About
23km from south Tuy Hoa City and standing over 700m above sea level, Da
Bia Mountain is the highest peak of the Ca Pass Mountain Range. The
mountain is also well-known as a historical relic. When King Le Thanh
Ton ordered his soldiers to cross Cu Mong Pass and head to Ca Pass, the
King made a stop here and carved some words on the rock.
A hike to the top of the mountain and back down again takes about
three hours. The pain in the legs is compensated satisfactorily by the
splendid surroundings, the amazing feeling of victory and the awesome
view capturing everything below.
The stone steps are rather sinuous and some are shaky, so trekkers
have to make a good preparation. Sturdy shoes, comfortable clothes,
water, bread and tissues to clean up the sweat are essential. As the way
is long and tortuous, trekkers should not step fast, but slowly and
steadily in order to control heart beats. Long rests do not help as the
next start will send the heart beats back to racing speed, so short
frequent rests are better.
The path is also scattered with flat sections where tourists can have
a seat and a little water to enjoy the surroundings and regain
strength. There are many kinds of trees and large rocks that defeat the
scorching summer heat of the central region. Wild flowers, butterflies,
dragonflies and melodic birds round out this slice of wilderness.
Reaching the top and touching the “thumb” is followed by a heavenly view of Van Phong Bay and Dai Lanh Beach, Ca Pass, Nha Trang City glistening with its numerous islets and Hoa Tam Commune with its red-tiled roofs and waving rice fields.