Conquering the Chua Chan Mountain

On a weekend afternoon, starting from Saigon, our group of 20 people headed towards Dong Nai to accomplish the goal of climbing Chua Chan mountain.

Conquering the Chua Chan Mountain

Some of us are embarking on our first ascent of this mountain, while others have been here two or three times; some are here to conquer the summit, while others simply want to temporarily escape the hustle and bustle of Saigon... Everyone is excited for a little 'getaway'.

After a 3-hour motorcycle ride along National Highway 1, we stopped along the way to buy some personal items, as well as food and drinks, before heading towards the foot of the mountain.

Chua Chan mountain stands tall at 840m, with Buu Quang temple nestled on its back. For this journey, we chose to ascend via the power line route and descend via the temple path.

The entire group parked their vehicles near a local's house at the foot of the mountain. Following a narrow trail, we leisurely traversed through lush green hills, with grass towering up to our hips. Mount Chua Chan may not be as tall as Mount Ba Den, but the path along the electric poles had much steeper ascents, offering even more beautiful scenery.

There were muddy sections and rocky stretches hindering our steps, yet the entire group encouraged each other to overcome every incline.

Along the lengthy path, the most enjoyable aspect was the gusts of wind. The cool breeze, soothing against our sweat-drenched skin, seemed to alleviate some of the fatigue from our journey. The wind swept over the grassy carpet, creating ripples and leaving its mark against the clear sky.

The afternoon sky remained dry, almost as if endorsing our wild-hearted souls. We pressed forward relentlessly. The bamboo forest was a tricky segment, especially when darkness fell rapidly. Dense and prickly, with fog occasionally obscuring our vision.

Everyone stayed close, occasionally calling out a name if a member seemed to be missing unexpectedly...

After more than 3 hours of strenuous effort, soaked in sweat and panting for breath, after a stretch of bamboo forest following a long uphill climb, we reached the summit.

The mist blankets the mountain peaks. Everything in the distance appears hazy. The cold seeps in gradually. A fire is lit, struggling against the strong wind. Tents are pitched. Each of us adds layers of warmth, sitting closely by the fire yet still feeling the chill.

Around the fire, we gather to cook, sharing warm cups of wine poured from halved plastic bottles. Then everyone sings, singing endlessly atop the mountain until the fire dies down...

On a windy night atop the mountain, there's a light rain. People retreat into the tents and drift into deep sleep.

At 5 in the morning, many of us wake up to greet the sunrise, 'hunting' clouds. After the rain, the morning atop the mountain, despite being bathed in sunlight, remains cold. Surrounding us are grass, so much grass, lush green, seemingly endless, with dewdrops still clinging onto the blades.

Standing atop the mountain, gazing at the rising sun and clouds, we find ourselves amidst a sea of green.

Information for you

Mount Chua Chan is the second tallest mountain in Southern Vietnam, standing at 800m high. It is located in Xuân Lộc district, Đồng Nai province. Its name originates from the Cham language, Chơk Chăn, meaning 'young mountain'. This place is also known by various other names such as Gia Ray and Gia Lào.

About 110km east of Ho Chi Minh City, you can reach Mount Chua Chan by motorcycle via National Highway 1 towards Phan Thiết. After passing through Long Khánh town about 25km to Ông Đồn intersection, turn left onto Hùng Vương street. Continue for about 1km to 9-4 park.

From here, ask for directions and turn left towards the base of the mountain to ascend via the power line route, or continue for another 3km and turn left onto a secluded path leading to the peak via a temple trail.

You can shorten the 110km journey by taking National Highway 51 instead of going through Biên Hòa City. Simply pass through Dầu Giây intersection, continue straight to Long Khánh, then head straight to Xuân Lộc. At Ông Đồn intersection, turn left towards the base of the mountain.

If traveling by bus: From Miền Đông Bus Station (Ho Chi Minh City), purchase a ticket to Đức Linh, Bình Thuận. Get off at the gate of Chua Chan Mountain, Gia Lào, then take a motorbike taxi for an additional 3km to the mountain base.

Source: Tuổi Trẻ

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