Ngoc Linh Mountain

Ngoc Linh rises to 2,598 metres on the old border of Kon Tum and Quang Nam, now Quang Ngai and Da Nang, and is the highest mountain in Vietnam south of the Hoang Lien range. Its forest holds Panax vietnamensis, Vietnamese ginseng, which grows mainly on this massif, under the forest canopy above about 1,200 metres, and takes around ten years to mature - it is commercially very valuable and now threatened, cultivated under the canopy with the plants guarded against theft, while false seed passed off as the real plant is a worry for scientists. Access to the growing areas is controlled.

Highlights

• Southern Vietnam's highest peak - 2,598 metres on the provincial border.
• Vietnamese ginseng - named after the mountain, where it mainly grows.
• Ten years to mature - which leaves the plants open to theft.
• Guarded cultivation - under the canopy, with a regulated trade.

When to go

November to April. Two to three days with permits arranged.

Good to know

Climbing requires permits and guides arranged in advance and is not casual. Ginseng growing areas are guarded and closed to visitors. Roads are rough and remote. Cold, rain and leeches are the conditions.

Nearby

Tu Mo Rong and Nam Tra My are the two approach districts; Kon Tum is south.

Key facts