Buzz
After a month of careful planning and preparation, we successfully achieved our goal of exploring the Tà Năng – Phan Dũng trail, spanning three provinces: Lâm Đồng, Ninh Thuận, and Bình Thuận, covering a total length of 55km.
Discovering the Tà Năng – Phan Dũng trail
A bus dropped off our group of 11 members at Tà Hine junction (Đức Trọng, Lâm Đồng) at 4 a.m. amidst the misty surroundings. We had to wait until 5 a.m. for motorbikes to pick us up and transport us to the first trekking section in Toa Cát hamlet, Đa Quyn commune, to begin our journey on foot.
Each member of our group carried no less than 15kg of luggage, including personal items, tents, food, and drinks, for the planned 2-day-1-night journey (for those less experienced in trekking, it may take 3 days and 2 nights to complete the trail).
1. The initial 2km of the trail was relatively easy to traverse, with no steep hills, and we were treated to the picturesque rural scenery of the region.
A wooden bridge stretches across the gentle stream, surrounded by lush green rice fields bathed in the early autumn sunlight. The breeze carries the scent of ripe corn, while paper flowers adorn the houses with a touch of purple... All blending together to create a serene scene.
The spacious tranquility is suddenly disrupted as the group excitedly witnesses the sight of the 'unique' vehicles of the porters, trailing up the hills and crossing streams, carrying luggage to each resting point for the travelers.
Although termed as motorcycles, most are redesigned with hefty engines and chain-linked wheels for better traction on the challenging trails of Ta Nang, where only these vehicles can conquer the 'unfriendly' paths.
2. The 'sacred' slope we encountered first must be described as incredibly arduous, with its long and steep ascent divided into three consecutive sections, requiring considerable effort to overcome.
As the sun grows more intense, weary shoulders slump, and sweat drips down foreheads, stinging the eyes with its salty taste.
Yet, upon reaching the summit of the towering incline, casting a glance back at the winding path amidst the pine-covered hills, extending arms to embrace the gusts of wind, one can relish the moment of harmonizing with nature, where all exhaustion dissipates. Renewed vigor propels everyone forward for the long journey ahead.
Upon reaching the camping site, the group rests for their first midday break atop a lush green hill, surrounded by even taller and more beautiful hills.
It feels like stepping into a verdant prairie, with rolling hills and winding dirt paths stretching like giant serpents. In the valley below, a few towering pine trees stand tall, while in the distance, majestic mountains loom, shrouded in misty clouds...
3. As evening falls, the group sets up camp for the night on a high hill, which locals claim offers the most stunning sunrise views.
Under the flickering campfire light, we indulge in a lavish barbecue feast and mingle with the neighboring campers.
As night deepens, the air grows chillier, with gusts of wind sweeping through, occasionally rattling the tents and revealing the vast sky adorned with thousands of twinkling stars.
4. At 5 am, the dawn on the plateau has yet to break the nocturnal spell, the sky remains quiet, brimming with mystery. Dew still clings to the grass, the chirping of crickets fills the air, and the scent of foliage lingers. A new day dawns with fresh sensations.
The journey continues with paths more challenging, perilous, and demanding of strength. At times, towering cliffs threaten a misstep into the abyss, while descending slopes strain weary feet and knees.
Yet, amidst the toil, there's a sublime sensation immersing in the majestic Yaly waterfall, soaking feet in the gentle stream, savoring the cool water bestowed by heaven and earth, and marveling at dream-like pathways...
Passing through Phan Dung Forest (Binh Thuan) is both easy and easy to get lost in, as the trails are obscured by thick foliage. Many trekking groups thus hire guides or follow tracklogs (guidance from fellow travelers marked on Google Earth).
The weather in this region transitions from cool to scorching heat, devoid of wind. From pine forests and grassy hills to low-lying leafy forests, sometimes even traversing bamboo-covered slopes...
5. We conclude our trekking journey at the People's Committee of Phan Dung Commune, Tuy Phong District, Binh Thuan, 4km from the edge of Phan Dung Forest. From here, easy transportation via motorbike taxis or buses to reach Lien Huong town (20km from Phan Dung) to catch a ride back to Saigon.
Filled with a myriad of emotions, Tà Năng – Phan Dũng has become a sanctuary, preserving the most beautiful moments of our lives.
Reported by Youth News
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourSeptember 16, 2016
