Khe Sanh: Autumn foliage season, 14 km trekking around Rao Quan Lake.

In December, the weather in Quang Tri turns cool, and the maple forests around the Rao Quan hydroelectric lake in Huong Hoa turn red, creating a 14km trekking and boat trip that attracts many tourists. This area is about 80km from the center of Dong Ha, suitable for a day trip when the maple leaves are in full bloom.

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Discover the autumn foliage route.

The trekking route is 14 km long and takes about 4 hours. The route starts from Km 14 of the Ho Chi Minh Highway, following the border patrol trail around Rao Quan Lake. According to Nguyen Bon, a guide in Quang Tri, December is the ideal time due to the dry weather and the maple leaves turning red.

On average, Mr. Bon leads 2-3 groups per month, with each group consisting of 5-15 people. The all-inclusive cost for the 15km trip ranges from 800,000 to 1,000,000 VND per person, including food, transportation, and camping equipment.

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The terrain and pace are suitable for the majority.

After a flat stretch of trail, the terrain shifts to steep slopes and streams. The moss-covered rocks are slippery, and in many sections, only tree trunks serve as makeshift bridges. Trekkers should use walking sticks for balance and to conserve energy. These challenging sections are short; most of the remaining distance is quite pleasant, offering opportunities to enjoy the scenery and breathe in the cool air.

Taking a boat ride on Rào Quán Lake

At the rest stop, tourists can take a boat ride on the lake to take photos with the submerged maple trees. Each boat carries a maximum of 8 people, and passengers are required to wear life jackets for safety.

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Autumn foliage and the maple tree

Red maple (also known as fragrant maple), scientific name Liquidambar formosana, is a long-lived woody plant, 2-10 m tall, emitting a fragrant scent, and mainly distributed in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. It is often planted for shade.

In Khe Sanh, the maple trees have three-lobed leaves, unlike many temperate varieties. Thousands of maple species are recorded worldwide, classified based on the number of lobes and color.

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Field lunch and accommodation

Lunch typically consists of sticky rice, chicken, or pre-prepared pastries, which are prepared while guests are taking photos. Using cold food helps reduce the amount of luggage carried and minimizes environmental waste. At the end of the trip, the guide collects the trash and reminds guests not to break branches or take items from the forest.

Besides day trips, tourists can choose a two-day, one-night itinerary to camp, watch the sunrise, and chase the clouds. Mr. Bon noted that nighttime temperatures in the mountains drop low, so warm clothing is necessary; in the morning, the group enjoys hot coffee before returning.

Khe Sanh coffee is a specialty of Huong Hoa district, grown on red basalt soil and in a cool highland climate. This region is suitable for Arabica coffee, producing beans with consistent flavor over many seasons; coffee is a key agricultural product of the locality, widely consumed domestically.

Fact-checking information

Location: Rao Quan hydroelectric reservoir area, Huong Hoa commune; approximately 80 km from Dong Ha city center.
Best time to visit: December, when the weather is dry and the maple leaves turn red.
Route: 14 km, approximately 4 hours; starting from Km 14 of the Ho Chi Minh Highway, following the border patrol trail.
Activities: Trekking combined with boat trip and photography of submerged maple trees.
Safety: Moss-covered rocks are slippery, and there are tree trunk bridges; trekking poles are recommended. Maximum 8 people per boat, life jackets are mandatory.
Group size: 5-15 people; an average of 2-3 groups per month, according to the tour guide.
Estimated cost: A complete 15km trip costs between 800,000 and 1,000,000 VND per person, including food, transportation, and camping equipment.

Tips for a smooth trip

Trekking poles are a good choice for maintaining balance on steep slopes and moss-covered rocky surfaces.
Prepare warm clothing if you plan to camp overnight.
Use cold food to reduce carrying and minimize waste; adhere to the principle of collecting waste after the trip.
Follow safety guidelines when boating: wear a life jacket as required.

Source: https://baonghean.vn/khe-sanh-mua-la-do-trekking-14-km-quanh-ho-rao-quan-10314895.html