These huge pines, 35 to 55 meters high, endemic to Vietnam, grow in specific areas of the high-mountain forest in Bidoup Nui Ba, supporting an ancient ecosystem and serving as its foundation. Their tops create a distinctive skyline, easily distinguishable from other trees. Many old pines of this species are adorned, almost as an "obligatory addition," with large vines. The powerful, sometimes almost horizontal branches of the crown create entire worlds in the upper tier of the forest. Pinus krempfii do not grow densely, maintaining a natural distance that is comfortable for such large trees. From below, it's difficult to spot the unusual needles of these ancient pines, which come in bundles of two flat needles. Instead, you'll mainly see the foliage of neighboring trees. If you're lucky, you might come across fallen branches and small cones beneath the crowns — small for such a large tree.

Our first encounter with Pinus krempfii occurred a long time ago, and at that time, they were young trees no more than a meter high. I had a "wow effect" when I realized that here they were — those very pines, albeit young, that many botanists around the world would dream of seeing. Later, we encountered mature trees of various ages, mostly on the hilltops covered with broadleaf forests. Sometimes these trees are found alongside other, rather rare, Pinus dalatensis pines. One of the tallest and most slender Pinus krempfii trees can be found not deep in the forest, but near the main road that divides this zone of the National Park into two parts. This particular tree is the oldest — about 1,000 years old — and its venerable age is beyond doubt. It's worth approaching the base of the trunk to fully appreciate its girth and height. The branches are widely spaced, resembling the trunks of other trees in size. Like an ancient guardian, this pine protects its forest, sheltering its fellow trees beneath its expansive crown, like a protective dome.