Buzz
Tà Xùa Cloud Hunting has become one of the hottest trends in the travel community lately. So, what makes Tà Xùa so beautiful that it drives people crazy? And how to visit Tà Xùa, what's the best time to go,.. are the questions of many young travelers. To answer these questions, Mytour brings you the 'latest Cloud Hunting experience in Tà Xùa'. Let's check it out!
Traveling to the pristine mountainous region of Northwestern Vietnam always leaves travelers astonished and enchanted. Almost everyone who comes here falls in love with the beauty of the great forests and the simple, rustic people. The landscape is painted with blooming cherry blossoms and apricot flowers on the vast golden terraced fields.
And undoubtedly, we cannot overlook the towering mountains immersed in the sea of pure white clouds. However, not everyone is fortunate enough to witness this scenery. Therefore, many people dream of successfully going on a Tà Xùa Cloud Hunting trip to fully enjoy the magnificent natural landscape of this remote border region.
Where is the “Cloud Paradise Tà Xùa”?
Tà Xùa is a highland commune in Bắc Yên district, Sơn La province, bordering Yên Bái province. Since the road connecting Trạm Tấu district (Yên Bái) and Bắc Yên district was opened, the number of Tà Xùa cloud hunting enthusiasts has been increasing, making it a favorite destination for travel enthusiasts.
Tà Xùa - The real cloud paradise under the earthly realm has become a sensation among the backpacker community. (Photo: Collected)
Tà Xùa was previously known for its ancient snow Shan tea and delicious Son Tra fruits. However, since it rose to fame as “Tà Xùa Cloud Paradise”, it has become a tourism highlight of Sơn La, attracting a large number of tourists. The exact location that young people often choose to hunt clouds in Tà Xùa is the peak of a small mountain range, said to be the lowest peak among the top 10 highest peaks in Vietnam.
When is the best time to visit Tà Xùa?
The peak of Tà Xùa, at an altitude of 2875m (according to GPS), is surrounded by layers of thick clouds all year round, resembling ocean waves crashing against the mountains. Therefore, if you're still wondering when is the best time to visit Tà Xùa, rest assured that any time you come here will be beautiful.
Capturing the vast sea of clouds pouring down from the lonely Apple Tree Peak. (Photo: Collected)
However, everyone wants to capture the most spectacular cloud scenery, don't they? If so, then you should go to Tà Xùa from October to April of every year. Be cautious, check the weather forecast to see if it's sunny because the clouds will look even more beautiful. You can contact the homestay owners in advance to inquire about cloudy days.
How to get to Tà Xùa
From Hanoi, depending on the transportation you choose, there are different ways to get to Tà Xùa:
- If you choose to travel by bus, you just need to take a taxi to Ba Dinh bus station and buy a ticket to Bac Yen town. Once you arrive in Bac Yen, you can rent a motorbike to travel about 15km to Tà Xùa.
- If you opt to go to Tà Xùa by motorbike, follow National Highway 32 towards Son Tay town, cross Trung Ha bridge, then go to Thanh Son, Thu Cuc. At Thu Cuc intersection, go through Phu Yen to reach Bac Yen town. From there, continue for another 15km to reach Tà Xùa.
On the way back, you can go directly from Tà Xùa to Tram Tau without returning to Bac Yen. Although this road is a bit steep, it's downhill so it's easier and convenient if you want to explore Nghia Lo before returning to Hanoi.
Recommended accommodations for cloud hunting in Tà Xùa
As of now, Tà Xùa remains a remote and challenging mountainous area. If you're unsure how far Tà Xùa is from Moc Chau, remember that the distance between the two places is about 100km by road (the shortest route). Due to its remoteness, the hotel system in Tà Xùa is not as diverse and abundant as in Moc Chau. You can opt to stay in local homes or camp overnight on the mountain to catch the best cloud hunting moments in Tà Xùa.
