Da Bia’s parks and planted forests tell tales from Vietnam’s legendary past, according to Doan Van Cu, director of Quynh Long’s branch in Phu Yen.

From the entrance of Da Bia, granite-paved roads go along the shores of lakes fed by Cai Spring. The next section is Hong Lac Park, whose structures and design were inspired by the story of Lac Long Quan and Au Co, the mythical parents of the Vietnamese nation.

A hundred meters farther on is the rocky Hung Dao Forest Plantation. Atop the tallest rock stands a statue of Tran Hung Dao (1230-1300), a real life general who thrice led the Vietnamese troops to victory over the Mongol invaders. He gazes at Cai Spring brandishing his sword aloft.

The summit of Thach Bi Son, or Da Bia Mountain, is 706 meters above sea level and invites conquest by the intrepid tourist. The view is splendid.

A more relaxing time can be had strolling through the forest, listening to birds singing by the babbling brook, and breathing in the fresh air.

There’s also the option of lying in a hammock and taking a nap after watching the blue sky through the foliage.

The stone stele after which the resort is named has been recognized as a place of national cultural and historical importance. No less a personage than King Le Thanh Tong (1442-1497) composed some verses when he passed through the area and saw its beauty.

There are many rock caverns by Cai Spring and the stream that flows from it. Some of them are hundreds of meters deep and look mysterious, though the feeling can be dispelled by venturing inside.

An excursion to Bai Trung Waterfall and the round rocks that strew the area is also worthwhile.

Da Bia Ecotourist Park offers much in the way of recreation and should not be missed by anyone setting foot in Phu Yen.

Reported by Duc Huy