Mooc Spring: The ideal destination for eco-tourism in Quang Binh

Where is Mooc Spring? How to get there

Mooc Spring eco-trail is located within Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, in Phuc Trach Commune, Bo Trach District, Quang Binh Province. Phong Nha - Ke Bang is famous for its magnificent cave system, unspoiled landscapes, rich biodiversity, and attractive eco-tourism activities. With its breathtaking scenery and ecological value, Phong Nha - Ke Bang has been recognized as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.

From Phong Nha - Ke Bang Tourism Center in Phong Nha Town, visitors can reach Mooc Spring by taxi, car, or motorbike via two routes:

- Route DT20 – QL15 (Ho Chi Minh West Highway): This route passes by Phong Nha Botanical Garden and Ozo Park Eco-Tourism Area. Distance: 24 km.

- Route DT20 – QL16 – Km0 Ho Chi Minh Khe Gat – QL15: This route passes by Len Chua Ecostay, Chay Lap Farmstay, Hava Valley, and Chay River - Dark Cave. Distance: 26 km.

Map of Mooc Spring and other tourist attractions in Phong Nha.

Besides Mooc Spring, there are many other fascinating eco-tourism destinations in Phong Nha. Visitors can combine multiple locations for a more fulfilling trip. Check out the top attractions for a day trip in Phong Nha, Quang Binh.

Best time to visit Mooc Spring

The best time to visit Mooc Spring depends on the local weather. Phong Nha - Ke Bang has two seasons: the dry season (April to August) and the rainy season (September to March). During the dry season, the weather is sunny, with high temperatures (30 - 37°C), making it ideal for swimming, kayaking, and exploring nature. The rainy season brings heavy rainfall, which may cause flooding and limit activities.

Therefore, the best time to visit Mooc Spring is from April to August. During this period, the water is crystal-clear, the weather is favorable, and outdoor activities are at their best. However, in the rainy season, while water activities are restricted, visitors can still explore the area, go kayaking, enjoy the pristine forest scenery, listen to the sound of flowing water, and experience the serene atmosphere of Quang Binh’s unspoiled nature.

The best time to visit Mooc Spring is from April to August. Source: Flickr

Notably, from February to April, Mooc Spring becomes even more vibrant thanks to the striking yellow blossoms of the Vang Anh flower. This is a signature flower of Quang Binh, featuring bright golden clusters that create the poetic and lively natural scenery.

Where to stay near Mooc Spring

Phong Nha offers various accommodation options suitable for different types of travelers, from families to groups of friends. These options typically have affordable prices (ranging from 400,000 to 600,000 VND per night), decent services, and some even feature swimming pools for guests to relax after a day of exploring. Some recommended options include Commander Lodge, Ho Khanh Homestay, and Pomelo Homestay.

If you wish to stay closer to Mooc Spring, Chay Lap Farmstay is an ideal choice, located just 6 km away toward Km0 Ho Chi Minh Khe Gat. Chay Lap Farmstay is situated in Chay Village, nestled in a peaceful setting surrounded by vast fields. This farmstay offers a perfect retreat in nature, combining rustic charm with modern amenities.

The Mountain Room is surrounded by lush green grass and majestic limestone mountains.

Chay Lap Farmstay offers three types of rooms with distinct interior designs: Farm (countryside style), Garden (nature-friendly), and Mountain (overlooking mountains), allowing guests returning from Mooc Spring to choose whatever suits their preferences.

What to eat at Mooc Spring?

Like many other eco-tourism sites in Quang Binh, Mooc Spring has a restaurant located near the entrance, serving dishes rich in local flavors. Quang Binh cuisine is known for its charm in simplicity, yet its flavors are bold and unforgettable. It primarily uses fresh ingredients from the mountains and rivers, creating a distinctive taste. At Mooc Spring, the most popular specialty dish among visitors is the assorted feast platter.

This dish includes whole grilled free-range chicken served with “Cheo” (a traditional dipping sauce), grilled stream fish, steamed freshwater prawns, grilled pork belly, boiled vegetables, sticky rice balls, tapioca dumplings, and sticky rice. Among these, the grilled chicken and stream fish stand out the most. The free-range chicken is marinated with spices and grilled over charcoal, giving it crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat. The stream fish is freshly caught and grilled inside banana leaves and forest spices.

The assorted feast platter is a specialty at Mooc Spring.

Note: Visitors should place an order at the Mooc Spring restaurant in advance, as the dishes are freshly prepared on-site. To help protect the environment, the restaurant doesn’t provide disposable chopsticks, spoons, or bowls with meals.