A morning wake-up amidst the sea of clouds at Tà Xùa Hills Homestay. (Photo: Collection)
If you prefer convenient and comfortable accommodations, consider staying in hotels or guesthouses. Room rates at homestays range from 40,000 to 100,000 VND per night, while budget guesthouses range from 200,000 to 250,000 VND per night. Below are some renowned guesthouses, hotels, and homestays near Tà Xùa to minimize travel time:
Top Hotels in Sơn La for Cloud Hunting at Tà Xùa
- Dong Tam Hotel: National Highway 37, Bac Yen Town, Bac Yen, Son La
- Sao Mai Hotel: National Highway 37, Bac Yen Town, Bac Yen, Son La
Most Popular Budget Homestays in Tà Xùa
- Xa Homestay: Tà Xùa, Bac Yen, Son La
- Nam To Homestay: Tà Xùa, Bac Yen, Son La
- Mua Tru Homestay: Tà Xùa Commune, Bac Son, Son La
- Bao Chau Homestay: Tà Xùa Commune, Bac Yen, Son La
- Long Anh 1 Homestay: Bac Yen Town, Bac Yen, Son La
Tà Xùa Hills Homestay featuring charming wooden cottages amidst the mountains of Northwest Vietnam. (Photo: Collection)
Popular Guesthouses in Tà Xùa
- Phu Hoa Guesthouse: Bac Yen Town, Bac Yen, Son La
- Tra May Tà Xùa Guesthouse: Tà Xùa A Village, Tà Xùa Commune, Bac Yen, Son La
- Thu Bien Guesthouse: Quarter 2, Bac Yen Town, Bac Yen, Son La
- Hai Hang Guesthouse: Tà Xùa Street, Quarter 3, Bac Yen Town, Bac Yen, Son La
- Nguyen San Guesthouse: Tà Xùa Street, Quarter 3, Bac Yen Town, Bac Yen, Son La
You may be interested in: Hanoi Mai Chau Moc Chau Tour
What to Eat When Going Cloud Hunting in Tà Xùa
Tà Xùa is still quite primitive, with limited tourism services, so you won't have many dining options. Typically, meals consist of the common four-dish set. Just remember to bring along some cold foods like bread, sausages, water, etc., as you'll be cloud hunting all day long.
Cost for a Cloud Hunting Trip to Tà Xùa
Usually, young travelers opt for a 2-day 1-night or 3-day 2-night cloud hunting trip for relaxation. The cost for this itinerary is relatively low, ranging from about 550,000 to 1,500,000 VND depending on the route, transportation, and accommodation you choose.
What Makes Tà Xùa So Beautiful and Alluring
When you go cloud hunting in Tà Xùa, you'll feel like you're in a fairyland, surrounded by nothing but clouds. Just imagine standing on a high mountain peak, overlooking a sea of rolling clouds pouring towards the mountains, incredibly vivid and surreal. Not only that, but you'll also breathe in a cool, fresh breeze carrying the scent of the Northwest forests. It's truly an unforgettable experience, isn't it?
The Most Beautiful Cloud Hunting Spots in Tà Xùa
On the way to conquer the peak of Tà Xùa, you can easily spot images of dense fog covering the valleys. According to Mr. Trần Việt Dũng (owner of Ngỗng Hankang Homestay), the most beautiful cloud hunting spots in Tà Xùa are: the intersection of Tà Xùa and Háng Đồng (about 3km), the center of Tà Xùa commune, the intersection of Tà Xùa and Xím Vàng (about 1.5km), and the small mountain road from the central rice shop in Tà Xùa.
Tà Xùa boasts many beautiful cloud hunting routes and the spine of a dinosaur is one of them. (Photo: Collection)
Among them, the road from the town center towards Háng Đồng is the most popular among travelers because here the wind is calm, the mountains are tightly wrapped, so the clouds will stay longer and disperse later (possibly until 10 - 11 a.m.).
Some Famous Check-in Points in Tà Xùa
Aside from cloud hunting, what to do in Tà Xùa is also a question on many people's minds. Therefore, Mytour has compiled a list of popular attractions in Tà Xùa. If you have extra time, then be sure to check them out:
♦ Dinosaur Backbone in Háng Đồng: Located about 5km from the town center of Háng Đồng, this place boasts stunning scenery with its back leaning against the primeval Tà Xùa range, overlooking a valley hundreds of meters deep, facing towards the town.
♦ Turtle Head Rock in Tà Xùa: A highly popular virtual check-in spot with a rock protruding from the mountain range, seemingly floating amidst the clouds.
♦ Lonely “Cat Apple Tree”: Situated on Windy Peak, this spot offers you unique photo opportunities. From the Xím Vàng - Háng Đồng intersection, you walk an additional 2.5 km to reach it.
The Lonely Cat Apple Tree is a favorite check-in spot for many young people visiting Tà Xùa Cloud Hunting. (Photo: Collection)
Key Points to Note When Cloud Hunting in Tà Xùa
For the most successful Tà Xùa Cloud Hunting trip, you need to consider the following:
- Check the weather forecast and ideally choose days with light drizzles, low nighttime temperatures, high daytime temperatures, and sunny weather.
