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On the first day, we trekked into the valley along a trail amidst vast hills covered with custard apple trees in full bloom. Stepping into the edge of the old-growth forest, we immediately felt the fresh, cool air. The early morning sunlight filtered through the leaves, glistening on our dripping sweat, and the fatigue from the journey vanished.
Before us stretched an endless expanse of green mountains and forests, a space so peaceful that we could hear every gust of wind, every breath. Without a word, all activity was done softly, allowing us to listen attentively to the sounds of the mountains and forests, to the chirping of insects calling to each other.
Twenty people, by chance, begin their journey to conquer the Lan Ty valley.
Trekking into the valley along a trail amidst vast hills covered with custard apple trees.
After about two hours of trekking deep into the Huu Lung Nature Reserve, we rested on a flat piece of land under the shade of ancient trees, enjoying a special lunch with food grown and prepared by the local people. Our porter, Ninh, skillfully arranged the food while telling us fascinating stories about this land, a place he has visited countless times. Continuing our journey after the rest period, we set off to explore Oc Cave.
The path down to the snail cave is tiny, requiring the assistance of specialized equipment.
Few would imagine that behind the tiny entrance, barely big enough for one person to squeeze through, lies a magnificent natural cave hidden in the darkness. A flashlight illuminates the entrance, casting a natural masterpiece upon the rock walls: sparkling stalactites and stalagmites in bizarre shapes sculpted by nature. Stepping inside, one immediately feels the damp, cool air enveloping the surroundings.
The space was completely silent, only the sound of dripping water and the chirping of insects could be heard. We breathed softly, as if afraid of waking the snails sleeping somewhere, wandering around searching for natural shells, exploring the petrification process of mountain snails… After exploring the “snail graveyard,” we walked back to the sandbank to sunbathe, relax and watch the sunset, then returned to the homestay for dinner and rest to regain our strength.
Explore the snail cave, search for natural snail shells and fossils of mountain snails.
The second day began as the gentle morning sunlight filtered through the leaves, and we continued our exploration and conquest of the Eye of God mountain peak. Carrying our personal belongings and safety equipment, we followed the trail for about 3 km to Lan Ty Lake. In winter, this area is a shallow valley covered with lush green trees and dense meadows. In summer, when the rains come, the water rises to form a vast lake, at its deepest point reaching a depth of about 30-50 meters with alternating warm and cold water currents.
The emerald green Lan Ty Lake is considered the heart of the valley.
We took a break for a meal after a 3-hour trek through the forest and exploring the area around Lan Ty Lake – the heart of the valley. We enjoyed a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear water, which felt wonderfully cool even in the midday summer heat. We also tried paddleboarding, floating and admiring the rocky mountains reflected in the shimmering lake. After a refreshing rest, we donned our protective gear and paddled our paddleboards further inland, weaving through the submerged trees to reach the foot of the Eye of God Mountain (also known as Lan Ty Hole Mountain), with its unique giant eye-shaped formation.
Paddle SUPs and swim to explore Lan Ty Lake.
The climb to the summit takes about an hour, not long but challenging with narrow, steep trails. The section near the summit is particularly difficult, even for those familiar with mountain climbing. We had to use abseiling techniques, swinging between steep cliffs to reach the top.
Reaching the summit, with the expert assistance of the technician, we rappelled down from the mountaintop to the "Eye of God." Suspended on the ropes, gazing out at the panoramic view of the valley in its refreshing green hues was an incredibly liberating and breathtaking experience.
Ziplining down from the mountaintop to the "Eye of God"
After a strenuous journey, gazing at the entire valley unfolding before our eyes was magical, making us feel insignificant. Completely isolated from the outside world, we were able to immerse ourselves in its majestic beauty, as if we had wandered into a fairytale land. Relaxing our minds and bodies, we breathed in the scent of the mountains and forests, feeling the tranquility… Recalling the journey and the experiences we had just had left a lasting impression on us.
An aerial view of the Lan Ty valley.
The second day, marking the end of our journey, coincided with the moment the sun set, its rays filtering through the waterlogged trees and casting long, shimmering reflections onto the lake's surface. Drifting on the cool, blue water, basking in the last rays of the day, and leisurely enjoying the breath of the pristine wilderness, we trekked back through the endless expanse of ancient forest. Two days in this land without electricity or phone signal, surrounded by mountains and boundless green grasslands, felt like being in another world, offering us experiences we had never had before.
