VI
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BLACK BAMBOO SHOOTS... IT'S BLACK BAMBOO SHOOTS!
I visited Mang Den, a small town in Kon Plong district, Kon Tum province. People often compare Mang Den and Da Lat, and of course, this comparison is completely inaccurate. Mang Den is likened to "the second Da Lat of the Central Highlands," but I don't see it that way.
Mang Den Pine Forest
For those living and working in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Lat is a convenient and easy choice. People often choose Da Lat for their vacation. It has a mild and pleasant climate and is only about a 7-hour bus ride from Ho Chi Minh City. Meanwhile, getting to Mang Den takes almost twice as long. Da Lat is a famous tourist city with countless resorts, numerous entertainment activities, and is just as crowded as Saigon. Mang Den, on the other hand, is just a small, pristine town, much quieter and more peaceful than Da Lat. Even just a brief mention reveals the fundamental differences between Da Lat and Mang Den. For me, Da Lat is Da Lat, and Mang Den is Mang Den.
When I arrived in Mang Den, I brought nothing but a 7 kg backpack and the hope of completely immersing myself in nature. I also didn't bring any "comparisons" that people often associate with Da Lat to get a feel for this place.
A SYMPHONY OF NATURE IN MANG DEN
Mang Den unfolded before my eyes, revealing vast, verdant forests. From here, I was immune to dust and pollution, free to breathe in the fragrant scent of wildflowers growing along the roadside and the sap of green trees on the mountain slopes. Here and there, scattered villages nestled shyly along the way, so when I reached the summit of the pass, I saw nothing but the pure green of the wilderness.
The pure green color of nature in Mang Den.
I crossed the winding Mang Den pass with its hairpin bends, immersing myself in the endless expanse of deep green mountains and forests. A cool breeze enveloped me, making me shiver but also feel exhilarated. I didn't mind the continuous sharp turns on the pass, opening my eyes wide to look ahead, excited by the unexpected and breathtaking scenery.
A stunningly beautiful, bare tree stood along the mountain pass.
I nestled against the edge of the clearing to truly savor the moment. The fragrant scent of grass, flowers, and plants rushed up my nose, jolting me awake. How long had it been since this scent had returned to the senses of someone who had spent months living in the city? I slowly walked to the edge of the cliff, closing my eyes to fully inhale this incredibly beautiful natural fragrance. There were moments when I wished this scent could be "bottled" so I could always carry it with me.
I used to wish the scent of plants and flowers could be "bottled" so I could always carry it with me.
While enjoying the intoxicating scent, the incessant chirping of the birds startled me awake. A breathtaking scene unfolded before me, like a painting, the near-absolute stillness of the ancient forest disturbed by the birds' love of music. I sharpened my senses to fully appreciate the vibrant symphony of the Măng Đen mountains and forests. A feeling of overwhelming happiness and joy, difficult to express in words!
HEALING IN NATURE WITH FOREST BATHING
Even though I was traveling in a large group, I always knew how to make time for myself. More precisely, my purpose on this trip was to connect with nature and recharge my body with refreshing energy. So while my friends were busy taking photos or enjoying group games, I rolled up my pants and waded into the stream. There it is! The rock I'd been searching for all this time.
Pa Sy Waterfall. Photo: Phu Ngo.
I lay on the rock. A cool sensation ran down my spine, spreading throughout my body, to every cell. Looking up, I saw the clear blue sky, the trees swaying in the wind, sunlight filtering through the leaves onto the ground, and the gentle murmur of the stream beside me… All of it caressed and stirred my senses to the very roots of my being.
Lying peacefully beneath the rocks, enjoying the subtle changes amidst the mountains and forests.
I've experienced "forest bathing" before, but only recently learned about this concept. Forest bathing originated in Japan in the 1980s and is now popular in most countries around the world. It's called shinrin-yoku, which roughly translates to "immersing oneself in the atmosphere of the forest." By focusing entirely on the present moment, noticing the subtle changes in the mountains and forests, all worries, anxieties, and wandering thoughts suddenly cease. The practitioner's senses are fully opened to perceive their surroundings, their mind relaxes, and their spirit naturally becomes calm and peaceful. This can also be considered an effective form of mindfulness and healing.
As long as we find ways to connect with nature, forest bathing can take place anywhere, at any time.
As long as we know how to listen to ourselves and find a connection with nature, this "forest bathing" activity can take place anywhere. But if you ask where on this S-shaped strip of land you can enjoy "forest bathing" to the fullest, my answer is Mang Den.