- Drive carefully, avoid traveling at night, and keep the group size moderate.
- If possible, opt for overnight camping as the clouds are thickest early in the morning.
- If staying at a Homestay/ guesthouse in the town center, make sure to wake up early in the morning.
- Determine the direction of the sunrise at your chosen cloud hunting spot to capture the best angles.
You need to prepare a lot if you want to camp overnight to hunt clouds in Tà Xùa. (Photo: Collection)
- Prepare necessary items such as jackets, blankets, raincoats, sunglasses, lighters, flashlights, snacks, etc.
- Check the fuel tank before embarking on the journey to conquer Tà Xùa's peak.
- If going Tà Xùa Cloud Hunting by car, choose a vehicle with less than 12 seats as the roads are slippery and treacherous.
- You can also combine some other Son La tourist destinations like Moc Chau to make your trip more enticing.
Ideal Itinerary for Cloud Hunting Trip to Tà Xùa
Mytour suggests 2 most popular routes for cloud hunting in Tà Xùa suitable for cars and motorcycles.
► Itinerary 1 (by car): Hanoi – Bac Yen – Tà Xùa – Bac Yen – Hanoi
Day 1: Hanoi – Bac Yen – Tà Xùa
On Saturday afternoon or evening, depart from Hanoi via National Highway 32 > Son Tay > Trung Ha Bridge > Thanh Son – Thu Cuc > Phu Yen > Bac Yen. If you leave early (Saturday noon), you can continue to Tà Xùa, otherwise, it's advisable to stay overnight in Bac Yen.
Day 2: Tà Xùa – Bac Yên – Hanoi
Wake up early for breakfast, start cloud hunting in Tà Xùa, return to Bac Yen by noon, and then head back to Hanoi.
You can choose a 2-day or 3-day itinerary for a cloud hunting trip in Tà Xùa. (Photo: Collection)
► Itinerary 2 (going to Tà Xùa by motorbike): Hanoi – Bac Yen – Tà Xùa – Tram Tau – Nghia Lo – Hanoi
This itinerary is suitable for those who love offroad adventures and exploration because it involves going and returning via two different routes.
Day 1: Hanoi – Bac Yen (Tram Tau)
On Friday evening, you depart from Hanoi, heading to Bac Yen to stay overnight or continue straight to Tà Xùa. Spend the night in Bac Yen (or Tà Xùa).
Day 2: (Tà Xùa) Bac Yen – Tram Tau – Nghia Lo
On Saturday morning, you embark on cloud hunting, photography, and outdoor activities. By noon, you move towards Tram Tau, then to Nghia Lo, where you spend the night. You can take advantage of the famous hot spring in Nghia Lo for a refreshing dip.
Day 3: Nghia Lo – QL32 – Thu Cuc – Hanoi
Wake up early and explore Muong Lo market, savoring Yen Bai's specialties. Then, take QL32 in the opposite direction, passing through Khế Pass to Thu Cuc before returning to Hanoi. If you have extra time, you can take a detour to Lung Lo Pass for sightseeing before returning to QL32 to Hanoi.
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► Itinerary 3: Hanoi – Bac Yen – Ta Xua – Bac Yen – Moc Chau – Hanoi
Day 1: Hanoi – Bac Yen – Ta Xua
Similarly to the car itinerary, on Friday evening, you depart from Hanoi towards National Highway 32 to Bac Yen. If you leave early, you can continue to Ta Xua, otherwise it's advisable to stay overnight in Bac Yen.
Day 2: Ta Xua – Bac Yen – QL37 – Van Yen Ferry – Moc Chau
The next morning, wake up early to explore Ta Xua for cloud hunting. By noon, return to Bac Yen, but at the intersection of QL37 and QL43, turn onto QL43 towards Moc Chau. Spend the night in Moc Chau.
Day 3: Moc Chau – Hanoi
Rise early to explore Moc Chau tea hills before returning to Hanoi.
The breathtaking beauty of Tà Xùa shrouded in morning mist leaves everyone in awe. (Photo: Collection)
By now, you've surely gathered all the essential secrets for a successful Ta Xua Cloud Hunting trip, haven't you? If you're an enthusiast of exploring the rugged nature of the Northwest and wish to experience cloud hunting but dread the challenging mountain roads, consider exciting cloud hunting tours on Mytour such as Sapa tours, Moc Chau - Mai Chau tours, etc. Or let Mytour tailor the perfect Ta Xua cloud hunting itinerary for you and assist you with cheap flight tickets. For any inquiries, contact Mytour Hotline 19003398 for free advice!
