Gam River: Flowing Hair

Gam River: Flowing Hair

Known as the flowing hair of a sleeping, mountainous young lady, Gam River is the pride of the provinces of Cao Bang, Ha Giang and Tuyen Quang because of its beautiful, sapphire-like tone which runs through equally stunning natural sights. Moreover, the Northern province highlights other majestic views truly worthy of international recognition.

Gam River is stunningly set between majestic steep rock cliffs. It is so big that it runs through not only one, but three provinces: Cao Bang, Ha Giang & Tuyen Quang. Because of its immense size, it is able to provide water supply to several villages. It is also endowed with mighty waterfalls, lush forests and different kinds of fish. It is important to the people in the region not only for its practical uses but perhaps more so because of their belief that the river represents the spirit of the mountains and jungle.

As powerful as the Gam River is, there are also other sites at the Northern province which exude pure beauty. The Dong Van rock plateau at Ha Giang is a natural masterpiece. The buckwheat flower field, Ma Pi Leng Pass, Co Tien Mountain, Ba Be Lake and Lung Cu Flagpole are also must-see destinations for anyone visiting the region.    

Ba Me Town showcases a traditional provincial setting of simplicity yet natural bliss. Like the Gam River, the Nang River is popularly called the “lake on the mountain” and brings satisfaction and serenity especially after enduring a challenging trip to the area. The provinces of Cao Bang and Ha Giang boasts of many breeds of fish which are hard to find, like the Po Cung river shrimp which is characteristic of its sweet and scrumptious flavour. The Anh Vi fish is another rare species which is quite expensive because of its historical value of being the king’s food.

To have an authentic experience of a crude but happy provincial life, homestay services are offered to tourists. These also serve as livelihood for the locals who are able to impart some knowledge to visitors about life in the region and earn at the same time.

Gam River may be a sleeping, calm young lady during regular days, but when the rainy season comes, it is known as a “cruel, screaming woman” because of the intense flood it brings. But then again, the legendary river is more beautiful than destructive, that is why more and more people from all over the world want to witness its forceful beauty on their own.