"Dead forest" in the middle of a green lake in Mang Den, a ghostly scene that attracts visitors to check in

Mang Den (Quang Ngai) has recently emerged as the “second Da Lat” of the Central Highlands with its cool climate and pristine landscape. Amidst the vast green pine forests, a new and strange place is causing a stir in the tourism community – the “dead forest” of Mang Den.

The "dead forest" is located in the Thuong Kon Tum hydroelectric reservoir, about 20km from Mang Den center.

The reason this area is called by the special name "dead forest" is because it was formed when the lake water rose, causing many pine trees to be submerged, leaving only dry, discolored branches rising above the calm water surface, creating a ghostly, quiet and attractive scene.

"Dead forest" becomes a new check-in spot in Mang Den (Photo: Hoang Tour Mang Den).

Under the sunlight or early morning mist, the silver-white tree trunks reflect on the lake surface, creating a magical natural picture, reminding visitors of scenes from science fiction movies.

“I find the scenery strangely beautiful, both wild and peaceful, especially when the mist covers the lake, it feels like being lost in another world . That is also the reason why many tourists want to come here to take photos,” said Mr. Hoang, a local tour guide.

This destination attracts visitors thanks to its wild and mysterious beauty (Photo: Hoang Tour Mang Den).

Coming here to visit, visitors can rent a boat or canoe to go to the middle of the lake, take pictures and feel the quiet space of the great forest. The most ideal time to visit is early morning or late afternoon, when the lake surface is covered with mist, the soft light makes the scene more mysterious.

Not only the “dead forest”, Mang Den also attracts tourists by its fresh natural scenery and pleasant weather all year round. According to locals, from October to December is the best time for tourists to visit Mang Den.

At that time, the pine forests are still green after the rainy season, the weather is dry and cool in the early morning - ideal for cloud hunting, picnics and photography.

Besides the “dead forest”, many seemingly untouched destinations in Mang Den have also unexpectedly become attractive check-in coordinates, typically the persimmon gardens laden with fruit, glowing brightly in the early morning sun.

From October, the crispy rose gardens in Mang Den enter their ripening season, dyeing the hillsides yellow. Under the early morning sun, the plump rose clusters glow orange-red, standing out against the blue sky and vast pine forests.

The brilliant rose gardens have become check-in spots that attract young people (Photo: Hoang Tour Mang Den).

Many tourists come here not only to take check-in photos but also to enjoy specialties made from persimmons such as persimmon tea, soft persimmon jam or freeze-dried persimmon tea - the sweet taste typical of the highlands.

Recently, Kon Tu Ma village (Mang Den commune) has also caused a stir in travel groups when many young people came here to take photos and check-in with the traditional rice warehouses in the village.

Dozens of small wooden and bamboo granaries are lined up on the mountainside, serving as both a place to store food and a symbol of the prosperity of the Xo Dang people. The rustic, Central Highlands-style space makes this place a favorite backdrop for young people when taking photos.

To get to Mang Den, visitors can fly to Pleiku (Gia Lai), then travel about 90km by car. In the center, motorbike rental services (150,000-200,000 VND/day) are quite popular, allowing visitors to freely explore.

At the end of the year, Mang Den's temperature fluctuates between 16-18°C, with fog in the early morning and quite cold at night. Visitors should prepare warm clothes and sneakers for easy movement. Homestays here cost 300,000-500,000 VND/night, many places have views of the pine forest, bringing a sense of peace and closeness to nature.

Local cuisine is also worth trying with grilled chicken with bamboo rice, chicken salad with dried bamboo shoots and rice wine - specialties with rich flavors of the Central Highlands. Due to the winding terrain with many steep passes, visitors should choose a package tour or hire a local driver for a safer and more convenient sightseeing journey.

Hoang Thu - Dantri.com.vn

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/du-lich/rung-chet-giua-ho-xanh-o-mang-den-khung-canh-ma-mi-hut-khach-check-in-20251022141154073.htm