Leg burning climb promises cool green reward

Ba Ra Mountain in Phuoc Long District, Binh Phuoc Province is an inspiring ridge that can give trekkers a fantastic overview of the natural surroundings and a relaxing feeling at an altitude of 732 meters. The mountain is honorably called Genie Mountain by local ethnic S’Tieng people.
Genie Mountain is about 180 kilometers from HCMC. To enjoy the primitive landscapes at their best, tourists should start in the early morning when Genie Mountain is still covered in fine white mist. Teeming greenery, cool wind, endless forests and magnificent peaks all offer a retreat of stillness, peace, romance and comfort.
Those interested in saving time can take a motorbike to Bang Lang Hill which is about a third as high as Genie Mountain. The asphalted path winds under the shade of dense primeval forest and is intersected by creeks.
Upon reaching the hill, tourists can visit a house devoted to national heroes who fought for the country’s freedom. Just 30 meters away is a tree which is 50 meters tall and wide enough for ten people to encircle.
Those with more time to spend and the desire to conquer nature are welcome to climb the 1,767 steps from Bang Lang Hill to the top of Genie Mountain.
To survive the ascent and a night on the mountain, tourists should equip themselves with canvas shoes, warm clothes, dry food such as bread, noodles and tinned fish and plenty of mineral water. On the peak there are small temples where tourists can sleep overnight. On nights when the moon is large, the view of the forest, with its shimmering moonlit leaves, is spectacular.
Sitting on the mountain under the sparkling diamond sky and moonlight and casting your eyes on the lights of Thac Mo Village in the distance, tourists are guaranteed a unique experience associated with nature.
Gathering with friends, building a camp fire and strumming tunes on guitar all make for unforgettable memories.
Dawn comes with a symphony of birdsong and the dramatic re-emergence of Thac Mo Lake from the night.
Ba Ra-Thac Mo Tourist Site was once a military base and was recognized as a national historical relic in 1995.