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Perhaps, anyone in the Southern region is certainly no stranger to a destination that I will share with you. With the name of the highest mountain in Southern Vietnam, you might somewhat guess. And that name is none other than Ba Den mountain, known as the 'First heaven and earth'. Let's explore the detailed experience of climbing Ba Den mountain and some notes to have the most convenient mountain climbing trip with Stour.vn!
Photo: Collection
Photo: Collection
Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh is the tallest mountain and a familiar destination for Southern backpackers. Located about 100km from Saigon and with an elevation of just over 900m, it always attracts a large number of young people and pilgrims on weekends.
Near the summit of Ba Den mountain lies the famous Ba Pagoda, where tourists visit and pilgrimage daily... From the pagoda, there is a trail leading to the mountain peak and Ba shrine. The summit of Ba Den mountain also houses an information station for the military.
Due to the large number of tourists, various items have turned Ba Den mountain into what is often referred to as a 'garbage dump', with litter ranging from water bottles, plastic bags from snacks... to barbecue grills left behind by groups of young campers. Every Saturday night, around 100-200 people camp on the mountain peak, and by the next morning, the 'garbage dump' grows a little more.
Recently, with raised awareness, many 'clean-up' movements by backpacking groups and environmentally-conscious young people have contributed to making Ba Den cleaner and tidier, but it still hasn't fully sunk in.
If you intend to climb Ba Den mountain, perhaps first cultivate a habit of cherishing the environment, consciously bringing down non-biodegradable waste like plastic bags, plastic bottles... that you bring up the mountain to protect the environment and preserve this beautiful mountain.
Ba Den mountain has a shape resembling an inverted hat, so the path to the summit of Ba Den mountain is almost uphill and there are not many flat or downhill sections. Climbing Ba Den mountain offers various routes:
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The gentle and straightforward way to climb Ba Den mountain chosen by many is the power pole route because the path is cool, easy to navigate, with consistent elevation... you just need to follow the trail along the power lines, counting about 100 poles to reach the destination. It takes 2-3 hours to ascend using this route.
When climbing Ba Den mountain along the power pole route, you need to prepare about 2 liters of water per person if returning on the same day and 3-4 liters if staying overnight. Keep your meals simple with bread, sausages... If staying overnight, prepare charcoal and grilling equipment, tents, and sleeping bags to stay on the mountain... My mountain climbing experience is to bring just enough, don't bring the whole supermarket up the mountain, because once you start climbing, even a jacket will make you feel heavy.
If you're in Hanoi or elsewhere, buy a plane ticket to Saigon, from Saigon drive along Highway 22 towards Cu Chi, turn onto provincial roads 782 and then 784, to Boi Loi Street then turn left before entering the gate of Ba Den mountain tourist area. You can also check the coordinates on the map 11.363634 106.166454 - this is Co Nam drink stall, a familiar destination for Ba Den mountain climbers because you can park your car, drink water, and rest in hammocks. If you arrive too late, you can switch to parking at the temple 500m away.
From Co Nam stall, walk along the opposite wall towards the mountain, you will encounter the first power pole. This is the most confusing section of this route as it passes through the locals' fields. From this point, pay attention to follow the painted arrows on the rocks. Walk while noticing the power lines running overhead or on one side. After the first 30 minutes, there's only one trail left to the summit, keep walking and counting the poles to see the summit getting closer...!
Photo: Phuong Thanh
In fact, climbing Ba Den mountain is not too strenuous but can't be taken lightly either. The first 30 minutes of a mountain climbing journey are always the most spirit-draining if you haven't hiked much or don't have a habit of exercising.
I've encountered a few cases where female companions in the group arrive at this point pale-faced, panting, and unwilling to continue... At this moment, giving them a bit more water, carrying extra gear, and encouraging each other is how they can climb to the summit with the group, and in some cases, these friends end up leading the group.
Along the power pole route of climbing Ba Den mountain, there's a small water crevice at the rock field of power pole number 55, this is an ideal resting point because it's halfway along the route, everyone can refill water and wash their faces, take a rest. You'll feel a rejuvenation of strength and extremely refreshed.
Photo: Collection
The higher you climb, the more you'll notice the change in vegetation. If at the foot of the mountain it's mango trees, as you ascend it becomes bamboo, and at the summit, it's mainly shrubs and grass... At the same time, you'll feel like you're walking from beneath the clouds, through the layers of clouds, and even above the clouds. It's a truly amazing feeling.
Following the power poles, when you see two rock pillars and a zinc fence, and an antenna pole, that's the summit of the mountain, the highest point is within the military area. You can camp in this area or move along the trail alongside the fence towards the east. This area tends to be more crowded but offers more views because you can see Dau Tieng Lake from above, it's the direction of the sunrise, and if you're lucky, you might even encounter a sea of clouds. However, this area is often crowded, so there will be a lot of litter and many other camping groups making a lot of noise.
Photo: Collection
Some notes and experiences not to be missed when climbing Ba Den mountain
Accommodation and dining options when climbing Ba Den mountainWhere to stay safely when trekking Ba Den mountain? You can rent hotels, guesthouses in Tay Ninh, if staying in the Ba mountain area you can rent guesthouses at the foot of the mountain or near the Ba power station. You can also book cheap hotels with good services in Tay Ninh for convenience in transportation and enjoying local cuisine.Eating on Ba Den mountain: At the foot of Ba Den mountain, there are some rice eateries, if you stay on the mountain overnight, you should bring your own food.
Above are the compilation of safe climbing experiences on Ba Den mountain for you to refer to for your upcoming trekking trip with family and friends. Wish you will have a memorable climbing trip to Ba Den mountain.
Photo: Phuong Thanh
Posted by: Lady Music
Keywords: Detailed Ba Den mountain climbing experience 2022
