Buzz
Cloud paradise at White Wood Luong Tu.
The summit of Sky Marvel, also charmingly known as White Wood Luong Tu, stands at an elevation of 3046m, ranking as the 4th highest mountain in Vietnam. Located on the natural border between the Lai Chau and Lao Cai provinces, Sky Marvel is renowned for its breathtaking sea of clouds that appears almost year-round. The beauty of this place always equals the effort you put into conquering it. You'll trek through mist-covered forests, pause by crystal-clear streams, climb steep rock walls, sleep under a starry sky, and successfully conquer one of the most challenging peaks in Vietnam's top 10 highest mountains.
After landing at Noi Bai Airport, I waited until around 11 PM to board a sleeper bus from Hanoi to Sapa, commencing the journey to conquer Sky Marvel in the direction from Lao Cai.
First day: Sapa – Muong Hum - Sang Ma Sao – Resting spot at 2100m
Early the next morning, around 5 AM, the bus arrived at Sapa town. Since I arrived early, I had a rare moment to admire Sapa immersed in layers of mist hanging along the paths, draped over the trees, hiding in small alleys, and spreading over the distant mountain peaks. Everything blended harmoniously, creating a perfect landscape painting.
Seizing the opportunity while renting a motorbike to check in at Sapa.
Later, I rented a motorbike to reach the trekking point at Ky Quan San village (Sang Ma Sao commune), about 60km from Sapa. Steering through winding mountain passes, the chilly wind bit into my hands, but the exhilaration was real for someone accustomed to year-round warmth. At Muong Hum market, everyone had breakfast, took a short break, then continued the journey to Sang Ma Sao commune. Around 10 AM, I reached the parking area in the village. For this trip, I hired local guides to lead the way and prepared rice, vegetables, and food for cooking, making the journey less strenuous. For snacks along the way, it's advisable to bring dry foods like jerky, chocolate, rice cakes, and share among the group.
Parking area in the village, starting the hiking journey from here.
Warming up with some steep inclines.
The official mountain ascent begins here, with a series of short consecutive inclines. As it was the start, my body hadn't adapted yet, making it quite exhausting. This was also my first time mountain climbing in the Northwest, adding an element of excitement and concern about whether I could make it to the summit. However, today's weather did not disappoint, with clear skies and a gentle breeze seemingly wanting to dispel the fatigue just experienced. After a bit, I conquered the initial slope, taking a moment to rest and regain balance.
Panoramic view from the hilltop.
The porter team taking a well-deserved break.
The little ones in the village.
After a refreshing break, I continued towards the bamboo forest or something like that. Luckily, the weather was dry, making the path easy. Just imagine crossing this section in the rain; there would probably be a giant mud pot waiting for us.
The first day's journey wasn't too challenging, with only two steep sections at the beginning and near the 2100m resting spot. The terrain was mostly gentle, constantly ascending and descending along the slopes between the mountains. Around 1 PM, we halted by a small waterfall for lunch. It was too crowded, so I couldn't capture the waterfall. The water here was exceptionally clear and clean, suitable for drinking without filtering. The lunch menu prepared by the porters included sticky rice, salted peanuts, and grilled chicken. Perhaps due to the long trek, the meal was exceptionally delicious, one of my best lunches.
Crossing through the bamboo forest.
A lunch that truly deserves praise.
After eating and resting for a while, I continued the journey. The scenery on both sides from this point onward was incredibly picturesque. Simply raising the camera captured beautiful moments. Surrounding us were rolling hills, lush green meadows acting as a dose of motivation for the ongoing expedition.
The maze-like forest.
Venturing across the grassy field.
Around 3 PM, I reached a large stream. The stream's water was refreshingly cool; I splashed some on myself for freshness and sat by the stream for a light meal to replenish energy. My goal for today was to try reaching the resting spot before sunset.
The sizable stream.
Starting from this point, we encounter those uphill slopes again, with the evening sky bringing a chilly breeze. But it can't deter our steps 😊.
