Weekend Mountain Adventure in My Duc, Vietnam

Famous for its historical and cultural heritage, Hương Sơn district in My Duc (formerly Hà Tây, now part of Hanoi) is blessed with a mesmerizing landscape of limestone mountains reflecting on vast lakes, creating a breathtaking scenery.

Explore Hanoi by Conquering Mountains in My Duc

With only a weekend day off, we embarked on a journey to discover a majestic landscape right in Hanoi, following the suggestion of a friend from My Duc district: 'Let's go mountain climbing in my hometown.'

Conquering Pho Da Son Peak

Starting from the meeting point at Nga Tu So, the group headed towards Ba La, then took route 21B to My Duc. Approximately 4km from Ben Market, the team began asking for directions to turn right towards Hong Son commune.

Driving a bit, the rugged gravel road begins to challenge the drivers. However, on the left side of the road, a vast lake with clear, still water reflects the mountain silhouette against the sky, creating a stunning scene. The car slows down to let the pairs of eyes leisurely enjoy the view.

After parking our vehicles at Quan Am Pagoda near Bat Nha Lake (Hong Son commune), we set out to conquer Pho Da Son Peak (also known as Cao Pagoda) – located on the mountain's ridge with an elevation of over 300m above ground. The steep stone steps along the mountain ridge quickly tested everyone's stamina.

Many in the group, office workers accustomed to a sedentary lifestyle, exclaimed when facing the challenge of climbing each step with determination. Everyone sweated profusely, soaking their clothes.

As we ascended, the desolation and tranquility became more pronounced. Unique wildflowers amidst the green foliage excited everyone, relieving fatigue. Below us, the vast Tuy Lai Lake, distant villages, and rice fields appeared picturesque, gradually fading in the sunlight.

And after climbing about 1,500 stone steps, we finally reached Cao Pagoda. After a brief pause for water and fresh air, everyone resolved to reach the summit of Pho Da Son before the intense midday sun set in.

Without a designated trail, everyone had to use both hands to grip the rock wall, pushing their bodies up step by step. Shoes and low-friction sandals were removed for barefoot climbing for safety. Finally, the entrance to Bao Quan Am Cave (also known as Ngoc Long Cave) – one of the five peaks in the Pho Da Son range – came into view.

From Ngoc Long Cave, one can gaze down to admire the panoramic view below, resembling a magnificent natural painting.

You can also look towards Hai Ngoc Peak, where Bong Lai Cave is located, or on the other side is Ban Co Peak, resembling a chessboard in the midst of the sky. Inside the cave is like a world with cool streams, as if from a natural air conditioner, flowing over everyone.

Pools of water, as if just taken from the refrigerator, serve as a refreshing hand and face wash for the entire group. Above are clusters of ice crystals, and stalactites competing to show off their beauty under the lights.

Admiring Ha Long Bay on Land

Not far from Pho Da Son and Tuy Lai Lake is the Quan Son Lake area (Hop Tien commune) with hundreds of mountains and islands emerging on the water's surface, likened to 'Ha Long Bay on land.' When taking a boat tour to enjoy the scenery on Quan Son Lake, people often choose the season of blooming lotus or gunflowers.

On the day we visited, white floral blankets covered the water's surface. However, to appreciate the panoramic view of 'Ha Long Bay on land,' we must ascend to the mountain peak on Hoa Qua Son Island.

Our group boarded two hand-rowed iron boats operated by local women, characterized by their hardworking demeanor and weathered faces. As they paddled, they warmly engaged in lively conversations about everything under the sun with tourists, seamlessly combining their roles as guides, introducing the beauty of Quan Son Lake, and recommending the must-visit islands.

After 45 minutes, the boat navigated through areas adorned with lotus and white flowers, and we set foot on Hoa Qua Son Island, one of the largest islands in the heart of Quan Son Lake.

According to the locals, Hoa Qua Son Island used to be home to a dense population of monkeys, and the island boasted a variety of natural flowers and fruits from the mountains. To admire the 'Ha Long Bay on land,' as people often describe it, we had to continue conquering the challenging trail to the summit of Cot Co (Flagpole) Peak.

Although not as high as Pho Da Son Peak, the path from the island to the mountain peak was extremely difficult. Apart from overcoming slippery rocks and steep inclines suitable for only one foot at a time, people had to maneuver through branches obstructing the path.

Not only that, everyone felt a sense of dread as bees buzzed overhead, and various insects could attack at any moment. Reaching the Flagpole Peak, everyone in the group was exhausted under the blazing midday sun.

The deep blue sky, with the mountainous terrain in a rhythmic pattern, unfolded. Below lay the heart of Quan Son Lake with patches of lotus and white flowers covering the water's surface. Mountain ranges and islands emerged in the lake, and in the distance, the fertile countryside with fields and quaint houses came into view.

And perhaps, comparing Quan Son Lake to a Ha Long Bay on land isn't an exaggeration, especially when standing atop Flagpole Peak on Hoa Qua Son Island and casting one's gaze down into this enchanting lake.

Abundant Tourism Development Potential

The limestone mountain system in My Duc stretches nearly 40km, ranging from 200-600m in height, connecting with the mountainous areas of Kim Boi and Lac Thuy districts (Hoa Binh province). This region is abundant with karst caves – caves adorned with stalactites, stalagmites, and underground rivers, offering great potential for tourism exploration.

Moreover, with a network of rivers, streams, and lakes such as the Day River, Yen Stream, Tuy Lai Lake, Son Son Lake, flowing amidst the limestone mountains, it forms a majestic and stunning landscape. Tourists can hike to admire temples, explore caves, conquer the highest peaks, and enjoy the vast scenery of the land, rivers, and lakes.

However, due to many remote and uninhabited forested areas, lacking eateries, visitors should prepare light snacks and beverages when exploring these destinations.

Source: Tuoi Tre

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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour