VietNamNet Bridge – One cannot help feeling surprised when visiting Dam Long-Bang Ta forest eco-tourist area for the first time. Dam Long provides an escape from the bustle and hustle of urban life as one breathes the fresh air and embraces

A view of a lake in Dam Long - Bang Ta forest eco-tourist site.

Dam Long eco-tourist area is located at the heart of Ba Vi tourist complex, 70 kilometers from Hanoi to the west. The area covers 70 hectares including 50 hectares of water surface and 20 hectares of forest.

Bang Ta is a primeval forest with four layers of trees. The highest layer mainly consists of trees on average from 30 to 35 meters tall. The next layer is chestnut trees and fuchsia, between 20 and 25 meters high. The third layer is mainly ricinus, oleander, mulberry, soapberry trees, and bead trees, and the lowest layer includes a variety of fern and mistletoe, creating a beautiful look. The fauna and flora here are abundant, with 240 species of trees and many species listed in the red book. The most profuse is a group of 76 valuable medicinal herbs.

Going through paths full of liana, tourists will discover the wildness and mystery of the forest, enjoy the singing of tens of species of birds, and observe herds of spotted deer roaming in the silent space.

Leaving from the forest, tourists will contemplate the beauty of Dam Long, an immense lake filled with lotus spreading their fragrance in summer, and birds, reptiles such as suamp hens, boucals, geckos, and lizards.

Fish caught on the lake can be broiled in floating houses which are decorated with multi-coloured lanterns. Breakfast and soft drinks are served in the houses.

Water sports in swimming pools or games on rope bridges or cau khi, characteristics of the southern region will excite young people.

The tourist area has 56 hotel rooms and four bungalows available for massage and karaoke, a meeting hall with 300 seats and a dining room serving 1,000 guests.

Hotels here are modern and well-equipped while maintaining the beauty of nature.

Stilted Muong ethnic minority houses are suitable as camping sites, to enjoy camp-fires, ruou can or wine drunk out of a jar through pipes, and traditional music.

Furthermore, tourists can take part in local markets to buy souvenirs, specialties of Ba Vi, and visit Ngoc Nhi stork garden, Suoi Hai or Hai Stream, and Ao Vua or Pond of Kings.

Tours may be booked via Vietnam Open Tour Ltd., Co., tel: (04) 3926 2328 or Hanoi ETOCO via (04) 3516 0534 or contact: Dam Long-Bang Ta forest, Cam Linh Commune, Ba Vi, Hanoi, tel: (04) 3362 1588.

(Source: SGT)