Vietnamese rural valley enchants foreign tourists

Under the national merging strategy, which took effect on July 1, the new Quang Tri Province was formed by merging Quang Binh and Quang Tri Provinces.

Bong Lai offers an idyllic rural charm that has captivated visitors from around the world.

From simple duck farm to unforgettable experience

One of the valley's most beloved attractions is The Duck Stop, which began as a humble duck farm owned by a local resident.

Its transformation into a tourist hotspot was almost accidental. One day, a group of travelers passing by the farm noticed the playful ducks wandering the yard and asked to take photos.

This spontaneous interaction sparked an idea that was turning the farm into a fun and interactive tourist destination.

The Duck Stop is currently home to more than 120 ducks.

Visitors are treated to such experiences as feeding the ducks, playing with them, and enjoying duck massage, a lighthearted service where ducks gently nibble at feet sprinkled with grain.

Piter, a traveler from the UK, returned to Phong Nha for the second time and made The Duck Stop his first stop.

This time, he brought friends along to share the experience.

Armed with bags of grain, the group soon found themselves surrounded by eager ducks in a lively, joyful feeding frenzy.

Another group of foreign tourists had the chance to try the signature duck 'spa.'

With a handful of grain sprinkled on their feet, dozens of ducks quickly gathered, pecking gently and creating a unique foot massage experience.

The soft feathers brushing against the skin added an unexpected touch of comfort and delight.

The entire session, lasting about 30 minutes, provided guests not just with relaxation but also laughter and unforgettable memories.

"This is a rustic, peaceful feeling that we rarely get to experience," Piter shared.

Embracing relaxing pace of life

What draws many visitors to Bong Lai Valley is not just the quirky charm of The Duck Stop, but the valley's overall sense of calm and simplicity.

With its green fields, winding village roads, and fresh air, the valley offers an authentic glimpse into rural Vietnamese life.

Beyond the ducks, another favorite activity is riding buffalo alongside local farmers.

These gentle giants, long trusted companions of Vietnamese farmers, now bring joy to visitors eager to try something new.

Sitting atop a buffalo grazing lazily in the fields, foreign tourists often forget the noise and stress of urban life.

Walking through the village lanes of Bong Lai Valley, visitors are enveloped in the sounds of chirping birds and the rhythm of daily life.

For those interested in agriculture, nearby farms welcome guests to learn about local farming and animal husbandry practices.

"I only truly feel the value of life when immersed in the peaceful atmosphere of the countryside," said Tang Hoang, a visitor from Hanoi.

"We've been caught up in the daily hustle for so long that we forget how soothing it is to slow down and just breathe."