Experience the Duck Stop in Phong Nha, Vietnam
Located in the heart of Phong Nha Ke Bang national park, The Duck Stop offers a quirky, fun-filled farm experience that has been a must-visit attraction for travelers staying in Phong Nha, Vietnam. This charming farm offers you the chance to interact with friendly ducks in the farm in an unexpected ways—whether you’re enjoying a “duck massage” or leading a duck herd.
Beside visiting the Duck Farm, you have the chance to explore the scenic countryside, ride water buffalo, and experience authentic rural Vietnamese life. The Duck Stop suits families, solo backpackers, and anyone looking for a unique, fun experience. Add this farm visit to your Phong Nha visit at this one-of-a-kind destination in Phong Nha, Vietnam!
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What is The Duck Stop Experience?
The Duck Stop sits in the heart of a beautiful area, offering a stunning view of the majestic, world-class Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. Additionally, The Duck Stop farm is a family-run farm business founded by Tran Van Quynh, a young and inventive farmer. What began as a simple farm, where curious tourists stopped to take photos of ducks and other animals, quickly grew into a unique attraction. Seeing the potential, Mr. Quynh transformed his family farm by adding interactive activities to entertain visitors of all ages.
The unique farm place, the Duck Stop, is home to over 120 or more happy, well-cared-ducks living in an area known as “Duck Heaven.” Travelers stop to visit the farm to enjoy unique duck-related activities, including the famous duck massage. The farm’s lively, friendly, and humorous atmosphere has made it a favorite destination for those exploring Quang Binh province.
Also, the Duck Stop offers a fun, relaxing atmosphere while giving visitors a chance to experience local farm life in central Vietnam. Focused on preserving the charm of rural traditions, the farm has become a must-visit for travelers eager to witness the authentic Vietnamese farm life in a playful, engaging way.
How can visitors get to The Duck Stop?
The farm itself is about 8 kilometers from Son Trach village, which is the main hub for visiting Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
Location
The Duck Stop sits in Phong Nha, Quang Binh Province, in central Vietnam, 30km from beach town of Dong Hoi, some 500km south of Hanoi and roughly halfway between Hanoi and Danang (Hoi An). This makes it a convenient stop for travelers exploring the region. Located just ~8 kilometers from Son Trach village, where most of tourist tend to stay, the farm is only a quick 10 minute ride from there.
Check out the bus travel form Hanoi to Danang
In addition, Phong Nha Ke Bang National park is home to world’s largest cave, the Son Doong cave, most expedition groups land here for cave expedition. Check out Best Trekking in Vietnam
Entrance fee
The entry fee, entrance ticket to the duck farm is 100,000 VND (~ USD 4), which is includes an access to the full duck experience plus a local light snack at the end of your visit.
Other activities are also arranged with extra fee:
- Buffalo riding: 50,000 VND (USD $2) for a ride on water buffalo through the rice fields.
- Farm visit: The area itself is huge and you can opt to explore it with a guide. The ticket fee is flexible, ask the owner upon arrival
Opening hours
What to do at The Duck Stop?
1. The Duck Massage
One of the most unique activities at The Duck Stop is the “duck massage.” This fun and quirky experience has quickly gained popularity among travelers for its uniqueness. To enjoy it, you receive a handful of duck food and head to a pen where a group of eager ducks awaits. You can choose whether to get a hand or foot massage as the ducks nibble and peck at the food, creating a tickling sensation that many find both relaxing and hilarious.
Even though many comparing it to the fish massage, however, the duck massage nibble at your skin.
2. Duck feeding
Yes, you can freely feed the ducks, once you arrive, you will be given with a bucket of duck food. As you feed them, you’ll notice each duck’s unique personality—some may be slow and hesitant, while others eagerly await their snack. Feeding the ducks offers a more relaxed, personal way to connect with the animals and observe their behavior up close.
3. Let the duck chase you
4. Buffalo Riding experience
If you choose to enjoy the buffalo ride, you will be riding this farm animal through the rice fields as well as the shallow waters. Be sure to wear clothes you don’t mind getting muddy and wet, as the buffalo often ventures into the water.
5. Visiting the local farms
Is the The Duck Stop worth a visit?
The Duck Stop offers something completely different. It provides a refreshing contrast to the grandeur of Vietnam’s natural wonders, in the area, which is the Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. The experience allowing visitors to mingle the rural life in a fun and active way. If you’re in the area, it’s a must-visit. Enjoy an unusual interaction with the ducks, followed by a ride on the water buffalo. Afterward, you will be given a delicious savory pancake with an amazing sauce. Overall, it’s a fun experience and a great chance to snap some interesting photos.
How to get there
It’s not that far, the Duck Stop is just outside Son Trach Town, making it a short and easy trip from the main area where most visitors stay while exploring Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Though it’s far to walk, the 8 km distance from town only takes about 10 to 15 minutes by motorbike. Since public transportation isn’t available, you’ll need to arrange a motorbike taxi (Xe Om), or get a bicycle from your homestay or hotel and reach the farm.
Driving a Motorbike
Probably the best yet easiest option. Renting a motorbike is a popular and convenient way to explore Phong Nha, including getting to The Duck Stop. It allows you to travel at your own pace, taking in the stunning landscapes as you go. You can rent a motorbike for the day for about USD10
Car with Driver
You can hire a car with a driver for a hassle-free experience. While taxis are an option, securing a return ride after visiting The Duck Stop can be difficult. A car and driver provide a more dependable choice, as they’ll stay with you while you explore. Plus, this option lets you easily visit other nearby attractions in Phong Nha National Park. To rent one, ask your hotel for a help, or see a taxi outside your hotel and negotiate the price.
Tips for visiting The Duck Stop
Here are some helpful tips to help you make the most of your visit to The Duck Stop:
Make sure to visit the “Original Duck Stop”
What to Bring
- Clean clothes, so you can change once you get muddy and or wet.
- Swimming gear: If you plan to ride the buffalo through the river, bring swimwear.
- Comfortable shoes: You’ll walk around the farm, and some areas might be muddy, so wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. No Flip-Flap please
- Cash: The farm operates on cash, so bring enough to cover the entrance fee and any additional activities.
Best Time to Visit
The Duck Stop is open everyday, including weekends, however, the dry season, from March to September, offers the most comfortable conditions for visiting the Phong Nha national park. In the wet months (October to February), muddy conditions can make things a bit more challenging, cold and misty. if you are planning your trip, make suer to read when is the best time to visit Vietnam
Other places to visit near The Duck Stop
There two places are pretty close to the Duck Stop, you can visit them altogether:
The Phong Nha Monkey Bridge
Only 3 km, or 5 min from The Duck Stop, this charming wooden bridge provides a rustic, scenic crossing over the river. It’s a perfect spot for those Instagram photos and a way to see local villages.
Visiting local farms
The area around The Duck Stop features several small farms where you can experience traditional Vietnamese farming life. Ride your bicycle and check them as you passing by. It’s interesting
Phong Nha National Park
- Phong Nha Cave: Explore one of the world’s most stunning underground caves, featuring impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
- Paradise Cave: A must-see with its massive chambers and awe-inspiring formations.
- Dark Cave: Perfect for ziplining, mud baths, and swimming.
- Dark Cave: Perfect for ziplining, mud baths, and swimming.
