According to the locals, conquering Cua Tu stream.

Born and raised in Hoang Nong commune, Dai Tu district, Nguyen Van Tung (35 years old, Thai Nguyen) has developed an experiential tourism tour of Cua Tu stream with the desire to spread the beauty of his homeland.

Tung, the founder of Hoang Nong Farm, shared: “After experiencing and working in tourism in many places, especially as a tour guide leading tourists up mountain peaks in the North, when I returned to my hometown, I saw a lot of potential for tourism development that no one had yet explored. One time, while traveling upstream along the Cua Tu stream, I discovered many beautiful, majestic, and unique waterfalls that are not found elsewhere. This further motivated me to build a trekking route and accommodation for tourists.”

Where is Cua Tu Stream located?

Located about 45 km from the center of Thai Nguyen City, Cua Tu Stream is in Hoang Nong Commune, Dai Tu District. Hoang Nong Commune is situated in the western part of the district and is part of the Tam Dao mountain range, bordering the highest peak of this range (1,590 m). It also marks the intersection of the three provinces of Thai Nguyen, Vinh Phuc, and Tuyen Quang. A stream flowing down from the Tam Dao mountain range, along the length of the commune, empties into the Cong River – this is Cua Tu Stream.

Cua Tu Stream comprises seven waterfalls, winding through cliffs and mountain slopes, sheltered by the expansive canopy of ancient trees. To explore the stream, visitors must trek across moss-covered rocks and swim through cool pools. Therefore, it has become an ideal spot to cool off during hot summer days.

According to local people, the name Cửa Tử (Death Gate) originates from a legend. The most widely circulated story is that the stream has only one path leading up and down.

Admire the masterpiece beauty of Cua Tu stream.

Cua Tu stream attracts young people who love exploring the wild and unpredictable nature of the stream. To reach Cua Tu stream, visitors must walk along the stream bank. The beginning of the journey is quite easy, but there are many sections where you have to immerse yourself in the cold water.

The deeper you go, the more wild and mysterious the mountains and forests become. On both sides of the stream are ancient trees, hundreds of years old, casting their shadows over the water's surface. Many rocks have been eroded by the water, forming bizarre and unusual shapes. Here, visitors can find peace, breathe in the fresh air, admire the beautiful natural scenery, and listen to the gentle murmur of the flowing stream.

Perhaps the most exhilarating feeling for adventure seekers is overcoming the high, slippery rocks and conquering the magnificent, unique waterfall. The water at Cua Tu is crystal clear, allowing you to see the bottom even in the deepest parts. Immersing yourself in the cool, turquoise water of the lake is an effective way to cool off on a sweltering summer day in Northern Vietnam.

When asked about the most exciting experience on the trip, Tung said: “Personally, I found the most exciting activity to be able to overcome my own fear and freefall 7 meters from the top of the waterfall into the water. Overcoming fear, my heart racing, my legs trembling, I had to muster all my courage to let myself jump from that height to the bottom of the waterfall.”

The most challenging part of the trip is navigating the wooden ladders, swimming downstream, or taking a boat through Cua Tu Gorge, considered the soul of Cua Tu Stream. Nature has created majestic and pristine, monolithic cliffs on both sides. The mysterious beauty of the stream makes Cua Tu an attractive tourist destination for young people who enjoy exploration and appreciate the natural beauty of the mountains and forests.

The ideal time to trek Cua Tu stream.

According to Mr. Tung, tourists can experience trekking Cua Tu stream all four seasons of the year except during the rainy season. The driest times to trek are autumn and winter, when swimming in the stream is limited, but in return, the forest is dry, there are no insects, and the stream is calmer. Summer is considered the most suitable time for swimming in the stream.

Travel enthusiasts wishing to trek along Cua Tu stream can plan their trip this summer. The weather from May to August is ideal for escaping the heat and is also perfect for participating in many tourist activities connected with the picturesque nature.

"In the future, I will expand the Cua Tu stream trekking route to include more waterfalls. Currently, there are 5 waterfalls, and in the future, it will be 7. I plan to build more accommodation to meet the increasing demand from tourists and add more activities to experience local culture, cycling tours on the mountain road..." Mr. Tung shared with Travellive readers.

Detailed information about the 2-day, 1-night Cua Tu Stream trekking itinerary:

1. Travel itinerary:

Day 1:Travel from Hanoi to Hoang Nong Farm (Thai Nguyen). After checking in, guests will have dinner, socialize, get acquainted with other members of the group, and rest early to recharge for the next day.

Day 2:Trekking along Cua Tu stream covers a total distance of 8 km with diverse terrain: mountain slopes, crossing streams, traversing forests, climbing hills, sliding down natural rock waterfalls, zip-lining, swimming at the foot of the waterfall, bathing at the foot of the waterfall, freefall jumping, crossing wooden bridges, swimming or boating through the stream's mouth gorge...

2. Some items you need to prepare:

- Sandals, plastic shoes, quick-draining hiking boots, athletic shoes, honeycomb sandals

- Outfit for going to the stream

- Swimming goggles

- Gloves, high socks

- Felt hat

- Waterproof bags for electronic devices

- Insect repellent spray

- Sunscreen

- Some high-energy snacks (candy, Snickers, gingerbread, chocolate, effervescent vitamin C tablets, electrolyte drinks, etc.)

Phuong Mai is a reporter for Travellive Magazine in Hanoi.

Phuong Mai