Where the clouds and mountains touch the soul.

Giang Man is a mountain range located between the buffer zone of Vu Quang National Park ( Ha Tinh province ) and Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (Quang Binh province). This majestic mountain range belongs to the Truong Son mountain system, extending into Laos, with high peaks perpetually covered in clouds. Among them is Phi Co Pi peak (2,071m), the highest in Quang Binh province, known as the "guardian mountain," meaning the main mountain. The Giang Man mountain range occupies a large part of the territory of Minh Hoa and Bo Trach districts, with difficult access. To reach this place, I had to rely on the soldiers of the Ra Mai border guard post in Trong Hoa commune, Minh Hoa district. From Dong Hoi city, after traveling more than 150km, I arrived at the border guard station and was welcomed with kindness and friendliness by the soldiers in a fresh atmosphere filled with the chirping of birds. The worries of bustling life have been left behind in the forest, giving way to an eagerness to explore nature and the lives of the ethnic minority people living here.

In the crisp morning air, I gazed anxiously at the distant mountains and forests, where clouds had already enveloped them. I thought to myself, if only I knew the way, I would have left the outpost at dawn. Seemingly aware of my mood as I prepared my camera equipment, the soldier guiding me quickly finished his bowl of rice and set off to visit the villages of the Khua and May ethnic minorities.

Along the road to the villages, I was treated to breathtaking views of clouds and mountains. Indeed, the clouds seemed to "hang like a curtain" over the layers of towering mountains. The soldiers guiding us told us that within those limestone mountain ranges, there are sections with underground rivers tens of kilometers long, and a complex system of caves extending all the way to Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park.

Towering rocky mountains on one side of the road, coupled with a sheer drop and sharp bends on the other, made my heart race. After a motorbike ride of about 30 minutes on the single-lane road leading to the village, we stopped at Cha Cap village, the highest of the four villages along this route. From this advantageous and safe vantage point, I comfortably took photos of clouds swirling around the mountains, with the mountains partially obscured by the light, thin mist. The mountain clouds seemed to touch my soul, sending a pure gift from pristine nature. From this high vantage point, looking down into the distance, I could see the La Trong hydroelectric power plant. The lake between the two mountain cliffs looked like a "hanging lake" amidst the majestic forest. This hydroelectric lake is where water from streams and springs in the area flows in. On both sides of the lake are primeval forests that are strictly protected by the government and the local community.

Heritage Magazine