The story begins at the end of 2023, when we received information from a reader about illegal logging in Lan Day. Immediately afterwards, I, along with reporter Kim Huyen (from the same unit), went to meet the informant to investigate the matter. However, due to safety concerns, the informant only provided us with a map of the route, the location of the logging, and how to deal with danger if encountered, and asked someone else to guide us there.
I felt a little uneasy and thought to myself, if the informant is so worried, will it be safe for me to go in? I told reporter Kim Huyen: According to the informant, the distance from here to Lan Day is 3 km, the road is steep and treacherous, there is no phone signal, and unexpected incidents may occur. Therefore, you should stay at the edge of the forest. If I don't return by noon, quickly report it to the authorities or the locals so they can find a solution.
After a brief exchange with my colleague, we set off. Following the winding, narrow forest path with its steep, rocky slopes, I tried to keep track of the guide's vehicle far ahead. In a moment of distraction, coupled with the constant answering of questions from the "transporters" carrying timber out of the forest on motorcycles, I lost sight of the guide after just over a kilometer.
Without a guide, I decided to venture deeper into the mining area, following the sounds of chainsaws, falling trees, and rolling logs. When I reached a difficult section of the road where my motorbike couldn't move, I decided to park it neatly in a ravine and proceed on foot.
The further I went, the deeper and more secluded the forest became. The scrutinizing glances and questions like, "Where are you going?", "What are you doing here?", "What are you looking for here?" from the timber carriers became more frequent. But with careful preparation, I successively overcame these "obstacles" and ventured deeper to the final trail, a location where many felled trees were gathered, waiting to be transported out. As I walked, I used my phone to pretend to photograph flowers and butterflies, but in reality, I was meticulously documenting the logging activities. Once I had gathered all the factual information, I retraced my steps, climbing each slope to reach my vehicle. Only when I emerged and saw my colleagues waiting did I dare to feel "fear" and "tremble" after several hours lost in the deep forest.
Following the reporting of illegal logging in Lan Day in Lang Son Newspaper, the authorities and relevant agencies have investigated, clarified the situation, identified violations, and implemented corrective measures to better protect the forest. This is the greatest goal that we and the people who love and protect the forest hope for.
With its inherent potential and advantages, the forestry economy has played a crucial role in the economic development of the people in the province over the years. We hope that in the future, during our reporting trips, we will continue to get lost in the forests, but this time in the majestic, lush beauty of strictly protected natural forests; and in the vast production forests that bring billions of dong in income to farmers in the border region of Lang Son.
Source: https://baolangson.vn/lac-loi-noi-rung-sau-5096114.html
![[Photo] "Hanoi Lotus Festival" honors the lotus flower that has been associated with Vietnam for thousands of years.](https://vphoto.vietnam.vn/thumb/1200x675/vietnam/resource/IMAGE/2026/06/27/1782516943048_sen-ha-noi-2026-minh-duy-1-jpg.webp)
