UOB Vietnam Bank, Oxalis Adventure, and Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park Join Forces to Promote Sustainable Eco-Tourism

On October 20th, UOB Vietnam Bank, in collaboration with Oxalis Adventure and under the patronage of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park Management Board, announced a strategic partnership. This alliance aims to promote the "Kingdom of Caves - Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park" and eco-tourism in Vietnam to UOB customers across five ASEAN countries: Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

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Through this exclusive partnership, UOB cardholders in the aforementioned countries will enjoy a 10% discount on Oxalis-operated tours in Phong Nha-Ke Bang. This rare opportunity allows travelers to explore UNESCO-recognized natural wonders while promoting responsible and sustainable tourism.

Additionally, UOB Vietnam will launch a year-end rewards program for domestic customers. The top 10 customers with the highest accumulated points from using UOB Vietnam’s banking services will win an expedition to Son Doong Cave, the world’s largest cave, dubbed a “once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

A beam of sunlight illuminates the first doline (Dinosaur Valley) in Son Doong Cave (Jason Speth)

This initiative reflects UOB’s long-term commitment to placing customers at the heart of its operations. From exclusive experiences like early access to concerts by global stars like Taylor Swift or Ed Sheeran, to lifestyle rewards such as a Paul Smith-designed Mini Cooper or a Disney cruise, UOB empowers customers to live fully—For All You Love.

“We believe banking should create memorable moments, not just transactions. Collaboration unlocks business potential and positively impacts communities and nature. This partnership with Oxalis exemplifies that belief,” said Paul Kim, Head of Personal Financial Services at UOB Vietnam. “Together, we offer customers personalized, unforgettable experiences in Vietnam’s natural heritage sites.”

Oxalis Adventure, Vietnam’s leading adventure tour operator, is internationally recognized for its responsible tourism model and world-class cave exploration tours in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

“Alongside UOB Vietnam and Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, we aim to showcase Quang Tri’s natural beauty, especially Son Doong, to travelers seeking meaningful, high-quality connections with nature,” shared Nguyen Chau A, CEO of Oxalis.

With only 1,000 visitors allowed annually and tours often booked 1-1.5 years in advance, Son Doong is one of the world’s most coveted adventure experiences. Since 2013, the tour has welcomed over 8,500 visitors, significantly contributing to local economic development and conservation efforts.

This partnership comes as adventure tourism in Asia-Pacific rebounds strongly. According to the Adventure Travel Trade Association, 2023 visitor numbers nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels, with hiking and trekking among the most popular activities. Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, is now a top global destination for adventure travel.

Vietnam was recently hailed by Wanderlust magazine (UK) as a cave exploration paradise, spotlighting Phong Nha-Ke Bang’s hundreds of majestic caves and diverse ecosystem, home to 154 mammal species and 314 bird species. New species discovered in 2024 further underscore its exceptional biological value.

Travel + Leisure also named six Quang Tri caves, including Son Doong, Hang En, Phong Nha Cave, Thien Duong Cave, Tu Lan Cave System, and Hang Va, as must-visit destinations in Vietnam, each offering unique geological features and thrilling exploration experiences.

Today’s Memorandum of Understanding signing marks a significant step in establishing Vietnam as a leading regional eco-tourism destination.

“We value this three-way collaboration between a bank, business, and conservation agency, which attracts environmentally conscious visitors and enhances heritage value,” said Pham Hong Thai, Director of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. “Partnering with UOB, with its extensive international network, helps us reach premium customers regionally and spread conservation messages.”

In the first nine months of 2025, Phong Nha-Ke Bang welcomed over 836,900 visitors, reflecting strong tourism growth. Domestic visitors totaled 688,000, up 2% year-on-year, while international visitors surpassed 148,000, up 18%, signaling a robust recovery.

The park aims to exceed 1 million visitors this year, focusing on international tourists to solidify its position as Vietnam’s top eco-tourism and exploration destination.

At the 2025 World Travel Awards (Asia-Pacific) in Hong Kong, the park won two titles: “Vietnam’s Leading Nature Destination” and “Asia’s Leading National Park”—the first time a Vietnamese natural site has won both prestigious WTA categories, dubbed the “Oscars of travel.”

Previously, the park was twice recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site: in 2003 for geological value and in 2015 for biodiversity.

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