Discover The Duck Stop Phong Nha: Your Charming Nature Retreat

Where is The Duck Stop? How to get there

The Duck Stop is a small duck farm located in Bong Lai Tourism Village, also known as Bong Lai Valley—an idyllic countryside area in Hung Trach Commune, Bo Trach District, Quang Binh Province. The area is known for its lush landscapes, vast fields, winding village roads, and fresh air, offering visitors an authentic rural experience.

From Phong Nha - Ke Bang Tourism Center, visitors can travel about 8.5 km via DT20 - QL16 (Ho Chi Minh Road) and then turn onto a small road at the NaRI Shop intersection with QL16 to reach The Duck Stop. There is no public transportation to this location, so the most convenient way to get there is by renting a motorbike (about a 15-20 minute ride) or taking a taxi, which costs around 100,000 - 150,000 VND per trip.

Map of The Duck Stop and other attractions in Phong Nha.

Top activities at The Duck Stop

Visitors may need to wait until enough people join the tour. While waiting, you might be offered peanuts as a light snack. Once the tour begins, an English-speaking guide will lead you through the farm, making the experience more engaging and enjoyable.

1. Treat the ducks to a “feast”

At The Duck Stop, visitors get the chance to become a “professional duck herder” with the fun experience of feeding the ducks to their heart’s content. The duck food—mainly unhusked rice—is provided for free, and you can scatter it around while watching the enthusiastic ducks rush in for a treat.

One of the best parts is the super friendly tour guides, who are always ready to capture your most hilarious and unique moments. No need to worry about finding the perfect shot—they’ll proactively take photos to ensure you get the best memories.

The “signature” photo spot at The Duck Stop is when a swarm of ducks gathers around you as you spread out the rice. A wooden backdrop with funny slogans like “What the duck?” or “Once a duck leader, always a duck leader” makes your photos even more amusing. These pictures will make you laugh every time you look back at them.

Get ready to be surrounded by an army of hungry ducks.

2. Enjoy an exclusive duck spa treatment

Prepare yourself for a one-of-a-kind experience—a duck spa session! Before starting, you’ll be asked to remove your shoes and wear the provided rubber sandals, both to avoid hurting the little ducks and to keep the farm area clean. Your guide will help you start the “spa session” by placing a handful of rice on your feet.

Immediately, dozens of ducks will swarm around you, gently pecking everywhere as they enjoy their favorite snack. The ticklish sensation and the soft duck feathers brushing against your skin create a soothing and hilarious experience. The synchronized “quack, quack, quack” from the duck crowd will surely make you burst into laughter!

The entire duck interaction, including feeding and the duck massage, lasts around 30 minutes—just enough for a relaxing and fun-filled session. The ducks at The Duck Stop are well cared for and kept clean, so there’s no need to worry about hygiene when joining in on these experiences.

A visitor enjoying a funny “duck massage” moment.

3. Ride the buffalo at The Duck Stop

If you’ve never ridden a buffalo, The Duck Stop offers an unforgettable experience. The star of the show is a water buffalo named “Donald Trump,” the farm’s official mascot. Retired from farming, Donald Trump now has a new “career”—taking visitors on leisurely rides through the peaceful countryside.

For just 50,000 VND (not included in the main entrance fee), visitors can hop onto the buffalo, get instructions on balancing and guiding it, and enjoy a unique ride through the rural landscape. No worries if it’s your first time—Donald Trump is calm, moves slowly, and a guide will always be there to assist you.

Don’t forget to snap some memorable photos! A picture of you riding a buffalo across the lush fields will become a highlight of your Phong Nha trip.

Capture an unforgettable buffalo-riding moment.

4. Exploring the countryside

Beyond all that, The Duck Stop offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the peaceful rural scenery of Bong Lai Valley. This area is known for its lush rice fields, winding dirt roads, and small streams flowing through local farms.

Taking a leisurely walk around The Duck Stop, visitors can breathe in the fresh countryside air, listen to birds singing, and experience the simple yet beautiful life of the locals. If you’re interested, you can also visit neighboring farms to learn about traditional Vietnamese farming and livestock-raising methods.

Best time to visit The Duck Stop

Phong Nha, Quang Binh, has a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons. Dry season (April to August): Average temperatures range from 25-35°C, with sunny weather and minimal rainfall, ideal for outdoor activities. Rainy season (September to March): Temperatures drop to 18-25°C, with prolonged rains that may cause flooding.

The best time to visit The Duck Stop and other attractions in Phong Nha is during the dry season (April to August), when roads are dry and travel is more convenient, especially on village paths. In contrast, the rainy season can make roads slippery and muddy, making them harder to access. For the best experience, visitors should plan their trip during the sunny months.

The dry season is the ideal time to visit The Duck Stop.

Accommodation & hotels near The Duck Stop

The central area of Phong Nha Town offers many affordable yet high-quality accommodation options. Some popular homestays include Ho Khanh Homestay, Pomelo Homestay, and Thao Nguyen Homestay, with room rates starting from 400,000 VND per night. These homestays provide decent, well-equipped rooms, and some even feature a swimming pool, offering a relaxing space after a day of exploring Phong Nha.

For those looking for accommodation near The Duck Stop, Commander Lodge is an excellent choice. Here, guests can choose between budget-friendly dorm rooms, ideal for backpackers and groups, or deluxe rooms with elegant interiors for a more comfortable stay. With its convenient location and attentive service, Commander Lodge is the perfect place to return to after a day of adventure at The Duck Stop.

Phong Nha Town offers a variety of affordable accommodations.

Additionally, located just 500 m from Commander Lodge along DT20 Road, Oxalis Home offers budget-friendly yet well-equipped rooms by the scenic Son River. The River View rooms provide direct views of the river, featuring spacious balconies—an ideal spot for relaxation during your Phong Nha trip.

What to eat at The Duck Stop?

At The Duck Stop, visitors not only get to enjoy playful moments with the ducks but also have the chance to savor a delicious serving of Banh Xeo (Vietnamese crispy pancakes) that comes with a refreshing drink. Guests can choose from pork, shrimp, or vegetarian Banh Xeo, depending on their preference. The pancakes are freshly made upon order, ensuring a hot, crispy, and flavorful experience.

Typically, this light meal is served before the duck tour. However, if you’re not feeling hungry, you can request to adjust the schedule with your guide. Keep in mind that this is a snack, not a full meal, so if you’re visiting in the morning, it can serve as a light yet tasty breakfast before continuing your Phong Nha adventure.

Banh Xeo and drinks are included in the entrance ticket. Source: A Backpacker’s World.

The Duck Stop is a perfect retreat for those looking to “switch things up” after an adventurous journey exploring Phong Nha’s caves. Take a moment to connect with nature, enjoy the tranquil surroundings, and create lasting memories in the charming countryside of Quang Binh.

The Oxalis Experience.