If you thought Phong Nha, was just all about visiting the amazing caves you see and hear about, you would really be selling the area short. In this episode of "What about Vietnam?"  we get to give you some background as to how the area managed to get through the Covid years. And we open up the agenda to talk about domestic tourism and diversification. Then of course we get to showcase many other cool fun things to do in the locality.
My guest, is a bit of a legend in this area of Vietnam, and is none other than Ben Mitchell. Besides being an all round nice "Aussie bloke", he is extremely knowledgeable in local history and riding the Phong Nha loop as it is called.
 
Ben has been on the program before and along with Howard Limbert in other episodes we have covered the caving aspect of Phong Nha in great detail, which undoubtably is its main attraction. However what you are about to find out in this show, is the caves, ....are just the entry point to other things to do in the region.

Furthermore, the episode encourages visitors to consider extending  their stay in Phong Nha since a few days might not be enough to experience all the activities available. Everything from bike riding, walking tours, cycling through villages, farm to table feasts, and surfing, to finally enjoying a G&T watching a beautiful sunset over the paddy fields.

Ben has done a lot for tourism in the region, and is considered very knowledgeable on its history  and many aspects of bike touring along the HCM trail.  I feel sure from listening today you may like to consider bringing the whole family, as like Ben's young family, there is something for everyone. And everyone loves it!
 
On the aspect of history - Ben mentions this Video you may like to look at - https://vimeo.com/424932090?fs=e&s=cl&fbclid=IwAR0tf7bfnyxT0z1LGYifi_0tSs6Q18RmZBnrkIMOoItPr-w8mfPx66V8zkQ
There is also a Podcast talking about the National Park - The Ke Bang Park
https://soundcloud.com/user-326960059

You can reach Ben at his local homestay called - Phong Nha Farm stay - https://www.facebook.com/thephongnhafarmstay

[00:01:28] Phong Nha's diversification efforts during and beyond Covid
[00:06:18] The Ho Chi Minh Trail.
[00:11:21] Other attractions in Phong Nha
[00:14:03] Free-range chickens - a fun story
[00:18:44] Vietnamese workers leaving travel industry - the impact on tourism
[00:25:02] Phong Nha Cave tourism and main operators
[00:29:09] Vietnamese War veterans in Utah.

The best way to connect with me is not via text, it is through the website www.whataboutvietnam.com website and email.

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