Phong Huong Forest: A rare red-leaf forest in Quang Tri

In Khe Sanh, Quang Tri, there is a special forest called Phong Huong Forest. Each year, it shows its most beautiful colors for only a short time. Not only known for its natural beauty, this forest is also a great place for outdoor activities and sightseeing. If you plan to travel to Quang Tri in late winter or early spring, this is a destination you should not miss.

Why Phong Huong Forest attracts visitors

Phong Huong Forest is located next to Rao Quan Hydropower Lake, in Huong Phung Commune, Quang Tri Province. The forest is home to phong huong trees (also known as sweet gum trees), which grow naturally along the lakeside. These trees are large, with heart-shaped leaves that change color during the leaf-changing season.

Unlike most tropical trees that stay green all year, phong huong trees grow in a way similar to trees in colder regions. When the weather becomes dry and cool, the trees slowly take nutrients back from their leaves to prepare for a resting period. As the green color fades, other colors appear. Carotenoids create soft yellow tones, while anthocyanins bring shades of orange-red, deep red, and warm amber.

The calm surface of Rao Quan Lake is clear and blue like jade, quietly reflecting the long stretch of Phong Huong Forest. In the distance, wind farms appear among the hills of Huong Phung, with tall wind turbines standing against the wide sky.

As the year comes to an end, the weather in Khe Sanh turns cool, and the forest enters its most beautiful season. The leaves slowly change from deep green to yellow-orange, then bright red, warming the whole mountain landscape. From afar, the forest looks like it is lit by thousands of red flames in the middle of nature. This peaceful and colorful scene makes visitors want to slow down, enjoy the view, and stay a little longer.

Red maple leaves at Phong Huong Forest next to Rao Quan Hydropower Lake. Credit: Lân Homi

When is the red leaf season in Quang Tri?

The red leaf season in Quang Tri usually lasts from October to January, when cool air begins to reach the western area of the province. During this time, Phong Huong Forest quietly enters its leaf-changing season. The most beautiful period is from late November to mid-January, when the forest is covered in bright red and orange leaves.

This is the best time for visitors to take photos and enjoy outdoor activities in nature. The ideal time of day to visit Phong Huong Forest is from morning to early afternoon. In winter and early spring, the weather in Quang Tri often becomes colder in the late afternoon, and it gets dark quite quickly. For the best experience, visitors should plan their trip during the warmer hours of the day to fully enjoy the beauty of the forest.

However, the red leaf season in Phong Huong Forest is quite short, so it is important to plan your visit in advance to avoid missing the most stunning moment. After the season ends, the forest changes its look once again. The red leaves fall, making way for young buds and fresh green leaves, bringing a new and refreshing feeling to the forest. At that time, Phong Huong Forest offers a different kind of beauty: quiet, gentle, and full of life.

Phong Huong Forest entering the leaf-changing season. Credit: Lân Homi

Experiences you should not miss at Phong Huong Forest

When visiting Phong Huong Forest, there are many ways to enjoy its natural beauty. One of the most popular activities, especially among young travelers, is taking a boat ride along the forest. From the boat, you can see red leaves reflected on the calm surface of Rao Quan Lake and take beautiful photos of the forest.

Besides that, visitors can also enjoy hiking, camping, or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) around the stunning red-leaf forest. Near the forest, there are green grass fields and small streams flowing into the lake, making it an ideal place to set up a tent and camp overnight. Here, you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the mountains, watch the sunset behind the hills, and see the wind farms in the distance.

For adventure lovers, a trip to Ta Puong Waterfall is also a great choice. You can visit the waterfall, camp nearby, and relax by the stream. After a day of exploring nature, visitors should try local mountain specialties such as fresh river shrimp and grilled snakehead fish with salt, prepared by local people.

At the moment, tourism services in Khe Sanh are still limited, and there are not many full-package tours available. If you plan to visit Phong Huong Forest on your own, it is important to research carefully, choose reliable tour operators, and prepare basic outdoor skills for a safe and comfortable trip.

You can also join a Trekking - Camping - SUP tour at Phong Huong Forest offered by Trekking Camping, with a price of around 1,799,000 VND, or choose tours from Green Travel or Khe Sanh Discovery.

If you travel independently, SUP boards can be rented directly at Phong Huong Forest for about 300,000 VND per 60 minutes on Rao Quan Lake. For those who want to camp, it is recommended to rent camping equipment in advance or join a tour that already includes tents and basic facilities.

The emerald-green lake shimmers crystal clear, as beautiful as a painting in the heart of Phong Huong Forest. Credit: Lân Homi

Suggested places to stay and local food

There are many homestays near Phong Huong Forest that also have beautiful café views, making them popular with visitors. Some recommended places include Nam Mua Bungalow, Retro Khe Sanh, Bao Nguyen Homestay, and Trosie Garden. If you prefer a hotel for a short stay, you can choose options in Khe Sanh such as Khe Sanh Luxury Hotel, Green Hotel, Khanh Phuong Hotel, or The Hills Hotel.

