Conquering 2 never-before-announced waterfalls over 100m high in the Truong Son jungle

Con người nhỏ bé trước thác Hồng Thạch - Ảnh: HOÀNG TÁO — Small man in front of Hong Thach waterfall

The waterfalls are located in Ta Long commune, Dakrong district, Quang Tri . Until now, only local people, forest rangers and forest guards know about the existence of these waterfalls.

Charming Hong Thach Waterfall

After many appointments, we finally convinced 2 forest guards to take us to explore Hong Thach waterfall. It is called Hong Thach because along the way, along the trail and along the stream, there are many dark red and pink rocks of different sizes.

However, the local name of this waterfall is Tang Kroang. A name that is difficult to read and remember, but once conquering this charming waterfall, visitors will find it hard to forget.

From the end of A Du village, we followed Pac Leng stream for 3 hours on foot to reach Hong Thach. The path was not too difficult but slippery because the ice crossed the stream many times and we had to step on wet rocks.

Thác Hồng Thạch nhìn từ flycam, gồm 2 bậc thang liền kề nhau — Hong Thach Waterfall seen from a flycam, consisting of two adjacent steps

In the middle of the Truong Son primeval forest, Hong Thach attracts visitors with the sound of rushing water. The first thing that catches the eye is three streams of white water flowing over the vertical cliff. The continuous flow of water shows the majesty of nature.

Approaching the foot of the waterfall, the white foam splashed and the cool wind blew away all fatigue and worries.

Humans are so small in the midst of majestic and mysterious nature.

Dòng nước trắng xóa tuôn ào ạt xuống chân thác. Dưới thác là hồ nước mát lành, nhiều cá tôm — The white water rushes down to the foot of the waterfall. Below the waterfall is a cool lake with lots of fish and shrimp.

Hong Thach consists of two adjacent waterfalls, divided into two distinct levels. The lower waterfall is about 70m high and 30m wide, the upper waterfall is 40m high and smaller in width. At the foot of each waterfall is a small lake.

Mr. Ho Van Dung - head of the forest protection team of Ta Long commune - said that local people sometimes go to this area to cast nets to fish in streams, pick wild bamboo shoots or collect honey...

Camping overnight at the foot of the waterfall, listening to the sound of the waterfall in the quiet night, watching the red fireflies flashing next to the waterfall are unforgettable experiences if you ever set foot in Hong Thach.

Thác Hồng Thạch còn nguyên sơ, chưa có người khám phá — Hong Thach Waterfall is still pristine and undiscovered.

Apacha hidden in the clouds

Meanwhile, Apacha waterfall is located in Ta Lao village, Ta Long commune. Although they are both in the same commune, the two waterfalls are quite far apart and it is impossible to conquer both waterfalls in the same day. The road to Apacha waterfall follows Pa Cha stream for about 3 hours on foot.

Apacha waterfall is over 100m high, divided into many levels and is gentler than Hong Thach. This season, sudden thunderstorms appear, making Apacha waterfall appear and disappear among the thin clouds.

Thác Apacha tĩnh lặng giữa rừng Trường Sơn — Apacha waterfall is quiet in the middle of Truong Son forest

At the foot of the waterfall is a large lake.

Following the forest path to the right of the waterfall, travelers can easily climb up to the waterfall to admire the beauty of the mountains and forests. From the top of the waterfall, looking far away is the majestic view of the overlapping mountains and forests.

Along the way, you can easily see flocks of butterflies perched on streams drinking water, or bright red wild orchids against the green background of the mountains and forests.

Mr. Nguyen Hoang, a tourist from Dong Ha City, said that Apacha is truly majestic and attractive, suitable for adventure tourism and exploring wild nature.

Thác Apacha ẩn hiện trong mây — Apacha Falls hidden in the clouds

Mr. Truong Quang Trung - Director of Dakrong Nature Reserve - said that Apacha waterfall is located in the strictly protected area of the reserve.

"We are developing a sustainable forest management plan, adjusting the appropriate zones, and then making an ecotourism project at this waterfall. The problem is to benefit both the forest and the community, creating value and income for the people, which will reduce the pressure of deforestation. Strict protection will preserve the wildness, but the local people will not have any resources," Mr. Trung informed.

Currently, there are no tourist activities at Hong Thach and Apacha waterfalls, only local people, forest rangers and forest guards come to this area.