Roaming in West of Quang Tri: Unexplored adventure

Visitors can travel over many unexplored and impressive locations in Quang Tri’s Western region, which has fresh air and pleasant weather even in the height of summer.

Many travelers do not view Quang Tri as a destination full of exciting experiences. Historical sites like Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, Hien Luong Bridge, and La Vang Sanctuary are frequently visited by tourists in this central province.

However, Quang Tri actually has a lot of stunning, impressive, and untouched natural landscapes.

“I was born and raised in Quang Tri and later moved to Da Lat to live and work. Every time I return home, I take some time to appreciate the beauty of my hometown in an effort to share its breathtaking vistas with friends and visitors,” VietNamNet cited Tran Minh Hieu, a tourist, who admits that Quang Tri”s beauty always surprises him.

Early in July, Hieu traveled around Dong Ha and the Western region of Quang Tri for three days and two nights. This locality has a stunning landscape with lush forests, refreshing waterfalls, and amiable people, but it is like a hidden gem that is little known to tourists. On social networks, people praised the man"s shared photos.

Itinerary

Early on the first day, Hieu left the heart of Dong Ha city and traveled to Trieu Lang Beach, the lotus pond in An Luu Village, and the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel. At noon, he went back to Dong Ha Motel to rest. The tourist and his companions then made their way to a tree at Rao Quan Hydroelectric Lake. They arrived at Cu Vo Peak in the late afternoon and set up camp for the night there.

On day two, Hieu traveled to Nam Mua Bungalows, Sa Mu Pass, and Ta Puong Waterfall after seeing clouds on Cu Vo Peak. Minh Hieu"s group spent the second night at this resort. The price for a two-bedroom flat is VND800,000 (US$34).

He left Dong Ha on the third day and went to Homi Coffee, a spot popular with young people for its picturesque vistas of the mountains and poetic rivers.

"The timetable included many spots but they were not too far apart, so I set it up properly on the same path,” Hieu said.

Hieu“s group which consisted of 4 people made the decision to rent a 4-seater car because Quang Tri”s summers are extremely hot and sunny in order to travel fast and easily. Renting a motorbike will cost visitors far less money.

“Visitors should get up early in the morning to go watch the sea or visit some places near the sea before the sun rises too high, avoiding the peak heat,” Minh Hieu said in reference to his own experiences.

Interesting experiences

The night camping and early morning cloud-spotting on Cu Vo Mountain were the highlights of Minh Hieu’s trip. Backpackers have long classified Cu Vo in Huong Linh Commune (Huong Hoa District, Quang Tri Province) as the location for “watching the most beautiful sunrise in Quang Tri” and “the most ideal place to hunt clouds in Quang Tri.” When looking down, visitors may see the Rao Quan Hydropower Reservoir and the wind farm that is located distant from Huong Linh Commune.

The weather is extremely lovely in the evening; it’s cool and fresh like Da Lat, and there will be a stunning sunset. Together with my pals, we have barbeque, play the piano, sing, and chat. At night, the weather is even cold, Minh Hieu shared.

Hieu’s group visited Ta Puong and Chenh Venh waterfalls while on the excursion. On the way to the two waterfalls, the scenery is so stunning, though, that it could drive anyone crazy.

Travelers can find Chenh Venh Waterfall in the Huong Phung Commune of Huong Hoa District, Quang Tri Province. If departing from Dong Ha, tourists must travel about 60 kilometers along Highway 9 before reaching Khe Sanh, where the Khe Sanh Victory Monument is located. At Khe Sanh, they must turn right and proceed along the Ho Chi Minh Road, which passes through the commune. About 40 kilometers in the Phung direction (Huong Hoa District) will bring you to the Sa Mu Pass, where the Chenh Venh Waterfall flows day and night. There, Mother Waterfall is located in the vicinity of the Chenh Venh Waterfall. A sizable, deep, and blue lake can be found there at the foot of Mother Waterfall.

In contrast to Chenh Venh Waterfall in Huong Phung Commune, Ta Puong Waterfall in Huong Viet Commune has a small cave that is about 10m wide and about 200m into the mountain. A cave and three waterfalls in the Ta Puong scenic area have been given local names: Ta Puong Cave, Ta Puong 1, Ta Puong 2, and Ta Puong 3 waterfalls.

In the Bru-Van Kieu language, the word “Ta Puong” means “Where There Is A Waterfall From The High Mountain.” Visitors can admire three magnificent waterfalls (over 35 meters high) from the top.

The most exquisite and poetic waterfall is Ta Puong 3. From a distance, it resembles a soft silver silk that stands out against the lush forest. Visitors would enjoy a perfect natural swimming pool experience in the calm lake at the base of the waterfall because of the water’s clarity and cool temperature.

Along with the locations already mentioned, Hieu advised visitors to check out the Cua Viet Beach, Vinh Moc Tunnel, Con Co Island, Mui Treo, and Ru Linh ancient forest.

“As a son of Quang Tri, I was very surprised by the natural landscape of my homeland,” said Minh Hieu.

Linh Pham – Photo: Tran Minh Hieu