In early September, Dinh Ngoc Huy, from Tu Liem, Hanoi, drove to Coc Sam grassland in Bao Nhai Commune, Lao Cai, with his wife, son and three other camping-loving families.  

For the past four years, Huy and his wife have regularly driven their son on camping trips and nature experiences, traveling from the coast to the mountains across the country. He first learned about Coc Sam a year ago, but there was no convenient road to the area at the time.

“As far as I know, people previously had to walk or ride motorbikes to the top of the hill. Recently, I saw people sharing information that a concrete road had been built close to the summit and that high-clearance cars could make the trip, so I decided to go and experience it for myself,” Huy said.

The family left Hanoi at 9 am and headed toward Lao Cai. After six hours, they reached the Coc Sam area at around 4 pm, took a break and then set up camp for two nights.

“The distance from Hanoi to Coc Sam is about 300km. The section from Pho Lu to the grassland includes winding mountain passes where it is impossible to drive quickly. The biggest challenge is the concrete road from the foot of the hill to the summit.

“The road is quite narrow, just wide enough for one car. If you are not careful, one of the wheels can slip off to the side, requiring a rescue vehicle,” Huy said.

That was not the end of the challenge. After the concrete road, the group still had to negotiate an earthen slope. This section is more suitable for high-clearance vehicles and drivers experienced in navigating difficult terrain.

Based on his experience, Huy advised people unfamiliar with mountain roads not to drive their cars all the way to the top of Coc Sam grassland. Visitors can leave their vehicles at the foot of the mountain and hire local residents to take them up by motorbike.

Impressed by the natural scenery, “shocked by the cold”

Coc Sam is known for its gentle grassy hills, spacious and open landscape, fresh air and cool climate. In recent years, it has become a popular destination for outdoor activities, camping and sunset viewing.

According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, Coc Sam grassland covers about 10 hectares and sits at an elevation of nearly 900m above sea level. Its gently sloping terrain consists of soil and rocks, with most of the area covered by lush grass.

For Huy’s family, their first impression upon reaching the hill was not only the expansive grassland but also the China fir forest (Cunninghamia lanceolate) lining the route upward.

“Standing at the top of the hill and looking into the distance, you can see a majestic landscape that is no less beautiful than the scenes in photographs taken in Switzerland or Europe. When my family posted photos on social media, many friends even thought we had traveled to Europe,” Huy recalled.

From above, the long hillsides, lush greenery and wide-open spaces create a peaceful scene that is very different from the pace of urban life. On days with favorable weather, the sunlight at sunrise and sunset makes the landscape even more impressive.

To camp on the hill for two days, all the families made their own preparations, bringing tents, food, drinking water and other essential supplies.

Huy’s family alone brought about 50 liters of clean water for cooking, washing their hands and feet, and basic daily activities. Some other families in the group prepared even larger water containers, holding between 100 and 150 liters.

Huy said bringing enough water is important when camping in areas without adequate services and amenities. The families often travel together, so they are accustomed to preparing everything themselves for their trips.

During their two days at Coc Sam, the adults spent time admiring the scenery, chatting, enjoying the fresh air and taking in the cool weather. The men in the group also had an additional, unexpected “task”: helping rescue visitors whose vehicles ran into trouble on the way up the hill.

Meanwhile, the children were almost constantly on the move, running around, playing and climbing up and down the hillsides to their hearts’ content.

Linh Trang