Dong Cao Experience

Watch the sunrise and chase the clouds at Dong Cao.

From An Chau town, it only took about 30 minutes to travel 20 km to Dong Cao. In the misty fog, scattered at the foot of the mountain, vehicles carrying tourists from various places had arrived, mostly pickup trucks and SUVs. Many groups of young people on motorbikes also gathered. It was a holiday, so there were more visitors to Dong Cao. Everyone was eagerly preparing for their journey to watch the sunrise. Along the road up the mountain, through wide grassy areas, beside large rocks, some overnight tents of tourists had not yet been packed up, and the campfires still emitted a warm glow. The warm fire made the early morning atmosphere in Dong Cao feel even more cozy.

Watching the sunrise from the top of Dong Cao mountain. Photo: Thu Ha.

Lost in the direction of the rising sun, we couldn't quite pinpoint the end. After a while, we encountered a group of young people setting up their stage. Small chairs had been prepared for them to sit on, like sun-gazing enthusiasts. A group of male students with guitars were enthusiastically singing romantic love songs. Next, we met another group of young people with speakers on, rapping and filming a video as a memento.

Reaching a vantage point, we intently watched the sunrise, for even a moment of inattention would mean missing the opportunity. Clouds intertwined at the foot of the mountains, like a white canvas covering the early morning mist. Everyone was eager, hoping to be the first to fully witness the dawn… And there it was, the sun gradually rising. The sunlight peeked through the clouds. The green rice paddies on the terraced fields shimmered in the early morning mist. The entire landscape brightened. The grass on the slopes of the Dong Cao plateau turned a golden yellow. The harmony between nature, scenery, and people in the early morning sun of Dong Cao was truly magnificent and beautiful.

Impressions of Suoi Hau Village

After catching a glimpse of the 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, and Non Ta (belonging to Phuc Son commune), and further up is Na Hin village in Van Son commune. The car rolled smoothly through the rustling eucalyptus forest, the road as smooth as silk leading us to Suoi Hau village. This is a Kinh village, but they all live in traditional rammed-earth houses. Beside the crystal-clear stream, we followed a small path deeper into the village.

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

The houses nestled against the mountainside overlooking the terraced fields created a truly picturesque and peaceful scene. We stopped at the gate of a house and asked permission to rest. The homeowner, a cheerful middle-aged woman, invited us inside. In the garden, we saw many beehives and a flock of Dong Tao chickens scurrying about. We learned that, thanks to raising Dong Tao chickens, bantam chickens, and black chickens, as well as beekeeping, the lives of the villagers have improved significantly in recent years.

We asked if we could stay in a homestay , and the owner happily agreed, lending us some utensils from her younger sister's house next door. We went into the kitchen, lit a fire to reheat sticky rice, and 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 free-range chicken, following the owner's instructions. In no time, some were butchering the chicken, others grilling it... The youngest member of the group quickly went to the garden to pick some chili peppers and lime leaves for 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 amidst fresh nature was truly refreshing.

As we were setting out the dishes in the spacious courtyard under the pomelo tree, the host returned. He greeted us warmly, seemingly having been informed of our arrival. He excitedly mentioned that tourists occasionally "stumble" into the village. We sat down together to enjoy the traditional dishes. The host's story began in the 1960s, when he was just 5 years old and left his hometown in Thai Binh with his parents to clear land, protect the forest, and preserve the land. His wife passed away when he was 35, also because the roads were so difficult back then that he couldn't get her to the district hospital in time for a safe delivery. He raised his three children alone, providing for their education and helping them grow up, and now they have established careers in towns and cities. He has never wanted to leave this land.

Unlocking the tourism potential of Dong Cao

From Dong Cao, there are convenient transportation connections to major cities and tourist destinations 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). Besides its stunning natural beauty, this area also boasts many historical relics from the Ly and Tran dynasties.

In recent times, many tourists have come to experience the beautiful scenery of Dong Cao and the life of the local people. However, for Dong Cao to develop into a truly ecotourism destination, more time is needed. The Dong Cao grassland currently lacks a map noting all the points of interest and attractions, such as naming the mountains and hills for easy identification by tourists. The hills and areas on the Dong Cao grassland could be named according to the local people's names, such as: "Heavenly Stone Garden" (where there are many rocks), "Forest God Mountain," "General's Temple," etc. At each destination, groups of households could be tasked with providing cleaning services, photography services with models simulating the life and activities of the people, such as bamboo gates and flower fences; and designing and building photo spots for tourists…

To enhance the promotion and tourism experience of Dong Cao, perhaps the local government should coordinate with sports clubs and relevant agencies to organize sports events such as walking and racing, and cultural activities such as camping, performing arts, and enjoying the cuisine of the indigenous ethnic groups. Through these activities, the potential, strengths, pristine and majestic natural landscapes, and the simple, authentic lifestyle of the local people can be effectively promoted. Only when more people know about Dong Cao will it become an attractive destination for tourists.

Notes by Nguyen Thi Thu Ha

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