Returning to "Ba Hon Mountain"

From National Highway 1A, follow the wide, paved road for about 4 kilometers towards the sea to reach the foot of the mountains. Since ancient times, the local people have given these mountains the rustic name "Three Mountains." This is because, amidst the vast, flat landscape of Ham Kiem commune, three relatively low mountains rise up; each mountain is about 100 meters apart, and the mountains are covered with dense forests and bamboo, making the climbing paths very limited. To reach the foot of the mountains, we had to pass through vast dragon fruit fields interspersed with orchards of jackfruit and mango trees laden with fruit. At the foot of the mountains, a babbling stream flows, mingled with the chirping of forest birds. Monkeys, seeing people, quickly leap into the thick bushes and turn their heads to look back, seemingly wary of their surroundings. During the historic month of April, not only we but also many other trekking groups come to the "Three Mountains" to learn about the revolutionary activities here. Because, during the resistance wars against the French and the Americans, the Co Ke swamp and Ba Hon mountain area served as the base of the Phan Thiet City Party Committee to lead the army and people in fighting the French and American invaders. During those two wars, the Co Ke swamp, Ba Tung swamp, and Bi swamp of Ba Hon mountain were strong revolutionary bases, contributing to the glorious victories achieved by the army and people nationwide. In particular, the revolutionary base at Co Ke swamp and Ba Hon mountain continuously supplied the resistance forces in Phan Thiet town via National Highway 1A, and on many occasions secretly intercepted enemy motorized troop movements on national and provincial highways.

Ba Hon Mountain

Mr. Le Hoan, a veteran residing in Ham Kiem commune, said: “During the war against the US, revolutionary activities at the Ba Hon base were extremely difficult. At times, we only ate cassava and sweet potatoes, but the fighting spirit was very high. The terrain here is covered with dense forests, has a year-round supply of fresh water from the swamps, and is close to transportation routes, making it very favorable for revolutionary activities. The revolutionary base at Ba Hon served as a bridge for the main forces to attack the Esepic airfield in Binh Thuan , the battle at Ham Thuan sub-district at Ham My intersection; and the attack on Post 18 in Ham Cuong commune in 1971…”.

Following the trail, we ascended halfway up the mountain, where a secluded temple stood. Within the temple grounds was a statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, and beside it, an elephant bowed, offering flowers to the Buddha. The atmosphere was tranquil. Elderly farmer Nguyen Thanh Le from Ham Kiem commune, tending his mango orchard at the foot of the mountain, shared: “This season, the sun and wind are strong, causing the trees to turn yellow, but when the rainy season comes, the forest is lush green and beautiful. Occasionally, groups of trekkers come to visit, explore, and learn about the revolutionary traditions of Ba Hon Mountain. If this place were planned for eco-tourism or historical tourism focusing on revolutionary traditions, it would be of great significance in educating the younger generation…”

Nature has bestowed upon the Ham Kiem (Ham Thuan Nam) region beautiful mountains amidst a flat landscape overflowing with the green of dragon fruit, jackfruit, and mango orchards laden with fruit. Places like Ba Hon Mountain and Co Ke Marsh, bearing many traces of revolutionary history, are becoming increasingly familiar not only to locals but also to travelers and adventurers passionate about discovering new things.

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