Trees and water: Mơ Waterfall in Huế, surrounded by the greenery of the national park. — VNS Photos Hồng Vân

by Hồng Vân

As the central region of Việt Nam boasts some of the best white-sand beaches with warming sunshine and clear water, the area’s eco tourism is often overlooked, especially the natural waterfalls, which never fail to impress travelers.

While Mơ Waterfall in Huế City mesmerises visitors with its gentle view of the green national park, Grăng Waterfall is  known as a wild beauty in the middle of the jungle in Quảng Nam Province.

To reach Mơ Waterfall in Lăng Cô Town, Phú Lộc District, one can travel from Đà Nẵng, about 40km away from Huế. Drive to the end of Trịnh Tố Tâm Street to reach An Cư Tây Village.

Time to reflect: The clear pools of Mơ Waterfall provide an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The drive is pleasant, winding past peaceful rice fields and spectacular mountains. One may also catch sight of a water buffalo leisurely enjoying dried grass or meet a hospitable farmer.

Mơ Waterfall welcomes its visitors with the dense jungle greenery, which is reflected in the cool, clear water of the falls.

Mơ Stream is fed by water from Bạch Mã National Park, 1,400 metres above sea level. Water flows down the big stones, creating pools for swimming. The bubbling sound of water mixes with the rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds to form the melodic sound of the jungle.

Locals have set up several camps near the waterfall for visitors to relax. 

It’s the journey: The scenic road leading to Mơ Waterfall from Đà Nẵng.

Wild, untouched beauty

Unlike the gentle Mơ Waterfall, Grăng looks like a strip of silk shining in the middle of the old, mysterious jungle.

Grăng is located in Tà bhing Commune, Nam Giang District. It is about three km from  Highway 14D.

Senior citizens of Zo Ra Village in Tabhing Commune said Grăng in the Cơ Tu language is a type of fish.

The waterfall is associated with a mysterious legend. In the old time, when this region had yet to be discovered by humans, a stream in the foot of the waterfall was filled with grăng fish.

Every few years, the strongest grăng would manage to jump over the tall waterfall in order to become sacred fish and save the rest of the fish from death.

Check it out: Visiting Grăng Waterfall is a highlight of any trip to Quảng Nam Province. — Photo chudu24

One year, a storm hit the region hard, bringing torrential rain for a whole month. The waterfall became fiercer than ever. Even the strongest grăng fish failed to cross over the waterfall. The grăng died, and their bodies floated to the surface of the water.

Local people named the waterfall Grăng after this legendary event.

Locals said big grăng fish used to be easy to find. Some weighed up to 40kg, enough to feed the whole village. Locals still find these fish from time to time, but they are very small and quite rare.

Grăng Waterfall has three major flows at different levels. Visitors are mesmerised by the sight of water falling from 30 metres.

Travelers can set up camp nearby to rest, contemplate the landscape and enjoy the fresh air.

A trip to Quảng Nam is not complete without a visit to Sông Bung 4 Hydroelectric Power Lake, dubbed “the giant mirror in the middle of the valley.” Be sure to stop at the Zơ Ra traditional weaving village, where Cơ Tu people “weave local culture” and hold festivals where one can enjoy traditional dances and try local specialities like sticky rice and rice wine. — VNS