Buzz
Located in Bac Ha district, Co Tien Mountain is regarded as a unique tourist destination in Lao Cai. Here, visitors not only marvel at the majestic natural landscapes but also delve deeper into the traditional cultural aspects of the local ethnic groups.
Ascending Co Tien Mountain, experiencing paradise
Co Tien Mountain is situated approximately 2km northwest of Bac Ha town. With an altitude of over 1,600m, this tourist spot is considered one of the prominent mountains in Bac Ha district.
To the Northeast and Southwest of the main mountain lie the origins of two magnificent waterfalls: Coc Len and Red Star. These waterfalls flow through the areas of Ma Tuyen hamlet and Sang Chai in Tung Chung Pho commune, Muong Khuong district.
Coc Len and Red Star converge at Ham Rong Cave. This is also where the Tung Lau stream originates, providing irrigation water for the over 400 hectares of rice fields in Tung Lau and Muong Khuong.
Not only boasting stunning natural scenery but also with fascinating legends, Co Tien Mountain has become a novel tourist destination for travelers to explore.
Legend has it that long ago, a fairy descended to the mortal world in spring, passing through this place and being enchanted by the picturesque scenery, thus deciding to stay. Hence, locals of various ethnic groups refer to this mountain as Co Tien Mountain.
Strangely enough, atop the mountain peak, nature has sculpted stone seats resembling Fairy Chairs, with the faces turned northward, overlooking the vast Muong Khang valley (modern-day Muong Khuong).
Not far away lies a crystal-clear water well, resembling a mirror, with a surface area of only about 60cm x 1.2m. Whether in the rainy or dry season, the water level of the well remains at 0.5cm, surrounded by precious trees growing amidst the rocks.
According to legend, every month, on the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month, beautiful fairies descend from the sky to admire themselves, enjoy the scenery, and gaze at their reflections. They return to the sky only when the sun is about to set behind the western mountain peak.
Remarkably, only certain bird species are permitted to come and sing here. White-bellied, red-bellied, yellow-bellied, and brown-bellied squirrels perform dances for the Fairies to watch... while snakes, lizards, tigers, and leopards must all stay away as commanded by the heavens.
If you ever have the chance to visit the tourist destination of Lao Cai, don't miss the opportunity to explore the fascinating natural scenery of Co Tien Mountain.
Co Tien Mountain is closely linked to the spiritual life of the people of Bac Ha
Not only boasting beautiful natural landscapes, but Co Tien Mountain also holds immense spiritual significance for the locals. On the wide flat rock surface atop the mountain, there is still a small shrine dedicated to the worship of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, facing south.
Every year, on the 19th of September, locals bring offerings and red fabric to pray to Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara for blessings and to dispel misfortunes.
Throughout the highs and lows of history, Co Tien Mountain still stands tall, majestically overlooking Mường Khương district. Alongside the enchanting scenery of Fairy Cave, the bustling Bac Ha market, and Hoàng A Tưởng Palace, Co Tien Mountain has become one of the captivating tourist destinations welcoming friends from all corners to Bac Ha.
