Winding along the mountain ranges, the road to Nghe An opens up captivating landscapes that are described as "as beautiful as a painting". The Western region of Nghe An is full of picturesque landscapes, with mountains and forests of deep green, and rivers and streams flowing gently around the hills. Possessing the advantages created by the hands of Mother Nature, Con Cuong eco-tourism is a perfect choice for those who are passionate about traveling and want to find the values of pristine nature.
Soak in the cool water at Khe Kem waterfall
Located in Luc Da commune, Con Cuong, it takes about an hour from town to get to Khe Kem waterfall. The road to the waterfall is winding, one side is a steep cliff, the other side is peaceful with stilt houses scattered along the valley. The deeper you go into the waterfall, the gentle coolness in the green space of the vast mountains and forests embraces visitors.
From afar, Khe Kem waterfall looks like a white silk strip.
The waterfall is about 500 m high.
From afar, Khe Kem is as soft as a white silk strip, standing out in the green of the mountains and forests. Located in the Pu Mat National Forest area, Khe Kem waterfall is preserved intact in its natural landscape value, confirmed by scientists as the most pristine waterfall in Nghe An. According to Mr. Le Anh Tuan, Deputy Director of Pu Mat National Park, in the 3 summer months of 2022 alone, Khe Kem waterfall attracted more than 50,000 visitors.
Khe Kem Waterfall is also known by locals as Bo Bo Waterfall, which in Thai means "white silk strip".
Immersing yourself in the cool water of Khe Kem waterfall in the middle of a hot summer day will wash away all the daily stress and fatigue. If you come here, don't forget to experience standing and bending down to let the strong current freely fall from a height of about 500 m to "massage". Soak quietly in the water for just a few seconds, you will feel as if your feet are tickled as if being disturbed. But don't worry, because that is the school of fish at the waterfall performing the task of "massaging" the visitors' feet.
After bathing in the waterfall, visitors can eat and drink at the restaurants near the welcome gate. Most of the dishes here are rustic dishes of the Western Nghe people such as hill chicken, local pork, grilled fish, five-color sticky rice... Sitting and sipping a glass of wine, enjoying hot specialties just out of the oven, watching the stream flowing right next to... will be an interesting choice for those who love to experience eco-tourism.
Giang River cruise, enjoy the beautiful scenery
Also under the management of Pu Mat National Park, Pha Lai Dam (Xieng village, Mon Son, Con Cuong) is attractive with its charming landscape along the poetic Giang River. In Thai, Pha Lai means "flowers on the rocks", because there are many types of flowers on the rocks. When coming here, you should not miss the activity of taking a boat trip to enjoy the scenery along the Giang River.
Poetic and lyrical scenery on both sides of the Giang River.
Wherever the boat cuts through the waves, the picturesque landscape of the Giang River opens up. Visitors can enjoy the pristine, green landscapes as they glide on the gentle river, winding through many rugged mountains. 5 km from Pha Lai Dam, Giang River beach is a popular stopover.
On the mountainside, there are a few huts for guests to rest.
If you want to learn more about the daily life of the Dan Lai people, you can rent a private boat from Pha Lai dam. Previously, Giang river was the main road for people to travel. The distance is about 20 km, although quite far but promises to bring many interesting experiences. In addition, you can also book a service to eat and drink while enjoying the scenery on the cruise if needed.
Relax in the middle of the crystal clear Moc stream
Moc Spring or Ta Bo (meaning hot and cold spring, the name given by the Thai people in this area) is located in Yen Khe commune, Con Cuong. This strange spring never runs dry all year round, the water level does not change whether it is sunny or rainy. The water mysteriously gushes out from below, flows along the stream down to the forest, and then "grows" again continuously. Perhaps that is why people call it Moc Spring.
Moc spring water is clear as jade.
According to the local people, the stream used to have a very small area surrounding the rock mound. Observing a stream of water "growing" from the underground aquifer below, the local people began to expand the stream area to serve their daily life, and later exploited tourism activities. Moc stream is loved for its "pleasing to the eye", the water is warm in winter and cool in summer.
Until now, Moc stream is still a place where some people often come to bathe and wash. Tourists often come here on summer days, soaking in the clear, cool water to avoid the heat. After bathing, you can also enjoy the attractive dishes of the indigenous people. Grilled snakehead fish, local pork... here have reasonable prices, making it a suitable destination to enjoy the cuisine of Western Nghe An.
Suggested itinerary to explore Con Cuong eco-tourism, Nghe An
From Vinh city, you can drive yourself/take a limousine/bus to Con Cuong town in about 2 hours. Limousine fare is about 100,000 VND/way, bus is about 65,000 - 75,000 VND/way.
Currently, the road to the waterfall is being widened and repaired to make travel more convenient. You should remember to maintain your vehicle before moving from the town center to tourist attractions.
For the most convenience, you should visit the following places in order: Khe Kem waterfall, Pha Lai dam, Moc stream. Visitors can go and return in a day, or stay overnight at motels/hotels in the town center to explore more leisurely.
Tickets to visit the attractions:
- Khe Kem Waterfall: 10,000 - 30,000 VND/person. Electric car 20,000 VND/person. Cultural exchange with local people: 1,000,000 - 1,800,000 VND/program.
- Pha Lai Dam: Free. Giang River cruise: 90,000 VND/person (large boat), 300,000 VND/boat (small boat); cruise to explore Dan Lai ethnic group: about 2,000,000 VND/boat.
- Moc Spring: Free
Regarding food, you can enjoy the cuisine right at the restaurants near the tourist spots. Most of the restaurants here serve fresh, delicious, clean specialties. The average cost for one person is 150,000 VND/meal if traveling in a group of 5 people.
