The Dan Lai community in western Nghệ An passes down timeless tales of a mystical water stream. Legend has it that women bathing in this stream attain radiant skin, while children, as they grow, thrive with robust health.
Khe Xanh: Unveiling the Enchantment

Embark on a journey from Diễn Châu, tracing National Highway 7 for around 80km until you reach the Lèn Rỏi Bridge crossing the Lam River. Crossing the bridge marks the entrance to the mountainous forests of Tân Kỳ District, Nghệ An. The quest to discover this mystical water stream remains challenging, catering to those who seek adventure.
Bản Bắc Sơn, situated in Nghĩa Phúc commune, Tân Kỳ, Nghệ An, stands out as a famous spot with a mystical water stream. Nestled beside a road winding through lush green forests, a small temple dedicated to General Lê Mạnh from the Lê dynasty exudes simplicity. In Bắc Sơn, 95% of the population belongs to the Dan Lai ethnic group.
According to Mr. Trần Văn Hàn, the caretaker of the temple dedicated to General Lê Mạnh, in recent years, many tourist groups traveling along the Hồ Chí Minh trail or coming from provinces like Thanh Hóa, Nghệ An, Hà Tĩnh, have turned to visit the temple and experience the wonders of Khe Xanh stream.
Strolling across a meadow adorned with unique rock formations, showcasing peculiar patterns crafted by nature, a crystal-clear stream emerges, resembling a flowing gem.
Nestled beneath lush canopies, the Green Crevice stands out with its serene beauty. The water, so transparent, appears like an emerald, earning it the name Green Crevice. According to Mr. Han, the water here plunges to depths exceeding 5m.
Mr. Han recalls a time when the indigenous people, facing harsh conditions in another land, embarked on a journey in search of new territory. Finally, they settled in what is now known as North Mountain. The water of the Green Crevice springs from an underground source, never running dry.
In the summer, the water is refreshingly cool, while in winter, it remains pleasantly warm. Due to this unique characteristic, the Tho people in North Mountain continue to fetch water for consumption even on rainy days when the stream remains crystal clear.
Visitors can reconnect with their childhood here as they watch local children near the stream, eagerly competing to dive and touch the bottom. Diving to depths of 4-5m, these children display remarkable clarity underwater.
As reported by Tuoi Tre
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourOctober 13, 2016