VI
EN
After a year of tireless work, I often reward myself with a spring trip to recharge and start the new year. Sometimes I choose to immerse myself in a secluded beach, other times I stroll through the streets, admire the scenery and enjoy the myriad of delicious dishes in an ancient city, or opt for trekking and bathing in the spring forest.
Leaving the bustling city behind, I traveled to Da Lat (Lam Dong province) after the Lunar New Year holiday – a time when everyone else had returned to school and work – to enjoy the lingering spring colors on the cherry blossom branches in the heart of the city, and to absorb the peaceful energy from the mountains and forests.
Leaving the bustling city behind, I traveled to Da Lat (Lam Dong province) after the Lunar New Year holiday.
Nestled on the Lam Vien plateau at an altitude of approximately 1,500 meters above sea level, Da Lat city is known for its year-round cool temperate climate and blooming flowers, making it a favorite destination for millions of domestic and international tourists.
Every spring, the landscape seems to awaken from its long winter slumber. From the city center of Da Lat to the hillsides in the highlands, everywhere is filled with the pink hues of blooming cherry blossoms. Each delicate branch unfurls like soft pink silk ribbons embracing the scenery, creating a distinctive highlight for this mountain town at the beginning of the year.
Without the hustle and bustle, during the holidays, Da Lat returns to its inherent poetic, gentle, and pristine beauty. On my small motorbike, I roamed along the roads, enjoying the scents and colors of spring.
From mid-January to the end of February each year, cherry blossoms begin to bloom in Da Lat, signaling the arrival of spring. In the center of Da Lat city, cherry blossoms are planted along roads such as Tran Hung Dao, Hung Vuong, Co Giang, around Xuan Huong Lake, Tuyen Lam Lake, Tu Tao Street, and the Tran Quy Cap railway line...
Waking up early, I went jogging around Xuan Huong Lake, admiring the tranquil surface of the lake and the reflection of cherry blossoms stretching across the water. In the early days of the year, the morning temperature was around 15-16 degrees Celsius, the cool air carrying the fresh, pure scent of plants and trees.
Strolling along the small path by the lake, I immersed myself in the peaceful rhythm of city life, taking in the breathtaking natural scenery of Xuan Huong Lake, a national scenic spot, with a 360-degree panoramic view. In particular, the cherry blossom trees on the shore of Xuan Huong Lake, leaning towards the lake's surface, combined with the calm water and lush green grass behind them, created a stunning focal point in this beautiful landscape.
I've seen cherry blossoms in Da Lat many times, but the feeling of excitement never fades. Driving along Hoa Hong Street (Ward 4, Da Lat City), the ancient cherry blossom trees blooming on the hillsides create a breathtaking natural landscape that makes anyone passing by want to stop and admire them. Standing before this vast space, I let go of all my worries, immersing myself in the peace and tranquility before Tuyen Lam Lake.
Da Lat is not only a city of picturesque landscapes, but it also boasts many architectural works and historical and cultural relics. Visiting the Da Lat Children's Prison National Monument, I was particularly impressed by the stunning scenery of the two rows of cherry blossom trees in front of the gate. Further inside the courtyard, ancient trees in full bloom create a romantic scene alongside the prison cells, solitary confinement, and barbed wire fences… where hundreds of children aged 12 to 17 with revolutionary spirit were once imprisoned.
The contrast between the harsh prison environment and the romantic beauty of the cherry blossoms evoked a powerful emotion in me, demonstrating that nothing could restrain the beauty of nature or subdue the revolutionary spirit of Vietnamese youth.
Spring in Da Lat brings cool weather, making it the ideal time for me to reconnect with nature and admire the beauty of the landscape at the beginning of the year. And so, my Langbiang trekking trip began.
Reaching an altitude of 2,167 meters, Langbiang Peak, also known as the "roof of Da Lat," is located in Lac Duong District, Lam Dong Province. After purchasing my entrance ticket, I followed the trail next to the tourist area, beginning my 7-kilometer trekking journey to explore Langbiang Peak.
Walking along the gravel road, I passed through coffee plantations, watching horses leisurely grazing in the vast grasslands. In the distance, rolling hills, hidden beneath the clouds, stretched as far as the eye could see, the highest peak being my target for the day. After crossing the grasslands, I officially began my journey to explore the rich flora and fauna of the Langbiang region, characterized by its pine forests and tropical rainforests.
The sight of towering pine trees, tens of meters high, obscuring the sky, makes the scene even more mysterious. Under the canopy of these ancient pines, my friends and I listened to the rustling of the trees, enjoying the fresh, surprisingly peaceful atmosphere.
After crossing the pine-covered hills, I went to the management checkpoint to register my contact information before entering the primeval forest leading to the summit. Deep in the forest, I gazed at the vibrant maple leaves amidst the ancient trees, enjoying the pristine beauty of the dew drops still clinging to the branches, inhaling the scent of wood and decaying leaves, and listening to the chirping of birds.
Leaving behind the hustle and bustle of life, I felt like a naive child exploring the wonders of the forest, picking up flowers and leaves along the trail. To reach the summit, I had to overcome continuous steep slopes, the cold air making my throat dry. Regulating my breathing, I slowly advanced step by step, and after about two hours of travel, the open space at the mountaintop finally appeared.
Standing amidst the vast open space, I gazed out at the panoramic view of the city. Every time I climbed Langbiang, I would coincidentally come across a couple of tourists sitting and chatting, admiring the view, at the same spot. This time, the two tourists were Selena (American) and Alex (British). “We are on a month-long journey exploring Vietnam. Being nature lovers, we both decided to climb Langbiang to explore the scenery and get some exercise and stay in shape after our Tet holiday in Malaysia,” the couple said.
The feeling of sitting next to a travel companion, reflecting on the journey so far—the joys, the sorrows, the successes, and the difficulties—is incredibly fulfilling. For me, mountain climbing and trekking aren't just about the exhilaration of conquering a milestone; they're about the experiences and memories throughout the entire trip.
What could be better than welcoming the new year with a journey back to nature, embracing the pristine beauty of the earth and sky, and enjoying the gentle spring days with loved ones? Along that journey, we'll find a compatible travel companion, and together we'll explore, savoring every moment, making the trip even more fulfilling.
The feeling of sitting next to a companion, reflecting on the journey so far—the joys, the sorrows, the successes, and the challenges—is truly wonderful.
