Dutch tourist rescued after collapsing on remote Vietnam mountain trek

The 19-year-old was exploring Co Ong Mountain in Khanh Hoa Province with a 25-year-old Vietnamese man from Thanh Hoa when the two became disoriented and stranded on July 24. She reportedly suffered from abdominal pain and was too weak to move, while her companion remained in stable condition.

Emergency services received the distress call around 1:30 p.m. and immediately deployed six rescue officers and a specialized vehicle. Due to the area's rugged landscape, the team had to board a fishing boat and navigate around the mountain by sea to reach the hikers.

After more than three hours of searching through dense forest and rocky terrain, rescuers located the pair, administered food and water and helped them descend the mountain. The group then returned to the mainland by boat.

Co Ong Mountain lies along the route to Mui Doi, the easternmost point of Vietnam’s mainland and the country’s first sunrise spot. The trail is popular with adventurous trekkers but is notorious for its harsh conditions, including sand dunes, thick jungle and steep cliffs.

Locals warn that the hike should only be attempted with an experienced guide and ample supplies, especially water and electrolytes.