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Winding along the mountain ranges, the road to Nghe An province reveals enchanting landscapes often described as "picture-perfect." The western part of Nghe An is a land of stunning natural beauty, with endless green mountains and forests, and gentle rivers and streams flowing through the hills. Blessed with the handiwork of Mother Nature, ecotourism in Con Cuong is a perfect choice for travel enthusiasts seeking to experience pristine natural beauty.
Immerse yourself in the cool, refreshing water at Khe Kèm Waterfall.
Located in Luc Da commune, Con Cuong district, it takes about an hour to travel from the town to Khe Kem waterfall. The road to the waterfall is winding, with a sheer cliff on one side and a peaceful stilt house scattered along the valley on the other. The deeper you go into the waterfall area, the gentle coolness of the lush green mountain forest envelops you.
Viewed from a distance, Khe Kèm waterfall resembles a white silk ribbon.
The waterfall is approximately 500 meters high.
Seen from afar, Khe Kèm waterfall is as soft as a white silk ribbon, standing out against the green backdrop of the mountains and forests. Located within the Pù Mát National Park, Khe Kèm waterfall retains its pristine natural landscape and is recognized by scientists as one of the most unspoiled waterfalls in Nghe An province. According to Mr. Le Anh Tuan, Deputy Director of Pù Mát National Park, in just three summer months of 2022, Khe Kèm waterfall attracted over 50,000 visitors.
Khe Kèm Waterfall is also known locally as Bổ Bố Waterfall, which in the Thai language means "white silk ribbon".
Immerse yourself in the cool waters of Khe Kèm waterfall during the sweltering summer days to wash away your daily stress and fatigue. If you come here, don't forget to experience standing with your body bent over as the powerful stream of water cascades freely from a height of about 500 meters, giving you a "massage." Just a few seconds of quiet immersion in the water might leave your feet feeling a tickling sensation. But don't worry, that's the school of fish at the waterfall performing their "foot massage" for visitors.
After bathing in the waterfall, visitors can dine at restaurants near the entrance gate. Most of the dishes here are traditional local cuisine from the western part of Nghe An province, such as free-range chicken, local pork, grilled catfish, and five-colored sticky rice. Sitting and sipping a glass of wine, enjoying hot, freshly prepared local specialties, and gazing at the babbling stream nearby... will be a delightful choice for those who enjoy ecotourism experiences.
Take a cruise on the Giang River and enjoy the picturesque scenery.
Located within the Pù Mát National Park, the Phà Lại dam (Xiềng village, Môn Sơn commune, Con Cuông district) is attractive with its picturesque landscape along the romantic Giăng River. In the Thái language, Phà Lại means "flowers clinging to rocks," because many types of flowers grow clinging to the rocky mountainsides here. When visiting, you shouldn't miss the opportunity to take a boat trip to enjoy the scenery along the Giăng River.
The scenery on both sides of the Giang River is poetic and romantic.
Wherever the boat cuts through the waves, the picturesque landscape of the Giang River unfolds before you. Tourists can enjoy the pristine, lush green scenery as they glide along the gentle river, winding through many rugged mountains. Located 5 km from the Pha Lai dam, the Giang River beach is a popular stop on this sightseeing route.
A few thatched huts were built on the hillside for visitors to rest in.
If you want to learn more about the daily life of the Dan Lai ethnic group, you can rent a private boat from the Pha Lai dam. Previously, the Giang River was the main route for the locals. The journey is about 20 km, quite far but promises many interesting experiences. Alternatively, you can book a boat tour to enjoy food and admire the scenery if you wish.
Immerse yourself in the tranquil, crystal-clear waters of the Moc stream.
Suoi Nuoc Moc, also known as Ta Bo (meaning hot and cold stream, a name given by the Thai people in the area), is located in Yen Khe commune, Con Cuong district. This unusual stream never dries up throughout the year; its water level remains constant regardless of sun or rain. Water mysteriously gushes out from beneath the surface, flowing along the stream down into the forest, and then "emerging" again repeatedly. Perhaps this is why it's called Suoi Nuoc Moc (meaning "emerging water stream").
The spring water at Moc is crystal clear, like a gem.
According to locals, the stream used to be very small, surrounding a rocky mound. Observing a stream of water "emerging" from an underground spring, the people began expanding the stream's area to serve their daily lives, and later developed it for tourism. The "Rising Water Stream" is beloved for its pleasant atmosphere: warm in winter and cool in summer.
To this day, Moc Stream remains a place where some locals regularly come to bathe and wash clothes. Tourists frequently visit during the summer months, immersing themselves in the clear, cool water to escape the heat. After a refreshing swim, you can also enjoy delicious local dishes. Grilled snakehead fish, local pork... are all reasonably priced, making it a suitable destination to enjoy the cuisine of Western Nghe An province.
Suggested itinerary for exploring Con Cuong ecotourism area, Nghe An.
From Vinh City, you can drive yourself/take a limousine/bus to Con Cuong town, which takes about 2 hours. Limousine fares are around 100,000 VND/one way, while bus fares are around 65,000 - 75,000 VND/one way.
Currently, the road to the waterfall is being widened and renovated for easier access. Remember to have your vehicle serviced before traveling from the town center to the tourist attractions.
For maximum convenience, you should visit the points of interest in this order: Khe Kèm Waterfall, Phà Lài Dam, and Nước Mọc Stream. Visitors can do a day trip or stay overnight at guesthouses/hotels in the town center for a more leisurely exploration.
Entrance tickets to attractions:
- Khe Kèm Waterfall: 10,000 - 30,000 VND/person. Electric vehicle: 20,000 VND/person. Cultural exchange with local people: 1,000,000 - 1,800,000 VND/program.
- Lai Pha Dam: Free. Giang River boat trip: 90,000 VND/person (large boat), 300,000 VND/boat (small boat); Dan Lai ethnic group exploration boat trip: approximately 2,000,000 VND/boat.
- Spring Waterfall: Free
Regarding food, you can enjoy local cuisine at restaurants near tourist attractions. Most restaurants here serve fresh, delicious, and hygienically prepared local specialties. The average cost per person is 150,000 VND per meal if you go in a group of 5.
