The Ba Den National Tourist Area management board said on January 4 its rescue team handled three separate cases between January 1 and January 3 involving exhausted, dehydrated or lost hikers.
Authorities said visitor numbers surge at the start of the year, while some hikers lack fitness, water and basic skills, increasing safety risks, particularly for late starters.
The cable car to the summit of Ba Den Mountain. (Photo: An Huy)
To ensure visitor safety and protect the environment, authorities urged tourists and hiking groups to strictly comply with regulations outlined in an official notice issued on December 9, 2025.
Under the rules, hikers may only use the designated power-pole route between the mountain’s base and Ba Pagoda and must start between 5 am and 11 am. Authorities warned that departures after 11 am increase the risk of being caught on the mountain after dark.
Hikers are also required to register their personal details at management checkpoints before starting their journey.
The management board advised visitors to be physically prepared, carry sufficient water and basic first-aid supplies, and avoid hiking if unfit, while strictly banning prohibited substances, fire hazards, forest damage and littering.
In emergencies, including cases of exhaustion, injury or getting lost, tourists can contact the Ba Den Mountain rescue team via its 24-hour hotline at 0276 387 5678.
