february-2011

Photos: Photolibrary (right and top right)
DAM SEN
WATER
X ROCK
PARK
TOP /BOTTOM: Tranquil or
exhilarating — take your pick;
INSET: don’t look down at
X-Rock; RIGHT/TOP RIGHT:
Face to face (sort of) with
mythological creatures in a
fantasy setting
Other attractions include cycling through
the air over a crocodile pit containing 15,000
snap-happy reptiles, hoop-jumping dolphins
and ball-bouncing sea lions, and the park’s “Mill
of Holy Wind” — a 60m high Ferris wheel with
great views over the city’s outer limits.
Although Suoi Tien is also home to many of
Vietnam’s indigenous and endangered species,
the best zoo is about an hour’s drive outside
the city at Dai Nam Theme Park — Vietnam’s
largest all-inclusive entertainment complex.
My favourite part of the day is watching white
lions and tigers pass by mere inches from me,
and watching one tiger “scent mark” a friend
through the railings. (She wasn’t happy.)
Other Dai Nam locals include rhinos,
antelopes and squirrel monkeys and plenty of
two-legged animals. Most visitors prefer the
park’s white-knuckle rides over the golden
gilded temples and reproduction of central
Vietnam’s Marble Mountains.
I’ve never been a massive fan of heights,
but b I decide to man up and challenge my
vertical ve limit with a day at X-Rock, a climbing
centre ce with a 26m purpose-built wall with nine
routes, rou including one beginner route (4m), two
beginner begi to intermediate routes (6-10m), and
three intermediate routes (20-22m). “There’s
even eventtwo
advanced routes with natural features
only — no hand holds — ensuring that even the
most experienced climbers have to rise to the
challenge!” says X-Rock regular Eileen Fosnight.
X-Rock off ers belay and safety courses (a
must for fi rst-timers), beginners and advanced
training, and even an adventure abseiling
course, all of which are taught by experienced,
certifi ed instructors. I opt for the day pass with
unlimited climbing and bouldering for VND180,
000 (S$12) and although the undulating
craggy “rock” face seems pretty daunting
standing on the ground gazing up, once you get
going, your inner primate shines.
Next we pack into a hire car and head 160km
north of the city to visit the inhabitants of Cat
Tien National Park. The ranger says Cat Tien
SUOI TIEN
PARK
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 49