Highlight check-in spots at 31st National Cross-Country Mountain-Climbing Tournament “Conquering Ba Ra Peak” in 2026

On the eve of the 31st National Cross-Country Mountain-Climbing Tournament “Conquering Ba Ra Peak”, set to take place on January 4, 2026, Phuoc Long and Phuoc Binh in Dong Nai province are buzzing with training activities and preparations for this traditional sporting event, held in commemoration of the historic liberation of Phuoc Long on January 6, 1975. Beyond the excitement, the region impresses visitors with its tranquil historical, cultural, and ecological spaces, ready to welcome athletes and tourists from near and far.

Route 14 – Phuoc Long Campaign Museum: a historical destination

This site offers rich historical insights, giving visitors a deeper appreciation of this heroic region. Its exhibitions showcase the culture, daily life, and historical evolution of Phuoc Long across the ages.

The Route 14 – Phuoc Long Campaign Museum has become a prominent site for educating young people about local traditions, providing visitors with insights into the history, culture, and people of Phuoc Long. Photo: Ngoc Nhat

The museum offers visitors a vivid look at the arduous yet heroic struggles of Phuoc Long’s soldiers and residents during the wars against French colonial and American forces. Carefully preserved images, documents, and artifacts chronicle the region’s history, from its early settlement and village development to major battles that highlight the bravery of local armed forces and civilians. The centerpiece of the museum is the exhibition on the 1975 Phuoc Long Victory.

Today, the Route 14 - Phuoc Long Campaign Museum stands as a vital site for educating the younger generation about local traditions and serves as a meaningful destination for visitors seeking deep insights into the history, culture, and people of Phuoc Long. With its exceptional historical value and profound respect for the past, it remains an indispensable stop on any journey to explore the heroic land of Phuoc Long.

Aerial view of the Route 14 – Phuoc Long Campaign Museum. Photo: Ngoc Nhat

January 6 Square

January 6 Square is located in front of the administrative center of Phuoc Binh Ward, Dong Nai Province, along the main DT.741 road, covering an area of 4.392 hectares. The site includes a retention pond, green park areas, a monument, a fountain, internal roads, sidewalks, water and electricity systems, public lighting, and several auxiliary structures.

January 6 Square is a popular check-in spot for many visitors to Phuoc Binh and Phuoc Long. Photo: Truong Hien

At night, January 6 Square transforms into a dazzling spectacle. Two lion statues at the retention ponds spray water continuously, while changing colored lights create shimmering, magical effects. The square is a favorite photo stop for visitors to Phuoc Binh on their way to Phuoc Long to conquer Ba Ra Peak.

Hoang Manh Cuong, captain of the Phuoc Long Motorcycle Club in Dong Nai Province, said that January 6 Square is one of Phuoc Binh’s standout landmarks and a popular gathering point for club members. He added that its spacious green areas and striking scenery make it an ideal venue for group exercises and community events.

Bonom Brah Sacred Mountain (Ba Ra Mountain)

Ba Ra Sacred Mountain, located in Phuoc Long Ward, Dong Nai Province, covers an area of 307,325 m² and rises 723–736 meters above sea level. It is one of the three highest and most majestic mountains in the Southeast region of Vietnam.

Ba Ra Mountain is one of the three highest and most majestic peaks in Southern Vietnam and a source of pride for the heroic land of Phuoc Long. Photo: Tien Dung

Ba Ra Mountain is a renowned scenic destination, celebrated for its rich and diverse vegetation. From Bang Lang Hill, visitors ascend 1,767 stone steps to reach the summit along a picturesque trail shaded by bamboo, lolo trees, and numerous ancient trees. From the peak, travelers are rewarded with panoramic views of Phuoc Long and the 12,000-hectare Thac Mo Hydropower Reservoir, while enjoying the cool breeze and immersive natural surroundings.

“Ba Ra Mountain is not only a celebrated scenic spot but also a key revolutionary landmark, tied to many heroic moments in the history of Phuoc Long. For us, it serves as a place for current and future generations to pay tribute, reflect, and learn about the region’s revolutionary heritage,” said veteran Doan Ngoc Chau of Phuoc Long Ward.

From the summit of Ba Ra Mountain, visitors can take in sweeping views of Phuoc Long and the scenic Thac Mo Reservoir. Photo: Truong Hien

The Ba Ra Mountain-Thac Mo scenic complex was officially designated a national historical and cultural site on October 4, 1995.

