Society

'Healing' in the western region of Nghe An province.

Thanh Quynh - Rang Dong • April 21, 2026 11:41

Recently, among trekking and hiking enthusiasts, western Nghe An province has gradually been known as a memorable "healing land." Amidst the lush green forests, the sound of cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear water, nature quietly soothes the soul and brings feelings of purity and peace.

The road leading up to Pu Mat National Park has a fascinating stopover point, a place many nature lovers always want to visit and explore. That is Khe Kem Waterfall, also known as Kem Waterfall.

From a height of over 500 meters, the water cascades down in three white tiers, foaming between the sheer cliffs. Seen from afar, the waterfall resembles a giant white silk ribbon draped across the mountainside. Therefore, the Thai people still call the waterfall "Bo Bo," meaning white silk ribbon.

thac-khe-kem(1).jpg — Khe Kèm Waterfall (also known as Kèm Waterfall), located in Pù Mát National Park, is over 500m high. Photo: Rạng Đông

At the foot of the waterfall, cool mist spreads, dispelling the stifling heat of the summer day. Moss-covered rocks, lush green forests, and the gentle sound of flowing water blend together, creating an atmosphere that is both pristine and strangely unspoiled.

Many tourists come here to immerse themselves in the cool water at the foot of the waterfall, letting the water wash away the heat and fatigue from their souls.

thac-khe-kem2(1).jpg — The Khe Kèm waterfall flows down like a white silk ribbon from the vast forest. Photo: Rang Dong

Continuing along the winding roads, Bon Waterfall (Giai Xuan commune) reveals another facet of the green landscape. Previously little known, this waterfall has gradually become a new destination for adventurous travelers in recent years.

Not overly powerful, the waterfall possesses a gentle beauty with a stream of water about 150m high divided into many small tiers, crystal clear like a mirror.

thac-bon(1).jpg — Bon Waterfall, with its serene beauty amidst the green landscape, is gradually becoming a new destination for those who love exploration. Photo: Rang Dong

At Bon Waterfall, the atmosphere is more lively on weekends when many young people and locals come here for picnics. The water flow isn't too strong, enough for people to immerse themselves, wash their faces, or simply sit by the rocks, letting the cool water gradually permeate their senses.

b53b6354943e15604c2f(1).jpg — Tourists immerse themselves in the cool, refreshing water amidst the vast forests of Tay Nghe. Photo: Rang Dong.

86be5591cff94ea717e8(1).jpg — Many tourists have found some really "chill" photo spots at destinations in Western Nghe An. Photo: Rang Dong

Along the roads connecting various destinations, Tay Nghe also boasts vast, verdant rice paddies. These lush green rice fields cover the valleys and gentle slopes, adding to the verdant beauty of the highlands.

From mid-May, the western region of Nghe An province will welcome the rice harvest season, becoming a destination for many tourists seeking to capture the golden moments amidst the vast forests.

lua(1).jpg — From the end of April to the middle of May each year, tourists often flock to Tay Nghe to immerse themselves in the lush, sprawling rice fields. Photo: Rang Dong

This area also offers many unique destinations such as Cau Cau tea island, located in the former Thanh An and Thanh Thinh communes of Thanh Chuong district, now Hoa Quan commune, which has long been considered the "Ha Long Bay of Nghe An", or a boat trip on the Giang River to explore the Pha Lai Eco-tourism Area.

Further afield, the Bản Vẽ hydroelectric reservoir, located in the four communes of Yên Na, Hữu Khuông, Nhôn Mai, and Lượng Minh, opens up a vast space with expansive water amidst undulating mountain ranges.

dc1f40b220dba185f8ca(1).jpg — Ban Ve Hydroelectric Power Plant – a hydroelectric project with a serene beauty nestled amidst the high mountains. Photo: Rang Dong.

Another fascinating highlight on the healing journey in Western Nghe An is the community villages. Such as Khe Ran village, Nua village (Con Cuong commune), Xieng village (Mon Son commune)...

Here, visitors can slow down and experience life in traditional stilt houses, enjoy simple meals, and immerse themselves in the daily stories and activities of the local people.

Besides its beautiful natural scenery, Khe Ran village in Con Cuong commune is also a community tourism village that preserves the traditional culture of the Thai ethnic group. Photo: PV

Đôi bàn tay khéo léo của phụ nữ Tà Lạnh bên khung cửi. Ảnh: Thanh Quỳnh — Visiting the villages in western Nghe An province, tourists can discover unique cultural features preserved through generations of the local people. Photo: PV

In recent years, to serve tourists, many villages in Western Nghe An have formed folk song and dance clubs; cooking groups and community tourism groups… contributing to providing the most authentic and intimate experiences.

uploaded-huythubna-2023_03_27-_bna-1-6466(1).jpg — Cau Cau Tea Island, located in Hoa Quan commune, has long been considered the "Ha Long Bay of Nghe An province". Photo: Huy Thu

uploaded-congkienbna-2023_04_10-_bna-5-dao-che-3755(1).jpg — Foreign tourists are excited to explore the beauty of the tea plantations on the island in Nghe An. Photo: Dinh Tuyen.

Sometimes, just a trip like this, a journey through the mountains, is enough to make visitors fall even more in love with Nghe An province and appreciate the simple things in life even more...

Thanh Quynh - Rang Dong