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Are you intrigued by the idea of exploring mesmerizing spots for camping and mountain climbing just a few hours away from Saigon?
Discover 5 enchanting destinations for camping and mountain climbing perfect for those who seek seclusion during the September 2nd holiday!
Mount Black Lady, Tây Ninh
Standing tall as the highest peak in the Southeast region (986 meters), Mount Black Lady is located approximately 11 kilometers northeast of Tây Ninh City. It attracts numerous adventurers every weekend. There are multiple routes to reach the summit: the temple path (shortest yet steepest, with numerous challenging rocky sections), the power line trail (easiest and most popular), the Ma Thiên Lãnh trail (difficult and lengthy), and the White Rock ascent (the most challenging, suitable only for those in excellent physical condition).
While climbing during the day offers better views and reduced risks, climbing at night provides a plethora of unique experiences: witnessing the gradual sunset, navigating with flashlights, and wandering amidst the mountainous forests enveloped in darkness.
From afar, Mount Black Lady stands proudly like a conical hat amidst the plains, seemingly daring and enchanting explorers alike. As you ascend, the air becomes cooler and more refreshing. At the summit, you'll delight in sweeping panoramic views of a pristine yet romantic landscape.
Tà Năng – Phan Dũng
The Tà Năng – Phan Dũng trekking route, spanning three provinces - Lâm Đồng, Ninh Thuận, and Bình Thuận, is captivating adventurers in the southern region. Starting from Tà Năng commune or Đa Quyn commune, Đức Trọng district, Lâm Đồng province, it takes about 3 days and 2 nights to cover nearly 60 kilometers through forests, over mountain passes, across streams, descending from an altitude of 1,100 meters to 500 meters above sea level.
The most impressive scenery includes vast grassy hills dotted with lush green pine trees, with distant clouds drifting lazily across the sky, creating a majestic yet tranquil vista reminiscent of a painting. The final destination is Phan Dũng commune, followed by a motorbike ride to Liên Hương intersection (Tuy Phong, Bình Thuận) to catch a bus back to Ho Chi Minh City or other provinces.
Mount Chứa Chan, Đồng Nai
Mount Chứa Chan is the second tallest mountain in the Southern region, standing at 800 meters high, located in Xuân Lộc district, Đồng Nai province. Derived from the Cham language 'Chơk Chăn', meaning young mountain, it is also known by various other names such as Gia Ray and Gia Lào.
Perched atop the mountain sits Buu Quang Pagoda, the largest and highest temple compared to many others in the area. To combine mountain climbing with a visit to Buu Quang Pagoda, you can enter from the main gate of Chua Chan Mountain Tourism Area, climb nearly 400 steps to reach the temple, then trek through the forest to the mountain peak.
To reach Chua Chan Mountain, ride a motorbike along National Highway 1 towards Phan Thiet, passing Long Khanh town approximately 25km until you reach Ong Don intersection, then turn left onto Hung Vuong Street, continue for about 1km to 9-4 Park. From here, ask for directions, turn left towards the foot of the mountain following the power line route; or continue for another 3km, turn left to enter a secluded path leading you to the summit via the temple route.
Additionally, you can shorten the journey by 110km by taking National Highway 51 instead of going through Bien Hoa City. Simply pass through Dau Giay intersection, continue straight to Long Khanh, then proceed straight to Xuan Loc, at Ong Don intersection turn left towards the foot of the mountain.
Forbidden Mountain, An Giang
Located in An Hảo commune, Tịnh Biên district, An Giang province, Forbidden Mountain stands approximately 710m above sea level, also known as Thien Cam Son. It is the highest peak in the majestic Thất Sơn range, a unique geological area not only in An Giang province but also in the entire Mekong Delta region. Notably, atop Forbidden Mountain are monumental religious architectural structures such as the 33.6m high statue of Buddha seated on the mountain peak, Van Linh Pagoda, and the Zen monastery of Great Buddha Temple.
Forbidden Mountain boasts a cool climate and stunning scenery. It is steeped in mysterious legends and folklore, attracting adventurers seeking to conquer its heights. The path up the mountain resembles a winding serpent stretching from the base to the summit. Each altitude offers different fascinating experiences. Starting your journey early in the morning allows you to witness clouds hovering like blankets over vast expanses of paddy fields.
Mount Chua, Ninh Thuan
Nui Chua National Park is located in the northeast of Ninh Thuan province, in Ninh Hai district. With an area of nearly 30,000 hectares and a length of 57 kilometers, Nui Chua boasts a rare dry forest ecosystem in Vietnam, harboring a diverse and abundant wildlife. Despite receiving little rainfall, it features the perennial 'Hanging Lake' and numerous ever-flowing streams like Lo O, Dong Nha, and Kien Kien.
This harmonious convergence of forest and sea is ideal for outdoor adventures. Amidst the tranquil scenery that retains its raw allure, you can immerse yourself in refreshing waters, admire picturesque landscapes, embark on daring climbs along steep coastal cliffs, or explore stunning natural caves. Camping overnight at Nui Chua, especially during the right season, offers the chance to witness sea turtles laying eggs firsthand.
By Thao Nguyen
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Reference: Mytour Travel Handbook
MytourAugust 18, 2017
