Ta Puong Waterfall - a "green gem" amidst the vast Truong Son mountain range.
Ta Puong Waterfall, located in Trang Ta Puong village, Huong Lap commune, Quang Tri province (formerly Huong Viet commune, Huong Hoa district), is about 120km from the center of Dong Ha ward. For many years, it has been likened to a "green gem" hidden amidst the Truong Son mountain range thanks to its rare and pristine beauty.
Unlike many crowded tourist destinations, Ta Puong Waterfall captivates visitors with its lush primeval forest, crystal-clear water winding through layers of rock, and cool, refreshing air year-round.
Amidst the scorching heat of Central Vietnam, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius, this place is considered by many to be an ideal "cooling spot".
The Ta Puong scenic complex comprises a cave and two waterfalls, creating a landscape that is both majestic and poetic.
The highlight is Ta Puong 1 waterfall, approximately 20m high, with its white water cascading down the cliff onto large, uniquely shaped rocks, making it a perfect spot for resting, taking photos, and having a picnic.
About 1.5km away is Ta Puong 2 Waterfall - the most popular spot among tourists. The lake, approximately 5,000m² in size, is crystal clear and turquoise, allowing you to see all the way to the bottom. It's an ideal place for swimming, paddleboarding, bamboo boating, or simply soaking in the cool water.
Besides bathing in the stream, visitors can also trek through the forest, climb cliffs, and explore Ta Puong Cave, which is about 200m long with its sparkling stalactite formations, creating a diverse and enriching experience.
After exploring the area, visitors can also enjoy dishes with the distinctive flavors of the mountains and forests, prepared by the Pa Co and Van Kieu ethnic groups, such as grilled chicken, bamboo shoots, and many other local specialties.
Community-based tourism is helping Ta Puong Waterfall attract more and more visitors.
To reach Ta Puong Waterfall from Dong Ha, tourists should follow National Highway 9 to Khe Sanh, then continue along the Ho Chi Minh Highway to the former Huong Viet commune area, and then walk about 700m to reach the waterfall.
Ms. Le Thi Nga (Dong Ha ward) said that although the distance was quite far, the scenery along the way was well worth experiencing, with cloud-covered mountain passes, vast primeval forests, and peaceful villages of the Van Kieu ethnic group.
"At Ta Puong Waterfall, I was able to immerse myself in the cool water, breathe in the fresh air, connect with nature, and enjoy authentic mountain cuisine, which helped dispel the summer heat and regain energy," shared Ms. Nga.
Currently, the community-based tourism model at Ta Puong Waterfall is being developed quite systematically by the local authorities. The government focuses on ensuring security, environmental hygiene, and educating tourists not to litter or light fires in the forest in order to preserve the natural landscape.
According to Mr. Ho Gioi, head of the Trang Ta Puong community tourism group, the number of visitors is usually high on weekends and increases sharply in the summer when students are on school holidays. Developing tourism not only creates jobs and increases income for the people but also contributes to promoting the unique culture of the Van Kieu ethnic group.
Mr. Gioi also advised tourists to wear shoes with good grip, wear life jackets when swimming, and comply with environmental protection regulations for a safe trip.
Mr. Nguyen Minh Tam, Chairman of the People's Committee of Huong Lap commune, said that the commune was established on the basis of merging two communes, Huong Viet and Huong Lap (formerly part of Huong Hoa district).
The locality has 812 households with over 3,600 inhabitants, of which the Bru - Van Kieu ethnic group accounts for approximately 98%. With over 16,000 hectares of headwater forest belonging to the Bac Huong Hoa Nature Reserve, Huong Lap commune has many advantages for developing ecotourism associated with forest protection.
According to Mr. Tam, the local authorities have implemented a program for local communities to sign commitments to protect the forest, while also encouraging the development of community tourism, with Ta Puong Waterfall being a prominent tourist destination.
"After many years of exploitation and promotion, Ta Puong Waterfall has now become an attractive tourist destination for visitors from inside and outside the province. This is the foundation for the locality to continue developing its tourism potential, creating jobs, increasing income for people and promoting socio-economic development," Mr. Tam said.