Amidst the majestic mountains and forests of the Truong Son range, the route from Phong Nha to Khe Sanh via the Western Truong Son Road is a rare journey where nature and culture lovers can find a blend of history and pristine beauty. Although less popular than other backpacking routes in the Northwest, this route offers a worthwhile experience with special scenery and unforgettable stories.
The route from Phong Nha to Khe Sanh via Truong Son Tay road is a rare journey, bringing many experiences to Van Hai and the team.
The unexpected beauty of Khe Sanh
Khe Sanh – a small town that was once a famous battlefield in history – now surprises visitors with its modern scenery mixed with the tranquility of the mountains and forests. The giant blades of wind power projects stand out among the sea of clouds, creating a spectacular picture. "Although I heard that the cloud hunting rate here is very high, I was not lucky enough to encounter the sea of clouds this time," said Le Van Hai (also known as Hai Anh), a backpacker from Hanoi. However, just by driving around the hills, visitors can find countless check-in corners with breathtaking views.
The giant blades of wind power projects stand out among the sea of clouds, creating a spectacular picture.
Khe Sanh is not only a place to see, but also a space to feel the intersection between the past and the present. Historical relics stand quietly next to modern structures, adding to the majestic beauty of this town.
Legend of Truong Son Tay
The Truong Son Tay route is a great choice for the journey from Phong Nha to Khe Sanh. With a length of about 230 km, the road winds through primeval mountains and old forests, creating a vast, wild space, and almost no human footprints. Mr. Hai added: “We only came across a few small villages and rarely saw the shadow of people passing by. This made me feel clearly how small I am in the midst of vast nature."
Enjoy the scenic views along the way
Along the way, the travelers can enjoy the fresh air and the majestic mountain scenery. However, careful preparation of fuel is a must, because there are almost no gas stations on this route. Mr. Hai's group was lucky because they used an Aprilia SR GT scooter with a large fuel capacity, enough for the entire journey without refueling.
Memorable moments on the journey
One of the unexpected highlights of the trip was the experience of crossing the Long Dai River. "We happened to meet a local and were invited to join the rapids crossing on this river. It was an exciting and interesting experience, as the small boat rushed through the rocky and bumpy water," Hai recalled. On the journey, the cool water mixed with the sound of the rocks hitting the rapids created a feeling of both suspense and excitement.
Sea of clouds captivates the hearts of those who love to travel
The route also offers opportunities to enjoy peaceful moments, such as stopping by streams in Phong Nha, or riding in the gentle sunset. "We bathe in streams, take photos and feel the tranquility of nature – experiences that cannot be found anywhere else," said Hai.
Challenges and advice for backpackers
Although this route is not as difficult in terms of terrain as the Northwestern routes, caution is still required. Roads with gravel, late afternoon fog, or slippery roads can be dangerous. Mr. Hai emphasized: "Choosing a good car and maintaining it carefully before the trip is extremely important. In addition, bring food and drinks because there are almost no shops on this route."
The weather here also brought a pleasant surprise. Although we went in September - the hottest time of summer, the climate along the route was very cool and pleasant. "The high blue sky, the white clouds floating, and the fresh air made me feel like I was reliving old memories that are hard to find in Hanoi now," the backpacker said.
230 km of sparsely populated areas, only mountains and the sounds of the old forest
The journey from Phong Nha to Khe Sanh is not only a trip through famous landmarks, but also an opportunity to connect with nature, overcome challenges and discover yourself. The primeval forests, poetic rivers, and the wildness of this place have touched the hearts of anyone who has ever set foot here.
“Phong Nha – Khe Sanh is a trip that I will remember forever. It not only brings a sense of comfort but also opens up a new perspective on the hidden beauty of the country,” Hai concluded. For those who are looking for a memorable journey, this route is definitely an option not to be missed.
