic village.

Arem Village is home to the Arem people, one of Vietnam’s smallest ethnic communities.

Once living in deep mountain caves within Phong Nha - Ke Bang, the Arem have now settled in the village while preserving their language, traditions, and cultural practices closely tied to the Truong Son mountains.

The provincial People’s Committee has requested the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park to select qualified partners in accordance with legal regulations.

When the partnership period ends, the operators must report to the People’s Committee for review and possible renewal.

Investors will only be allowed to build temporary structures such as camps, safety ropes, and mobile toilets to ensure visitor safety without affecting the forest environment.

The project aims to promote sustainable eco-tourism, create jobs, increase local incomes, and contribute to the provincial budget.

Calocedrus rupestris Aver. is a large evergreen tree species with strong roots that cling tightly to limestone rocks.

In Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, the species mainly grows on limestone mountains within strictly protected zones at altitudes from 572 meters and above, most abundantly between 600 and 800 meters.