Ong Chua Waterfall looks like a gorgeous silk strip amidst the majestic scenery of the mountains in the northwestern province of Lao Cai. This is a favorite destination for tourists who come to conquer Nhiu Co San Peak.
According to locals, Ong Chua (queen bee) Waterfall has this name because in the past, there were huge queen bee (ong chua) hives on the cliffs. Over time, the bees moved to other places, but there were remnants of the hives left at the back of the waterfall.
From the center of Sang Ma Sao Commune, Bat Xat District, visitors can travel on a seven-kilometer road to Nhiu Co San Village.
Then, they must negotiate narrow roads to get to the waterfall. Some cliffs are almost vertical and streams have slippery rocks. Nonetheless, after crossing these roads to Ong Chua Waterfall, the view is simply overwhelming.
From the 100-meter-high cliff, the water pours through the cliff, down to the foot of the waterfall and forms natural clear blue lakes. The stream current is not too strong, creating excellent conditions for moss to grow, building an impressive green picture of nature.
Morning and noon are the most beautiful times to explore Ong Chua Waterfall. The sunshine is bright on the waterfall and grey cliffs, blending with the green color of moss and trees.
Tourists usually come to Ong Chua Waterfall on hot days to immerse themselves in the clear water and cool air. In autumn, the trees turn red and yellow, transforming the forest into a pleasant scenery.
Besides Ong Chua Waterfall, tourists can also conquer Nhiu Co San Peak, one of the highest in Bat Xat, or Ky Quan San and Cu Nhu San peaks, visit the valleys of terraced fields and learn more about the lives of the Mong ethnic minority people.
