Ket Mountain in Tinh Bien district, located in the southern province of An Giang, was once an abandoned area with narrow paths made by locals. In recent years, Ket Mountain has become a popular destination for adventurous tourists. It is named after the large rock on its summit that resembles the head of a parrot.
The mountain gets its name from a protruding rock that looks like the beak of a parrot, located about 100m above ground. Photo: Tran Hoang Van Hung |
The path to the summit of Ket Mountain is undeveloped as it is a developing area, resulting in fewer visitors compared to other mountains. The forested landscape remains pristine and beautiful.
From the entrance of Ket Mountain, visitors will be amazed by the stunning natural scenery. The trail from the foot of the mountain to the top spans about 600m and is equipped with stairs and safe corridors. Though challenging, the journey to conquer Ket Mountain offers breathtaking natural vistas. Every step reveals large, unique rocks and impressive architectural feats.
The clouds grace the skies above Ket Mountain. Photo: Thanh Lam |
Ket Mountain is home to 20 religious sites and numerous caves that were once inhabited by religious figures. This attracts many pilgrims, particularly Buddhist followers.
Huynh Long Temple, built on a massive rock adjacent to a spacious yard, holds the legend of Phat Thy Tay An (Buddha Master of Western Peace) and his disciples who meditated there. Visitors will be captivated by the temple’s beauty and the fresh air that creates a fairyland-like atmosphere.
Photo: Thanh Lam |
The Ket-shaped rock formation sits more than a hundred meters above sea level, and visitors need to walk approximately 20 minutes from the mountain’s base to reach it.
The best spot for cloud-hunting on Ket Mountain is Bach Tuong Peak, offering a large, open space. Locals often choose this location for their early morning climbing trips. Steps leading to the peak have been constructed for visitors to worship at Ong Ket Shrine and surrounding small temples. Near the mountain’s base, tourists can also visit and pay their respects at Thoi Son Communal House, Thoi Son Pagoda, Phuoc Dien Pagoda, and other famous places.
Photo: Thanh Lam |
Despite the hot weather, the trees on the mountaintop remain green. This aspect allows tourists to momentarily forget their worries and make their way to the 200-square-meter rock known as San Tien (Fairy Yard), where Huynh Phu So, the Buddha Master of Western Peace, and the gods used to converse.
While strolling amidst large rocks and a staircase protected by iron barriers, visitors will reach the fairy well on Ket Mountain’s peak. The well’s water glimmers under the sunlight and is clean, cool, and refreshing, inviting tourists to take a sip.
Photo: Thanh Lam |
An ideal attraction on Ket Mountain is U Minh Palace, a place of worship for the King of Hell, said to be the lord of the underworld. The road to U Minh Palace is treacherous, following cliffs and abysses. Tourists must tread carefully through the darkness to reach the heart of the mountain.
Vam Sat Eco-Tourist Site
Surrounded by rivers, Vam Sat Mangrove Forest Eco-Tourist Site in the Can Gio Biosphere Reserve has the most beautiful forests. It has been recognized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as one of the world’s eco-tourist sites with sustainable development in Vietnam.