Ta Xua has long been known as one of the famous cloud hunting spots of the North. On favorable weather days, a sea of white clouds covers the valleys, creating a typical scene of the high mountains.
But when night falls, Ta Xua puts on a different beauty. From high, low-light areas, thousands of stars are clearly visible on the dark sky, in which the Milky Way stretches across the mountains and forests stands out.
The time from March to October is chosen by many photography lovers to hunt for the Milky Way in Ta Xua. However, weather conditions are the decisive factor.
Clear nights with little clouds, no strong moonlight and limited artificial light will be more favorable for recording the Milky Way.
Phan The Hung, a photographer in Hanoi who has hunted the Milky Way in Ta Xua many times, said that choosing the time and location is important.
To be able to hunt for photos of the Milky Way in Ta Xua, the first step should be to choose days before or after the full moon, the weather must be clear and less cloudy.
After that, you should choose viewing points that are not contaminated with light, the darker the better. The appropriate time is after 11 pm when light from residential areas gradually fades," Mr. Hung shared.
From about 11 pm to 3 am is usually the time that astronomy and photography lovers are waiting for. As light from residential areas gradually fades, Ta Xua sky becomes deeply dark, creating conditions for the Milky Way to appear clearly.
For first-time visitors, staying up late in the high mountains also brings a special feeling.
Tourist Le Thi Thuy Quynh, from Phu Tho, said that Long Coc tea hill is also a place where you can hunt the Milky Way, but Ta Xua brings a more impressive experience.
Going to Ta Xua, I clearly feel the vastness and majesty of the mountains and forests. Standing in that space, admiring the starry sky is very special," Ms. Quynh said.
Not only Dinosaur Spine, Ta Xua also has many favorable locations to hunt for the Milky Way. Wind Peak, Khe Cai or high areas with little artificial light are choices that many tourists and photographers come to.
In which, Dinosaur Spine stands out with its spacious space and open view; Wind Peak has advantages in altitude and majestic mountain scenery; while Khe Cai has a quiet appearance, suitable for enjoying the starry sky in the middle of the night.
Tourists should prioritize places with safe terrain, limit moving into dangerous areas when it is dark, especially in conditions of rain, fog or strong winds.
According to Mr. Do Van Xiem, Chairman of Ta Xua Commune People's Committee, Galaxy hunting is becoming an experience loved by many young tourists, besides cloud hunting and exploring attractive destinations.
This is a new experience, helping tourists explore nature and capture the beauty of the night sky," said Mr. Xiem. The locality will continue to improve service quality, ensure safety and promote landscape advantages to attract tourists.
Ta Xua is not only attractive by the sea of clouds during the day but also captivated by the magical beauty of the night sky.
For nature lovers and photographers, a night staying awake in the mountains and forests, waiting for the Milky Way to appear on the top of Ta Xua clouds will be an unforgettable experience.
