If there is a single path that leads you to countless of historical and cultural attractions, as well as beauty and unforgettable encounters, then perhaps you should climb the Duong Nham mountain range. The northern province of Hai Duong may not be as popular compared to more renowned tourist destinations in Vietnam. Perhaps because very few have discovered the hidden gem that unfolds as you take this one path in the midst of their mountains. It may take some bit of effort to complete the entire journey, but trust me - - - every single step is worth it. Located 58km from Vietnam’s capital, ${bigcity_Hanoi:"Hanoi"}, tourists have to take bus No. 202 along National Highway 5 to get to Phia Tay Bus Station in Hai Duong Town. Highway rides are always boring. You don't get to see anything but roads, traffics and in this case, a series of industrial towns. Not quite a picturesque ride. But reaching the destination is an entirely different story as Hai Duong is a place of traditional handicraft villages, naturally beautiful mountainous landscape, pine forests and streams. A certain route will help you see the most of this hidden treasure. The Duong Nham mountain range is home to many mysterious grottos. To get there, take another bus from Hai Duong Town to Kinh Mon Town. Situated in An Sinh commune, Dong Kinh district, about 30 kilometers from the center of Hai Duong province, the start of a journey begins on the track that leads to the top of An Phu Mountain. It is 246 meters high, the Cao An Phu Temple at its peak will first amaze you. The temple is dedicated to An Sinh Vuong Tran Lieu (1211-1251), the elder brother of King Tran Thai Tong - the second emperor of the Tran Dynasty, and father of Tran Quoc Tuan or Tran Hung Dao - one of Vietnam’s greatest generals. Getting acquainted to it will provide a valuable glimpse into Vietnam’s past. From atop, the Duong Nham mountain range (also known as Thach Mon) appears like a giant dragon peacefully lying on an immense bed of paddy fields. But the ancient temple surrounded by picturesque landscapes is not all Hai Duong can offer. If you face north of Duong Nham, the Kinh Thay River winds around the foot of the mountain range while the serene view of the Kinh Chu village unfolds if you look southwest. 50 meters below the Cao Temple is the 12.7-meter high Tran Hung Dao statue made of green stones. Sitting at the top of the Duong Nham mountain range are two blockhouses built by French troops during 1950. But if you climb further the high terrain and thick greenery of Duong Nham mountain range to explore Kinh Chu, known as one of Vietnam’s most beautiful grottos, you surely won’t be disappointed. The stone steps along the mountainside leading to the Kinh Chu Grotto may be a bit challenging, but hold your breath and prepare for the mysterious atmosphere that will welcome you. When you get to the renowned grotto, you will see an overwhelming number of preserved artifacts and a number of temples in and outside of the cavern not only worshipping Buddha but also Minh Khong Tien Su, Ly Than Tong and Huyen Quang Ton Gia. There are 53 stone steles of Kings, Lords, Philosophers, Monks and Ancient Officials dating back to the Tran, Le, Mac, and Nguyen dynasties. The mouth of the Kinh Chu is about three meters wide. As you penetrate deeper into the cave, surprises just follow one after the other. The primitive and fanciful scenery of Rua (Turtle) and Luon grottos will challenge anyone’s zest for discovering nature. A maze of many other caves, each with its distinct personality and challenge, will unfold before you. The Mau Cave is marked by giant moss-covered stones and a hole in its dome. Across it is the Vang Cave with stalactites resembling an elephant, a turtle, a diamond and many other animals and objects. The Luon Cave has a stream with clear, cool water. Kinh Chu also has a pagoda with many stone sculptures of Bodhisattvas and Buddhist monks. The entire magnificent landscape and fresh atmosphere of the place may be enough to conclude an unexpected adventure. But don’t be so sure yet, as you make your way down, the Tuong Van Pagoda and the Thanh Mau Temple are just among the many other spectacles you will further encounter.