Explore Elephant Mountain

From afar, Elephant Mountain appears as a strip of undulating terrain, rocks interspersed with lush green forests. The mountain is not very large, just over 100m high, but the air is quite cool due to the many shady trees. Right from the small road leading to the mountain, visitors can feel the complete separation from the noisy space of the city. On both sides of the path are forest canopies interspersed with fruit trees; the sound of wind passing through the leaves, the chirping of birds creates a gentle, soothing symphony.

Ancient longan garden on Voi mountain. Photo: PHAM HIEU

In the midst of that peaceful place, traces of history appear when visitors come to the Tu Thanh Temple, which lies peacefully under the canopy of ancient longan trees. The temple is now rebuilt with trees and leaves right in front of the splendid old temple, now in ruins, with only bare stone pillars and walls full of bullet holes. Bullet holes are clustered or scattered like evidence of years of war.

There are also many small shrines around the temple grounds. In particular, there is a memorial stele established by the people of Nui Voi Commune (now Chi Lang Ward) in 2012 to commemorate the soldiers who heroically sacrificed their lives in the battle of 1970. In addition, there is a large rock like a statue in the shape of a family of elephants leaning their heads against each other, looking very lifelike. This may also be the origin of the name Nui Voi.

Memorial stele for soldiers who died on Elephant Mountain. Photo: PHAM HIEU

After that, visitors can continue to cross the trail winding through the forest to see the fairy feet on the mountain. The footprints look quite similar to real human feet, except that they are many times larger, imprinted on the rock as if a giant fairy had stepped over, leaving traces for future generations to admire. It can be said that, in the midst of the deep green mountain scenery, the fairy feet become an interesting highlight, both mysterious and spiritual, making visitors feel like they are lost in the land of ancient legends. In addition, there are many red-headed elephant trunks here. This species has the scientific name Pyrops candelaria, body length about 40mm, can fly. True to its name, they have a trunk like an elephant's trunk right on their head.

“If you have a tour or experience traveling to the Seven Mountains region, put Elephant Mountain on your itinerary. Because this place is not only attractive because of its natural beauty but also bears traces of history and mystery. Or simply it is just a moment to immerse yourself in nature, feel the fresh air, listen to legendary stories from the locals... and then when it is time to leave, you still feel reluctant to leave”, said Mr. Nguyen Minh Phuc, a tourist from Rach Gia.

According to the People's Committee of Chi Lang Ward, Voi Mountain has cultural and spiritual values; suitable for developing eco-tourism, spiritual tourism, trekking, and picnicking. The locality also plans to develop this place into Voi Mountain tourist area, forming an eco-resort on the mountain; mountain climbing and sightseeing routes; a spiritual area - Ba Khet Mountain combined with cultural and religious space; a tourist service area with restaurants and check-in space.

Chi Lang Ward proposed that the Provincial People's Committee and the Department of Tourism prioritize public investment capital to implement tourism development projects; pay attention to developing and upgrading traffic infrastructure connecting the ward with neighboring tourist destinations such as Cam Mountain, Tra Su Melaleuca Forest, etc.; at the same time, promote and attract investors to tourism projects in the area.

PHAM HIEU

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/kham-pha-nui-voi-a461842.html