Published:  19:20 Monday - September 16, 2024

As one of the three "cloud paradises" in the Northwest of Vietnam, Ta Xua has become a must-visit destination for travel enthusiasts, who all want to set foot here at least once in their lives. Below are 8 spots you definitely shouldn't miss when visiting Ta Xua.

Dinosaur's Backbone

There are two places with the same name, both called "Dinosaur's Backbone" in Ta Xua. The first spot is easier to access and allows you to either hike or ride a motorbike down to the peak. This "Dinosaur's Backbone" is located in Hang Dong Commune, Bac Yen District, Son La Province, about 10 kilometers from Bac Yen town along mountainous roads. You can ride a motorbike right up to the cloud-hunting spot at this Dinosaur's Backbone, then walk a short distance for some check-in photos.

The second location is the "Dinosaur's Backbone" in Yen Bai Province, where you will need to embark on a trekking journey to reach the peak. This is the 13th highest mountain in Vietnam out of the top 15 highest peaks. Although not very high, the difficulty of conquering this peak ranks 7/10, making it quite a challenge.

The exact location of this Ta Xua peak is in Ban Cong Commune, Tram Tau District, Yen Baii Province. With an altitude of 2,856 meters above sea level, the journey to Yen Bai Dinosaur's Backbone will take you through diverse terrains, rugged rocky roads, mysterious mossy forests, and, most excitingly, a breathtaking sea of clouds awaiting at the top.

This spot is relatively easy to conquer; all you need is a spirit of adventure, a love for exploration, and an appreciation for nature. If you're aiming to catch the clouds, it's also important to check the weather beforehand. Choose days with no rain and light sunshine to increase your chances of witnessing the majestic sea of clouds.

Turtle Head Rock

True to its name, the rock protrudes from the ground at an altitude of about 2,100 meters, resembling a turtle's head. Standing on Turtle Head Rock at Ta Xua, you can take in the vast scenery and shout loudly, enjoying the echo of your voice reverberating through the mountains and forests, which is quite an exhilarating experience.

To conquer the rock on the summit of Ta Xua, you’ll spend about four hours hiking, passing through steep slopes and treacherous paths often compared to the "dinosaur spine." However, once you reach the top at over 2,000 meters above sea level, any tired feet will find the struggles worthwhile. Around you is a sea of white clouds drifting, with a serene blue sky overhead, bringing an overwhelming sense of peace.

Dolphin Rock

For those who adore Ta Xua, Dolphin Rock is a must-visit. This rock formation is made up of two large slabs that resemble two dolphins swimming through a "sea" of clouds. Tourists who come to Ta Xua are often thrilled to check in and take photos at Dolphin Rock. Most visitors agree that, although the rock appears precarious, it’s not as dangerous or terrifying as it might seem.

How to get to Dolphin Rock Route

From Ta Xua commune, follow the road towards the People's Committee office (after passing the welcome gate, the road is on the right, marked by a big Vinaphone sign). Follow this road until you reach a fork, then turn right to go up the slope. Don't go straight. Those who have stayed at Ta Xua Lu tre homestay will know this road; it also leads to the eastern cloud-hunting point of Ta Xua (as marked on Google Maps). Continue towards the hydropower dam until you find a wide, open space without any people in sight, where Dolphin Rock stands alone amid the vast landscape. You’ll know you’ve arrived. Route

From Bac Yen town, head towards Ta Xua commune until you reach a fork on the right. There will be a sign pointing to two directions: one towards Heaven’s Cloud Spine (8 km) and the other towards Ta Xua Tea Hill. Turn right following the sign to Tà Xùa Tea Hill, and you’ll reach Dolphin Rock and the Lonely Tree. This second route is straightforward, with no tricky forks to navigate.

Ta Xua National Primal Forest

The Ta Xua Primal Forest stretches from an altitude of about 2,600 meters to the highest peak of Ta Xua, cloaked in a wild, mysterious beauty. The dramatic shifts in the Earth's crust over millions of years have shaped the Ta Xua mountain range into an incredibly striking landscape.

Exploring the primal forest is an unforgettable experience when traveling to Ta Xua. The natural scenery transforms dramatically with altitude. The higher you climb, the more you'll witness fog covering the paths, creating a dreamy and majestic atmosphere.

You’ll see moss-covered paths, with green, dark, or yellow-tinged moss draping everything from the ground to towering ancient trees. Moss-covered sections combined with tangled vines create an extraordinarily mystical setting. Undoubtedly, this is an experience not to miss while exploring Ta Xua. The Lonely Ta Xua Hawthorn Tree The lone hawthorn tree of Ta Xua stands atop Wind Peak in Hang Dong commune, Bac Yen district, Sơn La province. To find this solitary tree, start from Ta Xua and follow the route towards Ho Tung Mau, then head to Nhon and Son Tay. Continue your journey to Trung Ha, Thu Cuc, Phu Yen and Bac Yen. Once you reach the Xim Vang fork, turn left and follow the path for about 3 km, and you will arrive at the lonely hawthorn tree.

At this summit, you’ll be greeted by the breathtaking sight of a sea of clouds so enchanting, it will leave you in awe. The scenery resembles something out of a fairytale, as you stand in a dreamlike landscape with a vast expanse of soft, floating clouds. Here, you are free to explore and experience unique wonders in your own way.

On days when the sky is filled with clouds, a whole ocean of mist appears before you, immersing you in an otherworldly realm. At that moment, you can stretch out your hand and feel the delicate clouds drifting past.