Buzz
While others seek refuge from the heat in Tam Dao, Sa Pa, Moc Chau... we were invited by friends in Đô Lương, Nghệ An to cool off in a unique place – the fiery cauldron.
Aware of the scorching sun, we set out early from Đô Lương town. However, by 7 am, National Highway 7 towards Western Nghệ An was already sweltering. The face masks, soaked in icy water and worn for just 15 minutes, were already dry and curled up.
The temperature on the iPad showed 33 degrees Celsius. After covering nearly 80 km, everyone was overwhelmed by the early morning heat.
1. Leaving National Highway 7, we turned left onto a small asphalt road running through the forest to find shade. The further we went, the cooler it became; both body and outdoor temperature significantly dropped, delighting everyone.
Under the swaying tree branches, the travel party frequently stumbled upon a small stream flowing from the mountain. Beneath the forest canopy, the water flowed through crevices in the rocks, revealing moss-covered stones at the bottom. Several sections of the stream formed emerald ponds, shimmering in the shadow of the mountains.
Refreshing cold water, crystal clear, creates an immediate sense of delight as you dip your feet into it. “This is the Yen Khe commune, Con Cuong district, folks,” a young boy washing vegetables by the stream greeted enthusiastically.
After a few minutes of enjoying the invigorating sensation, everyone hit the road to find Ban Nua – a fairly rustic community tourism spot with traditional stilt houses and the distinctive water wheels of the Thai ethnic people.
2. However, our destination was the Moc hot spring (known as Ta Bo by the Thai people, meaning hot and cold spring). Ta Bo is a peculiar stream because the water naturally bubbles up all year round. The head of the stream turns into a natural and splendid pool. In the summer, the spring water is cool and refreshing, while in the winter, it remains pleasantly warm.
Before immersing ourselves in the water, we also heard stories from the streamside vendor, telling mysterious tales about Ta Bo spring.
Legend has it that Ta Bo sprouted in a secluded place surrounded by mountains and forests because Con Cuong district has the Dao Nguyen cave near the Lam river. That place is considered a celestial gate, where the Jade Emperor often sends heavenly maidens down to the Dao Nguyen cave to welcome talented young men from the mortal world. And the Fairy Stream with its pools of water is where celestial maidens bathe, beautifying their appearance...
But perhaps it's not just the uniqueness and mystique that attract many groups of people, with vehicles lining up to reach this destination. The buffer zone of the Pu Mat National Park (located in Con Cuong district) has truly become a cooling escape in the summer. Among them, the Moc hot spring (Ta Bo) is an intriguing destination for travelers.
As summer sets in, many people from Vinh City, Hà Tĩnh, Thanh Hóa, and even Hanoi escape the heat by driving their family-packed cars here.
3. Filled with excitement, the group continues to ride along the winding road beside the pristine Pù Mát National Forest. The untouched beauty of the forest gradually unfolds before their eyes. The deeper they go, the more serene and quiet the landscape becomes. Occasionally, they spot a few motorbikes of fellow adventurers passing by.
Sharing the same boat and camaraderie, everyone engages in conversations before joining the group to explore Khe Kèm waterfall – renowned as the majestic white ribbon of the Thái people.
Located in Lục Dạ commune, Con Cuông, Khe Kèm Waterfall is relatively easy to reach. The only small procedure is for everyone to stop at the forest checkpoint to present documents and listen to announcements.
In contrast to the beauty and allure of the scenery, tourism services at Khe Kèm waterfall are still underdeveloped, providing a tranquil experience for those who love to wander and discover.
From the parking spot, the sound of rushing water becomes audible. Excitement fills the air, and everyone urges each other on. After climbing over a low hill with moss-covered stone steps, everyone is surprised by the tiny water droplets carried by the chilly breeze on their faces.
Tiny droplets of water fluttering in the misty air, creating a mesmerizing spectacle throughout the space. The entire group harmoniously cheers with joy as they witness the stunning waterfall, an impressive sight unfolding before their eyes. A massive cascade, gushing down from a height of 40-50 meters, forms a large pool at the base of the waterfall.
At Khe Kem waterfall, the oppressive heat disappears completely. Sitting on the rocks, one can still feel a slight shiver from the cool mist enveloping all around. Many adventurous souls throw themselves into the water or climb the rocky outcrops near the waterfall, experiencing the thrill of plunging into the water akin to a cliff diving sport. Not far from the waterfall are small, shallow pools, perfect for swimming and bathing. Many visitors, regardless of gender, happily take a dip and frolic in the water.
After hours of swimming and refreshing baths, everyone heads to a leafy house by the roadside for lunch. Most long-distance travelers desiring local cuisine need to pre-order. We and many other young enthusiasts are more cautious, carrying carefully prepared homemade food and drinks.
4. As the afternoon sun casts long shadows, after a few hours of rest, we decide to trek a bit further into the core of Pu Mat National Park, where the mysterious Giang River and the Dan Lai ethnic group reside.
Standing beside the Mon Son irrigation dam (Mon Son commune, Con Cuong), a majestic panorama unfolds before everyone's eyes.
The evening sun begins to set, casting a warm glow over the landscape. After a brief respite, we decide to venture further into the heart of Pu Mat National Park, where the Giang River and the enigmatic Dan Lai people await.
On one side are the charming floating houses on the river, where travelers can rent boats to cruise upstream on the Giang River. On the other side, the river flows through a long dam, creating white foamy clusters, beneath which lies a vast and enchanting reservoir.
In the distance, the image of a suspension bridge spans the river, marking the proximity to the Vietnam-Laos border...
According to Zingnews
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Reference: Travel guide Mytour
MytourJune 26, 2015
