Lang Biang is a mountain range located in Lam Vien Plateau within Lac Duong District, about 15 kilometers from the center of Da Lat. Its highest peak stands at 2,167 meters. Da Lat itself is approximately 324 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City.
The range includes three peaks: Ra Da Hill, Ong Mountain, and Ba Mountain, with the latter being the highest and the most sought-after by trekkers.
Trekker Tran Viet Anh, 28, living in Da Lat and familiar with the Lang Biang route, shares that choosing to trek here is a fascinating experience for many who want to challenge themselves.
In the photo above is the view of Da Lat from Lang Biang during Anh's visit in April.
Anh (L) with a group of tourists on a hiking journey.
To reach the top of Lang Biang, tourists typically begin their journey from a designated tourist area. They follow a trail that leads them through pine forests. Although the trail can be somewhat steep, the diverse forest environment and the cool climate make the trek enjoyable for the visitors.
There are many spots along the route for visitors to stop and take photos.
The location in the photo above is a section through the pristine forest, where the path is a bit slippery, but the large ancient trees make it worthwhile.
"Whenever I pass through here, I often stop to guess the age of the trees and think about my own age," Anh said.
He said there are various ways to conquer Lang Biang peak. Starting from the tourist area, visitors can choose to take a jeep to Ra Da Hill at an altitude of just over 1,900 meters.
From the mountain peak, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Da Lat city and the surrounding mountains covered in mist. The trekking route is scenic with its diverse ecosystem, and during autumn, Lang Biang is highlighted by red maple leaves.
During good weather seasons, the number of tourists coming to the mountain is high, especially on weekends. Each week, Anh guides 5-7 groups of tourists to trek and explore Lang Biang.
The pine forest area on the way to the peak, where tourists can stop to rest.
The hiking route on Lang Biang is relatively short, measuring 10 to 12 kilometers. This makes it suitable for a day trek or an overnight camping trip, where visitors can enjoy cloud hunting. If they choose to camp overnight, they can witness the sunrise in the forest.
“This is a favorite training spot for many trail runners,” Anh said.
Although the mountain is not very high or challenging to climb, the 12 kilometers of forest trails have steep sections. Therefore, tourists need to be physically fit, wear appropriate clothing, and use shoes with good traction to navigate the terrain safely.
Carrying minimal baggage will allow tourists to better appreciate the forest scenery. The trail can be steep, humid, and slippery, so Anh recommends that hikers bring a hiking stick for better stability.
When visiting Lang Biang during the rainy season, when temperatures are lower and strong winds are common at the peak, tourists should come prepared with raincoats, warm clothing, high socks, flashlights, and light snacks, and avoid wearing high heels or short clothing.
Anh highlights that there are areas in the forest where there is no cell signal, making communication difficult. Therefore, tourists should either go with a guide or hire a local guide to ensure their safety.
After camping, tourists should be mindful of cleaning up their trash and bringing it to designated collection points.
A group of tourists successfully conquers Lang Biang in April.
Anh shares that trekking Lang Biang in one day is an experience suitable for all tourists. However, he suggests that the dry season from November to April is more suitable due to favorable weather. If trekking during the rainy season, it's important to research the weather and terrain beforehand to avoid risks.
For a safe day trip to Lang Biang, tourists should begin their hike early in the morning. This allows them to see the sunrise while walking through the pine forest. They can then take a break at the mountain peak around noon and start their return journey in the early afternoon.
