On the first day, we trekked into the valley along the trail between the vast custard apple hills in fruiting season. Entering the boundary of the old forest, we immediately felt the fresh, cool air. The early morning sunlight filtered through the canopy, glistening on the sweat dripping down, the fatigue from the previous journey suddenly disappeared.
Before our eyes was only the vast green of the mountains and forests, the space was so peaceful that we could hear every sound of the wind and every breath. No one told anyone, all activities were done quietly to listen to the sounds of the mountains and forests, to hear the chirping of insects.
20 people coincidentally met and started their journey to conquer Lan Ty valley.
Trekking into the valley along the trail between the immense custard apple hills
After about 2 hours of trekking deep into the Huu Lung Nature Reserve, we stopped on a flat land under the shade of ancient trees, enjoying a special lunch with food grown and prepared by the local people. Porter Ninh quickly arranged the food while telling us interesting stories about this land, a place he had visited countless times. Continuing the journey after a break, we set out to explore Oc Cave.
The path down to Oc Cave is tiny and requires the help of specialized equipment.
Few people would have thought that behind the tiny cave entrance, just enough for one person to crawl through, is a majestic natural cave hidden in the darkness. The flashlight beam illuminates the entrance, illuminating the cliffs with sparkling stalactites, strangely shaped by nature. Entering the cave, one can immediately feel the cool, damp air surrounding the area.
The space was completely quiet, only the echoes of dripping water and the chirping of insects. We breathed softly as if afraid of waking up the sleeping snails somewhere, wandering around looking for natural shells, exploring the fossilization process of mountain snails... After exploring the "snail cemetery", we walked to the shallow beach to sunbathe, relax and watch the sunset, then returned to the homestay for dinner and rest to regain our strength.
Explore snail caves, search for natural shells and fossils of mountain snails
The second day began when the gentle morning sunlight shone through the foliage, we continued to explore and conquer the top of Mat Than mountain. Carrying personal luggage and safety equipment, we continued along the trail for about 3 km to Lan Ty lake. In winter, this place is a dry valley with vast trees and lush green grass. In summer, when it rains, the water rises to form a vast lake, at the time of the highest water level, it is about 30-50 m deep with 2 alternating hot and cold water streams.
The green Lan Ty Lake is considered the heart of the valley.
We stopped for a meal after 3 hours of trekking through the forest and exploring around Lan Ty Lake - the heart of the valley. Stretching out to swim in the crystal clear water, in the middle of a summer day, it was still incredibly cool. Or experiencing SUP rowing, drifting and watching the rocky mountains reflect their shadows in the clear, sparkling lake. After a refreshing break, we put on specialized protective equipment, paddled deep into the SUP, weaving through the flooded trees to reach the foot of Mat Than Mountain (also known as Lan Ty hole mountain) with the unique giant eye shape.
SUP and swimming to explore Lan Ty lake
The climb to the top of the mountain took about an hour, not long but challenging with narrow, steep trails. The section near the top of the mountain was really “tough” even for those who were familiar with mountain climbing. We had to use abseiling techniques to swing between the steep cliffs to be able to reach the top.
Reaching the top, with the experienced help of the technician, we took turns swinging from the top of the mountain down to the “eye of God”. Hanging on the rope, looking out to see the whole valley with a cool green color is a feeling of freedom, extremely satisfying.
Abseiling from the top of the mountain down to the “eye of God”
After a tiring journey, seeing the entire valley magically appear in sight makes people feel small. This place is completely isolated from the outside world, freely immersing in the majestic beauty as if lost in a fairyland. Relax your mind and body to inhale the scent of the mountains and forests, feel the silence... Remembering the journey and the past experiences left us impressed and unforgettable.
Lan Ty valley view from above
The end of the second day, as well as the end of the journey, was the moment the sun set, reflected through the flooded treetops and then cast a long, shimmering light on the lake surface. Floating on the cool blue water, bathing in the last rays of the day, leisurely enjoying the breath of the wild wilderness and then trekking back through the endless old forest. Two days in this land without electricity, without phone signal, surrounded by rocky mountains and endless green grasslands, like being in a "different world", brought us unprecedented experiences.
