Do Quyen, nestled in the heart of Bach Ma National Park, is known as Southeast Asia's highest waterfall. It serves as the origin of one of the two primary river branches, contributing to the Perfume River of Hue.
Named after the do quyen - rhododendron that bloom around it in spring, the waterfall stands at a height of approximately 400 meters, resembling a white silk ribbon weaving through the green mountains and forests.
Le Luu Dung embarked on his first canyoning adventure at Do Quyen Waterfall on Aug. 10, as part of a survey trip aimed at developing a tour with Bach Ma National Park.
Canyoning, an outdoor adventure that blends cliff swinging with gorge walking activities, involves navigating rough terrain, jumping into the water, and descending the waterfall through swinging.
Following Bach Ma Street from Phu Loc Town to Bach Ma tourist area, Dung's group reached the Do Quyen trail parking lot and followed the signage for approximately 1.5 kilometers, taking around 30 minutes to reach the waterfall's summit.
The waterfall is about one kilometer from Bach Ma Street and about two kilometers from the Bach Ma tourist area.
From the mountain's summit, one can absorb the vistas of nature, stretching across the mountains and forests of Bach Ma National Park. This spot serves as the starting point of the canyoning experience.
Participants in the canyoning adventure must possess good physical strength, be free from bone and joint diseases, cardiovascular issues, asthma, and exhibit no fear of heights.
Equipped with specialized gear such as safety belts, helmets, and gloves, participants descend from the top to the bottom of the waterfall using a rope swing system. Safety is paramount, and participants are required to adhere to rope technique principles instructed by the safety team and follow their guidance during the process.
The canyoning process includes intermittent stops to allow participants to rest, featuring flat surfaces halfway up the waterfall with enough space for standing or sitting. It is crucial not to remove swing ropes and specialized equipment during breaks for safety reasons.
According to Dung, canyoning is filled with excitement and is nearly risk-free due to participants being continuously connected to a lifeline wire managed by a safety team. The safety team is trained in emergency rescue techniques, meeting the standards of the American Caving Association.
For Dung, conquering Do Quyen Waterfall was an unforgettable experience. "Admiring the scenery while being halfway up the cliff brings a feeling of excitement, distinct from standing and appreciating the view from the summit," he said.
The best time to experience canyoning at Do Quyen Waterfall, according to Dung, is from March to September. This period ensures favorable weather conditions and a manageable water flow, contributing to a safe experience.
Nguyen Vu Linh, Director of Bach Ma National Park, shared that the canyoning activity is included in the tour to explore the park, available from Jan. 1 at a cost of VND15 million ($612) per person.
Beyond canyoning, visitors to Do Quyen Waterfall can participate in activities such as camping overnight, cultural exchanges with native porters, trekking in Bach Ma National Park, and swimming in Five Lakes.
Established in 1991, Bach Ma National Park spans a total area of 37,487 hectares in Phu Loc District, Thua Thien Hue Province, approximately 40 kilometers from Hue City.
As Vietnam's only stretch of primeval forest connecting the East Sea to the Vietnam-Laos border, it safeguards the ecosystem at the convergence of two regions north and south, hosting rare animal and plant species.
Bach Ma (White Horse) mountain, nestled in the Truong Son Range, is named after its resemblance to a white horse stretching its legs toward the sea. Bach Ma National Park is a destination for nature enthusiasts seeking to explore its diverse ecosystem.
