Why Dong Chau - Khe Nuoc Trong is one of the most important reserves in Central Vietnam

Dong Chau - Khe Nuoc Trong Nature Reserve is located in the southwest of former Quang Binh province, in Kim Thuy commune, Le Thuy district. The reserve was officially established in 2020 under Decision No. 2156/QD-UBND of the People's Committee of Quang Binh Province, with a total area of about 22,595 ha (over 225 km²).

Strategic geographical location:

• To the west, it borders the Vietnam - Laos border.

• To the south, it borders Bac Huong Hoa Nature Reserve (Quang Tri), forming a vast contiguous ecological corridor.

• Located on the eastern slope of the Truong Son Mountain Range, in a low mountain region (average altitude 500-600m, highest peak 1,220m).

• Coordinates: From 16°55'19" to 17°4'55" North latitude; 106°32'50" to 106°48'26" East longitude.

This area is the headwater of the Long Dai and Kien Giang rivers, with an intricate network of streams and creeks, and a typical tropical monsoon climate (average temperature of 22.3°C, rainfall of about 2,079mm/year). Its location adjacent to the 17th parallel and near world heritage sites such as Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park further enhances its ecological connectivity value.

Dong Chau – Khe Nuoc Trong is classified by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) as one of the world's 200 important biodiversity centers, thanks to its relatively intact natural forest ecosystem and unique biological structure. This area has recorded more than 1,030 plant species belonging to 599 genera and 144 families; including 43 species listed in the Red Data Book of Vietnam such as green ironwood, doi wood, and many rare orchid species of high conservation value.

Regarding fauna, the reserve has recorded 357 vertebrate species, including 72 mammal species (12 rare species such as grey-shanked douc langur, Asian black bear), 220 bird species (14 endemic species, notably the Edwards's pheasant), and 71 reptile – amphibian species (15 species listed in the Red Data Book). In total, there are 61 endangered wild animal species requiring priority protection. This level of biodiversity is not only significant for scientific research but also plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance in the Central region, especially in the context of increasingly evident climate change.

One of the most outstanding values of Dong Chau - Khe Nuoc Trong is the primary forest system on low-elevation soil mountains (altitude below 700 m) – a forest type that is currently becoming rare in Vietnam due to heavy impacts from exploitation and land use conversion. Here, low-mountain tropical moist evergreen closed forest accounts for over 55% of the natural area, alongside other characteristic ecosystems such as subtropical forests and limestone mountain forests, creating a diverse and unique ecological picture.

High-mountain terrain alternating with majestic streams and waterfalls such as Duong Cam Waterfall along with a natural cave system has formed various habitats, creating favorable conditions for thousands of flora and fauna species to grow and thrive. Not only playing a role in regulating water sources, limiting erosion, and protecting soil, the forest is also likened to a "natural gene bank" preserving the precious biological resources of the Truong Son Range. With a contiguous primary forest area among the largest in Vietnam, Dong Chau - Khe Nuoc Trong is considered one of the exemplary natural forest conservation models, holding special significance for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

Dong Chau – Khe Nuoc Trong plays a key role in the conservation of rare flora and fauna according to the 2020 Establishment Decision of the Quang Binh Provincial People's Committee. The core task of the reserve is to manage, monitor, and protect endemic species, prioritizing 61 endangered species that require urgent conservation, including large mammals such as saola, large-horned muntjac, along with many endemic bird species of high biological value.

Conservation work is implemented in a modern and science-based direction, featuring activities such as forest patrols using SMART technology, using camera traps to monitor wildlife populations, and habitat restoration through native tree planting. The reserve also collaborates with international organizations such as the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the Viet Nature Conservation Centre to implement biodiversity conservation projects associated with sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

With a long-term management orientation, Dong Chau – Khe Nuoc Trong is not only significant at the provincial level but also contributes to regional and global conservation goals, especially in the context of natural forest decline in the Truong Son Range posing many challenges to endangered species.

With a vast primary forest landscape and a stream and waterfall system that retains a high degree of naturalness, Dong Chau – Khe Nuoc Trong possesses significant potential to develop sustainable ecotourism. Activities such as jungle trekking, stream bathing at Khe Nuoc Trong, bird watching, and learning about the endemic ecosystem are being gradually exploited in a controlled manner, targeting nature lovers and outdoor experience enthusiasts.

This potential is closely linked to community factors. The community-based tourism model in Kim Thuy contributes to creating livelihoods for local people through guiding services, accommodation, and local products supply, while raising awareness of forest protection. In addition, the area features attractions such as Duong Cam Waterfall, a natural cave system, and the Ho Chi Minh Trail route, suitable for exploratory tourism combined with historical learning.

However, it is precisely these challenges that highlight the special importance of Dong Chau - Khe Nuoc Trong in the nature conservation network of Central Vietnam. Beyond protecting unique biodiversity, this area serves as an ecological buffer zone connecting critical ecosystems between Vietnam and Laos, helping maintain migration flows of many rare flora and fauna species. In particular, with its ecotourism potential, developing natural exploration Dong Chau - Khe Nuoc Trong tours can open up a brighter future - contributing to primary forest protection while creating sustainable livelihoods for local communities. 

If you wish to book a tour to explore this area, you can contact Sovaba Travel via hotline 0934.733.223 for consultation and a suitable itinerary!