Phong Nha

mum in a hammock.

Amberly and Lucky by the fire.

On the 7 of January, 2014, our family went to Phong Nha Farmstay for the first holiday of the new year. The farmstay, which is located at Quang Binh, central Vietnam, is a two story paradise, decked out with a pool table, hammocks, tasty smoothies, a pool that was hypothermia-inducing cold, and two dogs called Lucky and Hot Pot. Even without the amazing view of rice paddies, cows, water buffalo and white herons, the place would have been awesome. But why stop there? After all, this area does boast the LARGEST CAVE IN THE WORLD!!! So obviously they had to provide tours. Renting a bicycle (xe đạp in Vietnamese) is also an option for the days entertainment, as the surrounding country side is lovely to pedal through. One of the best ways to wind down in the evening is to enjoy a mango smoothie by the fire with Lucky on your lap (or Hot Pot if you can get him away from his begging) while you read a book or chat to all the other friendly holiday making guests from everywhere. Of all the places in Vietnam, I feel that Mum and Dad chose the best one possible for our Christmas holiday.

One of the formations in one of the caves
 in one of the cave systems in one of the mountains.

For more information about the farmstay and the tours, go to http://www.phong-nha-cave.com/