Without flashy scenery or massive tourist attractions, Dinh Mountain captivates visitors with its pristine beauty, cool forest trails, the sound of babbling streams amidst the vast wilderness, and a sense of tranquility rarely found elsewhere.
A journey back to nature
Located nearly 80km from the center of Ho Chi Minh City, in the Tan Hai, Long Huong, and Chau Pha wards, Dinh Mountain has long been a familiar destination for nature lovers, explorers , and those seeking short weekend getaways. With an altitude of over 500m above sea level, the mountain is covered in lush green forests and features a system of natural streams cascading down its slopes.
Not only is Dinh Mountain an attractive ecotourism destination, but it is also associated with many historical and revolutionary milestones of the nation. According to many documents, the name "Dinh Mountain" originates from the story of General Yen Thanh Hau (a general during the Nguyen Dynasty) who, when leading troops from Phu Yen to explore the Ba Ria region, ordered his soldiers to build a military camp on the mountain to serve as a command post during the early days of exploring Ba Ria. These layers of historical sediment have given this place its special significance.
One weekend morning, as the sun was just rising on the horizon, we joined groups of tourists and backpackers on their journey to conquer Mount Dinh. The winding path leading up the mountain was shaded by lush green forest trees, the air was cool, and the smell of damp earth after the rain awakened all our senses.
Unlike the crowded and bustling beaches of Vung Tau, Dinh Mountain offers a sense of peace and unspoiled beauty. Along the way, visitors can easily spot streams winding through rocky outcrops, moss-covered rocks, and the sounds of forest birds echoing in the tranquil atmosphere.
For many young people, Dinh Mountain is not simply a tourist destination but also a place to "recharge" after stressful days at work. Many groups of friends choose to trek through the forest, camp overnight, or watch the sunrise from the mountaintop to fully enjoy the beauty of nature.
Ms. Pham Quynh Anh, from Cat Lai Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, shared that what impressed her most about Dinh Mountain was the feeling of being completely immersed in nature. Stepping onto Dinh Mountain, she felt as if she had been recharged after the stresses of life. The air here is very fresh, the forest is lush and green, and especially the moment of standing amidst the mountains and listening to the babbling stream made her feel much more relaxed and peaceful, as if she were stepping into a completely different world.
One of the most prominent destinations at Dinh Mountain is La Ban Peak – considered the "golden spot" for viewing the entire former Ba Ria - Vung Tau region from above.
According to locals, this area used to be a helicopter landing pad for the US military due to its flat terrain and wide vantage point. Today, it has become a popular check-in spot for many young people.
To reach the summit of La Ban, visitors must hike along winding trails, many of which are steep and quite slippery. Although the journey is somewhat arduous, the breathtaking natural scenery that unfolds upon reaching the summit makes all fatigue seem to disappear.
From an altitude of over 500m, the entire area of the former cities of Ba Ria and Vung Tau, along with the Long Son peninsula, unfolds before your eyes with its expansive beauty. In the distance, residential areas are interspersed with green forests and mountains, creating a vibrant natural landscape.
While La Ban Peak is a destination for adventure seekers, Tien Stream and Da Stream offer a more tranquil and relaxing experience. Originating from streams on the mountaintop, Tien Stream and Da Stream flow along the mountainside, forming small, crystal-clear pools. Large, moss-covered rocks line the banks, and forest trees provide shade year-round. After a mountain climb, many visitors choose to rest by the streams, soak in the cool water, or simply sit quietly listening to the sound of flowing water in the peaceful surroundings.
Ms. Le Thuy Linh, a tourist from Dong Nai City, said: "What I love most about Dinh Mountain is its natural beauty, largely untouched by tourism. It's still very pristine, the air is pleasant, and it's not too noisy. What I like most is sitting by the stream listening to the sound of flowing water; all stress seems to disappear."
According to the experience of many "backpackers," the period from the end of the year to the beginning of summer is the most suitable time to explore Dinh Mountain because the weather is dry, the paths are convenient, and the streams are clearer.
A spiritual space amidst the mountains and forests.
Besides its attractive natural scenery, Dinh Mountain is also a famous spiritual destination with many temples hidden deep in the forest.
Among them, the most prominent is Hang Mai Pagoda – a temple perched precariously on the mountainside. Despite having endured the vicissitudes of time and war, it still attracts a large number of Buddhists and tourists who come to admire the scenery and pray for peace.
Not far from there is Tay Phuong Pagoda – an ancient temple famous for its monkeys that live naturally around the temple grounds. These playful yet friendly monkeys create a unique characteristic for this place.
Meanwhile, Phat Quang Temple regularly hosts Buddhist activities, attracting large numbers of locals and tourists during major festivals such as Buddha's Birthday and the Vu Lan Festival (a Buddhist festival honoring parents).
Amidst the tranquil mountain scenery, the echoing sound of temple bells blends with the rustling of the wind through the leaves, creating a special sense of peace. Perhaps that's why many people come to Dinh Mountain not only for tourism but also to find balance in their souls.
In recent years, along with the growing trend of experiential tourism and ecotourism, Dinh Mountain is gradually becoming an attractive destination for tourists from within and outside the province.
With its advantageous location near major cities, pristine natural landscapes, and unique historical and cultural values, this area is considered to have great potential for developing green tourism, trekking, and eco-tourism.
However, according to many tourists and locals, to effectively exploit this potential, tourism development needs to go hand in hand with protecting the forest environment, preserving the natural landscape, and ensuring the safety of tourists participating in trekking and camping activities.
Currently, many volunteer groups and trekking clubs regularly organize activities such as picking up trash and raising awareness about environmental protection at Dinh Mountain, contributing to preserving the pristine beauty of this place.
Amidst the increasingly hectic pace of modern life, Dinh Mountain stands out as a tranquil green oasis in the southern region. It offers not only fascinating nature exploration experiences but also helps people rediscover a sense of peace in the heart of the wilderness.
With its unique landscape, historical, and spiritual cultural values, Dinh Mountain is gradually asserting its position as one of Ho Chi Minh City's distinctive ecological destinations, contributing to enriching the tourism map of the Southeast region.
Source: https://baotintuc.vn/du-lich/nui-dinh-diem-den-sinh-thai-hap-dan-cua-dong-nam-bo-20260520104956991.htm
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