Ham Lon Mountain - An attractive destination for exploration and camping.

In terms of scenery, Ham Lon Mountain is often referred to as "Da Lat in Hanoi" because it belongs to the protected forest of Soc Son district, so the landscape remains pristine, with diverse terrain. Besides the forest and mountains, there are also Bau stream, Ham Lon lake, etc., suitable for sightseeing as well as mountain climbing . Regarding climate, due to its moderate altitude, Ham Lon Mountain is not too different from the lowlands but is cooler and more pleasant, so tourists can easily check the weather to choose appropriate clothing for their trip.

To conquer Ham Lon Mountain, visitors can choose from many routes according to their preferences. For those who want safety and don't like adventure, they can choose the red dirt road with a gentle slope, less bushes, and a slow ascent to the summit. Choosing this route, visitors will pass through vast, cool green pine forests, with the faint scent of pine oil and a thick carpet of leaves underfoot, creating a pleasant and comfortable feeling. Each season, the route has its own unique beauty. Spring is the time when the trees change their leaves, the entire forest bursting with life in a vibrant green; in summer, the purple of the rhododendron flowers changes color in many places until they cover part of the forest; the highlight of autumn is the golden hue of the acacia blossoms swaying in the rhythm of the forest wind; and when winter arrives, from a high vantage point, Ham Lon Mountain looks like it's covered in a thick, soft blanket, woven from the white of tall, dense reeds.

For those who want to challenge themselves, they can choose to walk along the stream flowing from the mountaintop, with many sections blocked by large rocks. This route takes an average of 3-4 hours to walk, and besides the slippery leaves and moss, there are many bushes that obscure visibility, so it requires good health and experience to ensure safety. Although strenuous, it offers a unique and different experience compared to urban sports activities.

It is known that in recent years, besides being a paradise for trekkers, those who love Enduro off-road motorcycles also call Ham Lon Mountain the "sacred place of Soc Son" and frequently conquer the surrounding hills and mountains on weekends to practice for off-road motorcycle competitions. Having had the opportunity to chat with members of the "Long Bien Wheelie Hood" motorcycle team, I learned that every weekend, off-road motorcycle enthusiasts climb the mountain together, averaging about 30-40 bikes a day, and they usually split into groups to avoid traffic jams.

Not only is Ham Lon Mountain an ideal location for adventure sports enthusiasts, but it's also a favorite camping and picnic spot for young people. At Ham Lon Lake, visitors can have bonfires, barbecues, kayak, fish, and more, enjoying a close-to-nature, safe environment that's not too far from the city center. During the dry season, tourists can even pitch tents and sleep overnight.

Currently, many households in the surrounding area have shifted to tourism-related businesses such as renting camping equipment, providing food, and renting homestays. Mr. Ha Anh Quan, owner of Duc Quan Mart, said: “In recent years, the number of tourists visiting Ham Lon Lake has increased sharply, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. The demand for tourism and camping close to nature has also increased, so the store is often sold out on weekends and holidays.” Observing the opinions of the local people, it is true that the types of entertainment and tourism around the area are becoming more diverse and developed, and the number of visitors is increasing, improving the local economy ; however, the amount of household waste and noise pollution has increased to a worrying extent.

During their tour and exploration of Ham Lon Mountain, visitors can combine their trip with visits to nearby destinations such as Dong Do Lake, Hoa Son Lake, Green Valley - Keo Ca Lake, Doi Mountain, Viet Phu Thanh Chuong, or Ban Rom Eco-tourism Area... These are all ideal destinations and provide a foundation for Soc Son district to promote the development of a promising eco-tourism model.

LOYALTY

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