The Journey of Porter Fathers Who Support Their Children’s University Dreams

As the morning mist still lingered over the steep limestone cliffs, the rhythm of life in the Phong Nha - Ke Bang heritage area began with the footsteps of local men carrying their backpacks. On the winding trails, their swift movements up the hills had become a familiar sight for anyone who had participated in Oxalis Adventure's cave exploration tours.

These were the porters, essential members of every expedition. They took on all logistical tasks, from carrying luggage so that visitors could fully enjoy the experience, to setting up camp and preparing delicious meals deep in the forest. Their dedication was the key to ensuring comfort and safety for each traveler after a long day of conquering nature.

Porters will carry the luggage so that travelers can comfortably enjoy the experiences along the trekking route.

Looking at their professionalism, few people know that more than a decade ago, the dense forest was the only source of livelihood for the men from Phong Nha, Tan Hoa, and Cao Quang. When adventure tourism was still unfamiliar and conservation laws had not yet tightened, hunting and logging were seen as natural ways to sustain life. However, since the establishment of the Phong Nha Nature Reserve in 1993, these activities became illegal. Losing their main source of income, many families fell into hardship, forcing the breadwinners to leave their hometowns and take on unstable labor jobs in the cities.

The turning point came in 2011 when Oxalis was founded and prioritized hiring local labor. The "jungle men," once familiar with the paths and ways of the forest, now used those very skills to become pillars of the adventure tourism industry. From taking from the forest, they shifted to working as porters, supporting, carrying luggage for tourists, and guiding expedition groups. They became the main force in protecting the forest.

With a regular tour schedule of 15 to 20 days, the work of a porter not only helps them change their livelihood and earn an income to support their families but also continues the dreams for future generations. Many porters have been able to fund their children's university education in major cities such as Hue, Da Nang, Hanoi, or Ho Chi Minh City. Among them, many young people have chosen to study tourism and hospitality, with the hope of returning to contribute to the tourism of their hometown after completing their 4 years of study, continuing the journey of their fathers who worked as porters.

The porters also prepare hot local dishes for travelers to enjoy after a long day of exploration.

How the Income from Porter Work Helps Send Their Children to University

The work environment, where they frequently interact with visitors from around the world, has helped change the perspective of local porters. Instead of having their children leave school early to work like the previous generation, the porters have invested in their children's education. They understand that knowledge is the shortest path out of poverty.

A good example is the son of Mr. Hồ Đắc Tư, a chef for the Sơn Đoòng Cave Expedition tour, who is currently studying at FPT University in Da Nang. Mr. Phan Mạnh Cường's son, a porter on the Sơn Đoòng tour, is now a student at FPT University in Ho Chi Minh City. Also, the two children of Mr. Nguyễn Văn Hùng are both studying technical and IT fields in Da Nang. The professional work environment and the significant changes in their hometown have motivated the children of porters to see the potential of the tourism industry. Some families, such as those of Mr. Trương Quốc Toản and Mr. Cao Văn Thanh, have guided their children to pursue Law and Tourism studies in Hue and Khanh Hoa, hoping they will return to contribute to their hometown.

Moreover, working in tourism has helped the porters better understand the importance of heritage preservation. Mr. Phan Mạnh Cường, a porter for the Sơn Đoòng tour, shared: "Since working here, I’ve come to understand the true value of environmental protection. Watching how tourists respect every branch and blade of grass has made me love and be passionate about my job even more. The stable salary from the porter job has also helped my family cover expenses, allowing my children to study with peace of mind."

The journey of raising educated children is also vividly depicted through the story of Mr. Hồ Nguyên’s family. Before 2011, like many other people from Phong Nha, Mr. Nguyên lived in hardship and worked in agriculture to support his family. Joining the porter team not only provided him with a stable income to support his children's education but also opened new opportunities for the entire family. After more than 10 years of dedication, he became the head of the Sơn Đoòng porter team, leading over 20 local men to serve international tourists.

What Mr. Nguyên is most proud of is seeing his children grow up and decide to return to their hometown to continue their father's work. His son, Mr. Hồ Trung Hiếu, after graduating in Software Engineering from Da Nang, returned home. Starting as a young porter, Hiếu made efforts to learn and became a Safety Assistant, later advancing to a Tour Guide. After completing strict training and joining the British Cave Research Association (BCRA), he is now a Safety Expert at Oxalis.

Mr. Hồ Trung Hiếu and Mr. Hồ Nguyên.

This continuation didn’t stop there. His sister, Hồ Thị Minh Sáng, after graduating from university, returned home to work as a Consultant at Oxalis. Minh Sáng also has a memorable experience when she joined her first Sơn Đoòng expedition with her beloved father.

Mr. Nguyên's story shows that being a porter not only provides a stable income but also opens up great opportunities for the next generation. From the tough early days, Mr. Nguyên has built a strong foundation for his children to complete their education. Not only has his family’s life improved, but they’ve also contributed to the development of tourism, making Phong Nha increasingly attractive to international visitors.

Oxalis Prioritizes Local Labor for Sustainable Tourism Development

From our early days, one of Oxalis’s key pillars has been to prioritize the use of local labor. More than anyone, these locals understand the terrain, weather, and culture of the land where they were born. They have become the core force behind adventurous journeys into nature.

Not stopping at just carrying luggage, many porters are given the opportunity to learn English and attend professional training courses at Saigon Tourism Colleges. From the real-world experience of working in the deep forest to formal classes on tourism skills, they are equipped with knowledge, skills, and a professional service mindset.

Many individuals who started as porters, through relentless effort, have transitioned from their porter roles to become International Tour Guides. These positions require advanced knowledge, quick problem-solving abilities, and fluency in foreign languages. As their roles evolve, their income increases significantly, leading to a transformative change in the quality of life for their entire families.

Oxalis Porters study at Saigon Tourism College.

This investment in people creates a sustainable cycle. Locals who have good jobs work hard to protect the forest, and they have stable income to invest in their children’s education. This is how Oxalis contributes to and builds a strong local workforce. More importantly, when you join Oxalis’s tours, you are not just exploring the pristine beauty of nature, but you are also part of a journey that builds and develops the local community. Each trip not only provides travelers with wonderful experiences but also helps improve the lives of those working here, protects the environment, and creates a future for generations to come.

The Oxalis Experience.