Son Long Field – a green rest area at the foot of the mountain

Situated at the foot of Ba Ra Mountain, Son Long Field is a favorite stop for visitors during the event season. Spanning over 1.5 hectares, it is designed as a green, open space that blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings of Thac Mo Hydropower Reservoir. Expansive lawns, quaint village-style features, and rustic wooden houses create a serene and inviting atmosphere for all who visit.

Amid the grueling climbs of the cross-country race, Son Long Field serves as an ideal stop for athletes to rest, enjoy traditional local dishes, and recharge. Locals see it as more than a café or eco-tourism site, as it is a “motherland,” evoking a strong sense of connection and familiarity.

Son Long Field is a popular destination during the event season. Photo: Tu Huy

A selection of tempting local dishes at Son Long Field. Photo: Tu Huy

Long Thuy Lake – a green oasis in the heart of the city

Just a short distance from Son Long Field, Long Thuy Lake is another popular green spot in Phuoc Long Ward. Spanning over six hectares in the heart of the city, the lake underwent a complete renovation in 2023, featuring walking paths, sidewalks, and well-appointed community spaces. Its highlight is the reflection of Ba Ra Mountain on the water, creating a view that is both vast and picturesque.

Picturesque scenery at Long Thuy Lake, Phuoc Long. Photo: Tu Huy

In the early mornings and late afternoons, Long Thuy Lake serves as a popular meeting spot for both residents and athletes. People come to jog, exercise, and relax after a day’s work. In the lead-up to the cross-country race, the lake’s surrounding paths become especially lively as athletes from across the province arrive early, taking light runs to get accustomed to the local climate, terrain, and pace of life.

Phuoc Binh Pine Garden – the “Little Da Lat” in the Eastern region

While Phuoc Long is celebrated for its green spaces amid water and rice fields, Phuoc Binh offers a distinct charm with its unique pine garden. Covering nearly one hectare, more than 300 three-needled pine trees, carefully planted and tended over the past five years by Thai Van Chuong’s family, have created a rare green oasis in Dong Nai. The sloping terrain and cooler temperatures compared with surrounding areas provide ideal conditions for the pines to flourish, their rustling foliage bringing a refreshing, serene atmosphere.

The lush pine garden serves as an ideal rest stop for athletes and visitors during the event season. Photo: Tu Huy

Attractions like the sky gate, swings, glass bridge, and vibrant flower-lined paths imported from Da Lat offer visitors endless opportunities for striking photos. During the cross-country race season, the pine garden is set to become a prime rest stop, capable of welcoming hundreds of visitors at once.

Thai Van Chuong, the garden’s owner, spoke about preparations for the upcoming cross-country race: “To refresh the space, we have added a variety of flowers, including hydrangeas, vinca, and petunias brought from Da Lat, creating a cool, peaceful, and vibrant atmosphere for visitors in the pine garden.”

Beyond its challenging course and deep historical significance, the national cross-country mountain race “Conquering Ba Ra Peak” draws much of its appeal from the green, nature-friendly destinations in Phuoc Long and Phuoc Binh. Today, each step toward Ba Ra Mountain is not just a test of endurance, but also a journey through serene, verdant spaces full of local character, where nature, people, and history come together, giving the region at the mountain’s foot its unique charm.

Thac Mo hydropower plant – a standout check-in spot

From the water intake at Thac Mo Hydropower Plant, visitors can sense the essence of Phuoc Long, with the majestic Ba Ra Mountain rising in the distance and the gently rolling grassy slopes below. This striking harmony has made the site a must-visit destination for those exploring Phuoc Long.

The water intake of Thac Mo Hydropower Plant, a popular spot for locals and visitors, as seen from above. Photo: Ngoc Nhat

More than just a vital energy facility, the Thac Mo Hydropower Plant has become a popular stop for locals and visitors, allowing them to capture memorable moments. In the morning, slanting sunlight illuminates the smooth grassy slopes, while in the late afternoon, wisps of clouds lend a soft, serene ambiance. The seamless blend of modern infrastructure and natural surroundings creates a distinctive charm that is fresh, simple, and captivating. 

By Ly Na, Thanh Thao, Dao Bang – Translated by Tam Binh, Minho