Buzz
Tà Xùa Cloud Hunting has become one of the hottest trends in the travel community lately. But what makes Tà Xùa so beautiful that it drives people crazy? And how to visit Tà Xùa, which month is the best,.. are the questions on many young people's minds. To answer these questions, Mytour brings you all the tips for Cloud Hunting at Tà Xùa. Let's check it out!
Traveling to the untouched mountains of Northwestern Vietnam always leaves travelers astonished and enchanted. Almost everyone who comes here falls in love with the beauty of the majestic nature and the simple, rustic people. The landscape is painted by blooming peach blossoms, plum blossoms on the terraced golden fields, stretching endlessly.
And of course, we cannot overlook the towering mountains immersed in the sea of white mist. However, not everyone is fortunate enough to witness this scene. That's why many people dream of successfully going Cloud Hunting at Tà Xùa to fully enjoy the magnificent natural picture of this remote border region.
“Discover the Cloud Paradise of 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 (Yên Bái) and Bắc Yên districts was opened, the number of cloud hunters at Tà Xùa has increased significantly, making it a favorite destination for travel enthusiasts.
Tà Xùa - The real cloud paradise below the earthly realm is a hot spot in the backpacker community. (Photo: Collection)
Previously known for its ancient snow Shan tea and delicious wild oranges, Tà Xùa has become a prominent tourist destination in Sơn La, attracting a large number of visitors since being dubbed “Tà Xùa, the cloud paradise”. The exact location where young people choose to hunt for clouds at Tà Xùa is the peak of a small mountain range, claimed to be the lowest peak among the top 10 highest peaks in Vietnam.
Best Time to Visit Tà Xùa
The summit of Tà Xùa at an altitude of 2875m (according to GPS) is surrounded by layers of thick clouds, resembling ocean waves crashing into the surrounding mountains. So, if you're wondering when is the best time to visit Tà Xùa, rest assured that any time is beautiful here.
Capturing the vast sea of clouds pouring down from the lonely Táo Mèo peak. (Photo: Collection)
However, everyone wants to capture the most magnificent cloud picture, right? If so, then you should visit 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 before your trip 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 take a bus, you just need to take a taxi to Ba Đình bus station and buy a ticket to Bắc Yên town. Upon reaching Bắc Yên, rent a motorbike to travel about 15km more to get to Tà Xùa.
- If you opt for motorbike, follow National Highway 32 towards Sơn Tây town, cross Trung Hà bridge, then go to Thanh Sơn, Thu Cúc. At the Thu Cúc intersection, go through Phù Yên to reach Bắc Yên town. From here, continue for another 15km to reach Tà Xùa.
For the return journey, you can go directly from Tà Xùa to Trạm Tấu without returning to Bắc Yên. Although this road is a bit steep, it's easier going downhill and will be convenient if you want to explore Nghĩa Lộ before heading back to Hanoi.
Recommended Accommodations for Cloud Hunting at Tà Xùa
As of now, Tà Xùa remains a remote and rugged mountainous commune. If you're unsure how far Tà Xùa is from Mộc Châu, remember that the distance between the two places is about 100km by road (the shortest route). Due to this remoteness, the hotel system in Tà Xùa is not as diverse and abundant as in Mộc Châu. You can stay in local homes or camp overnight on the mountain to not miss the best time for cloud hunting at Tà Xùa.
