Located at an elevation of 700 m in Kim Ngan commune, in the southwest of the former Quang Binh province (now Quang Tri), bordering Vietnam and Laos, lies the Duong Cam waterfall. This 500,000-hectare preserve, a strictly protected tropical forest, is considered a gem within the vast Truong Son mountain range.

This photo of Duong Cam waterfall was captured by 34-year-old nature photographer Nguyen Trong Cung during a photography trip in early July.

From the former Dong Hoi city, Cung explained, it took him about an hour by car along the western branch of the Ho Chi Minh highway to reach the starting point. From there, the trek to the top of the waterfall is over 3 km and takes more than two hours. This pristine route lacks electricity and cell phone service.

A dry stream bed winds through the primary forest, leading the way to the waterfall.

According to the photographer, Duong Cam waterfall has three tiers, each with its own unique beauty, offering explorers a series of surprises. The first tier boasts a crystal-clear pool, surrounded by dense foliage that filters the sunlight, creating a cool and refreshing atmosphere amidst the scorching summer days.

"The primary forest stretches on both sides of the winding Truong Son road, interspersed with picturesque streams", Cung said.

In 12/2021, the former Quang Binh province granted permission for trial nature tourism tours in this area, a collaboration between travel companies and the Reserve Management Board. Before embarking on the journey, the organizers provide safety gear, lead warm-up exercises, and assign porters to assist trekkers. Cung noted the slippery terrain due to moss growth and advised trekkers to stay focused and close to the guide to prevent accidents.

A trekking group pauses for a photo at the first tier of the waterfall.

Conquering the second tier of Duong Cam waterfall presents the most significant challenge, according to Cung. Despite safety equipment and support from rope pullers, the moss-covered rocks make slipping a real possibility.

The 34-year-old photographer admitted that his camera couldn't fully capture the steepness and treacherous nature of the waterfall. This section of the trek left a lasting impression on him.

The Dong Chau - Khe Nuoc Trong nature reserve boasts a rich ecosystem with over 1,030 plant species and nearly 400 animal species, including 44 listed in the Red Book.

In the core zone, on the second tier of Duong Cam waterfall, large fallen trees covered in lichen and ferns lie across the stream. This area serves as a resting spot for trekkers after the arduous climb.

Reaching the summit of Duong Cam waterfall after over two hours of trekking leaves everyone exhausted. Each member of the group finds a quiet spot to rest and soak in the untouched natural beauty, far removed from the outside world.

From the top of the waterfall, Cung describes a vista of endless forests stretching to the horizon, occasionally punctuated by rainbows forming at the base of the waterfall as sunlight refracts through the cascading water.

Duong Cam waterfall trekking tours typically last one or two days. An overnight stay offers visitors a glimpse into the lives of the Rum Ho people, a Bru-Van Kieu community living in the mountains. After the trek, visitors can relax in rustic stilt houses, savor local cuisine, and gather around a fire in the cool evening air.

Tuan Anh

Photo: Nguyen Trong Cung