Awakening Chua Chan Mountain – The Green Gem of the Southeast

Chua Chan Mountain seen from Gia Ui Lake. Photo: Ngoc Hoang

“Hidden Green Gem”

Chua Chan Mountain, also known as Gia Lao Mountain, located in Xuan Loc District, Dong Nai Province, is a precious gem of the Southeast region. The mountain is considered the roof of Dong Nai, possessing a wild beauty with a diverse forest ecosystem, cliffs hidden under cool green trees and a clear stream flowing all year round.

From the top of the mountain, you can see the whole view of the Southeast Delta with its endless fields. Thanks to the terrain and altitude, this place has a special climate like a miniature Da Lat, cool all year round. Early morning or sunset, when the clouds cover the path, the mountain top puts on a magical, poetic look, just like a sleeping fairy.

Besides its natural beauty, Chua Chan Mountain is a place where profound spiritual values converge, the most prominent of which is Buu Quang Pagoda, also known as Gia Lao Pagoda. Located halfway up the mountain, the pagoda was built in the early 20th century, hidden in a natural cave shaped like a dragon's mouth.

The unique architecture blends with nature, along with the peaceful space, making Gia Lao Pagoda a sacred destination, attracting thousands of Buddhists and pilgrims every year. Especially during the Gia Lao Mother Festival, also known as the Quan Am Buddha Festival, at Gia Lao Pagoda. The solemn worship rituals, traditional palanquin processions and folk art performances such as lion dances and Chau Van singing create a sacred yet bustling atmosphere.

In addition to Gia Lao Pagoda, Chua Chan Mountain also has other spiritual structures such as Lam Son Pagoda, Linh Son Pagoda and the three-rooted, one-top banyan tree - a sacred symbol associated with many mysterious legends.

Chua Chan Mountain also preserves historical traces with the Ham Hinh Secret Zone relic - a revolutionary base during the resistance war, or the French Governor-General's vacation home, and King Bao Dai's tea garden. The combination of spirituality, culture and history creates a rich complex of relics, which is the foundation for developing spiritual tourism associated with source tourism.

Promoting the potential of "Dalat of the Southeast"

One of the great advantages of Chua Chan Mountain is its prime geographical location, located only about 100 km from the center of Ho Chi Minh City, an ideal distance for vacations and weekend experiences. Chua Chan Mountain is also located in the Southern key economic zone, easily connecting with neighboring provinces such as Binh Duong, Ba Ria - Vung Tau and Binh Thuan.

At the important trade gateway of the Southeast region, with key transport projects being implemented such as Ben Luc - Long Thanh Expressway, Dau Giay - Phan Thiet Expressway and especially Long Thanh International Airport, not only does it help shorten the journey to Chua Chan Mountain but also opens up opportunities to attract international tourists.

The cable car system, which has been in operation since 2016, has made it increasingly convenient and easier for tourists to travel to the top of Chua Chan Mountain. Photo: source

Currently, Chua Chan Mountain has some tourism activities such as trekking and camping. In parallel, the cable car system, which has been in operation since 2016, has made it easier and more convenient for tourists to get to the top of the mountain.

However, according to Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Son Hung, for many years, tourism activities in this area are still rudimentary, lacking connectivity, failing to promote inherent potential, failing to meet people's expectations and the socio-economic development requirements of the province.

To awaken the tourism potential of the “Jewel of the Southeast”, a comprehensive development strategy is needed, harmoniously combining nature conservation, honoring spiritual values and upgrading modern infrastructure, turning this place into a regional-scale eco-tourism, resort and entertainment destination. Realizing that determination, on April 19, 2025, the Provincial People's Committee held the Launching Ceremony of the Chua Chan Mountain Eco-tourism, Resort and Entertainment Project.

Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Son Hung said that the launch of the Chua Chan Mountain eco-tourism, resort and entertainment project marks a major turning point in enhancing the local image, creating conditions for infrastructure and service development, and improving people's lives.

The Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee emphasized that the success of the project not only brings significant revenue to the state budget, but also creates more jobs, improves the quality of life for local people, and affirms Dong Nai's position as a key tourist destination, contributing to promoting sustainable economic growth.

With the determination of the local government, the consensus of the people and the participation of dedicated and visionary investors, Chua Chan mountain will be awakened to become a new center of tourism in the Southeast, worthy of what nature has bestowed.

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/tin-moi/202504/danh-thuc-nui-chua-chan-vien-ngoc-xanh-cua-dong-nam-bo-565543e/