The Duong Cam trekking tour typically lasts either a full day or two days with an overnight stay. For those staying overnight, there's the added experience of living with the Rum Ho villagers, a Bru-Van Kieu ethnic community residing deep within the mountains. After the trek, guests can unwind in traditional stilt houses, savor local cuisine, and gather around a fire under the cool night air.

Below are photos of the pristine beauty of the waterfall.

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Located at an altitude of 700 meters in Kim Ngan commune, formerly part of Quang Binh province (now Quang Tri province) and bordering Laos, Duong Cam Waterfall lies within the 500,000-hectare nature reserve. This tropical forest, strictly conserved, is often hailed as a "precious gem" in the Truong Son Mountain Range.

This photo, taken by 34-year-old photographer Nguyen Trong Cung during his trip in early July, shows a corner of Duong Cam Waterfall.

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According to Cung, it took him about an hour by car from Dong Hoi ward (formerly Dong Hoi city), traveling along the western branch of the Ho Chi Minh Highway, to reach the starting point. From there, the trekking journey spans over 3km and takes more than two hours on foot to reach the top of the falls. The trail remains largely untouched, with no electricity or mobile signal.
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A shallow stream winds through the pristine forest, marking the start of the journey to conquer the waterfall.
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According to the photographer, Duong Cam Waterfall has three tiers. Each has its own distinct beauty, offering explorers one surprise after another. At the very first tier lies a crystal-clear pool surrounded by dense forest, with little sunlight managing to penetrate the thick canopy. The air is refreshingly cool, a welcome relief during scorching summer days.
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In December 2021, the former Quang Binh province allowed travel agencies and the reserve's management board to conduct a pilot ecotourism tour in this area. Before the trek, organizers provide protective gear, guide participants through warm-up exercises, and assign porters to accompany and assist the group.

Cung noted that the terrain at the waterfall is quite slippery due to moss-covered rocks, and advised visitors to stay alert and closely follow the guides to avoid accidents.

In the photo, a trekking group pauses to take photos at the first tier of the falls.

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Among the challenges of the Duong Cam trek, the climb over the second tier of the waterfall was described by the photographer as the most difficult. Even with full protective gear and support ropes, the moss-covered rock surface makes trekkers slip easily.

According to Cung, the steepness and ruggedness of the falls can't be fully reflected in photos.

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The Dong Chau – Khe Nuoc Trong Nature Reserve boasts a rich ecosystem, home to over 1,030 plant species and nearly 400 animal species, including 44 listed in the Red Book of endangered species.

At the core of the reserve, around the second tier of Duong Cam Waterfall, large fallen trees span across the stream, blanketed with lichens and ferns. This spot serves as a resting point for many trekkers after the demanding climb.

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After more than two hours of trekking, the group finally reached the summit of Duong Cam. Each member found a quiet corner to rest, soak in the pristine landscape, and enjoy a rare moment of detachment from the outside world.

From the top, Cung said, one can gaze out over an endless stretch of forest stretching to the horizon. Occasionally, a rainbow appears at the base of the falls, where sunlight refracts through the mist of cascading water.

Source: Vnexpress

Translated by Tran Hoai