Unveiling the Mystical and Beautiful Mountain in Dong Nai, a Year-Round Tourist Hotspot Nicknamed the “Dalat of the South-Eastern Region”.

Chua Chan Mountain, nicknamed the “Dalat of South-Central Vietnam,” boasts a cool climate, lush greenery, and picturesque landscapes that stretch from its base to its peak.

Chua Chan’s scenery stands out for its harmonious blend of pristine forests, winding trails, and floating clouds, creating a romantic natural painting. Especially on clear days, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the vast South-Central region from the mountain’s summit.

To conquer Chua Chan Mountain, adventurers have two main options for their ascent. One can opt for a trek along the well-defined trails, meandering through the refreshing forest and gentle slopes, suitable even for novice hikers. Alternatively, a modern cable car system offers a convenient ride from the mountain’s base to the vicinity of Buu Quang Pagoda, a renowned spiritual site nestled midway up the mountain. From the cable car drop-off point, it’s a short climb to the summit.

Upon reaching the peak of Chua Chan Mountain, the first impression that captivates visitors is the refreshing atmosphere, a stark contrast to the characteristic heat of South-Eastern Vietnam. The lush green lawns, gently swaying pine trees, and floating clouds at dawn evoke a miniature Dalat. Moreover, the summit presents an ideal setting for camping, sunrise cloud-watching, or picnicking amidst pristine nature.

Along the route from pole 20 to pole 145, keep an eye out for pole 99. Turn left at pole 99 and continue towards poles 135 and 134, where you’ll discover a spacious campsite.

Beyond its natural allure, Chua Chan Mountain also captivates visitors with its spiritual significance and ancient temples scattered across its slopes. Among these, Gia Lao Temple, Buu Quang Temple, and the unique three-trunk, single-canopy banyan tree are the most renowned, considered sacred symbols by locals. The harmonious blend of nature, culture, and spirituality transforms Chua Chan Mountain into a must-visit destination for those seeking novel experiences, conveniently located not far from Ho Chi Minh City.

Gia Lao Temple, also known as Buu Quang Temple, is a prominent landmark on Chua Chan Mountain. Nestled midway up the mountain within a curved cave resembling a dragon, its distinctive architecture and revered sanctity attract Buddhists from far and wide seeking blessings and prosperity.

Perched halfway up Chua Chan Mountain, within a curved cave resembling a dragon, Gia Lao Temple captivates visitors with its unique architecture and spiritual allure.

Delicious Local Specialties That Will Make You Forget Your Way Home

The area around Long Khanh City and the province of Dong Nai is not only blessed with fertile land but also boasts a rich culinary heritage, reflecting the distinct cultural characteristics of South-Eastern Vietnam.

Biên Hòa Fish Salad

One of the region’s standout dishes is Biên Hòa fish salad, which has become a symbol of local cuisine. This salad features fresh fish, typically small stream fish or mackerel, carefully sliced and marinated with roasted rice flour. It is then combined with fresh herbs and wild leaves such as star gooseberry, prickly ash, and pennywort.

Tân Mai fish salad is a dish that symbolizes the bond between the people of Biên Hòa and their abundant rivers.

When eating, diners wrap the fish and herbs in rice paper and dip it in a sweet and sour fish sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. This dish not only embodies the local culinary identity but also demands precision in preparation to ensure freshness and food safety.

Crispy Cricket

A unique delicacy, crispy cricket is made from yellow-tinged crickets that are plump and juicy. After cleaning and gutting, the crickets are marinated in fish sauce and stuffed with minced pork belly and peanuts before being deep-fried. Each bite delivers a crispy texture and an explosion of flavors, with the fattiness of the cricket complemented by the nutty peanut filling.

Crispy crickets are famously crunchy, aromatic, and possess a distinctive nutty flavor.

Beyond being a beloved local snack, crispy crickets are also served in many local restaurants, typically accompanied by fresh herbs and a spicy chili fish sauce dip, offering a truly singular culinary experience to adventurous diners.

Duck Cooked in Red Fermented Bean Curd

Duck cooked in red fermented bean curd is another signature dish of Dong Nai, sought after by many visitors to the region. This dish utilizes fresh duck meat, cut into bite-sized pieces and marinated in red fermented bean curd along with garlic, pepper, and white wine to neutralize the duck’s distinctive odor and enhance its flavor. The duck is then simmered in fresh coconut water with taro and mushrooms, resulting in a rich and aromatic broth.

When savored, the natural sweetness of the duck meat, the subtle richness of the coconut milk, and the earthy notes of taro create a harmonious, flavorful dish. Duck cooked in red fermented bean curd is typically served with fresh rice noodles, herbs, and a dip made from fermented bean curd and chili paste, making it an ideal choice for family or friend gatherings on cooler days.

Tân Triều Pomelos

Tân Triều pomelos have gained fame from the ancient pomelo village of Tân Triều in Vĩnh Cửu District, Dong Nai Province, and are now considered one of the most renowned specialties of South-Eastern Vietnam.

Benefiting from the region’s unique soil and climate conditions, Tân Triều pomelos offer a delicate sweetness, abundant juice, plump segments, minimal seeds, and thin peels. The refreshing sweetness balanced with a subtle tangy finish delights the palates of many. This distinct flavor profile, coupled with the fruit’s natural freshness, has earned the hearts of travelers who visit Dong Nai.

Traditional cultivation techniques combined with modern care practices ensure that the pomelos remain fresh during transportation, making them an excellent choice for gifts to loved ones.

Each Tân Triều pomelo is not just a nutritious treat but also a bearer of local flavors and sentiments, conveying the giver’s warmth and affection to the recipient.