1900 8248
booking@flycorp.vn
When people mention Nghe An, they often think of President Ho Chi Minh’s hometown, vast rice fields, or beautiful beaches like Cua Lo. However, few know that nestled deep within Pu Mat National Park – one of the largest nature reserves in northern Vietnam – lies a mesmerizing emerald gem called Khe Kem Waterfall. Its wild, majestic beauty is not only an ideal destination for nature lovers and explorers, but also a perfect place for those seeking to “escape the world” and find peace within.
Khe Kem Waterfall is located in Lang Khe commune, Con Cuong district, Nghe An province – in the core area of Pu Mat National Park, about 130 km west of Vinh city. To reach the waterfall, you must travel along winding mountain roads, accompanied by birdsong and the sound of rustling leaves – as if stepping into a completely different world, where time slows down and nature embraces you.
What makes Khe Kem special is that it has not yet been commercially exploited. As a result, it retains its pristine, untouched charm. There are no bustling shops, no urban noise – only the sound of the waterfall echoing day and night, and the endless green of the forest and mountains.
Khe Kem Waterfall is nearly 100 meters high, cascading down a vertical cliff of the Truong Son mountain range. The white water crashes against moss-covered rocks, breaking into a fine mist, creating a scene like a living watercolor painting. On sunny days, light shines through the mist, creating shimmering rainbows that mesmerize visitors.
What makes Khe Kem even more unique is its year-round cool, crystal-clear water – you can easily see the pebbles on the bottom of the stream. At the base of the waterfall are tranquil natural pools, as still as mirrors, where you can dip your feet and relax, or simply sit and admire the flowing water.
Because it is located deep within the national park, you must go on a light trekking route of about 1 km to reach the waterfall. The path is fairly easy but enough to make you feel like you’re entering a wild world. Along the way is a primary forest ecosystem with ancient trees, intertwining vines, birdsong, and butterflies fluttering around in the dry season. If you’re lucky, you might even spot rare animals like doucs, monkeys, or flying squirrels...
This is also an ideal destination for nature photography enthusiasts. With just a good camera or smartphone, you can easily capture the magical beauty of the place – from the rushing waterfall to the glistening dew on the leaves.
Although Khe Kem has adventurous potential, it is also an ideal place for those seeking to “reset” their minds. The continuous sound of the waterfall is like a lullaby from the mountains and forests, the air is fresh and cool all year round, helping you relax after the hustle and bustle of life. Many visitors describe this place as a “natural meditation retreat”, where you can sit still for hours just listening to the conversation of nature.
The best time to visit Khe Kem is in the summer (from April to September), when the weather is dry, the waterfall is full, and the forest is at its greenest. However, if you want to avoid the crowds (though still few), it’s best to go on weekdays.
Transportation: From Vinh City, you can ride a motorbike, drive, or rent a car to Con Cuong district. From the center of the district, it’s about another 20 km to the waterfall. The road is relatively easy, but it’s best to travel during the day for safety.
Bring snacks and water, as there are almost no shops near the waterfall.
Do not litter, and help protect the environment of the national park. Bring your own trash bags if possible.
Wear sneakers or light hiking shoes – they’re best suited for the trekking route.
Prepare insect repellent, especially if you plan to go in the late afternoon.
While you’re in Con Cuong, you can also visit Nua village, Khe Ran village – home to the Thai and Kho Mu ethnic communities. Here, you can experience unique local culture through stilt houses, traditional cuisine, and the “xoe” dance by the fire at night.
You can also stop by the Pu Mat National Park Wildlife Rescue Center, where many rare species such as the saola and red-shanked douc are being protected and rehabilitated.
Khe Kem Waterfall is not loud or flashy, but it holds an irresistible charm for those who love pure nature and seek genuine experiences. A trip here is not just a physical journey but also an emotional one – a chance to slow down, breathe in the scent of the forest, hear the song of the stream, and feel your heart beat in harmony with the great wilderness.
Let Khe Kem be the place you visit when you need to “switch off the world” – and switch on your inner energy from the wonders of nature.
