VietNamNet Bridge – Located around 120 kilometers from HCMC, Vung Tau City is normally known by tourists as a city of sea and seafood. But this city has much more than that to lure visitors. And one of many other attractive destinations which can bring tourists back to Vung Tau again is Tuong Ky Mountain, commonly known as Lon (Big) Mountain.

A tourist enjoys swinging at Ho May Cultural and Ecological Park

With a height of around 250 meters above sea level, Lon Mountain stands close to the shore and has cool climate all year round. In rainy season, tourists can see clouds hanging around the mountain side early in the morning. In dry season, visitors will have a chance to witness the change of color in the forest when the fresh green of leaves is replaced by red and yellow, and if it is November, visitors will find themselves walking under the beautiful cherry blossom flowers in a comfortable atmosphere.

Around Big Mountain’s side is a small path covered with a mineral pitch. Tourists can travel by motorbike or car along this path to reach the top of the mountain and enjoy the view of the forest during the way up.

A tourist takes a horseback ride – Photos: Quynh Van

Midway to the mountain peak is Ho May (Cloud Lake) Cultural and Ecological Park, covering an area of 40 hectares. The park is a complex of hotel, resort, restaurant, pagoda, temple, and a number of entertainment activities including mountain climbing, swimming, swinging, horse riding, and cycling for a sightseeing tour from above.

The other way to get to Ho May is taking a cable car ride of Ho May Park at the mountain foot. The full package, including a return ticket for a cable car ride, an admission ticket to the park, and fees for entertainment activities costs VND300,000 (US$14) per adult and VND150,000 per child.

It costs those who do not use cable car service VND200,000 to enter Ho May Park and enjoy activities there.