Things to do at Mooc Spring

Mooc Spring is not only famous for its pristine beauty and Quang Binh’s culinary specialties but also for its exciting activities, suitable for all visitors.

1. Swimming in the Mooc spring

Swimming at Mooc Spring is especially enjoyable during the dry season (April to August) when the air temperature ranges from 30–37°C and the water temperature remains around 20–22°C. During this time, the spring water takes on a stunning emerald-green hue, caused by light reflecting off the limestone at the bottom of the spring and the natural dissolution of minerals.

The all-inclusive ticket at Mooc Spring covers life jackets, ring buoys, shades, and a children’s pool, ensuring a safe and enjoyable water experience for the whole family. This is a fantastic way to beat the summer heat while embracing the beauty of nature.

A group of young visitors enjoying swimming at Mooc Spring. Source: Flickr

2. Kayaking

At Mooc Spring, visitors can try paddling inflatable two-seater kayaks. This activity is particularly suitable during the colder months in Quang Binh (from December to February) when the spring water is too cold for swimming.

Kayaking offers a relaxing yet adventurous experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural scenery along the stream and explore hidden, untouched corners of Mooc Spring. The gentle current, combined with the sounds of birds chirping and lush green surroundings, creates a peaceful experience. However, during the peak summer season, visitors may need to wait in line for their turn to use the kayaks.

Kayaking at Mooc Spring offers a relaxing and adventurous experience. Source: Flickr

3. Polar plunge

Right next to the kayaking area, there is a 4-meter-high wooden suspension bridge that connects both sides of the stream. In the middle of the bridge, there is a 2.5-meter-wide gap, allowing visitors to experience a “polar plunge.” The area beneath the gap is protected by a safety net, ensuring a secure experience for both jumpers and those swimming or kayaking below. Participants are only allowed to plunge within the safety net area and mustn’t climb beyond the bridge or jump from the sides.

The thrill of plunging into the crystal-clear water makes the polar plunge one of the most exciting activities at Mooc Spring. The refreshing sensation of hitting the water adds to the adrenaline rush, making it a favorite attraction among visitors.

Polar plunge is one of the most popular activities at Mooc Spring. Source: Phong Nha - Ke Bang Tourism Center

4. Walking on the wooden bridge

A bamboo and wooden walkway stretches along Mooc Spring, winding from the entrance to the upper reaches of the stream. The bridge is about 80 cm wide, just enough for two people to walk side by side. This is an ideal option for visitors who prefer not to participate in water activities but still want to explore Mooc Spring at a lower ticket price. It’s also a great choice for those visiting in winter or those who enjoy photography.

If you visit Mooc Spring during the Vang Anh flower blooming season, you can stroll along the bamboo bridge and admire the vibrant golden blossoms by the stream. The walkway ends at Ghenh Chum, a small yet fast-flowing and beautiful waterfall.

A bamboo and wooden walkway stretches from the entrance to the upper reaches of Mooc Spring. Source: Flickr

5. Check-in at Ghenh Chum

Whether in summer or winter, Mooc Spring allows visitors to capture great photos. In summer, the emerald-green water and bright sunshine create a refreshing scene, while winter brings a more serene and untouched atmosphere. To take stunning photos at Mooc Spring, visitors should choose the right outfits. Green, white, or pale yellow outfits blend well with the scenery, while red, orange, or bright yellow make for standout shots.

Also, visitors can use the bamboo bridge, the golden Vang Anh flower canopies, or the crystal-clear pool as picturesque backdrops. For landscape photography, wide-angle shots are recommended to capture the grandeur of Mooc Spring’s natural beauty.

Ghenh Chum is a popular check-in spot at Mooc Spring. Source: Flickr

Mooc Spring ticket prices

Ghenh Chum Package:

• Visitors over 1.3m tall: 80,000 VND/person
• Life jacket rental: 10,000 VND/jacket
• Mat rental: 50,000 VND/mat

Ghenh Chum + Ghenh Mooc Package:

• Visitors over 1.3m tall: 180,000 VND/person
• Visitors under 1.3m tall: 100,000 VND/person

Ghenh Chum + Ghenh Mooc Package includes:

• Entrance fee
• Life jackets, kayaks
• Shades, mats
• Vong Tam Dai viewpoint
• Thrill games and floatation equipment in the swimming area
• Safe swimming pool for children
• Insurance

*Prices do not include VAT

Are you ready to explore nature and experience exciting water activities at Mooc Spring? With its crystal-clear water, majestic landscapes, and a variety of thrilling activities, Mooc Spring is an unmissable destination in Quang Binh.

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