Phu Sa Phin peak - the highest mountain in Ta Xua range - is a destination for those who are passionate about challenges and conquests. In winter, from around October until April of the following year, when the weather is cold, dry, and humid, it is the ideal time to hunt clouds in Phu Sa Phin.
Therefore, many tourists have chosen to go trekking Phu Sa Phin Palace to be able to witness this beautiful "sea of clouds" with their own eyes. For many tourists, this is a "million-dollar view" that they cannot see when living in a crowded city.
Last weekend, on December 13, Mr. Do Hoang Dung, a tour guide for the Phu Sa Phin trekking route, was surprised by the bustling scene when standing at a stop on the mountain.
When he saw the number of tourists stopping here to rest and have lunch, he humorously joked: "Go trekking but feel like you are lost in a highland market".
According to Mr. Dung's observation, this stopping area is not too spacious, but it is estimated that the number of people gathering at the same time is about 100 people. Because the area is quite clean and has board to sit in, most groups of tourists choose this place to stop before continuing to climb Phu Sa Phin peak.
"This is a new direction to conquer the mountain top 2,868 m above sea level, going from Hang Chu and returning to Tram Tau way (in the old Yen Bai). Climbing in this direction, it only takes about 4km to conquer Phu Sa Phin peak on the first day, the route is quite suitable for tourists who do not have experience in trekking. If climbing from Tram Tau as before, it would be quite difficult, the 3km long "dinosaur's spine" section is the most difficult and dangerous section to travel," said Mr. Dung.
He added: "About 2 years ago, I found that this route was not yet known to many people, but at present, many trekking groups have known and chosen to climb up from Hang Chu. Therefore, it is inevitable that there will be a crowded situation right from the stop".
In addition, Mr. Dung also revealed that because the number of people climbing Phu Sa Phin peak this season is quite large, the climbing route is often congested, even when reaching the peak, long lines of tourists wait for their turn to take photos to check-in with Ta Xua hotpot. This is a common situation every weekend when many tourists choose to climb mountains to reduce stress after a week of work.
Mr. Dung added: "At this time, going into the forest and climbing mountains, visitors not only have the opportunity to admire the beautiful natural landscape but also have the opportunity to enjoy the cool, fresh air".
During the journey to conquer Phu Sa Phin peak, visitors have the opportunity to admire primeval forests covered with moss from the ground to ancient trunks, rising to long branches that seem to rise in the sky. Diverse vegetation and beautiful natural landscapes, from the mangrove, mountain goose, and Asian sandalone forests to the ancient bean sprouts, still retain their original appearance and have not been affected much by humans.
Phu Sa Phin is the highest mountain in the Ta Xua range, located in Son La province, adjacent to Tram Tau commune of Lao Cai province.
To conquer Phu Sa Phin peak, visitors can choose one of two routes, starting from the foot of the mountain in Xim Vang commune or going from Hang Chu village, Hang Chu commune. The tour is often taken care of by local H'Mong people, people who are knowledgeable about the terrain, have good physical strength and many years of experience accompanying tour groups and climbing mountains.
The period from December to April of the following year is considered the most beautiful season to explore Phu Sa Phin, in which the third and fourth months are especially impressive with the blooming bean sprout season and many wild flowers blooming.
Tourists need about 5 hours of travel, combined with rest and overcoming many types of difficult and challenging terrain to be able to set foot on Phu Sa Phin peak.