Waking up to a sea of clouds at Tà Xùa Hills Homestay. (Photo: Collection)
If you prefer convenient and comfortable accommodation, consider staying in hotels or guesthouses. The 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. You can refer to the following well-known guesthouses, hotels, and homestays located near Tà Xùa to shorten your travel time:
Recommended Hotels in Sơn La for Cloud Hunting at Tà Xùa
- Dong Tam Hotel: National Highway 37, Bac Yen Town, Bac Yen, Sơn La
- Sao Mai Hotel: National Highway 37, Bac Yen Town, Bac Yen, Sơn La
Most Popular Budget Homestays in Tà Xùa
- Xá Homestay: Tà Xùa, Bac Yen, Sơn La
- Nam To Homestay: Tà Xùa, Bac Yen, Sơn La
- Mua Tru Homestay: Tà Xùa Commune, Bac Son, Sơn La
- Bao Chau Homestay: Tà Xùa Commune, Bac Yen, Sơn La
- Long Anh 1 Homestay: Bac Yen Town, Bac Yen, Sơn La
Tà Xùa Hills Homestay with charming wooden houses nestled amidst the Northwest mountains and forests. (Photo: Collection)
Popular Guesthouses in Tà Xùa
- Phu Hoa Guesthouse: Bac Yen Town, Bac Yen, Sơn La
- Tra May Tà Xùa Guesthouse: Ban Tà Xùa A, Tà Xùa Commune, Bac Yen, Sơn La
- Thu Bien Guesthouse: Zone 2, Bac Yen Town, Bac Yen, Sơn La
- Hai Hang Guesthouse: Tà Xùa Road, Zone 3, Bac Yen Town, Bac Yen, Sơn La
- Nguyen San Guesthouse: Tà Xùa Road, Zone 3, Bac Yen Town, Bac Yen, Sơn La
You may also be interested in: Hanoi Mai Chau Moc Chau Tour
What to Eat When Cloud Hunting at Tà Xùa
Tà Xùa is still quite undeveloped, with limited tourism services, so you won't have many dining options. Usually, meals consist of the typical four-dish set common in daily meals. Just remember to bring along some cold foods like bread, sausages, water, etc., as you'll be cloud hunting all day.
Cost for a Cloud Hunting Trip to Tà Xùa
Typically, young people choose to go Cloud Hunting at Tà Xùa for 2 days 1 night or 3 days 2 nights for leisure. The cost for this trip is relatively low, ranging from about 550,000 to 1,500,000 VND depending on the itinerary, transportation, and accommodation you choose.
What Makes Tà Xùa So Captivating
When you go Cloud Hunting at Tà Xùa, you'll feel like you're in a fairyland, surrounded by endless layers of clouds. Imagine standing on a high mountain peak, gazing at the rolling sea of clouds pouring towards the mountains, incredibly vivid and mystical. Moreover, you'll inhale a refreshing cool breeze carrying the scent of the Northwest mountains and forests. What an unforgettable experience, isn't it?
The Most Beautiful Cloud Hunting Spots in Tà Xùa
While conquering the summit of Tà Xùa, you can easily spot images of thick fog covering the valleys. According to Mr. Tran Viet Dung (owner of Ngỗng Hankang Homestay), the most beautiful cloud hunting spots in Tà Xùa are: the intersection of Tà Xùa and Hang Đồng (about 3km), the center of Tà Xùa commune, the intersection of Tà Xùa and Xím Vàng (about 1.5km), and the small mountainous road from the central rice shop in Tà Xùa.
Tà Xùa boasts many stunning cloud hunting routes, with the spine-like living dinosaur being one of them. (Photo: Collection)
Among them, the road from the commune center towards Hang Đồng is the most popular among travelers because here, the wind is calm, and the mountains are tightly wrapped, so the clouds linger longer (sometimes until 10 - 11 am).
Some Famous Check-In Spots in Tà Xùa
Apart from cloud hunting, what else can you do in Tà Xùa is a question on many people's minds. Therefore, Mytour has compiled some popular tourist attractions in Tà Xùa. If you have extra time, be sure to check them out:
♦ Living Dinosaur's Spine at Háng Đồng: Located about 5km from the center of Háng Đồng commune, this place boasts a stunning landscape with its back leaning against the pristine Tà Xùa mountain range, overlooking a valley hundreds of meters deep towards the town.
♦ Turtle Head Rock Formation in Tà Xùa: A highly popular virtual check-in spot featuring a rock formation jutting out from the mountain range, appearing to float amidst the clouds.
♦ The Lonely “Cat Apple Tree”: Situated at Windy Peak, this spot offers you unique photo opportunities. From the Xím Vàng - Háng Đồng intersection, walk about 2.5 km further to reach here.
The Lonely Cat Apple Tree is a favorite check-in spot for many young travelers visiting Tà Xùa Cloud Hunting.
