Buzz
With its majestic wilderness and rich cultural diversity of ethnic groups, Dak Nong promises to be an intriguing destination for discovering new experiences at the beginning of the new year.
Below is a suggested itinerary for a 3-day holiday trip in Dak Nong during the upcoming Gregorian New Year.
Transportation Options
From the Eastern Bus Station in Ho Chi Minh City, various bus routes to Dak Nong stop at multiple points such as Cu Jut, Dak Mil, Gia Nghia, Krông Nô, with ticket prices ranging from 150,000 to 200,000 Vietnamese dong.
If opting for personal transportation like a car or motorcycle, you can depart from Binh Duong to the So Sao intersection, then head to Dong Xoai town and take National Highway 14 to Gia Nghia town. However, the road to the Central Highlands is narrow with many steep slopes, so you need to be extremely cautious.
Accommodation Options
Travelers often stay in Gia Nghia town for easy access to other districts in the province. Some hotels and guesthouses in Gia Nghia such as Sunrise, Truong Giang, Tay Nguyen, Hoang Gia, Thanh Huong... offer prices ranging from 100,000 to 300,000 Vietnamese dong per night.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Gia Nghia – Phap Hoa Pagoda – Dak G’lun Waterfall – J’rieng Village
Upon arrival in Gia Nghia town, you can rest before visiting Phap Hoa Pagoda located on Hung Vuong Street. Situated on a hill in the town center, Phap Hoa Pagoda offers panoramic views of lush green hills. The pagoda consists of a main hall and a 5-story round tower, featuring architecture resembling traditional Central Highlands stilt houses, combined with garden house architecture, creating a serene ambiance.
About 60 km from Gia Nghia town is Dak G’lun Waterfall in Tuy Duc district. The waterfall is likened to a fairy in the wilderness due to its enchanting beauty amidst the natural landscape. Standing over 50 meters tall, the cascading white water divides into two branches suspended on the cliffs. Moreover, Dak G’lun Waterfall boasts a diverse and rich ecosystem, enveloped by over 1,000 hectares of forest.
As night falls, head to J’rieng Village in Gia Nghia to immerse yourself in the local life. The air is filled with the aroma of freshly harvested rice and grilled meat. Brightly lit courtyards and the sound of gongs fill the air. Savoring rice wine and enjoying piping hot delicacies will be an unforgettable experience.
Day 2: Explore the eco-cultural-historical tourism area of Nam Nung
From Gia Nghia town, take National Highway 14 towards Buon Ma Thuot for about 28 km, then turn right onto Provincial Road 6 for approximately 17 km towards Quang Son commune, Dak Glong district; or from Ea T’ling town, Cu Jut district, take Provincial Road 4 for about 20 km, passing through Dak Mam town to Nam Nung commune, visitors will arrive at the Nam Nung eco-cultural-historical tourism area.
This conservation area covers 12,300 hectares at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level. Here, visitors reconnect with pristine and tranquil nature. Climb to the peak of Nam Nung, over 1,500 meters high, to admire the panoramic view of the majestic M’nong plateau. In addition to relaxation and leisure activities, visitors also have the opportunity to admire architectural works that reflect the cultural beauty of the Central Highlands.
Nestled amidst the Nâm Nung forest is a National Historical Site, bearing witness to the wartime resistance. This is also an ideal place for visitors to journey back in time and delve into the glorious history.
Within the Nam Nung nature reserve lies Truc Lam Dao Nguyen Zen Monastery, hidden amidst the sprawling pine forest, cool and refreshing all year round. About 2 km to the south is the picturesque Luu Ly Waterfall. The water cascades down from above, creating an endlessly beautiful landscape of mountains and water.
Explore the mesmerizing beauty of nature at the enchanting Dray Sap - Gia Long - Trinh Nu waterfall cluster.
Dive into the serene charm of Dak Nong, adorned with stunning lakes and waterfalls. Immerse yourself in the azure hues of nature's breathtaking landscapes.
Among the 16 perennial waterfalls, the standout is the Dray Sap - Gia Long - Trinh Nu cluster along the Serepok River. Discover the fascinating legends intertwined with these cascades.
Trinh Nu waterfall, in contrast, exudes a gentle tranquility akin to a maiden. Follow the winding stone paths to quaint leafy shelters, and marvel at the geological wonders nearby.
Dak Nong boasts numerous expansive lakes like Ea Sno, steeped in folklore and local customs. Embark on a boat journey upstream to Buon Choah or downstream to the Gia Long and Dray Sap waterfalls.
Located in Cu Jut district, approximately 90 km from Gia Nghia town center, Truc Lake mesmerizes with its mystical beauty. Traverse the bamboo suspension bridge to a sprawling peninsula, enveloped by lush forests.
If time permits, you can explore Nhan Co waterfall, Dieu Thanh waterfall, the three-tiered waterfall, the seven-tiered waterfall, and more.
Cuisine
Dak Nong's specialties bear the rich flavors of the Central Highlands' forests, such as bamboo rice, stream fish, bitter eggplant salad, and rice wine. Don't miss out on trying snakehead fish, a key ingredient in dishes like fried snakehead fish cakes, braised snakehead fish with bananas, and grilled snakehead fish. Additionally, indulge in wild vegetable hotpot featuring over 10 types of forest leaves and fragrant stone-grilled beef.
Souvenirs
Coffee, rice wine, avocado, durian, and pepper are among the items you can purchase as gifts after your trip to Dak Nong.
Source: Vnexpress
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Reference: Travel guide by Mytour
MytourDecember 29, 2015
