Trekking in Lam Dong, Ninh Thuan, and Khanh Hoa provinces to escape the crowds during holidays.

Sitting and chatting with everyone amidst the tranquil nature, with only the sounds of the mountains and forests and the laughter of the group. Some sat in a corner gazing at the panoramic view of the rolling hills below, others took photos of the peaceful moment with their phones, some lay resting on the grass to feel the natural energy, and the rest laughed and joked by the campfire. Then suddenly, a thought crossed my mind: "Da Lat must be crowded right now, it's beach season, needless to say, and Saigon is probably deserted on the streets but the cafes are noisy."

Luckily, forest and mountain lovers gathered together to enjoy the fresh air of Lam Dong, admire the beauty of Ninh Thuan's grassy hills, and savor the cool streams that chased away the heat of Khanh Hoa. In nature, phones become mere devices, recording moments of indescribable exhaustion and playful moments, forgetting all the worries of the outside world. Three days in the forest brought strangers and those who preferred solitude together, naturally connecting without regard for who you were, leaving all your troubles behind.

Over 40 people embarked on a 35km trek across three provinces, starting from Bidoup National Park in Lam Dong, passing through Phuoc Binh National Park in Ninh Thuan, and ending in Ta Giang village in Khanh Hoa. The adventure brought everyone through a range of emotions, from the vibrant green moss forests under the sunlight filtering through the canopy of the ancient primary forest in Bidoup to the breathtaking scenery of lush green hills at sunset. Their weary legs, having wandered aimlessly, seemed to be revitalized by this irresistible beauty.

Traveling from the cool climate of the Lam Vien plateau to the sunny, windy hills of the harsh Ninh Thuan region, everyone is shocked by the rapid change in weather. Fortunately, the Khe River, bordering Khanh Hoa and Ninh Thuan provinces, helps to alleviate the heat of the early rainy season, and no one can resist immersing themselves in the clear, rocky stream. Some are covered from head to toe, leaving their jackets, scarves, or hats on the stream bank to let the water wash away their fatigue and the heat.

Besides enjoying nature, we also interacted with local people to learn more about the culture, the people, and especially the stories of the mountains and forests from those who live here. From the K'Ho men from K'Long Lanh village in Lac Duong, with their sturdy physiques and deep, penetrating eyes, we felt like we were lost in the deep forest. They shared stories of venturing into the forest, from the days when the journey from their village to Da Lat required walking over 50km, to the days when wildlife was easily spotted, and ancient trees could be seen within a few steps. You'll fall in love with any K'Ho man when they pick up a guitar and sing, their distinctive high and low voices singing Central Highlands songs, especially those adapted into their ethnic language.

Then there are the Raglai people in Ninh Thuan, with their characteristic simple charm, gentle smiles, and sparkling eyes. When you first meet them, you'll remember the song "Chapi's Dream," think of the peaceful Ta Giang region, and then realize how romantic it is, just as the musician Tran Tien described. Located on the border between Khanh Hoa and Ninh Thuan, little known lies a dreamy land, not too harsh in terms of weather, where the river and mountains harmonize like a poetic painting.

Once you've fallen in love with the high mountains and vast forests, it's hard to resist the crowds of tourists, especially during holidays when throngs of people flock there. Hearts captivated by the peacefulness of nature, thoughts seem to stop, leaving only eyes gazing into the distance, searching for themselves amidst the mysterious forest, or spreading their arms in the breeze on the hilltop, feeling as if they're soaring into the clear blue sky. Let nature give you the energy to continue living joyfully.

Phung Quang Huy