Key Tips for a Successful Tà Xùa Cloud Hunting Trip
To make the most of your Tà Xùa Cloud Hunting adventure, keep these points in mind:
- Check the weather forecast and aim for days with light drizzle, low temperatures at night, high temperatures during the day, and clear skies.
- Drive carefully, avoid traveling at night, and don't go in overly large groups.
- If possible, consider camping overnight as the clouds are thickest in the early morning.
- If staying at a homestay or 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 for the best photo opportunities.
You need to prepare many things if you plan to camp overnight for cloud hunting in Tà Xùa. (Photo: Collected)
- Prepare essential items such as jackets, blankets, raincoats, sunglasses, lighters, flashlights, snacks, etc.
- Check the fuel tank before embarking on the journey to conquer Tà Xùa peak.
- If you're going Cloud Hunting in Tà Xùa by car, choose a vehicle with less than 12 seats as the road can be slippery and treacherous.
- You can also combine some Son La tourist spots like Moc Chau to make your trip more exciting.
Ideal Itinerary Suggestions for Tà Xùa Cloud Hunting
Mytour recommends two popular routes for cloud hunting in Tà Xùa suitable for both car and motorcycle enthusiasts.
► 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 Yen – Hanoi
Wake up early in the morning for breakfast, start Cloud Hunting in Tà Xùa, and by noon, return to Bac Yen before heading back to Hanoi.
You can choose between a 2-day or 3-day itinerary for cloud hunting in Tà Xùa. (Photo: Collection)
► Itinerary 2 (by motorcycle): Hanoi – Bac Yen – Tà Xùa – Tram Tau – Nghia Lo – Hanoi
This itinerary is suitable for those who enjoy off-road adventure and exploration as you'll take different routes on the way there and back.
Day 1: Hanoi – Bac Yen (Tram Tau)
On Friday evening, depart from Hanoi to Bac Yen, where you can either stay overnight or proceed directly to Tà Xùa. Spend the night in Bac Yen (or Tà Xùa).
Day 2: (Tà Xùa) Bac Yen – Tram Tau – Nghia Lo
Saturday morning, embark on your cloud hunting journey, capturing photos and enjoying outdoor activities. By noon, head towards Tram Tau, then return to Nghia Lo for the night. Take the opportunity to soak in the famous hot springs of Nghia Lo.
Day 3: Nghia Lo – QL32 – Thu Cuc – Hanoi
Wake up early and explore the Mường Lò market, indulge in Yen Bai's specialties, then take the reverse route via QL32, crossing the Khế pass back to Thu Cúc before returning to Hanoi. If you have extra time, you can take a detour through the Lũng Lô pass for sightseeing before returning to QL32 to Hanoi.
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► Itinerary 3: Hanoi - Bac Yen - Tà Xùa - Bac Yen - Moc Chau - Hanoi
Day 1: Hanoi - Bac Yen - Tà Xùa
Similar to the car itinerary, in the evening or late Thursday, you depart from Hanoi via National Highway 32 to Bac Yen. If you leave early, you can continue to Tà Xùa, but if you leave late, it's advisable to stay overnight in Bac Yen.
Day 2: Tà Xùa - Bac Yên - QL37 - Vạn Yên Ferry - Moc Chau
The next morning, wake up early to Tà Xùa for cloud hunting. By noon, return to Bac Yen, but at the intersection of QL37 and QL43, turn onto QL43 towards Moc Chau. That evening, you rest in Moc Chau.
Day 3: Moc Chau - Hanoi
Wake up early to visit the tea hills of Moc Chau then return to Hanoi.
The stunning beauty when the dawn breaks through the sea of clouds in Tà Xùa leaves many in awe. (Photo: Collection)
By now, you've surely pocketed all the essential secrets for a successful Tà Xùa Cloud Hunting trip, haven't you? If you're a nature lover of the Northwest mountainous region and want to experience cloud hunting but hesitate due to difficult mountain passes, you can choose attractive cloud hunting tours at Mytour such as Sapa tourism, Moc Chau - Mai Chau tourism,... Or let Mytour tailor the perfect cloud hunting itinerary in Tà Xùa for you and help you get cheap air tickets. If you have any questions, contact the Hotline Mytour immediately for free advice from Mytour!
