Towering 972 meters within the Dong Bo war zone in Phuoc Dong commune, Hoang Nguu Son mountain is often called the rooftop of Nha Trang city. The terrain is steep, riddled with large boulders, and includes some treacherous, slippery sections, posing risks for inexperienced hikers.
Pham Vu Thanh An, a teacher at Vo Van Ky Secondary School in Nha Trang city, and a seasoned Hoang Nguu Son climber, asserts that this mountain "is not for amateurs".
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A panoramic view of Nha Trang city from atop Hoang Nguu Son mountain. Photo: Thanh An |
A panoramic view of Nha Trang city from atop Hoang Nguu Son mountain. Photo: Thanh An
An explains that Hoang Nguu Son has numerous ravines and dense vegetation, with tall cogon grass obscuring visibility and trails. Therefore, climbers need to be in top physical condition and possess strong navigational skills. Hiking with experienced locals familiar with the terrain and mountain weather is highly recommended for safety.
"Unlike Co Tien mountain, with its bare slopes and gentle incline, where hikers can easily follow trails to the summit, Hoang Nguu Son requires careful planning. This is not a spur-of-the-moment climb," An says.
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The diverse terrain of Hoang Nguu Son mountain ranges from dense forests to open grasslands. Photo: Thanh An |
The diverse terrain of Hoang Nguu Son mountain ranges from dense forests to open grasslands. Photo: Thanh An
The round-trip to the summit is approximately 8 km and can take a full day, depending on the hiker's pace and itinerary. A typical climb starts at 5 am and finishes around 5 pm, with the ascent to the 972-meter summit taking over 5 hours, including breaks and lunch.
Currently, there are no official guided tours to Hoang Nguu Son; most climbs are independently organized. For larger groups, professional guides are essential," An advises.
Remaining vigilant throughout the climb is crucial, even for experienced climbers. The mountain's unpredictable nature means even a minor misstep can have serious consequences for individuals and the entire group.
Before embarking on the climb, each hiker should be equipped with protective, moisture-wicking athletic clothing, hiking boots with good traction, a sturdy trekking pole or bamboo staff, a sun hat, a first-aid kit with bandages and insect repellent, and at least 4 liters of water.
Hikers should also carry vitamin C supplements, electrolytes, a durable backpack, a whistle (for emergencies), a flashlight, a portable charger, and a raincoat. Trimmed toenails are also recommended. Pack enough food for lunch and some snacks for the trail.
The first two hours of the ascent traverse a steep, low-lying primary forest, passing photo-worthy rock formations like Hon Rua (Turtle Rock), Hon Su Tu (Lion Rock), Da Cay Co Don (Lonely Tree Rock), and Da Ca Sau (Crocodile Rock). After 3 km, hikers reach a stream, a good spot for a rest and refreshments.
Beyond the stream lie grasslands and sparse forests. At multiple trail junctions, follow the left flank or look for red ribbons marking the path left by previous climbers, along with arrows painted on rocks.
"It's also important to be aware of the weather forecast and prepare for sudden downpours, especially during the summer months," An adds.
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Hoang Nguu Son mountain stands at 972 m. Photo: Nguyen Kaio |
Hoang Nguu Son mountain stands at 972 m. Photo: Nguyen Kaio
An recounts instances where hikers, seeing their destination, mistakenly ventured toward what turned out to be deep ravines or dense thickets. In such situations, taking a detour, though time-consuming, is the safer option.
"Knowing how to use a compass and navigate is crucial for this adventurous sport," An emphasizes.
Nguyen Kaio, an experienced climber of Khanh Hoa's peaks, notes Hoang Nguu Son's steep inclines and recommends thorough research for first-time climbers.
"Climbing requires endurance. Don't start too fast; you'll tire quickly," Nguyen advises. If lost, stay calm, find an open area, retrace your steps mentally, and backtrack to find the correct path. Careful observation during the climb can be a lifesaver if you get lost," he adds.
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