Top 5 Trekking and Mountaineering Tips for Chua Chan Mountain

Water: It's crucial to bring enough water for your hike—about 3-4 liters if you're staying overnight, or 1.5-2 liters if it's a day trip, to stay hydrated throughout the trek.

Food for the evening if you're staying overnight: Choose light, easy-to-carry foods. If you're in a group, divide the load—sausages, bread, sticky rice, moon cakes, or even some meat and vegetables for a BBQ meal. For snacks, bring candy, oranges, or tangerines for energy on the way up and down.

Medicines: Pack insect repellent, basic medical supplies like iodine, bandages, and menthol oil. Consider bringing cold medicine or headache tablets, especially for those who aren’t used to long treks, as it's easy to feel unwell after exertion.

Clothing: Wear durable, high-grip sports shoes, long-sleeved breathable clothing that wicks away sweat, and consider bringing a jacket, scarf, gloves, and socks. If you're staying overnight, a raincoat is essential to prevent catching a cold.

Bring a tent if you're planning to stay overnight. Avoid cheap, thin tents that wear out quickly. Opt for quality, lightweight tents that are easy to carry. Other essentials include a flashlight, lighter, power bank, camping knife, and a raincoat...

It's recommended to set up camp around 4-5 PM to ensure everything is properly arranged before nightfall.

Once you’ve set up camp and are ready to head back, remember to take all your trash with you. Never leave behind any litter such as plastic bags, bottles, or candy wrappers, as it harms the environment and landscape.

Plan your trip carefully and make sure to prepare both mentally and physically to conquer all challenges safely and confidently.

It’s also a good idea to trek with someone experienced to assist with any unexpected situations. Try to wake up early, around 4-5 AM, to enjoy the breathtaking sunrise at the summit.

During weekends, many young adventurers flock to Chua Chan Mountain to take on its challenging paths and test their limits. It’s also an opportunity to enjoy the stunning natural beauty the area has to offer.

However, trekkers should be aware that the ideal time to climb Chua Chan is during the dry season, from December to May. During this period, the weather is dry with little rain, making it more convenient for hiking. Always check the weather forecast before embarking on your trek, as conditions can change unexpectedly. Avoid trekking on days with storms or heavy rain, as slippery paths can make the journey dangerous.

Chua Chan Mountain is located about 100 km from Ho Chi Minh City, a 2-3 hour drive. You can easily reach the mountain by bus or by driving your own car. The route is relatively short, so travel time is minimal.

By bus: Head to the Eastern Bus Station and find buses heading towards Duc Linh, Binh Thuan. Inform the driver that you need to go to the Chua Chan Mountain entrance, and they will drop you off there. From the entrance, you can either take a motorbike taxi to the base of the mountain or walk about 3 km.

If you prefer riding a motorbike, here's a popular route among trekkers: Start from An Dong Market, drive along Vo Van Kiet towards the House of Dragon. Then cross through the Thu Thiem Tunnel, continue on Mai Chi Tho Road, and head towards Long Thanh, passing through Dau Giay/DT01. At the Cầu Dây intersection, turn onto National Road 1A and continue straight to Xuan Loc District. Once there, ask locals for directions to Chua Chan Mountain.

If you plan to stay overnight at Chua Chan Mountain, you can choose to rest at the base of the mountain, where you will find several affordable guesthouses in the center of Xuan Loc District. The area near the main entrance to the Chua Chan Temple offers a variety of budget accommodations for pilgrims. The average cost for a night at a guesthouse near the base of the mountain ranges from 150,000 to 400,000 VND per night.

If you have more time, consider camping overnight on the mountain. There are several flat areas perfect for setting up tents. Spending the night at the summit allows you to enjoy a stunning sunrise the next morning. As the sun rises, clouds dance around the peak, and the first rays of light filter through the trees, creating a breathtaking natural scene. Watching this spectacle in the crisp morning air will give you a refreshing sense of relaxation, washing away the fatigue from your previous day's trek and any stress from the past week.

You can rent tents from Leu Bien Hoa Shop, located at 51 Le Nguyen Dat Street, Long Binh Ward, Bien Hoa City. Contact them at 077 891 6842.