"Climb the mountains to find the cave of golden flowers"
When the flowers bloom, the entire Chu Dang Ya volcanic region seems to be illuminated by a thousand brilliant suns.
Three adjacent funnel-shaped volcanic craters stand like fossilized traces of time. Within this overall picture, wild sunflowers not only adorn the mountain slopes but also bloom in hedges around sweet potato and coffee fields, and along the trails used by the Jrai people for farming up the mountain.
Viewed from the slope, the entire mountain seems to be embroidered with shimmering golden threads, amidst the green carpet of fields and the red basalt soil, creating a pristine and majestic aesthetic.
The flowering season also initiates romantic encounters. Tourists come to Chu Dang Ya not only to admire the flowers, but also to seek an encounter with pristine nature.
Ms. Truong Thi Phuong Nga, Director of Gia Lai Ecotourism Company, led a group of over a hundred tourists from Ho Chi Minh City to visit the volcano. She said: “From mid-October onwards, we have led several groups of tourists to admire Chu Dang Ya. The wild sunflower season is like weaving a tapestry of flowers onto this million-year-old volcano. Tourists come not only to take photos with the majestic mountain view, but also to fully experience the feeling of being one with nature, with the ancient spiritual energy breathing beneath the layers of volcanic soil.”
Many female tourists in the group were delighted to dress up as mountain girls, adorned in colorful brocade dresses, and take photos with wildflowers. This is not only a million-year-old natural wonder but also deeply imbued with the cultural life of the Jrai people. This synergy adds a unique and emotional dimension to this destination.
Amidst the wild golden hues, many first-time climbers to the crater rim stood in stunned silence for a long time. The vast space seemed to touch the horizon. Deep valleys below were covered in golden flowers, where the occasional resonant sound of gongs from the Jrai people preparing for their festival could be heard.
Some people liken Chu Dang Ya to "the peak of memories," where with every step, one seems to hear the breath of a dying flame, yet its warmth still lingers in each tiny wild flower. And it is these wildflowers that become memories, recollections, beauty, and a part of the lives of the people in this highland region. People eagerly await each flowering season to rediscover that beauty.
Amidst the crowds climbing the mountain in search of flowers, some eyes seemed to rediscover old memories. Mrs. Truong Thi Tam (a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City), over 60 years old, still leisurely walked up the mountain, admiring the grass and flowers, carrying her own unique emotions.
Ms. Tam expressed: "This is the first time I've witnessed such breathtaking beauty of a mountain when wildflowers bloom simultaneously. From here, looking down into the valley, along the kilometers-long roads leading to the foot of the mountain, everywhere is covered in golden flowers."
Looking forward to the Golden Flower Festival
Beyond its flowers, Chu Dang Ya is also a place where time and beliefs intertwine to create a truly unique festival. Every November, the Chu Dang Ya Volcano Wild Sunflower Week takes place here. This is also an occasion for the Jrai people to awaken the mountain's memory through sacred rituals, the rhythmic dance under the moonlight, the drumming to summon the sun, recreating the mystical colors of Central Highlands festivals at the foot of this million-year-old volcano.
This year's festival is expected to retain some of the elements that have made it so appealing in previous years. However, this year will extend the experiential journey with sports and tourism activities, exploration, connecting forest and sea cultures, and a volcanic peak conquest competition...
Ms. Huynh Thi Tho, Director of Huynh Le Travel (Phu My commune), said: “The wild sunflower festival always has a special appeal, so every year we organize groups of tourists from the coast to come to the highlands to participate. Among the festival's activities, the competition to conquer the summit of Chu Dang Ya volcano is always the most attractive highlight.”
Tourists love the moment of receiving their completion badges, featuring symbols of volcanoes and wildflowers—a testament to their journey of self-discovery and pushing their limits. Even better, they get to enjoy the vibrant yellow wildflowers blooming along the entire climbing route, and from the summit, nearly 1,000 meters high, the entire plateau unfolds before their eyes—a truly worthwhile experience.
"Hopefully, in the upcoming festival season, the volcano summit conquest competition will continue to be held and organized more professionally to increase its attractiveness and enhance the experience for tourists," Ms. Tho expressed.
From the volcano, visitors can continue their cultural journey: visit the moss-covered H'Bâu ancient church to contemplate the place of desolation, admire the centuries-old pine trees, and stop by the ancient Bửu Minh pagoda - where the sound of bells rings morning and evening amidst centuries-old tea plantations…
All of these elements connect to form a scenic tourist route that awaits visitors to the highlands.
Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/cho-don-hoi-hoa-vang-tren-nui-lua-trieu-nam-post570412.html
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