Buzz
The Mystique of Tà Giang
Tà Giang veiled in morning mist.
On the first morning of our journey, following our arrival in Cam Ranh, our group rested, had breakfast, and organized our gear. Subsequently, the shuttle took us to the starting point in Khanh Son district, Khanh Hoa province. There, we entrusted our belongings to a Raglai couple, preparing for our initial trek through the rocky valley.
Named the “stone valley,” the Tà Giang route awaits you with large stretches of rocks and dozens of small and large streams. Initially hesitant steps soon give way to refreshing stream crossings. The vast expanse of rocks amidst the forest, with small streams crisscrossing, marks the first highlights of the journey. Unlike trekking trails, one must be much more cautious stepping on the stone slabs and crossing the rocky streams.
Crossing numerous small and large rocky streams continuously throughout the journey.
At noon, the entire group halted for a refreshing lunch by a cool stream. Those who knew how to swim immediately tossed their backpacks upon seeing the inviting stream, diving right in. I, on the other hand, contented myself with splashing about on the banks and helping set up the food for everyone.
Taking a dip in the stream with the local children.
Cool, refreshing rocky streams amidst the journey.
What I think you'll love most about this trip is that everyone minimizes their use of plastic and disposable items. We've used banana leaves, skillfully gathered from the forest, as plates, and some bamboo sticks as utensils. It's not only convenient and charming but also environmentally friendly.
A simple lunch by the cool stream.
The rain started pouring, making the journey through the rocky stream more challenging. The whole group pushed to reach the house on the hill before the clouds darken the sky completely. The long, cold, and exhausting stretch finally ended when the lush green hillside came into view.
Standing atop a hill, gazing at the panoramic view of the Tà Giang stone valley.
Among many places to admire the sky, the view from Tà Giang valley is perhaps the most breathtaking. During the early rainy season, Tà Giang becomes exceptionally beautiful. The rain gently falls in the afternoon, creating a soothing rhythm, then by evening, it yields to a clear, expansive sky. Surrounded by low hills covered in lush greenery, sitting quietly, one can hear the distant rustle of the wind, and looking up, witness the serene drift of clouds. The post-rain sky is also vast and clear.
The lush green and tranquil stone valley on rainy days.
The group divides tasks, some gather greens, others grill meat, all while admiring the drifting clouds over the valley. As dusk sets in, the meat turns golden, and dinner is almost ready. Perhaps the most enjoyable part of every trip is when dinner is served amidst the cool air, amidst the quietness of the mountains. We gather around the steaming, fragrant meal, passing around warm cups of wine, inviting each other to enjoy a piece of grilled meat. Laughter fills the air, as everyone gradually reconnects, sharing different tasks, different lives, but all enjoying moments of peace in a place with no phone signal.
Preparing grilled meat for dinner.
After dinner, it's past 8 PM, and the stars are becoming clearer. The rain gently falls in the evening, then yields to a clear, expansive sky. As the night deepens, the cold sets in, and we gather around the campfire, brewing hot tea, sipping some coffee, singing softly, and sharing interesting stories.
The warm campfire amidst the cold rainy night.
The mornings here are incredibly refreshing; you naturally wake up early and run around on the grassy field. There's a very cheerful and friendly dog here, always running around with us. The atmosphere on Monday mornings always feels pleasant. You can leisurely make tea or enjoy a sip of coffee.
A fresh morning with warm sunlight piercing through the valley.
After breakfast, the group will embark on another refreshing green path to return to the lowland area.
The farewell photograph of the group.
The lush green path back home.
Some tips for trekking in Tà Giang
The most exhilarating moment in every trip might be when you fold a few sets of quick-dry clothes, then pack some specialized items into your worn-out dusty backpack from previous trips. Or for some, it could be taking the first steps on new land - taking a deep breath to capture the mountain forest's scent, feeling the clean morning air rushing into your chest. Or, it could be other memorable little things. Try carrying your backpack to a new destination, like Tà Giang, for instance, to enjoy some green weekends amidst nature!
Author: Đỗ Ngọc Hoài Thu
*This article is participating in the Mytour Golocal program.
Mytour Golocal is a blogging program introducing beautiful destinations across Vietnam, part of the Mytour Go & Share program. It's a fantastic opportunity to promote local tourism to everyone. For each qualifying article, you'll receive 800,000 VND and a chance to become a Mytour Contributor. For detailed information about the program, visit: https://trv.lk/golocal
