On the evening of 18/3, the Ba Den Mountain National Tourist Area Management Board (BQL) reported receiving information around 20h30 about two tourists who had lost their way on the mountain. A search and rescue team was immediately deployed to the scene, located, approached, and safely brought the two individuals down the mountain that night.

Rescue forces brought two tourists down the mountain on 18/3. *Photo: Pham Van Tu*.

According to the BQL, the group of tourists had registered to climb at Chot So Ri (the power pole route). However, while descending from the summit to the base, they did not follow their registered itinerary, instead opting for a different route from the summit down to Chua Ba. This led them to become disoriented and lost after dark.

Since the beginning of the year, Ba Den Mountain has seen a continuous series of tourist-related incidents, primarily due to straying from designated paths or carelessness during climbs. Most recently, on 8/3, a tourist slipped while climbing, sustaining multiple injuries and a broken collarbone. Authorities provided on-site first aid before transporting the victim to the mountain's base and then to a hospital.

Nguyen Khac Phong, with over 10 years of experience climbing Ba Den Mountain and other southern peaks, noted that the area features numerous small turns, steep terrain, and is prone to disorientation, especially in the late afternoon and evening.

"Many sections of the trail are obscured; if you are unfamiliar with the terrain or lack a guide, it is very easy to get lost", Phong said, adding that even experienced climbers need to stick to the planned route and travel in groups.

A tourist slipped and fell on Ba Den Mountain on 8/3. *Photo: Ba Den Mountain National Tourist Area Management Board*.

According to Phong, climbing Ba Den Mountain is not overly difficult but should not be taken lightly. Even a small lapse in caution can lead to risks. Tourists should prepare flashlights, maps, or GPS devices, and avoid changing routes midway.

Given these incidents, the BQL advises tourists to only follow the power pole route and avoid venturing into overgrown side trails. This ensures that authorities can easily locate and assist them in case of an emergency. Departure times are set from 5h to 11h; no climbs should begin after 11h to prevent descending the mountain after dark.

Climbers are required to register their personal information at the security checkpoint before starting their ascent. Tourists also need to ensure physical fitness, carry water, and personal first-aid supplies; participation is not recommended if health conditions are unsuitable. The use of prohibited substances or carrying flammable/explosive items is strictly forbidden.

In the event of an incident such as an accident, getting lost, or exhaustion, tourists can contact the search and rescue team via the 24/24 hotline.

Ba Den Mountain, an extinct volcano, is located in Binh Minh ward, Tay Ninh province. Standing at 986 m, it is the highest mountain in the Southern region and is known as "The First Mountain of the South". According to 19th-century historical records, the mountain was considered sacred, guarding Gia Dinh citadel, and associated with images of "a golden bell appearing and disappearing in the lake, and dragon boats circling on moonlit nights".

During the recent Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) holiday, the tourist area welcomed approximately 327,000 visitors, a 10% increase compared to the same period last year. The large influx of people consistently led to overcrowding in the area.

Mountain climbing activities on Ba Den Mountain resumed on 12/12/2025, after a suspension of over two months due to adverse weather and landslide risks during the rainy season.

Tourists not climbing the mountain can opt for the cable car to visit and admire the Tay Bo Da Son Buddha statue, which stands 72 m tall and weighs 170 tons, made of red bronze. It is considered the tallest Buddha statue in Southeast Asia.

*Anh*