Khe Sanh also has many good local eateries. Visitors can simply ask local people for recommendations. The places they suggest are often simple and modest, but they keep the original flavors of the Huong Hoa mountains, memorable enough to leave a lasting impression.

Local cuisine here reflects the spirit of the highlands, combining the rustic taste of Central Vietnam with the cultural identity of the Pa Ko and Van Kieu ethnic groups. From grilled or steamed buffalo meat, tender and fragrant with wild herbs, to sticky rice cooked in bamboo tubes, soft and rich in flavor, each dish brings a warm and familiar feeling. Other local favorites include grilled stream fish, stir-fried free-range pork with lemongrass and chili, and fresh forest vegetables, simply prepared but full of mountain flavors.

Important things to know before visiting Phong Huong Forest

Best time and weather

To enjoy Phong Huong Forest safely and fully, visitors should check the weather forecast before their trip. Sunny and dry days are the best time to travel along the Khe Sanh route and take part in outdoor activities surrounded by nature.

Khe Sanh has a clear two-season climate: the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season usually lasts from September to November, while the dry season is from November to January, also the time when Phong Huong trees change their leaves. Visitors are advised to avoid cold and rainy days, as the roads can be slippery, travel becomes difficult, and the forest experience may not be as enjoyable as expected.

Location and how to get to Phong Huong Forest

To reach Phong Huong Forest, visitors can start from Dong Ha and travel west along National Highway 9 for about 70 km. Then, turn onto the Western branch of the Ho Chi Minh Road and continue for around 10 km. This route is also the main road to Khe Sanh, passing through mountainous areas with many slopes and a fairly high volume of traffic. For this reason, travelers should drive carefully and keep a safe speed, especially when riding a motorbike.

In terms of transportation, travelers who enjoy freedom and want to stop along the way for sightseeing may choose to travel to Khe Sanh by motorbike. However, if you prefer a safer and more comfortable option, especially in cold weather, it is better to take a taxi, minibus, or coach to Khe Sanh, Quang Tri, and then rent a motorbike to visit Phong Huong Forest.

Travel suggestions:

- From Hanoi: You can consider long-distance buses such as Hoa Hong.

- From Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang: Tan Quang Dung bus services are a popular option.

- In Dong Ha City: It is easy to book taxi from Mai Linh, Vinasun, or Xanh SM.

Attractions near Phong Huong Forest

Khe Sanh is a mountainous area in western Quang Tri, blessed with beautiful landscapes and a pleasant climate. Thanks to its high elevation, the weather here is cool all year round and much more comfortable than the hot conditions often found in Central Vietnam. Besides natural scenery, Khe Sanh is also home to important historical sites, offering visitors a meaningful mix of nature exploration and historical discovery.

- Ta Con Airfield: Ta Con Airfield is one of the most important historical sites in Quang Tri. It was once a key military base during the Khe Sanh Battle in 1968. Today, the area is preserved as an open-air museum, displaying war relics such as aircraft, armored vehicles, and weapons.

- The Lonely Tree: On the way to Huong Linh Commune, next to the quiet waters of Rao Quan Hydropower Lake, stands a single tree in the middle of a wide natural landscape. Known as the Lonely Tree, it is also a tree from the sweet gum family. Growing alone by the lake, it stands strong between the mountains and the water. Many visitors come here to take photos, especially at sunset, when the scene becomes truly magical.

- Wind turbine fields: Along National Highway 9 from Dong Ha to Huong Hoa, visitors will easily spot giant wind turbines rising above the Truong Son mountains. The slow-moving blades against the sky and green hills create a calm and peaceful view. This area has become one of the most popular check-in spots for travelers visiting Khe Sanh.

- Cu Vo Peak: Cu Vo Peak is one of the favorite cloud-hunting spots in Huong Hoa. With its high elevation and little urban development, the area often sees thick layers of clouds floating gently between the mountains. From the peak in the early morning, visitors can enjoy wide views of Rao Quan Hydropower Lake and witness stunning cloud formations.

If you have more time, you can combine your trip to Phong Huong Forest with other attractions in northern Quang Tri, such as Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, Son River, Son Doong Cave, or Ba Cave. This area is known for its rich ecosystem, limestone mountains, and impressive cave systems, making it perfect for travelers who love nature and exploration.

You can also choose to stay at nature-based accommodations to relax and recharge. Places like Chay Lap Farmstay, Blue Diamond Retreat, or Oxalis Home offer fresh air, peaceful surroundings, and gentle activities such as fishing or kayaking. These are ideal spots to slow down, enjoy the quiet atmosphere, and end your journey with calm and meaningful moments.