THE ROAD TO GIENG TROI – A JOURNEY OF TEARS AND TRIUMPH

By Mr. Old Man

Tucked away in the rugged northwest corner of the Ba Na – Nui Chua Nature Reserve, Gieng Troi (literally “The Well of Heaven”) remains one of Da Nang’s best-kept secrets. Its remote location and difficult terrain have kept it largely untouched, preserving its wild, mystical beauty. In recent years, however, it has become a coveted destination for trekking and mountain biking enthusiasts seeking a true adventure.

Last year, I set out with four fellow MTB riders to conquer Gieng Troi. We had been warned — the path would be brutal. But no warning could truly prepare us for what lay ahead. Words can’t capture the exhaustion, the persistence, and the sheer will it took to get there. We often joke that the road to Gieng Troi is one you take with tears in your eyes — and we mean it both literally and figuratively.

From the very first incline — a punishing 2km stretch right after turning off from Ba Na Hills — we were forced to push our bikes uphill. The rest of the trail wasn’t much better. Massive boulders, as big as ostrich eggs, littered the path, making cycling nearly impossible. Though only 35 km from Da Nang, with just 8 km of forest trail, it took us more than four grueling hours to reach our destination.

But the reward was worth every drop of sweat.

Gieng Troi is a wonder. Viewed from atop the 25-meter-high waterfall, the natural pool below truly resembles a giant, sky-carved well — hence its name. Swimming in the crystal-clear, icy-cool water was one of the most invigorating experiences I’ve ever had. Though the journey to get there made us cry, it also gave us something unforgettable.

After the trip, I shared photos and memories on Facebook, and for almost a year the echoes of that journey stayed with me. Many new friends asked me to lead them there. I hesitated — once was enough, I told myself.

But last week, I said yes.

This time, seven of us set out, including my old friend Khanh Huynh and five newcomers eager for their first Gieng Troi adventure: Huyremy Nguyen, Huynh Thai Phong, Trung Nguyen, Huynh Hanh, and Viet Huynh. We were more confident this time, familiar with the terrain — yet even then, we got lost. We had to haul our bikes down a recently cleared eucalyptus hill to reconnect with the trail.

Everyone was muddy and exhausted, but the excitement in our eyes said it all — we were truly living the MTB spirit.

Eventually, we reached the edge of the mountain, left our bikes, and climbed down into the gorge. There it was again: the white cascade tumbling into the heavenly well. “Quá đã! Too good to be true!” we all shouted, touching the cool water with disbelief and delight.

Huynh Thai Phong said it best: “Since I learned to ride a bike, I’ve never felt a rush like this.”

Cycling and trekking to Gieng Troi is an experience that goes beyond words — it’s one you feel deep in your soul. If you’re a true MTB adventurer, don’t miss the chance to make this journey at least once in your life.

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Mr. Old Man, 12/2017