In December 2024, Trust Cargo set out to organize a Year-End Party (YEP) for 22 members of the company. During the planning process, the company shared that its employees had previously taken part in numerous sightseeing and leisure trips. For its 2024 YEP, Trust Cargo therefore wanted to offer something different – a more engaging experience filled with activities that everyone could enjoy together, rather than a trip focused primarily on travelling between destinations and sightseeing.
The programme also needed to incorporate the spirit of a Year-End Party and the festive atmosphere of Christmas, creating a warm and intimate evening where the team could reflect on the year and recognize the dedication and contributions of its members.
A 4-Day, 3-Night Journey of Nature, Adventure and Relaxation in Phong Nha
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City/Hanoi – Dong Hoi | The Journey Begins
December 20, 2024 marked the beginning of a memorable Year-End Trip for the Trust Cargo team. Travelling from both ends of the country, members from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City came together in Dong Hoi.
Upon arrival, the Trust Cargo team was welcomed at Melia Vinpearl Dong Hoi, a five-star hotel overlooking the picturesque Nhat Le Beach. After the journey, it was the perfect place to unwind, enjoy international-standard comfort and hospitality, and take in views of the blue sea and white sands while recharging before the exciting adventures ahead.
That evening, the team gathered for dinner, officially kicking off their Year-End Trip. It was also an opportunity for everyone to meet, catch up and build connections before embarking on the exploration and team-building programme in Tu Lan.
Day 2: Dong Hoi – Phong Nha Cave – Chay Lap Farmstay | Exploring a World Heritage Site and Preparing for the Challenge
After a restful night by Nhat Le Beach, the Trust Cargo team continued their journey from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha Cave – an unmissable destination for anyone visiting Phong Nha.
Travelling by boat along the emerald-green Son River, the group gradually ventured deep into the cave, renowned as the “First Wonder Cave.” A magical world unfolded before them, with magnificent stalactites and stalagmites shaped over millions of years into countless forms beneath the shimmering lights.
In the afternoon, the group headed to Chay Lap Farmstay, a rustic retreat featuring Farm, Garden and Mountain rooms, each with its own distinctive design. Nestled in a peaceful countryside setting overlooking Phong Nha’s limestone mountains, the farmstay offered a tranquil space to relax and recharge.
After checking in and taking some time to rest, the team attended a briefing about the upcoming Tu Lan trekking experience. They were introduced to the itinerary and briefed on safety procedures and equipment for the following day. This was an important preparation step, ensuring everyone was ready for the challenges and experiences awaiting them in the Adventure Race.
Day 3: Chay Lap Farmstay – Tu Lan Adventure Race – Blue Diamond Camp
On the morning of December 22, 2024, all 28 members of the group gathered at Tu Lan Lodge, ready for a full day of activity and adventure. After an energetic warm-up, the group was divided into three teams – three colours and three team spirits, united by one shared goal: to conquer every challenge and cross the finish line together.
December in the Tu Lan mountains brings cool temperatures, light mist and occasional drizzle. The refreshing weather made physical activity in the forest more comfortable, while the teams’ enthusiasm continued to build.
The race began with a boat journey downstream along the gentle Rao Nan River, setting the stage for a series of demanding challenges. The teams then embarked on a trek up Baby Hill, tackling steep slopes and rugged limestone formations that tested every step.
Along the route, strategically designed challenge stations combined puzzles and physical games. Success required more than physical strength: teams had to communicate effectively, work seamlessly together and develop smart strategies to overcome each challenge.
After conquering Baby Hill, the teams faced off in an exciting flag-capturing game before being fully equipped with specialized safety gear to enter the water cave entrance of Hung Ton Cave.
The group then paused for lunch and a well-earned rest at the campsite. After refuelling, the teams continued towards Da Bang Slope and Lom Com Slope, two more sections that tested their endurance. The journey then led them to the back entrance of Chuot Cave, a 300-metre-long cave renowned for its spectacular stalactite formations – glittering natural sculptures shaped over millions of years.
Venturing deeper into the cave, the teams took in the mysterious beauty of Chuot Cave before trekking back to the starting point together. At the finish line, champagne and refreshing drinks were waiting to welcome the “conquerors” back after a long and rewarding day.
With the Adventure Race complete, the group travelled to Blue Diamond Camp for their Year-End Party. The year-end celebration was beautifully decorated in a festive Christmas theme, with lights illuminating the surrounding forest landscape.
As the cool year-end air settled in, the Trust Cargo team gathered around a warm dinner, reflecting on a year filled with hard work and achievements. They also revisited the memorable moments from an emotional day of Adventure Race challenges.
Stories, laughter and congratulatory hugs after a demanding day of adventure came together to create a year-end celebration filled with both meaning and genuine emotion.
Day 4: Blue Diamond Camp – Ho Chi Minh City/Hanoi
December 23, 2024 marked the final day of the journey. The morning was free for the group to relax and enjoy the lush surroundings of Blue Diamond Retreat. Some members took a stroll along the treetop walkway, while others went kayaking together on Blue Stream or cycled around the retreat, taking in the fresh air.
After breakfast at Lily Restaurant at Blue Diamond Retreat, the group checked out and headed to the airport for their return flights to Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi.
A Journey Filled with Memorable Experiences
Following the programme, Phong Nha Holiday received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the Trust Cargo team. What stayed with the participants was not simply the impressive destinations or the exciting activities, but the feeling of having shared a truly different journey with their colleagues – a year-end trip unlike any they had experienced before, where teamwork, connection and genuine memories were strengthened through every challenge they overcame together.
Perhaps the greatest value of the journey extends beyond the experience itself. To this day, the connection between Phong Nha Holiday and Trust Cargo continues to grow, laying a strong foundation for a long-term relationship of partnership and collaboration between the two organizations.
