Nui Dinh Hill, towering at 460 meters, forms a dramatic contrast to the flat, pancake-like terrain of the Mekong Delta region. Just 80 kilometers from Saigon, the hill’s lush green slopes, punctuated by rocky boulders and rugged cliffs, came into view as we traveled along National Highway 51, promises a great escape from the city. #nuidinhhill
This forested hill offers sweeping views of Ba Ria Town and the Vung Tau estuary, where the waters flow into "Bien Dong" (the East Sea, as it is called in Vietnam), known internationally as the South China Sea. During the Vietnam War, the Viet Cong used the Dinh hills as a base which fought against the 1st Australian Task Force. #Nuidinh
Starting point:TAC station
Hike Duration: appx. 4 hours
End Hike: Multiple trails
Total distance: 12km
Hike Difficulty: 3/5, although it is fairly easy but total Total EG was around 555m
Toilet facilities: Yes
Main check points
PART 1
start from yellow trail
sandy trail
stream crossing
PART 2
mid-way tarmac
stream crossing
DING LA BAN graffiti rock
La Ban peak 460m
What to bring
1. Basic first aid stuff such as disinfectant, ankle guard in case you sprain your ankle, band-aid.
2. Hiking stick
3. At least 1 liter of water
4. Good pair of hiking shoes
5. Cap
We completed a loop and returned on the paved road for approximately 5km. The hike can either be a backtrack or a more extensive loop. Alternatively, if you'd like to skip the initial section to the midpoint, you can drive up!
Part 1
We parked at the TAC station, a small shed that sells yogurts and drinks, complete with toilet facilities, on the morning of the last day of November. The air was crisp and slightly chilly.
We began our hike on a gargantuan, 10-meter-long boulder tilted at a steep 40-degree angle before transitioning to the dirt trail. We followed the yellow path up to the midway point.
The initial stretch of the hike took us through a forested area with undulating terrain. It began with a steady ascent, followed by gentle descents winding around the forest, before climbing upward once again.
We passed through dense bamboo thickets, eucalyptus groves, and more clusters of bamboo. The light in the forest was dappled. As we progressed deeper into the forest, we could sniff the distinct aroma of the eucalyptus.
The trail alternated between rocky patches and dirt paths, but as we neared the stream at the trail’s end, the terrain shifted to soft, white, sandy ground. Casuarina trees flanked both sides, and the sand was so fine and soft it felt like walking along a beach. Parts of the trail offered light shade, while others were exposed to the sun, and some sections formed enchanting tunnels of bamboo canopy overhead.
The trail ends abruptly at a stream crossing, then ascends to a tarmac road midway. About 300 meters upstream is the Suoi Tien waterfall, its water reflecting a milky emerald green that didn’t appear pristine. Although there were a few swimmers bathing in the pools, I wouldn't recommend it.
PART 2
We crossed the tarmac road to re-enter the forest, where a few vendors were selling preserved bamboo shoots, steamed corn, honey, and drinks. If you're feeling lazy, you could skip Part 1 of the hike and drive up to start midway. However, walking through Part 1 of the trail is truly rewarding and idyllic. It would be a shame to miss out on the forest experience.
Part 2 of the trail involves a moderate ascent, with one stream crossing about 800 meters from the entrance. After another 300 meters, you'll encounter a huge boulder marked with red "Ding La Ban" graffiti. Take a left here, and the trail steepens as the bamboo groves above form layers of canopy, creating a tunnel effect. In some sections, we had to bend to pass through. This part of the forest was dimly lit, adding to its otherworldly feel.
About 20 minutes after passing the large boulder with the graffiti, we reached a rocky peak at 460 meters—La Ban Peak. This section was the steep and short. Just as the thought crosses your mind, "Why did I ever decide to climb this peak?"—you arrive, and the journey instantly feels worth it.
There were hammocks tied to some dwarfed trees, stools scattered around and a makeshift drink stand. The nation's five-point star flag billowed in the refreshing breeze, a remainder of where we are!
We trekked around the drink stand towards a clearing, where an enormous flat boulder jutted out over the void.
The sweeping view ahead stretched over Ba Ria Town, with the meandering river winding through the flat delta at Vung Tau before reaching the sea. It was a dramatic sight, one that would be even clearer on sunny days.
We explored the rocky peak on the other side and discovered another flat boulder offering views to the south. Based on historic accounts these boulders were used as landing pads during the Vietnam war by the Australian battalion. #vietnamwar
To the north, there was a shrine where a monk was solemnly reciting prayers. It was spiritual and breathtaking at the same time.
RETURN
We hiked down to the midway point, and for some reason, the return felt quicker and more effortless. Once we reached the tarmac, we explored the makeshift roadside stores before deciding to take the paved road down instead of retracing our earlier path.
The tarmac road winds past Suối Tiên and Suối Đá waterfalls, lined with numerous stalls offering food and drinks. Normally, this route isn’t ideal on a hot day, but with the overcast skies, we decided to explore the waterfalls along the way.
Unfortunately, what we discovered was disappointing. The natural beauty of these spots was marred by trash, makeshift chairs and stools, and a man-made reservoir. What should have been a tranquil oasis felt more like a bustling marketplace.
REFLECTIONS
The early morning journey to Núi Dinh was absolutely worth it. The contrast between the serenity of the hill and bustling Saigon was striking—here, the chirping of birds and insects, along with the occasional call of monkeys, replaced the relentless honking of motorbikes.
The views from Dinh La Ban were absolutely breathtaking, and to our surprise, the trails were relatively quiet, even on a weekend. After soaking in the tranquility, we capped off the trip with a delicious seafood stop before heading back to the city.
Date visited: 1st December 2024
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