45 km from the center of Thai Nguyen city, Cua Tu stream is a little-known check-in point, possessing pristine beauty, suitable for exploring in 1-2 days.
Tran Le Ngoc Thang (Blogger, Hanoi) shares about his first experience of trekking, also the first time he set foot in the Cua Tu stream (Thai Nguyen). Thang said this is a suitable destination to “escape” the hot summer days in Hanoi, cross the cool streams, and immerse in nature in the mountains.
Where is the Cua Tu stream?
This stream is located about 45 km from the center of Thai Nguyen city, in Hoang Nong commune, Dai Tu district. The stream is located on the east side of the Tam Dao range, originates from a high mountain, flows through Hoang Nong commune and then flows into the Cong river. Nestled in the forest, weaving through the cliffs, the stream consists of 7 waterfalls, some with cool lakes.
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| Ngoc Thang spent two days and one-night trekking to Cua Tu stream. |
Ngoc Thang shared that the name of this stream originates from a local legend. “I heard that this place is associated with the love story of a couple who love each other but are prevented by their families, the two immediately invite each other to go upstream and make a vow to live and die together. “, Thang said.
Cua Tu stream today still possesses pristine beauty, cool air, and a trekking route with many mountainous terrains and cliffs. In the summer, this place attracts visitors to explore.
First time trekking the Cua Tu stream
Ngoc Thang shared that this was the first time he had a trekking trip in this stream. “The stream has 7 waterfalls, those who are trekking for the first time only need to go to the first waterfall. The road consists of 2 km of road and 700 m of wading stream”, Mr. Thang said.
Normally, visitors only take about a day to complete the first trekking to waterfall 1 of the stream. Visitors who are in good health, and want to try and explore more can go to falls 2 and 3 the next day.
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| Waterfall 1 is a stopover for those who do not have much trekking experience. |
On this trip, Thang chose to rent a local homestay about 3 km from the trekking point for convenient transportation. Although trekking Cua Tu stream for the first time, Thang decided to explore all 3 waterfalls.
The starting point of the trekking trip is Dong Khuan village, Hoang Nong commune. Walking about 2 km, visitors will come to the stream, which flows for about 30 km between two steep cliffs.
From here, you can paddle down the water, enjoy the view or swim. At the end of the stream is a cool stone cave, going deep in is to the point of waterfall 1.
Not far away is the second waterfall, attractive to trekking devotees. The cliff here is about 10m from the lake surface, forming a waterfall jumping point, suitable for those who love adventure and adventure. When jumping waterfall, visitors need to wear life jackets and follow local guides to ensure safety.
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| Falls 2 and 3 have more difficult paths. |
Should you go on a tour?
The stream area does not sell admission tickets and many trails in the forest. To avoid getting lost, visitors can book a homestay service. According to Ngoc Thang’s experience, if tourists only go trekking to waterfall 1, there is no need to book a tour.
“You just need to stay at a homestay and then find your own trekking route. However, I encourage you to go for the first time, so someone should follow to support you because the water is deep,” Thang shared.
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| Visitors should be accompanied if coming to the Cua Tu stream for the first time. |
If you go to waterfalls 2 and 3, you must have a tour guide or porter to accompany you because the path is quite difficult, and it is easy to get lost in the forest.
“To book a trekking tour, you should contact the homestay directly. The cost ranges from 2-2.2 million VND/person. Fee includes tour/porter, food costs, 2-way travel Hanoi – Thai Nguyen. You can tip the porter depending on your needs,” Ngoc Thang said.
Two days and one-night trekking itinerary
Day 1
– 9am move from Hanoi to Hoang Nong homestay. The car will pick you up and go directly to the homestay.
– 11:30 a.m. arrival, check-in, personal hygiene and lunch.
– 14h, trekking the first bow to the waterfall 1. Note, that when entering the forest, the phone signal will be a bit weak.
– The road to waterfall 1 is quite simple, about 2.2km. Visitors should buy waterproof, anti-slip rubber shoes.
– 17h, back to the homestay to rest, get strength for trekking journey to waterfall 2 and 3.
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| Meals at homestay recharge after hours of trekking and waterfall. |
Day 2
– If visitors are not healthy enough or do not have much trekking experience, you can spend time watching the tea hill on the 2nd day.
– 8:00am start trekking.
– The way to waterfalls 2 and 3 is very difficult to go, if there is no guide, visitors will get lost. On this road, visitors will climb the pass and wade streams for about an hour and a half.
– This trekking has 4 main stops:
+ Jumping waterfall (jumping into the lake from a height of 8m)
+ Waterfall slide (natural rock slide)
+ Massage waterfall (local name)
+ Paradise waterfall
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| The cool air at Cua Tu stream is suitable for a short summer trip. |
“Near noon, the whole group will stop for lunch in the middle of the forest. The feeling of having just finished bathing, enjoying a piece of fragrant roasted pork is really refreshing”, Thang expressed.
The trekking trip ends at 16:00, the whole group moves to the homestay. At this time, visitors can soak their feet in water to relax after many hours of walking and climbing. 16h30, tourists get on the bus to move back to Hanoi.
Photo: Internet