Dong Cao Experience

Welcome the sun and hunt clouds in Dong Cao

From An Chau town, it only took us about 30 minutes to travel 20 km to Dong Cao. In the mist, at the foot of the mountain, there were scattered tourist vehicles from various places, mainly pickup trucks and high-chassis vehicles. Many groups of young people on motorbikes also gathered. It was a holiday so there were more tourists coming to Dong Cao. Everyone was eager to prepare for the journey to welcome the sun. Along the way up the mountain, through large grass fields, next to large rocks, some of the overnight tents of tourists had not been packed up, the fires were still warm. The warm fire made the early morning atmosphere in Dong Cao seem more cozy.

Welcoming the sun on top of Dong Cao. Photo: Thu Ha.

We were walking in the direction of the rising sun, unable to determine where the end point was. After a while, we met a group of young people who were starting their stage. Small chairs had been prepared for us to sit on, like people fishing for the sun. A group of boys with guitars were passionately singing romantic love songs. Next, we met another group of young people who turned on the speakers to dance and record clips as souvenirs.

At the vantage point, we watched the sun intently because if we were careless, we would miss our chance. The clouds intertwined at the foot of the mountain like a white canvas covering the morning mist. Everyone was eager, wishing to be the first to fully admire the dawn… And there, the sun gradually rose. Rays of sunlight peeked through the clouds. The green rice fields on the terraced fields sparkled in the morning mist. The whole space was bright and radiant. The grass on the slopes of the Dong Cao plateau turned yellow. The harmony between nature, landscape and people in the early morning sun of Dong Cao was truly majestic and beautiful.

Impressions of Suoi Hau village

After a short sunrise in Dong Cao, we decided to visit a village at the foot of the mountain. Around Dong Cao are the villages of Suoi Hau, Dong Bam, Non Ta (belonging to Phuc Son commune), above is Na Hin village, Van Son commune. The car rolled gently through the rustling eucalyptus forest, the road was as smooth as a silk strip, taking us to Suoi Hau village. This is a Kinh village but all the houses are made of rammed earth. Next to the clear stream, we followed the small road deep into the village.

The road to Dong Cao. Photo : Vu Manh Cuong.

The houses leaning against the mountain overlooking the terraced fields create a poetic and peaceful scene. We stopped in front of the gate of a house and asked for permission to stay. The owner, a middle-aged woman, happily invited us in to rest. In the garden, we saw many beekeeping boxes and flocks of Dong Tao chickens chirping around. It is known that from raising Dong Tao chickens, bantam chickens, black chickens and bees, the lives of the villagers have improved significantly in the past few years.

We asked permission to be homestay tourists , she smiled and agreed and lent us some things from her sister's house next door. We went into the kitchen, lit the fire to reheat sticky rice, boiled a pot of water. One member of the group quickly borrowed a bicycle and went to the end of the village to buy a chicken following the instructions of the hostess. In a flash, someone butchered the chicken, someone grilled the meat... The youngest sister in the group quickly went to the garden to pick a few more chili peppers and some lemon leaves to make a dipping sauce. Wild amaranth and purslane growing in the garden were picked to make soup... Everything was natural, simple and quick, the feeling of living in the middle of fresh nature was so refreshing.

While we were serving the food in the large yard under the grapefruit tree, the host came home. He enthusiastically welcomed us because he seemed to have been informed of our presence. He excitedly said that sometimes tourists "lost" in the village. We sat down to enjoy the rustic dishes. The host's story began in the 60s of the last century, when he was only 5 years old and his parents left their hometown in Thai Binh to follow the call to reclaim land, protect the forest, and protect the land. His wife died when he was 35 years old, also because the roads were too difficult in the past, so he could not take her to the district hospital in time to give birth safely. He stayed single to raise 3 children to study and grow up, now working in towns and cities. He has never wanted to leave this land.

Awakening Dong Cao tourism potential

From Dong Cao, it is possible to conveniently connect with major cities and tourist attractions such as: 120 km from Hanoi, 70 km from Bac Giang city, 90 km from Bac Ninh city, 32 km from Tay Yen Tu and 45 km from Ha Long city (Quang Ninh). In addition to the wonders of nature, there are many historical vestiges from the Ly - Tran dynasties.

In recent times, many tourists have come to experience the beautiful landscapes in Dong Cao and the lives of the local people. But to have a Dong Cao that develops eco-tourism to its full potential, it may take more time. On the Dong Cao grassland, there is no map to remember the places to explore and enjoy, such as naming the mountains and hills so that tourists can easily recognize them. It is possible to name the hills and areas on the Dong Cao grassland according to the local people's way of calling such as: Sky Stone Garden (where there are many rocks), Forest God Mountain, General Temple... At each destination, groups of households can be assigned to open cleaning services, photography services with models simulating the lives and activities of the people such as bamboo gates, flower fences; design and build places for tourists to check in...

To enhance the promotion and experience of Dong Cao tourism, should the local government coordinate with sports clubs and functional agencies to organize sports competitions such as walking, racing, and cultural activities such as camping, performing arts, and enjoying the cuisine of indigenous peoples? Through these activities, the potential, strengths, wild and majestic natural landscapes, and the rustic life with strong national identity of the local people will be practically promoted. Only when many people know about Dong Cao will this place become an attractive destination for tourists.

Notes by Nguyen Thi Thu Ha

Source: https://baobacninhtv.vn/bg2/dulichbg/trai-nghiem-dong-cao-postid420366.bbg