Ta Nang - Phan Dung, Bidoup - Nui Ba, and Hill 1600 are suggestions for a two-three-day adventure to conquer mountain peaks in the Southern region at the start of the year.
In Southern provinces, the weather after Tet (lunar New Year) is often beautiful and dry, and not too hot. This is an ideal time tourists to begin the New Year with positive energy, challenge themselves both physically and mentally, and explore nature. Below are the trekking routes recommended by trekking guide Quang Huy.
Ta Nang - Phan Dung
Located 300km Northeast of Ho Chi Minh City, the Ta Nang - Phan Dung trek spans 55km, passing through the provinces of Lam Dong, Ninh Thuan, and Binh Thuan. This is one of the most beautiful trekking routes in Vietnam and is suitable for trekkers of different age groups thanks to its moderate difficulty. Those not using personal vehicles can take a bus to Da Lat or Duc Trong district and then rent a motorbike to reach the foot of the mountain.
Ta Nang features a beautiful path with plants growing on both sides of the trail.
The trek typically takes about two days and one night, mainly covering long stretches without steep climbs. The Ta Nang section has moderate slopes, with beautiful paths lined with plants on both sides. Meanwhile, the Phan Dung section is slick, steep, winding, and filled with many pine trees. At night on Ta Nang Peak, the winds are strong, and the mist is thick.
Bidoup - Nui Ba
Located at the center of Lam Vien Plateau, the Bidoup - Nui Ba National Park features two of the highest peaks: Nui Ba (2,167 meters) and Bidoup (2,287 meters). The park is in Lac Duong and part of Dam Rong district, Lam Dong province, around 50km from Da Lat. With hundreds of animal species and thousands of plant species, this is an ideal place for ecotourism and nature exploration.
Grass is as tall as half a person’s height.
The trekking route through Bidoup and Nui Ba offers different terrains and diverse ecosystems, from vast pine forests to dense primeval forests. Hikers pass through grass hills, streams, and continuous slopes, admiring rare plants like the flat-leaf pine, orchids, and centuries-old trees. The dry season in the area is from December to April, and the forest flowers bloom. Tourists can see civets, langurs, pheasants, and Nomascus leucogenys; experience the life of the K'Ho people; enjoy specialties like “com lam” (bamboo rice), “ruou can” (tube wine); and participate in traditional gong dances.
Hill 1600 in D'ran ancient town
The hill is named Hill 1600 because of its elevation, which is 1,600 meters high. It is located in D'ran townlet, Don Duong district, Lam Dong province, and about 35km from Da Lat.
In early February, trees start to change their leaves to red.
Visitors can start the 4-km long trek by enjoying a cup of pure coffee at Su D’ran farm, known for its special Su D’ran coffee for over 15 years. Along the way, hikers can admire pine forests, primeval woods, fruit gardens, coffee farms, and imperata cylindrical fields. In early February, trees in the area start to change their leaves from orange, pink, red, velvet and to green by mid-May. From the peak, surrounded by mountains, visitors can hunt clouds and enjoy the sunrise the next morning.
P’ro Hill - Mo Por P'lieng Mountain
Also located in Don Duong district, P’ro Hill and Mo Por P'lieng Mountain are less famous compared to other trekking sites in the Central Highlands and still preserve its pristine beauty. It takes about 4-6 hours to trek over a distance of 12km. Before reaching the Mo Por P’lieng summit at an elevation of 1,354 meters, trekkers pass through pine forests and fruit gardens in the Pro Forest.
Translated by Tran Hoai
