Buzz
With its towering height of 2,287m, Bidoup is dubbed as the “roof of the Central Highlands”, standing magnificently amidst the mountainous forests. Moreover, Bidoup virtually encompasses the entire Langbiang Plateau (also known as the Lam Vien Plateau). Bidoup Forest is part of Vietnam's National Park system, covering an area of up to 65,000 hectares.
Embarking on a trekking adventure in Bidoup means you are exploring one of the 27 national parks within Vietnam's designated special-use forest areas. It's also one of the 221 endemic bird centers in the world. The ecosystem boasts incredible diversity with numerous broadleaf and tropical moist evergreen needle-leaved trees. Approximately 91% of the area consists of pristine forests and land with a variety of vegetation cover.
Bidoup is home to 1,469 plant species, including 62 rare and precious species classified into 29 different plant categories. Notable species include Red Pine, Blue Cypress, Dacrydium pierrei, Dalat Pine, and Flat-leaved Pine. As for fauna, there are 56 species listed as rare and precious, 47 species listed in the Vietnam Red Data Book, and 30 species listed in the IUCN Red List. Most notably, Bidoup hosts over 250 orchid species that adorn the forest canopy.
Bidoup National Park. Image: Internet
2. Trekking Tips for Bidoup
To ensure a smooth journey, we'd like to share our mountain climbing experience in Bidoup with you:
2.1. Preparation
Don't miss our article on Pocketing 12 Essential Items for Trekking to ensure thorough preparation.
- Clothing and Accessories: Prepare 2-3 sets of lightweight, breathable, quick-drying clothes. A quick-drying jacket. Wide-brimmed hat. Gloves. Sunglasses…
- Trekking Shoes: Opt for good grip, non-slip shoes. It's advisable to bring along a pair of sandals with straps for comfort.
- Backpack: With reinforced straps, commonly used for trekking.
- Food and Drinks: Pack snacks like KitKat, chocolate, Snickers… Also, bring enough water, around 2 liters. However, for trekking, you'll need more, about 2.5 to 3 liters.
- Medical Supplies: Bring personal bandages, band-aids, and prescription medication. Additionally, pack medications like Panadol, Decolgen, Smecta, Salonpas, Vitamin C, effervescent tablets, Oresol, and personal prescription drugs.
- Money and Identification: Only carry a sufficient amount of money for purchasing souvenirs. Avoid carrying too much as there won't be any use for it in the forest. Regarding identification, bring your ID card and driver's license (in case of renting a vehicle).
According to Bidoup trekking experience, these are essential items. Image: Internet
2.2. Trekking Time for Bidoup
According to our Bidoup trekking experience, the best time to embark on this journey is from December to April. This period falls during spring, which is also the dry season. It's much easier and convenient to trek compared to the rainy or wet season. Moreover, if you're lucky, you might encounter rhododendrons, wild orchids, or blooming magnolias.
Trekking during the rainy season can be quite challenging. The mountain trails become extremely slippery, and the air is icy cold. The surroundings are often shrouded in mist, making it difficult to maintain visibility. Therefore, it's advisable to avoid trekking from early September to the end of October.
2.3. Choosing the Right Trekking Route
Trekking in Bidoup offers numerous routes for you to choose from. Each route has its own unique characteristics. However, almost all journeys involve traversing forests, crossing valleys, wading through streams, and crossing rivers… Notable routes include Klong Klan Valley, Da Nhim River, and dense Thuong Xanh forest. As you ascend, the air becomes thinner. Hence, we'll point out the routes you can take. Choose wisely for this Bidoup trekking adventure.
Regardless of which path you choose, we believe you should find a companion to trek with. Don't attempt it alone. Who knows what mysteries lie deep within the forest, waiting to be revealed. If you lack experience, try searching for keywords like “Bidoup trekking tour” or “Bidoup tour” or “affordable Bidoup trekking tour” for reference. Then, select a suitable company. You can also bring along your buddies, gather on a weekend, and embark on the journey together. The feeling of standing atop success is indeed joyful. But standing there with beloved friends, undoubtedly, there's nothing comparable.
Choosing the Right Trekking Route. Image: Internet
3. Considerations
- Absolutely No Littering: The forest is our greatest protection against disasters like floods and storms. Moreover, it provides us with so much. Therefore, love and protect the environment. Absolutely do not litter or throw garbage indiscriminately, as it spoils the landscape.
- Opt for Guided Tours: No matter how much you want to challenge yourself, think about your family first. Go with an experienced guide who not only ensures your safety but also makes for an enjoyable companion on your journey.
- Do Not Separate from the Group: Throughout the trek, the guide will provide you with rest breaks and opportunities for exploration. Therefore, do not wander off without the guide's permission. Many incidents can occur if you separate from the group, such as getting lost, accidents, etc.
- Avoid Eating Unknown Leaves, Mushrooms, or Fruits in the Forest: Refrain from tasting or experimenting with unfamiliar items when you're unsure of their composition and potential harm.
- Prepare Both Physically and Mentally: This is crucial preparation before trekking. To have a successful journey, you should train physically beforehand and maintain a strong mental state.
The Bidoup – Nui Ba trekking route will undoubtedly come with some difficulties and challenges. But if you have a determined spirit and unwavering faith, we believe you will succeed, standing atop the “roof of the Central Highlands”, shouting triumphantly and proving to yourself the things you've overcome.
Check out a compilation of trekking tours and book cheaper or even free trekking tours by joining the Phuotvivu referral program. After the invited person completes any travel activity on Phuotvivu, you will receive 50K/1 new person. See instructions.
Posted by: determined Võ
Keywords: Exciting Bidoup trekking experiences suggestions
