Located in Dak Sao commune, Quang Ngai province, at an elevation of 1,524 meters above sea level, Siu Puong waterfall is a trekking destination attracting adventurers. Besides the pristine beauty of the seven-tiered waterfall, visitors on this tour can also visit Ngoc Linh ginseng gardens, discover valuable medicinal plants, and explore the culture of the Xo Dang ethnic group.

Siu Puong Waterfall nestled amidst the ancient forest, enveloped by wisps of mist. Photo: Phuong Pham

The journey to Siu Puong waterfall begins from the former Kon Tum city. Follow National Highway 14 for about 42 km to Dak To commune, then turn onto Provincial Road 672 for another 16 km to the Dak Tram market intersection. From there, turn left onto Provincial Road 678 for about 30 km to reach the center of Dak Sao commune.

From the commune center, it's about a 7 km trek to Siu Puong waterfall. Visitors will cross a lush green hill and follow a small path through a pine forest. After a rest stop at a campsite midway up the forest, trekkers continue on foot for about 700 m to reach the magnificent seven-tiered waterfall.

The topmost tier is the highest, measuring about 60 m. The next four tiers average around 40 m each in height. The remaining two tiers are shorter, averaging about 10 m each.

Visitors stand at the edge of a rocky outcrop to admire Siu Puong Waterfall. Photo: Phuong Pham

To fully appreciate the majestic beauty of all seven tiers, visitors must follow a narrow path winding through the forest, navigating steep slopes, slippery rocks, and dense vegetation. "The journey is challenging but rewarding. Siu Puong waterfall, with its pristine and majestic beauty, is a gift of nature for those who dare to conquer it," said Nguyen Thi Bich Van, 60, from Gia Lai.

Vo Duc Tam, Director of Dam San Adventure, the company organizing trekking tours to the waterfall, said that Siu Puong waterfall trekking tours usually take place from November to May of the following year, during the dry season when weather conditions are favorable and safe.

The tour is suitable for those 12 years and older in good physical condition. Visitors are advised to have a health check before the trip and should be well-prepared physically. They should equip themselves with appropriate footwear, rain gear, insect repellent, a flashlight, and other necessary items to ensure safety throughout the journey.

"Equipping visitors with basic survival knowledge and skills not only ensures a safe trip but also raises awareness about preserving nature and respecting local culture," Tam said.

Phuong Pham and his friends celebrate after successfully conquering Siu Puong Waterfall. Photo: Phuong Pham

According to local residents, Siu Puong waterfall originates from the Siu Mot La peak. Generations ago, when settling this land, they discovered the water source stemmed from a rock where a tiger frequently rested. Thus, they named it "Siu Mot La," which in the local language means "where the tiger lies."

In traditional belief, the land, water, and rocks here are considered sacred, a dwelling place of the gods. This site has been a place for community ceremonies, where ancestors taught their descendants to live in harmony with nature, respect the forests and mountains, and protect the environment.

These teachings have helped preserve the area's pristine state and its valuable ecosystem. On both sides of the waterfall, approximately 20 hectares of Schisandra plants grow in clusters, climbing on large trees, along with dozens of ancient hawthorn trees and various rare medicinal plants. Together they form a lush, pristine, and vibrant landscape, a secret garden within the vast forest.

Capitalizing on the local advantages, in addition to waterfall trekking tours, Dak Sao commune is currently developing community tourism models combined with visits to Ngoc Linh ginseng farms, a valuable medicinal plant unique to the Truong Son mountain range. Visitors can visit ginseng-growing households, learn about the cultivation and care process, and enjoy ginseng products such as wine, tea, and honey.

Y Gia Nhi, a young community tourism entrepreneur, said she is collaborating with local households to organize tours, develop homestay services, showcase local cuisine, and introduce ethnic culture. At the Siu Puong waterfall experience site alone, she welcomes nearly 1,000 visitors annually. "I hope visitors come here not only to admire the waterfall but also to understand more about the lives of the local people and the value of Ngoc Linh ginseng, which for generations has been cherished as a treasure of the mountains and forests," Nhi said.

Visitors can rest at campsites provided by the local authorities and enjoy meals they've brought along amidst the mountains and forests. Photo: Phuong Pham

Nguyen Thanh Thuy, Vice Chairman of Dak Sao commune, said that since the time of Dak Na commune, which belonged to the former Tu Mo Rong district, the local government has sought approval to develop Siu Puong waterfall as a tourist destination and submitted a proposal to the province to recognize Le Vang village (near the waterfall) as a community tourism site.

According to Thuy, Siu Puong waterfall, combined with the Ngoc Linh ginseng area and the Xo Dang ethnic culture, creates significant potential for the region. However, currently, there is only one access road from Provincial Road 678 to the waterfall. Moreover, the entire land area is under the management of the forest management company, making it difficult for the local government to attract businesses to invest in infrastructure.

"The commune hopes that higher authorities will invest in road development to improve access and create mechanisms to attract investors, working with the local government and people to develop community tourism around the waterfall," Thuy said.

Thao Vy