Enjoy the woods and mountains
The central mountainous region of Phu Tho is renowned for its green hills of palm trees and lush tea plantations, which gracefully wrap around the bountiful rice fields. It’s no wonder that the Long Coc Tea Hills have found a place on the tourist map, offering visitors a chance to lose themselves in magical dawns and dreamy sunsets.
Driving another 30km along this verdant road will lead you to the “Green Kingdom”, where you can discover the flora, fauna, mountains, and wind of Xuan Son National Park. A decade ago, the name “Xuan Son” was still unfamiliar to nature-lovers. For park managers, it was a place with hidden potential for tourism development. Today, the “Green Kingdom” draws tourists of all ages. Xuan Son is accessible to many, as it lies just 120km from Hanoi, making it an easy trek for middle-aged folk, youngsters, and even children.
After checking in at the Xuan Son National Park gate, our group’s van sped into the heart of the forest on a clean and well-maintained road. Our driver went slowly, allowing us to admire the winding streams, towering ancient trees, and occasional peaceful houses nestled at the foot of the mountains. We all remarked on the fresh, clean air when the driver rolled down the windows. Following this paved road, we arrived at Coi village.
Our homestay’s owner, a teacher, welcomed us at the edge of the village. When our van stopped, the kids in our group rushed out, delighted to see dogs, cats, pigs, and chickens roaming freely. The homestay was a modest stilt house with a communal living space, but none of us minded. We were all too busy enjoying the pristine nature all around us. Hung, the teacher’s son, quickly befriended the children and invited them to play in a nearby stream and collect pebbles to make shapes. The whole group eagerly followed Hung, wading into the cool and refreshing water. The stream was low in the early summer, so it flowed gently, making it a safe spot to play. Hung promised to take the group to a “swimming pool” deep in the forest that afternoon.
After a delicious lunch of simple but incredibly fresh and tasty food, we took a short break before following Hung on an adventure through the mountains and forests. We drove deeper into the woods on a winding road, only having to walk a few hundred meters to reach the “swimming pool”.
“Wow!” we exclaimed repeatedly upon seeing a small, crystal-clear lake. It seemed to be popular with locals and was quite crowded. A homemade wooden swing hung from a high tree branch for those seeking thrills. Our group quickly joined the fun in this clear swimming hole, playing, chatting, and getting to know the locals, who were Dao people from this area.
As dusk settled, the mountains and forests became eerily quiet. A symphony of insects began as we enjoyed our dinner. We shared another simple but delicious meal with the teacher’s family in their village home’s warm and cozy atmosphere. After dinner, we wandered along the stream’s banks to enjoy the cool breeze. It was a perfect night, with a clear moon and a gentle breeze amidst the peaceful mountains and forests. These moments were truly precious for us city dwellers, accustomed to the hustle and bustle of urban life. The teacher urged us to go to bed early so we would be well-rested for the next day’s trek. A deep and peaceful sleep recharged our energy after a day of travelling and endless activities.
