Buzz
Mount Ca Dam stands tall at 1,431 meters, the highest peak in Quang Ngai. Here, clouds linger year-round, and occasionally, indigenous people wander into the forests and catch a glimpse of the seven-leafed ginseng...
About a decade ago, with the construction of the Nuoc Trong reservoir and the development of the Di Lang - Tra Trung inter-district road, travelers could finally behold Ca Dam from afar. Yet, from the inter-district road to the foot of the mountain in Que hamlet, Tra Bui commune, one still had to traverse an additional winding 5km uphill path.
Ca Dam (or Van Phong) is situated in a remote area, bordering the mountainous districts of Son Ha, Tra Bong, and Son Tay. Despite being categorized as a famous mountain and listed among Quang Ngai's 12 scenic spots, the mountain has long remained undisturbed amidst the vast wilderness.
It wasn't until early 2015, when Tra Bong district carved a path up the mountain, that this scenic spot was truly awakened. Nevertheless, the treacherous terrain, coupled with a tropical rainstorm, often renders the road impassable.
And that's not to mention the forest leeches lurking on tree leaves and near streams; linger too long, and they'll latch onto you, sucking your blood—an unsettling thought for many.
The pristine beauty of Ca Dam beckoned us back towards the mountain at the end of 2015.
Ascending with the clouds
From Quang Ngai City, one must traverse 50km to reach the mountainous district of Tra Bong. From there, along the Tra Bong - Tay Tra inter-district road, crossing the lofty Eo Chim Pass at over 1,000m, then traversing another roughly 20km to reach the foot of the newly opened road to Ca Dam.
In winter, ascending the mountain road, there are stretches submerged in mud, making the journey challenging. Nevertheless, people still eagerly admire the lush green cinnamon groves, the ethnic Kor villages nestled amidst the vast mountains.
Along the clear stream, there are various species of ferns, while in the distance, the verdant forest boasts ancient trees reaching out like robust Kor youths with bare hands, bustling on the hilltops during grand festivals.
Ca Dam captivates distant travelers with its majestic mountain range, with towering peaks reaching towards the sky. With the wind, the clouds gather, then drift away, revealing the mountain's green hues, only to quickly vanish again into the mist.
Reflecting back, the Đại Nam nhất thống chí records of the Nguyễn Dynasty depict Mount Van Phong thus: “A towering mountain peak reaching towards the heavens, visible from afar, gleaming brightly. Its summit adorned with drifting clouds, exuding an ethereal aura akin to dawn or after a refreshing rain. Quảng Ngãi boasts 10 scenic wonders. This is the scene of “Vân phong túc võ” (Mount Van in the rain at night). This mountain lies in the sparsely populated land of Man.
Indeed, it is so.
Venturing onto the lofty mountain, we were enthralled by a cascade of pristine white water known to locals as the Ba Tầng waterfall. It cascades vigorously throughout the year.
In the summertime, as the sun's rays dance upon it, the water flows gracefully like soft silk. The Kor youths and maidens from the Quế hamlet, Trà Bùi commune, nestled at the foot of the mountain, bathe in the cool stream after a day in the forest to wash away all weariness.
What's intriguing about Ca Dam is that, with no established paths and with poachers yet to encroach, the forest remains a blanket of verdant green. Local ethnic communities often hear the calls of wild animals, and in previous years, even the rumblings of early morning storms.
Sipping green tea in the land of the seven-leafed ginseng
With an average temperature of 20°C, Ca Dam remains pleasantly cool during the scorching summers of Central Vietnam, while in winter, the biting cold seeps through thick layers. The sparse villages of the ethnic communities thus see their fires burning brightly day after day.
The deeply buried sweet potatoes in the crimson embers, emitting a tantalizing aroma, become a favorite delicacy for the young explorers venturing through Ca Dam's trails.
Being remote and untouched, with no houses or camps to accommodate guests, we had no choice but to seek shelter in the stilt houses of the ethnic communities for overnight stays, enjoying a refreshing morning in the mountainous region, awakened by the echoing calls of wild roosters.
Many of the ethnic people celebrate the Ngã rạ harvest festival after the rice harvest season. During this time, the sound of gongs resonates all the way to the peak of Ca Dam.
With its cool climate year-round, the cinnamon trees here have thicker, more fragrant bark. Around the Quế hamlet, the ethnic communities also cultivate lush green tea gardens. Visitors are offered freshly picked tea leaves, brewed into a golden, shimmering liquid, leaving a lingering taste on the palate.
Some ethnic households occasionally encounter the rare seven-leafed ginseng during their forest expeditions. This precious ginseng species, found only on this mountain peak in Quang Ngai, is a testament to the area's biodiversity.
At Ca Dam, the climate undergoes daily fluctuations. If the morning is warm, by noon the weather becomes pleasantly cool, turning chilly in the evening, and much colder at night during winter. The cold and solitude amidst the winter night in this mountainous region will be an intriguing experience for adventurous explorers.
The Chairman of Tra Bong District People's Committee (Quang Ngai) Nguyen Xuan Bac stated that Mount Ca Dam is included in the ecotourism development project approved by Tra Bong District since October 2011.
Recently, on November 19, the Chairman of Quang Ngai Provincial People's Committee Tran Ngoc Cang, along with leaders of relevant departments, conducted an on-site inspection at this mountain.
According to Mr. Cang, the conditions here are suitable for establishing an ecotourism and resort area, combined with the cultivation of valuable medicinal plants such as the seven-leafed ginseng. Initially, the province will invest in constructing two roads leading to Mount Ca Dam.
Based on this foundation, Quang Ngai will attract domestic and foreign businesses to invest in developing this tourist area.
According to Tuoitre.vn
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourDecember 18, 2015
