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| Trees and water: Mo Waterfall in Hue, surrounded by the greenery of the national park. — VNS Photos Hong Van |
Viet Nam News
by Hong Van
As the central region of Viet Nam boasts some of the best white-sand beaches with warming sunshine and clear water, the area’s eco tourism is often overlooked, especially the natural waterfalls, which never fail to impress travelers.
While Mo Waterfall in Hue City mesmerises visitors with its gentle view of the green national park, Grang Waterfall is known as a wild beauty in the middle of the jungle in Quang Nam Province.
To reach Mo Waterfall in Lang Co Town, Phu Loc District, one can travel from Da Nang, about 40km away from Hue. Drive to the end of Trinh To Tam Street to reach An Cu Tay Village.
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| Time to reflect: The clear pools of Mo Waterfall provide an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. |
The drive is pleasant, winding past peaceful rice fields and spectacular mountains. One may also catch sight of a water buffalo leisurely enjoying dried grass or meet a hospitable farmer.
Mo Waterfall welcomes its visitors with the dense jungle greenery, which is reflected in the cool, clear water of the falls.
Mo Stream is fed by water from Bach Ma National Park, 1,400 metres above sea level. Water flows down the big stones, creating pools for swimming. The bubbling sound of water mixes with the rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds to form the melodic sound of the jungle.
Locals have set up several camps near the waterfall for visitors to relax.
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| It’s the journey: The scenic road leading to Mo Waterfall from Da Nang. |
Wild, untouched beauty
Unlike the gentle Mo Waterfall, Grang looks like a strip of silk shining in the middle of the old, mysterious jungle.
Grang is located in Ta bhing Commune, Nam Giang District. It is about three km from Highway 14D.
Senior citizens of Zo Ra Village in Tabhing Commune said Grang in the Co Tu language is a type of fish.
The waterfall is associated with a mysterious legend. In the old time, when this region had yet to be discovered by humans, a stream in the foot of the waterfall was filled with grang fish.
Every few years, the strongest grang would manage to jump over the tall waterfall in order to become sacred fish and save the rest of the fish from death.
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| Check it out: Visiting Grang Waterfall is a highlight of any trip to Quang Nam Province. — Photo chudu24 |
One year, a storm hit the region hard, bringing torrential rain for a whole month. The waterfall became fiercer than ever. Even the strongest grang fish failed to cross over the waterfall. The grang died, and their bodies floated to the surface of the water.
Local people named the waterfall Grang after this legendary event.
Locals said big grang fish used to be easy to find. Some weighed up to 40kg, enough to feed the whole village. Locals still find these fish from time to time, but they are very small and quite rare.
Grang Waterfall has three major flows at different levels. Visitors are mesmerised by the sight of water falling from 30 metres.
Travelers can set up camp nearby to rest, contemplate the landscape and enjoy the fresh air.
A trip to Quang Nam is not complete without a visit to Song Bung 4 Hydroelectric Power Lake, dubbed “the giant mirror in the middle of the valley.” Be sure to stop at the Zo Ra traditional weaving village, where Co Tu people “weave local culture” and hold festivals where one can enjoy traditional dances and try local specialities like sticky rice and rice wine. — VNS