The Pub With Cold Beer
The Pub With Cold Beer is situated In the buffer zone of Phong Nha National Park, off the legendary Ho Chi Minh Highway, 12 km from Phong Nha tourist center.
Amongst the karst mountains that make up the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park – home to the world’s largest cave, Hang Son Doong – the Pub With Cold Beer has been forging a name for itself as the alternative ‘must-do’ attraction in the region.
The Pub With Cold Beer is famous for their farm-to-table methods. Everything served is grown on their property, with the possible exception of the chickens – these are also sourced from neighbouring families when demand is high.
The morning glory cooked in garlic comes directly from their backyard. As does the peanuts, which are crushed to make the most incredible peanut sauce you will ever taste.
It is not very often you arrive at a restaurant and are given the option of catching, killing, cleaning and cooking your own chicken. But if that is what you seek, it is possible at the Pub With Cold Beer.
This is hardly a requirement however, as just about everyone is more than happy to let the family expertly prepare the meal.
It may seem a tad gruesome, but this is ethical farming at its best. All the chickens are free range and well-cared for. The actual killing is done swiftly with a quick slice to the throat.
There are no “headless chooks” running around the place. If you feel uneasy about this, then consider the bigger issues in buying mass-farmed chicken from a supermarket.
The atmosphere at the Pub With Cold Beer is relaxed and welcoming. Hammocks swing gently next to the pool table and chairs are peppered around the property; many with uninterrupted views over the Bong Lai Valley.
Your food can take up to 2 hours to prepare, so most people while away the time by tubing down the river or sipping on a beer Huda. Music plays on the speakers and puppies run around the farm. It truly is a bucolic paradise.
Whether the sun is shining or rain is falling, lunch and drinks at the Pub With Cold Beer is by far one of the most enjoyable days out to be had in Phong Nha.
While the list of things to do in town constantly grows, one thing that will hopefully never fade is this iconic establishment. At the very least, you will never look at a chicken meal in the same way again.
