The name of the eco-tourism area “Mooc” triggered our curiosity and according to the explanation of our guide, Nguyen Thi Huong Giang, “Mooc” or “Moc” means water sprouting out from the earth’s worm. In this area, the source of water originates from a system of mysterious underground rivers running through the range of limestone mountains and is the confluence of many rivulets. It is a spectacular natural phenomenon that the experts from the British Caving Association could not explain after they conducted a survey in the area. 

The eco-tourism area is really a cool, green paradise for people to escape the scorching heat of the land, full of white sand and dry winds from Laos. When we arrived in the area, we felt very comfortable and relaxed thanks to the cool winds from the stream. The whole area covers about 30ha and is surrounded by a range of limestone mountains with a valley in the middle. During our trip, we discovered the beauty of the landscape formed by the stream, limestone mountains and forests along the 1,500m long road that is now being preserved to become a tourist route.

Colorful butterflies on the bank of the Mooc Stream - Photo: Viet Nam Pictorial

Diversified flora of the eco-tourism area - Photo: Viet Nam Pictorial

A bamboo bridge crosses the stream - Photo: Viet Nam Pictorial

The water of the Moc Stream is turquoise all year round - Photo: Viet Nam Pictorial

Visiting the eco-tourism area, tourists have a chance to enjoy local specialties - Photo: Viet Nam Pictorial

According to the statistics of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park’s Management Board, the ecosystem in the area consist of 1,081 species of animals and 2,560 varieties of plants. It is the first tourist destination in Quang Binh Province that is combined with eco-tourism and the target of increasing awareness of protecting the environment, nature and heritage sites. 

Going through the primitive forests, we were charmed by the beautiful landscape of a thick canopy of old trees, small bridges across the stream that rushes around the clock and rocks in different shapes and sizes. On the two sides of the stream are carpets of brilliant red of Sita Ashok flowers with its fragrance mingling into the air. All created a romantic colorful painting. 

When we were rather tired after walking for a long time, we arrived in the area’s swimming area to row kayaks and swim in cool water. Our last destination was a large lake, covering 90m2, which is considered the starting point of the stream. Here, we admired the spectacular scenery of the stream with low columns of water rising up wonderfully that then make their way to the nearby Chay River. Our guide said that the water of the stream is clean and blue all year round and it becomes clearer and more turquoise during scorching days in summer. 

Before leaving the tourism area, we had a delicious meal with some traditional dishes of Quang Binh in leaf roofed thatches in the middle of the forest. The area promises an interesting tourist destination for those who like discovering the beauty of nature. 

Mooc stream in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park became an eco-tourist route in 2008 with the investment and management of the Garden Management Board and the project “Preserving and sustainably managing natural resources in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park” of the German Organization for Technical Cooperation.

Source: VGP