QUICK DETAILS:
Route: Hội An→ Nông Sơn→ Hiệp Đức → Quế Sơn → Hội An
Distance: 180km (Offroad 40 - 60%)
Duration: Day Trip (8am > 6pm)
Scenery: Mountains, jungle, rivers, valleys, waterfalls, Rice Fields, Tribes
Attractions: spectacular views, freshwater bathing, Wildness;
Road Conditions: smooth, paved roads, Medium Offroad, Light Traffic
Best Time: April-September
PARTS:
Part 1: Hoi An→ Hidden Water Fall | ~100km
Part 2: Hidden Water Fall→ Hoian | ~70km
Chasing Waterfall: An Unforgettable Adventure in Quang Nam
Part 1: Hoian to the Hidden Water Fall
August 2023
The peak of the hot season in Quang Nam has passed, but the temperatures still hover around 35-38 degrees. It's quite difficult to meticulously choose a perfect day for this trip because almost everyone in our group has their own family and work commitments. Just being able to find a suitable time to meet up is already precious. The discussion and decision to embark on the trip happened spontaneously.
This trip takes place within a single day, covering a total distance of approximately 180km, including the journey to and from the destination. At first glance, it may seem far, but once we set off and take breaks, the time passes quickly, and we arrive before we know it.
Our group consists of 3 vehicles, with 2 people on each bike. We all made a firm commitment to be present by 7:00 AM and hit the road by 7:30 AM to make sure we have enough time. We wanted to avoid traveling too much during the scorching midday sun. Finally, at exactly 8:00 AM, we started rolling, and after a few detours and stops along the way, the real journey began.
Leaving Hoi An, we headed west of the city. After just a few kilometers, we reached the rural areas and villages. Along the irrigation canal, a dirt road led us to the bordering area with the Da Nang-Quang Ngai highway. There were several tunnels there to safely cross the road. On the other side, the hills and mountains grew closer. The rural area here exuded the essence of Vietnam's countryside, with its rice fields and agricultural activities.
Duy Trung commune nestled between two mountain ranges, with residents living at the foot of the mountains. In the midst of the valley, a vast paddy field stretched from the Da Nang-Quang Ngai highway to the Duy Trung irrigation dam. The locals enjoyed the pristine scenery and fresh air. Crossing through the fields, admiring the water reservoir, we circled around the commune and continued on a trail road towards Que Son. Anticipating that there would be many dirt roads ahead, I took the initiative to familiarize my companions with off-road driving. I guided them through shortcuts... The steep and slippery dirt path only covered a few kilometers, but it took us quite some time to conquer. When we reached the main road, there was still one vehicle behind us. We stopped and lit cigarettes, waiting... 2 minutes, 5 minutes passed, and still no sign of them. My intuition sensed something amiss, so I turned back to search... True enough, a motorcycle had experienced a clutch burn, and the two friends were unable to fix it immediately, standing there waiting for assistance.
I had become quite accustomed to such situations, but I couldn't deny that the steep and rugged terrain posed a significant challenge. Guiding and pushing another vehicle off-road uphill for a few kilometers was no easy task. It took us a good 30 minutes to finally make it to the road. Fortunately, the other members of our group had managed to buy water during that time. All three of us looked pale and exhausted, clutching our water bottles desperately.
After taking a short break, we resumed our journey, still having to push the motorcycle with a clutch issue. Fortunately, not far from there, we came across a reputable motorbike repair shop. The mechanic made a quick adjustment to the clutch, allowing the motorcycle to continue moving. Our journey remained uninterrupted.
By this time, it was nearing noon, and we decided to stop at the foot of Deo Le Pass to rest and indulge in the local specialty of Tre chicken. Quan Ga Tre Bay Gai, a restaurant specializing in Tre chicken dishes in the Deo Le area, Que Son, was our destination. The food there was always fresh because the chickens were free-range, allowed to roam in the fields and hills. The meat was fragrant and tender. Our group decided to try a stir-fried chicken dish and a grilled chicken dish, served with vermicelli noodles and vegetable rice. It was delicious. The prices were very reasonable, with each person spending less than 100,000 VND and leaving with a full and satisfied stomach.
After leaving the restaurant, we continued to cross over Deo Le Pass, a beautiful pass adorned with rows of green trees and the slopes of mountains and hills. The pass was relatively short but provided enough opportunity for a memorable experience. On the other side of the pass was Que Loc commune, part of Nong Son District. The commune was situated in a picturesque flatland nestled between two mountain ranges, and its residents primarily relied on farming and rice cultivation for their livelihoods. The commune boasted stunning scenery, with vast rice fields stretching as far as the eye could see, surrounded by mountains and hills.
