Nặm Me Waterfall, an impressive tourist destination in Tuyên Quang

by Lâm Giang

Nặm Me Waterfall, the 'white silk strip' in Tuyên Quang Province. — Photo sgtiepthi.vn

Nặm Me Waterfall in Lâm Bình District in the northern province of Tuyên Quang is an attraction sure to captivate even the most intrepid travellers. This 'natural wonder' is a must-see for anyone seeking adventure and breathtaking scenery.

While there are several ways to reach the waterfall, visitors should take a boat to access the destination. The journey begins at the Thác Bà hydroelectric power dam, from where visitors will make their way through the picturesque Cọc Vài scenic spot before finally arriving at Nặm Me.

As you travel across the tranquil reservoir, you'll be treated to views of majestic natural scenery, a breathtaking sight that will leave a lasting impression. But the adventure doesn't end there. Once you arrive at the waterfall, you'll need to traverse rocky slopes and cross shallow streams, which can take up to three hours.

According to Nguyễn Khắc Sáng, a local ethnic Tày resident of Khuôn Hà Commune, Nặm Me Waterfall originates from the vast forests of Na Hang - Lâm Bình Nature Reserve, pouring down into the Hát Nghiền mountain area in Khuôn Hà Commune to create this magnificent spectacle. Local people also refer to Nặm Me Waterfall as Suối Mẹ (Mother Stream) Waterfall, while Khuổi Nhi is known as Suối Con (Child Stream).

Nặm Me Waterfall has 15 large and small cascades. — Photo sgtiepthi.vn

Seen from afar, the waterfall is like a soft white silk strip that stands out among the green mountains and forests. With a length of about 4,000m, the waterfall has 15 large and small cascades, powerfully throwing white foam all year round. The floor is clear and cool blue water at the foot of each waterfall. The fragrant orchids are on the trunks of old trees or the cliffs like the wall.

The water flows over the smooth, round stones, making the water stream spread like a white skirt of a young girl, sparkling in the golden sunlight.

At the foot of the waterfall is a small and deep pool, receiving water from above, white foam and even a cloud of dust jumping on the water.

Conquering Nặm Me Waterfall. — Photo dulichgo.blogspot.com

We were divided into small groups, slowly clinging to the slippery and steep cliff.

The person leading the way first had to try and find the cliff strong enough to hold and step on it, then let the next person put his foot in.

The strong must go first and then pull the weaker up behind. Like that, we passed each cliff, each shallow slit and each slippery section. After each time to the top of each waterfall, we cheered joyfully as if we had just achieved a great victory.

We had to conquer dangerous rapids and streams, and there were three extremely difficult climbing points with vertical cliffs and slippery mosses. Therefore, conquering Nặm Me requires a lot of challenges and adventures and having protective equipment to climb safely.

Nặm Me Waterfall attracts many tourists to discover. — Photo dulichgo.blogspot.com

Climbing to the middle of the mountain, we stopped to rest. Lunch was prepared, such as cơm lam (rice cooked in bamboo tube), grilled chicken and bamboo shoots. All were wrapped in forest leaves and placed in baskets. Both pipes containing sour soup and corn wine were tied with banana leaves.

Everyone ate and exchanged experience. After a short break to regain strength, we continued to climb to the top of the mountain.

Lunch by the waterfall. — Photo baotainguyenmoitruong.vn

Then the noise of the falling water seemed to be lighter. We were delighted at being present at the top of the waterfall.

When the ethnic Tày Nùng, and Dao women grow up in this region, they bathed in the mysterious Nặm Me stream as they believed they would be as young and beautiful as flowers and resilient as trees of the mountains.

With ecological value and majestic, romantic beauty, Nặm Me Waterfall has been recognised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as a national scenic spot that needs to be protected for promoting tourism. VNS