Covering two-thirds of the natural area of Ngha An Province, the Western region of Nghe An offers travelers a chance to experience the stunning and wild nature of Pù Mat National Park. Not only is it home to breathtaking landscapes, but with 39% of its population belonging to ethnic minorities, the Western region of Nghe An is also an ideal destination to explore the culture and traditional crafts of these minority groups, especially the Thai people.
The Pristine Nature of Pù Mát National Park
Pu Mat National Park covers an area of 94,804 hectares, with 89,517 hectares designated as strictly protected zones, spread across three districts: Tuong Duong, Con Cuong, and Anh Son. The elevation of the forest ranges from 200 to 1,814 meters, with Pu Mat’s highest peak reaching 1,814 meters. The park boasts a very high forest cover (98%), with 76% of the total area consisting of primary or minimally disturbed forests.
Various types of forest vegetation can be found here, including: mixed broadleaf and coniferous evergreen forests, subalpine dwarf forests, tropical moist evergreen forests, secondary evergreen forests that have recovered from slash-and-burn agriculture, grasslands, and scattered shrubs and secondary trees. The area also includes agricultural land and shifting cultivation.
The national park is home to 2,494 species of higher plants belonging to 931 genera and 202 families across six divisions, the majority of which belong to the Magnoliophyta division, comprising 2,309 species, 845 genera, and 167 families. Among these, 68 species are listed in Vietnam’s Red Data Book, accounting for 20.17%.
Additionally, Pu Mat National Park is home to 939 species of fauna, including notable species such as the Saola, large Mang, Truong Son, Mang, brown-footed Chava, golden-mantled Gibbon, grey-headed Langur, striped Hare, striped Civet, pheasant, and long-billed Pheasant. According to statistics, 77 species of animals in Pu Mat are recorded in Vietnam’s Red Data Book, and 60 species are listed in the IUCN Red List (as of 2004).
Conquering the Giang River with “99 Rapids”
The most impressive landscape is the Giang River. Originating from the slopes of Pu Lai Leng Mountain, the Giang River features numerous rapids and waterfalls along its first 25 kilometers, starting from “khe khặng,” meaning the headwater stream, to Pha Lai in Mon Son. From this point, the river flows gently in a northwest-southeast direction, winding for another 60 kilometers before merging with the Ca River in Thanh Tien commune, Thanh Chuong district.
Visitors often take motorboats from Pha Lai to Co Phat village, a distance of 18 kilometers, which takes about three hours. The motorboats here are slender and long, resembling the traditional “tắc ráng” boats found in the Mekong Delta. In the first few kilometers, you can still spot some thatched-roof houses, but as you venture deeper, the landscape transforms into dense layers of forest. Occasionally, you might see plump buffaloes leisurely bathing along the riverbank.
Along both sides of the river, the view is striking with layers of sedimentary rock formations leading to towering cliffs, interspersed with pebbly banks that emerge near the water’s edge. The current changes rapidly; in some sections, the water appears as a tranquil pond, while in others, it becomes a rushing torrent. To navigate these rapids, the boat driver must paddle vigorously, stabilize the boat, or even jump into the water to push the boat when it runs aground.
An Ideal Journey for Connection and Bonding
The journey to explore the nature of Pu Mat offers an ideal setting for connection, sharing, and bonding. As participants embark on long hikes over hours and days in the wilderness, it requires everyone to care for one another and be willing to collaborate in addressing challenges along the way. This fosters an environment where employees can interact, learn from each other, and deepen their understanding, thereby enhancing solidarity within the company. Additionally, this trip helps businesses create unforgettable impressions on their employees and strengthens cultural ties. It also contributes to establishing a healthy and positive working environment, which indirectly attracts and retains talent.
Exotic Vietnam is a reputable organization specializing in team-building activities for businesses, harmoniously combining the exploration of nature and community culture. With a mission to provide unique and meaningful experiences, Exotic Vietnam not only focuses on fostering team spirit and collaboration but also creates opportunities for team members to gain deeper insights into the cultural and natural values of the region they are exploring. The team-building programs are designed to be flexible, tailored to meet the specific needs and objectives of each company. Exotic Vietnam is committed to delivering enjoyable and memorable moments. Our dedicated and experienced staff will accompany you to ensure that each activity runs smoothly and achieves the highest effectiveness. With Exotic Vietnam, team building is not just a recreational activity but also a journey of exploration, learning, and connection. Contact us at www.exotic.vn.
