Mythologies of the Phong Tribe

Phongsaly province (Lao ຜົ້ງສາລີ), also spelled Phôngsali, is a province of Laos in the extreme north of the country. The capital of the province is the city of Phôngsali. Phongsaly is between Yunnan (China), and Điện Biên province in Vietnam. Its culture has been historically influenced by China. Phongsaly province (Lao ຜົ້ງສາລີ), also spelled Phôngsali, is a province of Laos in the extreme north of the country. The capital of the province is the city of Phôngsali. Phongsaly is between Yunnan (China), and Điện Biên province in Vietnam. Its culture has been historically influenced by China. Phongsaly province covers an area of 16,270 square kilometres (6,280 sq mi), of which 77% has forest cover. It borders China to the north and west, Vietnam to the east, Luang Prabang province to the south, and Oudomxai province to the southwest. The highest mountain in the province is Phou Doychy with an elevation of 1,842 metres (6,043 ft). Protected areas in the province include the Phou Dene Din National Biodiversity Conservation Area and Nam Lan Conservation Area. Phongsaly province covers an area of 16,270 square kilometres (6,280 sq mi), out of which 77% has forest cover. The province borders China to the north and west, Vietnam to the east, Luang Prabang province to the south, and Oudomxai province to the southwest. It is located in the mountains, approximately 450–1,800 metres (1,480–5,910 ft) above sea level. The highest mountain in the province is Phou Doychy with an elevation of 1,842 metres (6,043 ft). The Phou Fa hill, at 1,625 metres (5,331 ft), is near the capital city and has road access to the top from where vistas of the city are visible. The top of the mountain is approached by 431 steps. Because of economic commerce with China, portions of the province have been deforested. The 126,880 hectare Phou Dendin Important Bird Area (IBA) is located within the 222,000 hectare Phou Den Din NBCA. The IBA altitude varies between 500–1,900 metres (1,600–6,200 ft) above sea level. Topographical elements include the Nam Ou River and its catchment, the area at the confluence of the Nam Khang River, mountainous terrain, and slopes. The habitat is characterized by unbroken dry evergreen forest and inland wetlands. Avifauna includes Blyth's kingfisher (Alcedo hercules), brown dipper (Cinclus pallasii), brown hornbill (Anorrhinus tickelli), crested kingfisher (Megaceryle lugubris), great hornbill (Buceros bicornis), lesser fish eagle (Ichthyophaga humilis), and rufous-necked hornbill (Aceros nipalensis).

Deep in the forests and mountains of the Phong Nha - Ke Bang national park in the central province of Quang Binh there are several villages of the Ruc ethnic group – one of the 10 most mysterious tribes in the world. VietNamNet Bridge - Deep in the forests and mountains of the Phong Nha - Ke Bang national park in the central province of Quang Binh there are several villages of the Ruc ethnic group – one of the 10 most mysterious tribes in the world. More than 10 years after being recognized by the UNESCO as a world natural heritage site, the Phong Nha - Ke Bang national park has become a destination for domestic and international tourists and experts. But few know that deep in the jungle of the national park live the Ruc people in their villages. Is there a bigger and longer cave than Son Doong in Phong Nha - Ke Bang? At the end of 1959, the Ca Xeng border guards, stationed in Thuong Hoa, Minh Hoa District, Quang Binh Province, during one of their patrols, saw a group of ‘forest people’, very timid and naked, who climbed cliffs and trees with the agility of wild animals. After months of approaching them, the guards finally managed to persuade them to leave the caves and settle in Ruc Lan Valley, Thuong Hoa Commune. Since then, the Ruc have been known as the youngest members of any ethnic group in Vietnam. In 2013, after over 50 years of merging with the community, the Ruc were included on the list of the 10 least-known tribes in the world. During a recent trip to Thuong Hoa commune of Minh Hoa district, in the core zone of the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, we were lucky to witness the life of the mysterious tribe of Ruc. Known as one of the 10 most mysterious peoples in the world, the Ruc ethnic group was discovered over 50 years ago.

Phong Nam Valley is a hidden gem tucked away in the northern province of Cao Bang, just a short distance from the famous Ban Gioc Waterfall. Despite its proximity to one of Vietnam’s most renowned natural attractions, Phong Nam Valley remains largely off the radar for most tourists, making it a peaceful retreat for those seeking untouched beauty. The valley is a true fairy tale setting, with towering limestone karsts covered in lush jungle, expansive rice fields stretching as far as the eye can see, and quaint ethnic minority villages dotting the landscape. A calm and meandering stream winds its way through the valley, adding to the serene and picturesque atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time. The charm of Phong Nam Valley lies not only in its stunning natural beauty but also in the authenticity of the rural life that continues here much as it has for generations. The valley offers you a chance to witness the everyday lives of local farmers working in the fields, water buffaloes grazing, and children playing by the riverside. The combination of dramatic mountains, vibrant green fields, and the gentle flow of the river creates an idyllic scene that feels almost otherworldly—a perfect escape from the more touristy destinations of Vietnam. The largest town in Phong Nam Valley, Ngoc Con Town in Trung Khanh Disitrct, serves as a gateway to this hidden paradise. A 10 km road, although bumpy due to occasional truck traffic, connects it to the main highway. The town itself is split by the Quay Son River, which originates in China and flows through the valley, creating picturesque scenes of rice fields and villages nestled against the backdrop of jungle-clad mountains.