Cu Lao Waterfall is located in Vinh Hao Commune, Vinh Thanh District, roughly 90 kilometers from Quy Nhon in the south central coast. Khanh Chuong, a nature lover and explorer, was introduced to this waterfall by locals during his fishing trips at Dinh Binh Lake in Vinh Hao Commune.
Chuong followed the DT637 route, a road that meanders along the shores of Dinh Binh Lake. The path led him to the waterfall situated approximately 12 kilometers away from the Dinh Binh Hydropower Plant.
Along the road that leads to the waterfall's base, a path emerges on the left, leading to a small village. The villagers told Chuong to follow the trail into the forest, tracing the stream that would guide him to the foot of the waterfall.
The journey to the waterfall takes around two hours, covering a distance of 4 km through landscapes of forests, hills, mountains, and cornfields.
The path through the acacia forest, planted by the locals themselves, is easy to traverse. However, as one progresses, the terrain grows steeper. The air remains cool due to the proximity to the stream.
Along the route, ancient trees stand as sentinels, their colossal trunks requiring three or four people to encircle them in an embrace.
Chuong advises caution while venturing into the forest, as encounters with poisonous plants and creatures like snakes are not uncommon. Visitors should carefully consider this before embarking on the trip.
Upon reaching the waterfall, a great sight awaits. The water splits into two branches as it descends the cliff. This panoramic photograph consists of five drone shots captured from an altitude of 450 meters.
"Sitting beneath the waterfall, operating the drone, and noticing the absence of human figures in the picture, one truly feels surrounded by nature," Chuong said.
Beside the stream, large rocks and a sandy beach provide space for setting up over 10 tents. Chuong pitched his own tent on a large rock near the lake.
Apart from the essential camping provisions of rice and salt, the surrounding lake offers abundant food sources. Chuong typically carries food for the first day only, opting to find ingredients from the wilderness on subsequent days, as he can fish, hunt crabs, snails, and frogs, or utilize bamboo tubes to cook rice.
"In my opinion, finding food in the forest is the best way to experience a trip in nature," he said.
In his backpack, Chuong carries essential items such as tents, gloves, knives, and medical supplies. He emphasizes to keep the load light to avoid unnecessary fatigue.
The potential hazards in the forest include animal bites, insect encounters, stumbling upon trees and rocks, particularly during the rainy season from September to December when the terrain becomes slippery, water levels rise, and potential dangers multiply.
The best time for trekking and camping at Cu Lao Waterfall is during the summer months, from May to July, when the weather is dry. It is advisable to travel with experienced locals who can handle any incidents. In the event of getting lost in this forest, simply follow the stream back to the village.
