DUONG CAM CANYONING & BRU VAN KIEU EXPERIENCE 2D1N

Not many people know that Quang Binh province owns a natural treasure called Dong Chau - Khe Nuoc Trong Nature Reserve. Nestled in the southwest of Quang Binh province, this hidden gem is known for its breathtaking beauty and rich biodiversity. It is a tropical rainforest with a variety of flora and fauna, including many rare and endangered species. The reserve is also home to a number of historical sites, dating back to the Vietnam War.

If you truly want to immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of this enchanting place, embark on the Canyoning Duong Cam Waterfall experience. This adventure will take you on a thrilling journey through the reserve's rugged terrain, where you can witness the majestic waterfall in all its glory. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or simply seeking a unique way to connect with nature, this canyoning experience is guaranteed to leave you breathless.

But the trip to Dong Chau – Khe Nuoc Trong Nature Reserve don't end there. This is also an opportunity to learn more about the Bru Van Kieu ethnic group, one of the few native groups residing in the Annamite Range in Central Vietnam. By immersing yourself in their culture, you'll gain a deeper understanding of their way of life and traditions. From their vibrant festivals to their unique customs, the Bru Van Kieu people offer a fascinating glimpse into a world that is often overlooked.

Tour highlights:

• Canyoning the Duong Cam waterfall with a height of 100 meters

• Trekking through the jungle and along the river with the distance of 8km

• Trekking with slope over 500 meters in a primary forest of Western Annamite Range

• Walk along streams, occasionally swimming in the deep forest.

• One night stay at Rum Ho village and learn about Bru-Van Kieu Ethnic people

 Itinerary:

Day 1:

8:00 a.m-8:30 a.m: Our car and English – speaking tourguide pick up you from your hotel in Dong Hoi or your meeting point in Dong Hoi. 

10:00 a.m: The journey will go through Ho Chi Minh Highway. On the way, the tourguide will introduce the historical places, share with you the tour programs and the safety rules.
10:00 a.m – 10:45 a.m: Arrive at Cau Khi Ranger Station, get yourself ready for the adventure ahead. You will be provided with life jacket, helmet, headlamp, gloves and rubber sandals. Get back on the road and head to the trekking point.

10:45 am- 11:00a.m: Start walking downhill with a slope of 40 degrees, the height difference is up to 400 meters. Please be prepared for it as you will have to use your lower body quite a lot.

Please check Ian Taylor’s article for some tips of proper training for downhill hiking.

12:00 – 1:00pm: Having a picnic lunch next to Toc Tien waterfall (means Angel’s hair). Get some refreshments.
1:00pm – 2:30 p.m: Trekking along the stream. There are several baby waterfalls along the way for you to get used to canyoning process and get ready for the big challenge.

2:30p.m – 4:00 p.m: Highlight of the day: conquering the Duong Cam waterfall with a height of 100 meters. What else do you expect after a long hard trekking path? An exquisite waterfall is now in front of you and soothe your eyes, your feet and your soul. Take your time to immerse yourself in the Zen state, feel the nature and express your gratefulness to Mother Nature.
After getting lost in the natural charm, it’s time to be adventurous again. Grab your harness and carabiners, set your adrenaline at the highest level and enjoy every single step on the waterfall. Nothing can beat this moment.

4:00 p.m – 4:30 p.m: When all members reach the top of the waterfall, trek uphill to get the trailhead where cold beers and drinks are waiting for you as a reward. Cheers for your amazing jobs. Jump on the car which takes you to Rum Ho Village where only 16 families of Bru - Van Kieu people are living. Another exciting experience is waiting for you here.

5:00p.m: Arriving at homestay, have a shower, take a rest before having dinner.

7:00p.m: Enjoy Sala-styled dinner: Most of the containers of the food are made of jungle leaves. Have a chit chat with the host of the homestay and learn more about their life.

After dinner, lend the host a hand to make the Ayoh cake. Finally, relax after a long day trekking.  

Day 2:

6:00: Get up early and get ready for the new day. Swim at the spring.

7:30: Breakfast.  

8:30: Learn about Bru Van Kieu ethnics’s worship ritual towards living souls, and natural remedies and herbs used by Bru Van Kieu Ethnics.

Enjoy Ayoh cake.

11:00: Lunch

12:00: Check out. Our car will take you back to Dong Hoi. Tour ends.

What to bring:

• 1 set of quick dry long sleeved shirt and long pants used for the trek

• Clothes to wear at the homestay

• 1 pair of good quality climbing shoes (You should not use waterproof shoes because water cannot drain easily causing unsafety and discomfort during trekking)

• 1 pair of calf-length and thick socks

• Medication: Oral rehydration tablets (electrolytes) and necessary personal medications.

• Personal items: mosquito/ insect repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, camera.

• Waterproof container for your phones and cameras.

 What we provide:

• Safety equipments: cavinghelmets, gloves, life jackets, harnesses.

• Hand sanitary gel

• Rubber sandals (size 36 to 46)

• Basic first aid kids.

• Safety lockers at office

Inclusions:

• Pick-up and drop-off from Dong Hoi

• One-night stay at Rum Ho village

• Drinking water

• Meals: Lunch and dinner (Day 1), breakfast and lunch (Day 2). Vegan/ Vegetarian is upon request.

• Professional tour guide, safety assistants and porters.

• Safety equipment as mentioned above.

•  Natural Reserve Entrance fee

Travel Insurance: maximum compensation of VND 10,000,000/ case.

Exclusions:

-       Gratuity for tour guide and service team.

-       Extra drinks/ snacks not mentioned above.

Terms of tour cancellation:

 To confirm the booking, you will be asked to pay 100% of the tour price.

You may cancel the trip 14 days prior to the departure date and receive a full refund.

If the cancellation is made less than 13 days but more than 7 days prior to the departure day, 50% refund will be made. For cancellations less than 7 days before the tour date, no refund will be given. Please check more about Terms and Conditions.

FAQs

1.     Why do I have to sign the Release Form

We require customers to sign our Release Form to confirm that they accept this is an adventure tour and they have to follow our guide’s instructions and safety rules. Customers also accept that they have some responsibilities for their own safety and environment protection.

2.     How can I protect my electronic devices when crossing rivers, swimming or canyoning?

All electronic devices will be collected and stored in a dry box (25cm high, 15cm diameter) by our tour guide before swimming. Please bring your own dry-box or dry-bag if you have really big cameras, just to make sure! Also, please note that you will carry the camera by yourself if you have a professional and big camera, the same for its tripod.

3.     Do I need to know how to rappel/ abseil for this tour?

You DO NOT need any prior experience in rappelling/abseiling. However, before you do the abseil you will have a short practice with the equipment and full instructions and support from our qualified guide & safety team.

4.     Should I bring a swimsuit?

You will have chance to swim at lunch place and before the canyoning so please bring the swimsuit for the first day. On the Day 2, you will have time to swim at the stream nearby the homestay; however, you are instructed how to swim in the Bru-Van Kieu style so a swimwear isn’t necessary this time. If you still prefer to use your swimsuit (especially bikinis), we request you not to walk or lounge around for the respect of the villagers. Swimwear can only be used for the stream.

5.     Will I need trekking poles?

If you get used to trekking poles, please bring them with you.