At the end of the commune's territory, the Thu Bon River intersected our path. We turned left and followed the river to Nong Son Bridge, crossing to the other side and continuing along the riverbank on the left.
Acrossing Thu bon River
We kept driving, passing by riverside fishing villages until there was no more road ahead. The population became sparser, and the majority of the remaining residents were from ethnic minority groups.
Less and less people
Closer to the end of the road
We stopped at a small boat dock and sought the assistance of a local resident to ferry both us and our motorcycles across the mountain stream. This was none other than Hon Kem Da Dung, one of the most beautiful locations in Quang Nam province.
The end of the road
The boat which takes us with the bikes through the honkem valley
From this point, the Thu Bon River would flow through two majestic mountains, with its clear, cool, and deep green waters. On both sides, pristine forests stood tall. Our boat glided through the mountain pass, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and refreshing air.
I was really happy to chat with a local boatman. He shared a lot of information with me about this region
When we reached the middle of the mountain pass, I asked the boatman to stop so we could jump into the water for a swim. He happily agreed. We all stripped off our clothes and dove into the cool water.
It was best to swim right at this spot! cool and fresh!
In this area, it felt like we were completely detached from the bustling residential areas. There was only nature and human beings around us. It created a sense of freedom and liberation.
Next time we will try camping here
After finishing our swim, we boarded the boat again and continued upstream towards Tra Linh Bridge, where we disembarked at the foot of the bridge.
The Honda CRF250 is riding alongside its predecessor, the Honda Baja 250
Thank to the bikes that took us futher and deeper
Thank to the boatman, who took us through the valley
We bid farewell to the boatman and resumed our journey, crossing Tra Linh Bridge towards Hiep Hoa, passing through the Truong Son Dong Road. You may have heard of this road before - it is a legendary route intertwined with the history of Vietnam's struggle for independence. It runs parallel to the Vietnamese coastline, spanning a vast mountain range that stretches for about 1,000 kilometers. It traverses one of the largest continuous tropical forests in East Asia.
Tra Linh Bridge
A part of Truong Son Dong road
Hiep Hoa Tunel
After passing through the Hiep Hoa tunnel, we returned to National Highway 14E towards Hiep Duc District. After crossing several ethnic minority villages, we stopped at a small hamlet at the end of a village. This impoverished hamlet consisted of only 5-7 households, where the Ca Dong ethnic people had been living for a long time. They were humble, simple, and kind-hearted.
Last year, I met the father of these children. He wished to have a water pump so that his family wouldn't have to exert too much effort carrying water from the stream to their house. Fortunately, this time I remembered.
The indigenous people's rubber plantations.
Immersed in the afternoon sunlight
With the guidance of a local resident, we discovered a beautiful hidden stream deep in the forest. (Please understand that I am not disclosing the exact location of this place as I wish to preserve its pristine beauty. I will only provide directions to those who directly contact Trace Travel with the intention of preserving the natural beauty of such destinations).
Running alongside the stream
This waterfall is truly beautiful and untouched, with very few tourists setting foot here. We had to trek against the current of the stream to reach the base of the waterfall. Along the way, the scenery was stunning, with lush vegetation, melodious bird songs, and preserved, pristine nature.
After half an hour, the majestic and breathtaking waterfall appeared before us. All our fatigue seemed to evaporate, and we quickly changed clothes and plunged into the cool water, immersing ourselves in the natural space, feeling free and liberated.
Even better than an automatic massage pool
The Best diver
Feels like an enormous private swimming pool
Shout out to the photographer "Duy Khanh Do"
The trip would have been even more complete and exciting if we could have camped and stayed overnight here. However, due to time constraints, we had to leave before nightfall. Farewell to the waterfall, farewell to the kind-hearted Ca Dong ethnic people. We hope to meet again in the not-too-distant future.
Returning to National Highway 14E, the sky had already darkened. We drove along this highway for about two hours, and we arrived in Hoi An. If we had more time, it would have been ideal to camp at the waterfall for one night and continue the journey back the next morning, as there are many places to stop and admire along the way back to Hoi An. Sure that next time, we will do it!
Thank you to everyone for reading our blog! See you again on the next journeys!
Trung Pham
