Serepok River tells stories

And perhaps, nowhere is that spirit as clearly present, thoughtful and charming as in the river flowing through the legendary Bridge 14 - which is now the border between Dak Lak and Lam Dong.

Each season, the Serepok River puts on a different, emotional coat. In the dry season, when the golden sunlight spreads across the vast forest, the river water is clear and emerald green, calm as a giant mirror, reflecting the high sky and the sparse trees on both banks. The chirping of birds and the sound of oars splashing water from small boats slowly drifting by echo from the calm river surface, painting a strangely peaceful picture. But when the Central Highlands rains pour down, the Serepok turns into a fierce monster. The river water is murky with heavy red silt, swirling and flowing rapidly, roaring as if wanting to swallow everything. On both banks, ancient trees lean, trying to hold on to the mother earth, creating a scene that is both majestic and challenging, a pristine beauty that is no less harsh.

New Serepok Bridge in flood season.

Millions of rivers in the world flow to the East Sea, but Sere Rok chooses to flow in the opposite direction, as an affirmation of the unique identity of the Central Highlands. This characteristic is not only a geographical phenomenon, but also a metaphor for the flow of time and history. Under the three towering bridges, the water still flows, telling the story of fierce floods, of dry seasons and of countless lives that have been attached to and relied on its breath.

The first Serepok Bridge is now covered with moss of nearly a century, lying pensively like a wise old man, silently witnessing the changes. It no longer carries heavy vehicles or hurried people, but carries within it a more sacred value: a witness to history. Each crack on the bridge, each rough block of stone seems to tell of fierce battles, silent sacrifices, of a difficult but heroic time of the nation.

But life has never stopped flowing. Parallel to the old bridge are two modern bridges, where people and vehicles constantly follow each other in their journeys back and forth, heavy shipments connecting the two banks, bringing the economic and cultural breath of Lam Dong and Dak Lak together in love. That bustling pace of life creates an interesting contrast with the silence of the old bridge and the wildness of the river, a testament to the constant development of this land.

The Serepok River crossing Bridge 14 is not only a geographical border, but also an invisible boundary of destinies. The river and the bridge have witnessed unexpected tragedies, when fateful journeys ended in heartbreaking ways, leaving only endless regrets for those who remained...

The Serepok River is also a witness to many beautiful love stories. Under the golden sunset on the river surface, many couples have sworn their eternal love, sending their eternal love to the reverse flow of time. The romantic wedding photos and memorable moments kept here are not only images, but also evidence of faith and hope for a bright future. And along both banks, under the shady trees, simple restaurants and cafes have sprung up, makeshift but warm shelters, where local people earn a living from the flow of life and the main road. The fragrant smell of coffee mixed in the wind, the bustling laughter, the sound of vehicles passing by, all create a vivid picture of the connection between people and the river.

The old Serepok Bridge is now a witness to history.

Even more simple is the image of fishermen patiently sitting on the riverbank every afternoon, quietly casting their lines. They are not only looking for fish but also for peace and tranquility in their souls. The upstream river washes away all their worries, leaving them with a feeling of relaxation, in harmony with nature...

Source: https://baodaklak.vn/xa-hoi/202510/dong-serepok-ke-chuyen-7fb1cb3/