Wandering around the Central Highlands

The midland region of Phu Tho is famous for its lush green palm forests and tea hills winding around fertile rice paddies. It's no wonder that Long Coc tea hill has been etched onto the tourism map – a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the dreamy moments of sunrise or sunset. Continuing along that lush green road, just another 30km will take you to the "Green Kingdom" where you can befriend the plants, mountains, and wind. That place is Xuan Son National Park. Ten years ago, the name "Xuan Son" was unfamiliar to nature enthusiasts, and to managers, it held great potential for tourism development. Now, the "Green Kingdom" has become a destination for many tourists of all ages. Xuan Son is suitable for most people because this route is only about 120km from Hanoi , making it easy for middle-aged people, young people, and children to explore with a relatively easy trekking level. After checking in at the entrance to Xuan Son National Park, our car sped into the heart of the forest on a well-planned, clean road. The journey was slow, allowing us to admire the winding streams, towering ancient trees, and scattered peaceful houses at the foot of the mountains. The cool, fresh air was the most noticeable thing when the driver rolled down the car window. Following the concrete road, we arrived at Coi village. The homestay owner, a teacher, came out to the edge of the village to greet us. When the car stopped, the children rushed out, delighted to see the dogs, cats, pigs, and chickens roaming freely. The homestay was just a modest stilt house with communal living space, but the guests didn't seem too bothered. They were all engrossed in the pristine nature around them. Hung, the teacher's son, quickly made friends with the other children, inviting them to play by the stream, collecting pebbles and building shapes. The whole group followed Hung, eagerly heading to the stream and wading into the cool, refreshing water. The stream in early summer didn't have much water, so it flowed gently, making it very safe for recreation. Hung promised to take the group to a "swimming pool" deep in the forest that afternoon. After enjoying a simple but incredibly impressive lunch, and a brief rest, the group followed Hung again, exploring the mountains and forests. Still traveling in a winding car deep into the forest, they only had to walk a few hundred meters to reach the "swimming pool." "Wow!" was exclaimed repeatedly when a small, emerald-green "lake" appeared before them. It seems this place is a favorite destination for locals, so it was quite crowded. There was a makeshift wooden swing, suspended from a high tree branch, for thrill-seekers to try. Our group quickly joined in the cool, clear water of this "swimming pool," enjoying ourselves and socializing with the local Dao people living in the area.

As evening fell, the mountains and forests became strangely quiet. The symphony of insects began to rise as we enjoyed dinner. The menu was simple yet delicious, and the atmosphere was warm and cozy, accompanied by stories from the teacher's family in the village. After dinner, we wandered to the stream to enjoy the breeze. It was a truly serene moonlit night amidst the peaceful mountains and forests. These moments were precious for city dwellers who have to adapt to the stifling heat and humidity. The teacher urged the group to rest so we could trek the next morning. A deep, peaceful sleep seemed to regenerate our energy after a day of constant travel and activity.

Heritage Magazine

Source: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=771043001803525&set=pcb.771043088470183