Buzz
The atmosphere in Xuan Son National Park (XSNP), located in the mountainous district of Tan Son (Phu Tho), resonates with the rhythmic flow of streams, the rustling of leaves in the breeze, and the melodious songs of forest birds...
Embarking on an Adventure in Xuan Son National Park
Xuan Son National Park is among the 30 ranked and protected national parks in Vietnam. After navigating more than 30 kilometers of winding roads from the turn on National Highway 32, we finally reached this national park.
Mr. Nguyen Phong Tuyen, the head of the forest management and nature conservation department here, suggests that fully exploring XSNP – covering an area of over 150.48 km² – takes 2-3 days with good health conditions and a local Muong guide.
Indeed, right after the park gate, we encountered steep slopes that made motorcycles struggle, crawling inch by inch up each meter of the road.
The crimson primrose flowers in the forest have burst into full bloom, adding a new beauty to the lush greenery.
In the distance, a blanket of mist shrouds the landscape, with white clouds drifting gracefully around the majestic mountains.
As we reach the Dù village and continue for another 10km, a settlement emerges amidst the forest, featuring a few houses. Mr. Ha Van Trung, a local resident gathering firewood by the roadside, reveals that this is Lấp village, nestled in the heart of the forest, with only 28 houses.
'The villagers primarily depend on the forest. Every morning, they venture into the woods to gather branches, cut banana trees, catch crabs, and snails to sell for a few tens of thousands of dong,' says Mr. Trung.
Every day, Mr. Trung ventures into the forest from early morning until dark. For over 10 years, the woods and streams in this Xuân Sơn National Park have become incredibly familiar to him.
His constant companion throughout the day is a wood-cutting knife, used to collect only small dead or fallen trees.
Guiding us through the heart of Xuân Sơn National Park, Mr. Trung proudly showcases the stunning beauty of the forest, boasting 4-5 majestic waterfalls and numerous unique caves.
Most of these caves and waterfalls deep in the pristine forest are known only to forestry officials and the local residents. The paths to Na Cave and Lạng Cave are relatively easy, but reaching Xoan Waterfall and Lưng Trời Waterfall is extremely challenging.
Venturing about 2km into the forest, ancient forest canopies emerge, featuring valuable tree species such as táu muối, chò chỉ, and nghiến.
Some ancient trees have trunks so massive that two people embracing them cannot reach around. The current ambiance is filled with the sound of water trickling along the stream, the wind rustling through the leaves, and the melodious songs of the forest birds.
Concealed beneath the ancient canopy, under the lush green foliage, the surroundings offer us an indescribable sensation.
Wild and majestic
Without watches and compasses, we would lose our sense of direction and be oblivious to the passage of time in reality.
As we delve deeper into the heart of the forest, the pristine beauty becomes increasingly apparent, with towering ancient trees reaching tens of meters high in a straight and dignified manner.
Numerous tree trunks, too old and hollow, form large cavities accommodating two adults. Some massive trees, fallen across the stream, are adorned with lush green moss.
Wading along the streams, occasionally, we encounter a secluded, pure waterfall. Progressing from one waterfall to another, each succeeding one larger than the previous, water cascades down from cliffs 5m, 10m, 20m high, creating deep, alluring pools of clear and cool water.
By Nguyễn Hường/Tuổi Trẻ
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourAugust 4, 2017
