Conquering Lang Bian Mountain

Although nature, in its immensity, is constantly challenging humans with its many mysteries, many people want to discover and conquer it. Anyone interested in mountain peaks will want to conquer Lang Bian Mountain in the Central Highlands city of Dalat.

On days when Dalat is not bathed in mist, visitors standing in the downtown area can see Lang Bian Mountain rising to an altitude of 2,169 meters above sea level. Situated about 12 kilometers north of Dalat, Lang Bian is one of the three highest mountains on Lam Vien Plateau.

A panoramic view of Dalat City seen from the peak of Lang Bian Mountain.

The name Lang Bian originates from the combination of the two names of a couple named Lang and Bian. Attracting tourists from around the world with its miraculous beauty and wild features, the mountain especially entices a large numbers of photographers who come to capture the second-to-none fairyland scenery.

Adventurers can hike up and down forest trails, discovering many wild creatures and plants as they do, or take a tour of Dalattourist Company which uses a specialized vehicle to transport them to the peak where they can contemplate Dan Kia Lake with its clear water and the endless pine forests below.

Seasonal rains can cause rushing streams to develop, causing severe danger. Good preparation is essential, including proper clothes, water and a first aid kit, but there are life-lines tied to large trees that help with safety.

About 100 meters from the top of the mountain, a patch of blue sky will appear, delighting climbers after a long and tiring journey.

Seen from the top, Dalat looks magnificent in the thin mist with its vegetable gardens, persimmon trees, lakes and waterfalls. The peak is very cold, sometimes dropping to 0 degrees Celsius, so bring warm clothes and be ready to make a campfire.

It is an amazing experience to sit down with a little ruou can (wine drunk through a jar via bamboo pipes) and discuss the legend of Lang Bian, a tale of immortal love between Lang and Bian who overcame a severe dispute which had existed for a long time between the Lach and Chil tribes. Stay overnight on the mountain to get close to nature and sleep with the wild sounds and wind and insects.

Dalat is also known for its many ancient pagodas and churches, many kinds of colorful flowers, waterfalls and lakes. Leaving Lang Bian, tourists should take a stroll around the smallest city in Vietnam to admire the architecture and contemplate the flowers and splendid waterfalls.

(Source: VNN)