Located in the high mountains of Son La province, Ta Xua is famous for its sea of clouds covering the valley, continuous mountain ranges and villages hidden in the mist.
According to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Son La province, Ta Xua has a common altitude of about 1,500-1,700m. The cloud hunting season usually lasts from autumn to spring.
From Hanoi, tourists can spend 3 days and 2 nights exploring Ta Xua with an estimated budget of about 2.5-3.8 million VND per person.
Day 1: Hanoi - Ta Xua - wind peak
Visitors should depart from Hanoi early in the morning and arrive in Ta Xua commune around noon. After checking in, eating and resting, the journey can begin at scenic spots around the central area.
In the afternoon, Wind Peak is a suitable choice to watch the sunset. From a high position, visitors can observe overlapping mountain ranges and layers of clouds flowing through the valley.
The temperature in Ta Xua usually drops rapidly when the sun sets. Falling dew limits visibility on the pass road, so tourists should return to their accommodation before dark.
In the evening, visitors can enjoy local dishes and ask homestay owners about the weather situation, routes as well as points where cloudy sea may appear the next morning.
Day 2: Dinosaur spine - dolphin crest
Visitors should start when it starts to dawn to reach a scenic spot commonly known as a dinosaur spine, located in the Hang Dong area.
The narrow mountain range is located in the middle of deep valleys, becoming prominent as clouds cover below.
This location is not a trekking route to Ta Xua peak. Visitors need to clearly distinguish to choose a journey that suits their physical strength and experience.
Some road sections are small, steep and may be slippery after rain. People who are not used to driving motorbikes on mountain roads should hire motorbike taxis or use transportation from local people.
In the afternoon, visitors can come to Ca Heo peak and stop at observation points along the road. When taking photos, it is necessary to park in a wide place, avoiding edges of ravines, taluys and curves that are out of sight.
If you don't encounter the sea of clouds, visitors can still learn about ancient Shan Tuyet tea trees, experience indigo dyeing or explore the life of the highland people.
These are products being developed by the locality to diversify experiences in addition to cloud hunting activities.
Day 3: Hunting clouds for the second time - returning to Hanoi
The last morning is a backup opportunity if visitors have not encountered the sea of clouds on the previous day. You can choose Wind Peak or an observation point near your accommodation to limit traveling far when it is still dark.
After breakfast, tourists check out and return to Hanoi. Before going down the mountain, it is necessary to check the road condition and weather forecast. After prolonged rains, the risk of mud overflowing, rocks falling or taluy landslides can still occur even when the weather has stopped.
Drivers need to check the brakes, tires, lights and fuel. When encountering thick fog, speed should be reduced, headlights should be turned on nearby, keep a distance and do not overtake at curves.
Expected budget
Costs calculated per person when two people share a room and means of transportation:
Hanoi - Ta Xua passenger car round trip: 550,000-700,000 VND.
Two nights homestay or hotel: 500,000-900,000 VND.
Rent motorbike, fuel or shuttle bus: 350,000-650,000 VND.
650,000-900,000 VND.
Entrance ticket, drinks and experience: 200,000-400,000 VND.
Backup cost: approximately 300,000 VND.
The total budget is about 2.55-3.85 million VND per person. Room and vehicle prices may increase on weekends or on days with favorable weather.
