Buzz
With its majestic wilderness and rich cultural diversity of ethnic groups, Dak Nong promises to be an exciting destination for discovering new experiences in the upcoming New Year.
Below is a suggested itinerary for a 3-day holiday trip in the upcoming Gregorian New Year.
Transportation
From Mien Dong Bus Station, Ho Chi Minh City, buses to Dak Nong can stop at various points such as Cu Jut, Dak Mil, Gia Nghia, Krông Nô… with ticket prices ranging from 150,000 to 200,000 Vietnamese dong.
If opting for personal vehicles such as cars or motorbikes, you can depart from Binh Duong to Sở Sao intersection, then head to Dong Xoai town and take National Highway 14 to Gia Nghia town. However, the road to the Central Highlands is quite narrow with many steep passes, so caution is advised.
Accommodation
Travelers often stay in Gia Nghia town for easy access to other districts in the province. Some hotels and guesthouses in Gia Nghia such as Sunrise, Truong Giang, Tay Nguyen, Hoang Gia, Thanh Huong… have prices ranging from 100,000 to 300,000 dong per night.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Gia Nghia – Phap Hoa Pagoda – Dak G’lun Waterfall – J’rieng Village
Upon arriving in Gia Nghia town, you can rest before visiting Phap Hoa Pagoda located on Hung Vuong Street. Situated on a hill in the center of the town, Phap Hoa Pagoda offers panoramic views of the lush rolling hills. The pagoda consists of a main hall and a 5-story circular tower, featuring architecture resembling traditional Central Highlands longhouses, blended with garden house architecture, creating a serene atmosphere.
About 60 km from Gia Nghia town is Dak G’lun Waterfall in Tuy Duc district. The waterfall is likened to a fairy amidst the mountains due to its enchanting beauty amidst the natural scenery. With a height of over 50 meters, the cascading water divides into two branches hanging gracefully on the cliffs. Moreover, Dak G’lun Waterfall is home to a diverse and abundant ecosystem enveloped by over 1,000 hectares of forest.
As night falls, head to J’rieng Village in Gia Nghia to experience the local life here. The air is filled with the scent of freshly cooked rice and grilled meat. Brightly lit courtyards and the lively sound of gongs fill the air. Enjoy sipping rice wine and indulging in piping hot delicacies for an unforgettable experience.
Day 2: Explore the Nam Nung Eco-Cultural-Historical Tourism Area
From Gia Nghia town, take National Highway 14 about 28 km towards Buon Ma Thuot, then turn right onto Provincial Road 6 for about 17 km towards Quang Son commune, Dak Glong district; or from Ea T’ling town, Cư Jút district, take Provincial Road 4 for about 20 km, passing through Dak Mam town to Nam Nung commune, tourists will arrive at the Nam Nung Eco-Cultural-Historical Tourism Area.
This conservation area covers 12,300 hectares at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level. Here, tourists can reconnect with pristine and tranquil nature. Climb to the peak of Nam Nung, over 1,500 meters high, to admire the vast M’nong plateau. In addition to relaxation and rejuvenation, tourists also have the opportunity to admire architectural works that reflect the cultural beauty of the land and people of the Central Highlands.
Nestled amidst the Nam Nung forest is a National Historical Site, bearing the marks of the resistance war era. This is also an ideal place for tourists to traverse time and delve into glorious history.
Within the Nam Nung Nature Reserve lies Truc Lam Dao Nguyen Zen Monastery nestled amidst dense pine forests, cool all year round. About 2 km to the south lies the picturesque Luu Ly waterfall. The water cascades down from above, creating an endless landscape of natural beauty.
Immerse yourself in nature at the majestic waterfalls cluster of Dray Sap - Gia Long - Trinh Nu in Dak Nong province.
The beauty of Dak Nong is inseparable from its lakes and waterfalls. Spend ample time exploring the splendid waterfalls and azure lakes to admire the pristine natural landscapes.
Among the 16 perennial waterfalls, the most prominent is the Dray Sap - Gia Long - Trinh Nu waterfall cluster along the Serepok River. Not only is it the most famous waterfall cluster in the Central Highlands, but it also preserves fascinating legends.
Contrary to the powerful cascades of Dray Sap and Gia Long, Trinh Nu waterfall exudes tranquility and grace like a maiden. Visitors can relax in charming leaf-roofed shelters along the winding stone pathways. Moreover, near Trinh Nu waterfall lies a geological heritage site with diverse basalt rock formations resembling coal.
Dak Nong is also home to numerous large lakes such as Ea Sno Lake in Dak Dro commune, Krong No district, spanning over 80 hectares. This natural lake is steeped in folklore and local customs. Tourists can embark on boat rides upstream to Buon Choah or downstream on the Krong No River towards Gia Long and Dray Sap waterfalls.
Located in Cu Jut district, approximately 90 km from the center of Gia Nghia town, Truc Lake boasts a mystical and enchanting beauty bestowed by nature. With a surface area of about 2 hectares, it is surrounded by lush greenery and a rich carpet of vegetation. Visitors can cross the bamboo suspension bridge spanning the lake to reach a spacious peninsula covered with pristine mangroves and primitive vegetation.
If you have spare time, you can explore Nhân Cơ waterfall, Diệu Thanh waterfall, triple-layer waterfall, seven-layer waterfall…
Food and Drink
The specialties of Đắk Nông carry the essence of the Central Highlands with dishes like bamboo-cooked rice, stream fish, bitter eggplant salad, and rice wine. Don't miss out on trying snakehead fish, the key ingredient in many delicious dishes such as snakehead fish sausage, braised snakehead fish with banana blossom, and grilled snakehead fish. Additionally, there's forest vegetable hotpot featuring a combination of over 10 types of forest leaves, and aromatic stone-grilled beef.
Souvenirs
Coffee, rice wine, butter, durian, pepper are some items you can bring back as gifts after your trip to Đắk Nông.
Source: Vnexpress
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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour
MytourDecember 29, 2015
