Covered deep under the emerald-flooded jungle of Thuong Hoa commune, Quang Binh province resides the villages of the ethnic Ruc people – one of the 10 most mysterious tribes in the world.
Story in short
At the end of 1959, border guards stationed in Thuong Hoa commune discovered a small group of timid “jungle men” who were totally naked, climbed on cliffs, and passed branches as fast as wild animals while on patrol duty. After months of approaching and persuading, the guards were able to relocate them from a cave to 3 villages called On, Yen Hop and Mo O – O O in Thuong Hoa commune, on the doorstep of the Vietnam – Laos border in Quang Binh province. As a result of that, the Ruc ethnic community is known as the youngest in the Vietnamese ethnic community nowadays.
After nearly 65 years of integration into the modern community, they have learned how to grow rice and live in houses. However, the Ruc people still lack standard living conditions and keep on with the habit of living in the wildlife, especially the elders. When the farming season arrives, they follow each other to the jungle and live in the cave for a few months before returning to the community.
During the rainy seasons, they are isolated by floods with limited supplies.
Currently, community-supported tourism activities to Ruc village are exclusively organized by Oxalis Adventure after the rainy seasons. A part of the tour’s profits will be deducted to support the Ruc community.
This is an ideal journey for you to explore Quang Binh’s wilderness as well as immerse into local culture, packed with marvelous scenes of Ruc villages after rain and soft activities such as cycling, swimming, caving, etc.
- Duration: 1 day
- Operating time: from October to November
- Group size: 2-16 guests
- Age restriction: under 12 years old
- Tour price: 1,500,000 VND/pax
- Departure: Daily
- Low-intensity itinerary
- Sightseeing at Thuong Hoa commune after the rain
- Swimming, diving and kayaking in the refreshing lakes
- Cycling around the village and enjoying local dishes
- Exploring the inhabited cave that Ruc people used to live in
- Visiting local rice fields, ethnic minorities and learning about indigenous culture
- Community-supported tour
Tips
- Booking at: https://oxalisadventure.com/vi/tour-ho-tro-dong-bao-nguoi-ruc/
- The tour operator will provide: one-way transport from Phong Nha, tour guides & porters, caving & safety gear, picnic lunch and drinking water.
- You might need to bring: sandals or boots/shoes with a good grip and quick drainage, easy-to-dry clothes, swimwear, clothes to change after swimming, cameras, personal items and 1 small backpack.
- Since the tour is operated near the borders, carry your passport.
- Bring your own medicine (if any), the tour operator only provides basic first aid.
- In case you want to gift anything to Ruc people, you should ask your tour guide for a suggestion first.
- Tour schedule might be delayed or postponed due to bad weather.
- This tour contains some adventurous activities, to be safe during the tour, it is essential you follow the tour guide’s instructions.
