When talking about Tam Dao Mountain, people often think of the famous misty town in Vinh Phuc province, just 80 km from Ha Noi. Few realize that the mountain's eastern side, located in Thai Nguyen province, remains a pristine and untouched land which is full of challenges for adventurers.
The trekking route on the eastern side of Tam Dao mountain (photo:Ngoc Linh/ thainguyentourism.vn)
Our trekking route begins in La Bang or Ky Phu Commune. We venture into primeval forests, cross waterfalls, and mossy streams, and climb steep slopes to discover unspoiled natural beauty.
The trekking trail weaves through thick forests of perennial trees where sunlight filters sparingly through dense canopies. The terrain shifts constantly from soft red earth paths to lush green grass or slippery rocky sections that test the skills of any climber.
A highlight along the way is Kẹm Stream, where the trekkers can have a short break by a gentle and refreshingly cool waterway. Advancing higher, we reach Thac Trang (White Waterfall), a dazzling silver ribbon cascading through the forest. Even farther lies Dong Tien (Fairy Cave) Waterfall, with three majestic tiers, a perfect stop to capture nature's grandeur.
Nguyen Van Quang, a tourist from Hanoi, shares his excitement. “This is my first time trekking to the White Waterfall in La Bang Commune. The trail is just right for me. After a concrete section, we tackled a rugged path to reach the falls. The landscape here is still wild and unspoiled, and the air is incredibly fresh at about 500 meters above sea level. It’s truly beautiful.”
A group of tourists explore the eastern side of Tam Dao mountain (photo: The Hung/ VOV)
After three hours of trekking, Le Quang Tuan said: “I’ve been trekking for three hours from the forest entrance to here. I already find it incredibly exciting. This is a perfect place for young travelers seeking adventure and discovery. It’s just wonderful.”
Besides trekking, tourists can camp in the middle of the forest, experience the whispers of insects and babbling streams through the night; bathe in waterfalls to challenge their limits; or join community tourism to learn about the local life and taste delicacies like hill chicken, rice stuffed in bamboo tubes, and roasted pork wrapped in banana leaves.
La Bang and Ky Phu communes have some new, clean, eco-friendly homestays and farmstays. Most trekking tours come with experienced local guides who know the terrain and the secrets of the forest, ensuring safety while enriching the journey with engaging stories.
Nguyen Thanh Luan, Director of Thai Nguyen’s Tourism Promotion Center, told us: “We offer community-based tourism combined with trekking. This is a new tourism product in Thai Nguyen which we expect will attract more tourists.”
The eastern side of Tam Dao Mountain plays the role of a "green lung" for the Northeast region with a rich flora and fauna system and a cool, humid climate year-round. Trekking programs always encourage environmental-friendly behavior: no littering, no harming nature, and a deep respect for the local ecosystem. This commitment has helped preserve nature’s beauty.
Nguyen Thanh Luan, Director of Thai Nguyen’s Tourism Promotion Center (photo: The Hung)
Le Ngoc Linh, Deputy Director of Thai Nguyen Province’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said: “Thai Nguyen has great potential to develop trekking tourism on the eastern slopes of Tam Dao. Together with many areas suitable for trekking, we will offer tourists fresh experiences to cherish forever .”
With its untamed trails, majestic waterfalls, and primeval forests, the eastern side of Tam Dao in Thai Nguyen province is an ideal destination for adventurers, thrill-seekers, and those longing for a profound connection with nature.
The Hung