Hastily picking up a maple leaf by the roadside.
Afternoon sun on the mountain's back.
As we ascend, the air gets colder, and the sky gradually darkens, causing mist to descend among the trees. The cold weather blankets moss and fungi on every tree branch. It feels like wandering through an enchanted fairy-tale garden.
The base of the sycamore tree.
The 'fairytale' forest of trees.
Upon completing the exploration of this enchanting 'garden,' I was approaching the finish line of the first day. Continuing the ascent until around 5 PM, I reached the 2100m resting spot, successfully achieving the set goal. Despite fatigue, standing before the heartwarming beauty here, one cannot stay still...
Reflecting beauty.
The legendary Salt Hill.
Panoramic view of the 2100m Resting Spot.
After a leisurely stroll, I returned to the Resting Spot to eat, rest, and recharge for tomorrow's conquest of the summit of Sky Marvel. Summing up the first day, covering about 8.5km in 7 hours.
Day 2: 2100m Resting Spot – Summit of Sky Marvel.
Waking up around 4:30 AM, I intended to chase clouds at Salt Hill. From the Resting Spot to Salt Hill, it's only about 700m, but unfortunately, there were no clouds that day. Nevertheless, there were still many fascinating things to make waking up early worthwhile.
Here, stargazing is still possible at 5 AM.
Admiring the sunrise.
A mountain goat on Salt Hill.
Around 6 AM, I returned to the Resting Spot for breakfast and to prepare for the summit climb. The stretch from the Resting Spot to the summit is only about 4km, but it's the most challenging part of the entire journey. Therefore, I only carried the essentials: water, food, and... a camera.
Breakfast with instant noodles.
Boiling water to make noodles.
The grocery store at the Resting Spot.
After finishing breakfast, I embarked on the journey to conquer the summit of Sky Marvel. The ascent, with slippery rock walls and steep slopes that seem almost vertical, truly challenges both the physical and mental stamina of each individual. The climb, clinging to the rock walls, carefully navigating each step, is beyond words. Each pause to rest, looking back at the path traversed, fills me with genuine excitement.
Looking back at the path traveled.
As we ascend, the surrounding scenery becomes even more stunning. Wildflowers and tiny moss-covered rocks add a beauty that leaves you in awe. The natural landscape veiled in mist creates a dreamlike ambiance. Standing in the thick fog, one can experience an incredibly tranquil and romantic feeling - the beauty of towering mountains shrouded in white mist.
Surrounded by clouds, oh my!
Paradise is here – with Her and the clouds.
After a long journey, I finally reached the summit of Sky Marvel at 3,046m. The overwhelming feeling of joy erases all mental fatigue and physical wounds. From the mountain top, you can take in the panoramic view, with vast expanses of white clouds, lush green mountain ranges, and a sky as blue as the sea blending together to create a scene that will linger forever in your memories.
After resting and marveling at the scenery on the mountain top, I returned to the 2100m Resting Spot. Day 2 concludes with a dinner prepared by the porters. Summing up the second day, covering a distance of about 8km round trip with a total time of approximately 8 hours.
The porters joking around while preparing dinner.
Day 3: 2100m Resting Spot – Sàng Ma Sáo – Sapa
On the final day, I reversed the route taken on the first day. Going downhill is less tiring and faster, taking only about 4 hours to descend to the base of the mountain. Afterward, I moved back to Sapa for rest, concluding the 3-day, 2-night journey of conquering Sky Marvel.
A few small tips from my experience climbing Sky Marvel
Author: Duong Xuan Hoang
*This article is part of the Mytour Golocal program.
Mytour Golocal is a blog writing program introducing beautiful destinations throughout Vietnam, under the framework of the Mytour Go & Share program. This is a great opportunity to promote local tourism to everyone. For each qualifying article, you will receive 800,000 VND and a chance to become a Contributor with Mytour. Details about the program can be found at: https://trv.lk/golocal
