My name is Niall, the host of A Vietnam Podcast. My guest and I share our stories, insights, and experiences about Vietnam in this podcast.
This is the next episode of my journey in Phong Nha. In today’s post, I will take you through magnificent caves in Phong Nha and some unforgettable moments.
Exploring Phong Nha by Boat: A Journey into Vietnam’s Hidden Wonder
Phong Nha had been on my travel bucket list for ages, and finally, the day arrived. After a warm welcome from Ben at Phong Nha Farmstay and a quick village walk, we hopped on a scooter, eager to see what this stunning region had to offer. Our first stop was Phong Nha Cave. This cave can only be accessed by boat, and as we arrived at the ticket counter, we were buzzing with excitement. Ben had suggested we rent a boat for ourselves rather than sharing it with others. It was a bit pricier—about 550,000 dong—but it meant we wouldn’t be at the mercy of other travelers’ schedules.
Phong Nha Cave
The journey to the cave was peaceful, with the gentle hum of the boat cutting through the river’s stillness. As we approached, the cave entrance looked like a small, unassuming hole in the rock. But once inside, the cavern opened up into a massive space, revealing breathtaking formations that have taken millions of years to form.
As we traveled through the cave, we also noticed the boat operators—strong Vietnamese women effortlessly rowing us through the currents. It was impressive to see them at work, breaking stereotypes and proving just how tough they are. They weren’t just rowing; they were navigating us through one of Vietnam’s most remarkable landscapes, making our experience even more special.
I think you should watch the video to see how amazing it is. It took us a while to find adjectives to describe this beauty.
A True Farm-to-Table Experience
After our cave adventure, we had one thing on our minds—food. Ben had recommended The Pub with Cold Beer, a well-known spot in Phong Nha where we could try their famous roasted chicken. You had to pre-order it in advance because it took two hours to prepare. Ben had assured us that he’d ordered our meal for 1 PM, so by the time we arrived at 1:30, it should have been ready and waiting for us. Or so we thought.
A Reality Check in Farm-to-Table Dining
We pulled up to the restaurant and we were being led to the back of the restaurant, where a group of locals stood around a wooden enclosure. That’s when it hit us. The chicken wasn’t ready. The chicken was still alive.
I’d assumed that pre-ordering meant they would have the chicken already cooked and waiting for us. But no—pre-ordering simply meant that they had reserved a live chicken for us. And now, they were about to prepare it. Right in front of us.
From Shock to Feast
The chicken was now cooking over an open flame, and the smell was incredible. The kitchen was simple—just a few hot coals, some spices, and the freshest ingredients you could imagine. Within minutes, the golden-brown chicken was plated up and served with a side of fresh vegetables, a tangy green sauce, and a peanut-based dipping sauce that smelled amazing.
But as soon as we took our first bite, we knew one thing for sure—this was the freshest, most flavorful chicken we had ever eaten. The meat was a little tougher than store-bought chicken, but that was because it was real, not factory-farmed and pumped with additives. The spices and sauces paired perfectly with it, and every bite was packed with flavor.
By the time we finished, I had completely forgotten about my earlier queasiness. I had gone from feeling overwhelmed to appreciating just how special this experience was. This wasn’t just a meal—this was a rare and authentic glimpse into rural Vietnamese life. It was one of those moments that made traveling so incredible.
The Duck Stop: A Hilarious and Bizarre Experience
After our unforgettable farm-to-table meal, we jumped back on the bike and headed toward something called The Duck Stop. We had read some vague descriptions online—mentions of a duck massage and a buffalo named Donald Trump, but we had no idea what to expect.
As we rode through the Bong Lai Valley, I was focused on navigating the bumpy roads while Adrie sat behind me, enjoying the view. This was always the case—wherever we went, I had to keep my eyes locked on the road while she got to take in the scenery. It was fine, but sometimes I wished I could look around more instead of worrying about crashing into a pothole.
When we got there, the staff greeted us and handed us some special shoes to wear. That should have been a warning. They explained that we were about to experience a duck massage. I still wasn’t exactly sure what that meant, but I was about to find out.
Moments later, I was handed a basket of food, and suddenly, it happened—dozens of ducks came rushing toward me like an army on a mission. Before I could even react, they swarmed around my legs, their beaks nibbling at my feet as they gobbled up the food.
I had never felt anything like it before. It was ticklish, hilarious, and slightly overwhelming all at once. I couldn’t stop laughing—none of us could. The ducks were relentless, pecking at my toes and shuffling around in an adorable frenzy. At one point, I was surrounded so completely that I could barely move. It was like being caught in a feathery whirlpool of chaos.
“Quack, quack, quack!” the staff shouted, encouraging us to play along. So naturally, we did too. “Quack, quack!” we called out, as if that would somehow make sense to the ducks. It didn’t, but it made us laugh even harder.
I had never imagined that my day would include a full-on duck foot massage, but here I was, standing in the middle of a field, being swarmed by ducks.
Buffalo Riding
Once we had successfully survived the duck attack, it was time to meet the other celebrity at The Duck Stop—a massive buffalo named Donald Trump.
Yes, you read that right.
Donald Trump the buffalo had once worked hard pulling timber and plowing rice fields, but now he lived here, enjoying a much easier life of eating bananas and giving tourists rides.
We were handed some food, and as soon as I held out a banana, Donald Trump lumbered over and chomped it down in one go. He was massive—way bigger up close than I expected—and his sheer strength was impressive.
The staff asked if we wanted to ride him, and while I was a little hesitant at first, I figured, Why not?
So, I climbed on.
There I was, sitting on the back of a buffalo named Donald Trump, in the middle of the Vietnamese countryside. If you had told me at the start of the day that this would happen, I wouldn’t have believed you. But that’s what I love about traveling—it’s always full of surprises.
As we wrapped up our time at The Duck Stop, I couldn’t help but reflect on how amazing the whole experience had been. It was random, hilarious, and something I never would have planned—but that’s what made it so special.
Phong Nha is already an incredible place, with its stunning caves and breathtaking landscapes, but experiences like this are what truly make a trip unforgettable. You come for nature, but you stay for the moments—the unexpected, hilarious, and totally unique ones that you’ll remember forever.
Final Thoughts
Our journey in Phong Nha was full of surprises and it was an incredible experience. . From drifting through the mystical Phong Nha Cave to experiencing a farm-to-table meal in the most unexpected way, and finally, being swarmed by an army of ducks—every moment was packed with adventure, laughter, and surprises.
So if you’re looking for an adventure that’s off the beaten path, filled with surprises, and guaranteed to leave you with stories to tell—get yourself to Phong Nha. You won’t regret it.