VI
EN
The serious accident that occurred on the afternoon of March 8th at pole number 98 on the Power Pole route in the Ba Den Mountain National Tourist Area once again raises the alarm about the potential risks of self-guided mountain climbing tourism. With the number of visitors flocking to the "First Heavenly Mountain" surging after the Lunar New Year holiday, adherence to safety regulations and survival skills on steep terrain has become more crucial than ever to avoid unfortunate incidents that could threaten lives.
According to official information from the Management Board of Ba Den Mountain National Tourist Area, rescue forces worked urgently throughout the afternoon after receiving a report of a tourist in distress at marker 98. During the ascent to the 986-meter-high peak, the victim unfortunately slipped on a rough stone step, resulting in a severe fall that caused multiple injuries and a fractured collarbone. Upon arriving at the scene, the team provided on-site first aid, stabilized the injuries, and safely transported the victim down the mountain for specialized treatment.
Despite being an attractive destination, the terrain at an altitude of 986m always poses many risks for inexperienced climbers.
This is not an isolated incident. Since the beginning of 2026, numerous cases of tourists, especially independent trekking groups, slipping and falling or losing their way have been recorded on Ba Den Mountain. Ba Den Mountain is an extinct volcano with steep slopes, and its rocky surface is often wet and slippery. Just a moment of inattention or carelessness on the steep slopes can easily lead to serious injuries to bones, joints, and soft tissues.
One of the pressing issues that the management board has repeatedly emphasized is the situation of tourists arbitrarily deviating from the designated routes to venture onto overgrown trails or areas with technical infrastructure. Many people, seeking novelty or taking "Instagrammable" photos, climb onto water pipes, electrical boxes, and telecommunication stations leading to the mountaintop. This is not only aesthetically displeasing but also poses a potential risk of death from electric shock in the humid mountainous environment.
Furthermore, "death trap" routes such as the road behind Ba Pagoda, the Water Pipeline route, or the Ma Thien Lanh area remain hotspots for getting lost. Self-directed access to these routes makes it extremely difficult for rescue teams to locate and reach victims in case of an accident. In reality, bringing an injured person down the mountain from such treacherous terrain takes a great deal of time and effort, sometimes delaying the "golden hour" for emergency medical care.
The Management Board of Ba Den Mountain National Tourist Area has repeatedly issued urgent warnings, urging visitors to strictly adhere to the prescribed climbing hours and routes to avoid unfortunate incidents.
Accordingly, to ensure the safety of visitors, the Ba Den Mountain Management Board requires all those intending to hike up the mountain to strictly adhere to the designated route (from the foot of the mountain to Ba Den Pagoda and vice versa). This activity is only permitted between 5:00 AM and 11:00 AM. After 11:00 AM, visitors are absolutely prohibited from starting to avoid not being able to descend the mountain before dark – a time when visibility is limited, easily leading to disorientation and exhaustion in the forest.
All visitors are required to register at the checkpoint before departure. This helps authorities control the number of people on the mountain and have a timely response plan if anyone has not descended by the end of the day. This is a necessary management measure after the tourist area reopened mountain climbing activities on December 12, 2025, after a long period of suspension due to the risk of landslides during the rainy season.
Trekking experts and management recommend that visitors accurately assess their physical condition before deciding to conquer the highest peak in Southern Vietnam. Mountain climbing is not a leisurely stroll; it requires careful energy allocation and appropriate equipment. A pair of hiking boots with good grip is essential to minimize the risk of slipping on mossy rocks. Additionally, using walking sticks will significantly assist the legs, especially on steep sections where balance is crucial.
Unauthorized entry into dangerous trails, routes, or areas with inadequate infrastructure not only violates regulations but also directly threatens the lives of passengers.
Throughout the journey, travelers are advised to walk slowly, with steady steps, and pay close attention to the road surface. Running, jumping, or playing in dangerous areas is strictly prohibited. Taking breaks at designated stations to replenish fluids and electrolytes is crucial to avoid heatstroke or excessive muscle strain.
Mount Ba Den is not only a spiritual tourist destination with the image of the "golden bell hidden in historical records," but also a source of pride for Tay Ninh province. With approximately 327,000 visitors during the recent Tet holiday (a 10% increase compared to the same period last year), the pressure on infrastructure and safety is immense. Each visitor needs to raise their awareness of self-protection and follow the instructions of authorities to ensure that the journey to conquer the "First Heavenly Mountain" remains a beautiful and fulfilling memory.
