Trekking journey to Bu Gia Map forest in two days and one night

Vo Thi Hong's journey through the forest and wading through streams in Bu Gia Map became more challenging as they encountered many difficulties.

Vo Thi Hong, born in 1998 and currently living in Ho Chi Minh City, always goes to the forest to relax after stressful working days. Because she grew up in Dak Lak, Hong always has a special love for vast forests. She has a colleague who shares her hobby of climbing mountains and exploring forests, so at the end of November, the two decided to join a two-day trekking trip in Bu Gia Map National Park (Binh Phuoc).

"It was just a spontaneous idea of ours. At the beginning of the week, we decided to get together and book a tour. We almost missed the opportunity because we booked in a hurry and chose a weekend date, so all the tours were fully booked," Hong shared. Initially, the 24-year-old girl wanted to experience an independent journey, but due to her busy work schedule, she did not have enough time to plan and research the route, so she was forced to join the tour in the end.

The group was led by two S'Tieng ethnic people, Dieu Don and Dieu Dung, divided into two groups, leading and following the group, along with a local guide. After about two and a half hours, the group arrived at the campsite. The total trekking distance was 8 km, much shorter than the 36 km Ta Nang - Phan Dung route that Hong had experienced, so she did not feel tired.

Hong described the trekking route as being in the shape of a U, starting from above and going down along the stream, then camping nearby, and returning by climbing up from there. To add to the challenge of the journey, when the group had just set off about 100 meters, it suddenly rained, making the already steep path even more slippery.

What Hong remembers most is that the forest was full of leeches. Although she had applied leech repellent before leaving, the effect was reduced due to the rain. Hong lamented: "The further we went, the more leeches attacked. At first, I was scared, but then I gradually got used to it and didn't pay attention anymore. When I took off my socks, I saw two or three leeches, and now when I remember, I still feel scared." After the trip, Hong's feet became famous with the nickname "Leech-attracting Feet".

For dinner, the Stieng people prepared a meal "full of the flavor of the forest", including sticky rice, thut soup, banana flower salad, beef cooked in bamboo tubes, grilled chicken and duck. "While the rice was still cooking, I couldn't wait and ran to pull a chicken leg, then sat and listened to the men share about the forest. This place used to be the fiercest battlefield in the resistance war against the US in the Southeast region...". Hong especially likes Chuho wine, which has a sweet flavor and is served in bamboo tubes. The main ingredient is banana seeds grown in the forest and each tree only produces one fruit.

The two sisters Hong spent the night in a small tent covered with insulation. When night fell, only the music of the mountains and forests echoed. "I had a good sleep with the sound of cicadas, the sound of waterfalls and the sound of wind. The forest always gives me a special, different feeling that cannot be compared to anywhere else," Hong shared. She also made friends with a tabby cat on the way back the next morning. The cat "accompanied" Hong on her backpack, climbing passes, wading streams and overcoming three slopes before parting. Near the campsite, there was a waterfall with white, foamy water. Hong felt regretful because it had rained that day, the water rushed down strongly, dragging red soil, missing the opportunity to bathe naked.

The group ended the journey at 3pm, and had a chance to shower before returning. For Hong, going to the forest is a way to relieve the pressure of life, cleanse the soul and find peace. Hong hopes to return to Bu Gia Map soon with her close friends to have a more complete journey.

Sharing her travel experiences, Hong emphasized that those who climb mountains and cross forests should bring chocolate. "When tired, just nibble on a small, compact piece of chocolate, which will help replenish energy effectively, along with a bottle of electrolyte water. Half of my backpack is for food!" Hong shared.

In addition, Hong also gave some other notes:

Minimum essentials include 2 bottles of water, clothes for a day and night in the jungle, walking shoes, sandals, hats, scarves and sticks.

To travel from Ho Chi Minh City, you can go from Mien Dong bus station, the distance is about 200 km, taking about 4.5 hours.