Top 10 Most Beautiful Cloud Hunting Spots in Vietnam

When it comes to renowned cloud hunting destinations, Tà Xùa is probably the first name that comes to every traveler's mind. Located on the border between Sơn La and Yên Bái provinces, conquering the sea of clouds on this mountain requires travelers to move to Trạm Tấu (Yên Bái) and then climb the mountain for 2-3 days to reach the highest peak of Tà Xùa. Along the mountain ascent, you will encounter white clouds like cotton, floating in front of you, as beautiful as a dream.

Dubbed as the cloud paradise in Vietnam, Tà Xùa attracts countless adventurers every year to conquer and explore. It is also an unmissable destination for avid cloud hunters. Overcoming the 200km journey from Hanoi, the 13km stretch from Bắc Yên town to Tà Xùa unveils the dreamy clouds squeezing through the mountains.

Tà Xùa - a scenery like a fairyland appears with clouds, mountains, and grass. Quietly admire the rolling clouds in the valleys, as if entering a heaven on earth, where time and space seem to stop, each moment becomes more serene and peaceful than ever. The best time to hunt for clouds in Tà Xùa is from December to March each year, with the highest probability of encountering the cloud-filled valleys.

Situated at an altitude of over 2000m in Bát Xát district, Lào Cai, Y Tý is a region covered by clouds and mist throughout the year. Nestled against the Nhu Cồ San mountain range, Y Tý exudes a rustic, simple, and wild beauty with its layers of drifting clouds.

The best time to 'hunt clouds' in Y Tý is from September to April every year. During this period, the scenery is incredibly suitable for cloud chasing, as if you are standing on the 9th floor of the clouds. The temperature in Y Tý Bát Xát Lào Cai can be very cold during this time, so it's essential to prepare adequate clothing to avoid the chill when cloud hunting in this area.

Y Tý is also the only place inhabited by the Nhị Hà ethnic group. With its unique cultural identity, the pristine Dền Sáng forest – often referred to as the hanging forest on high mountains – makes Y Tý Lào Cai attractive to backpackers both domestic and international, especially adventurous young people who love to explore challenging routes and mountain passes.

When it comes to beautiful cloud hunting spots, Sapa is always a name that springs to mind. Sapa's beauty lies not in its flamboyance or hustle and bustle but in its tranquility, in the hazy sky, in peaceful simplicity. The entire town seems to be immersed in a sea of white, fluffy clouds, covering every valley and village.

Sa Pa town resembles a drifting boat amidst a sea of white clouds, aptly named the 'cloud river' because the clouds here are dense, pure white, and spread across the valleys and mountainsides. When the sun rises, combined with the wind, it creates waves of clouds rising and falling between the mountain slopes. At that moment, you will have the opportunity to admire the villages with rows of pine trees intermittently appearing and disappearing, creating a captivating landscape.

When cloud hunting in Sapa, Fansipan Peak cannot be missed – the roof of Indochina, with an elevation of 3143m. Standing at the summit and looking down, you will be completely overwhelmed by the thick, swirling clouds right below your feet, creating a fantastic sensation as if you are lost in a fairyland.

Bạch Mộc Lương Tử is the natural boundary between Lào Cai and Lai Châu, with the highest peak reaching 3,045 meters. It is one of the top 5 highest mountains in Vietnam, becoming one of the most attractive trekking destinations for the youth due to its pristine and majestic beauty of mountainous forests and sky-reaching clouds.

There are two routes to conquer Bạch Mộc Lương Tử: one from Sàng Ma Sáo commune, Bát Xát district, Lào Cai province, and the other from Dền Sung village, Sin Súi Hồ commune, Phong Thổ district, Lai Châu province. The route is challenging and perilous, with steep and dangerous sections not suitable for those with weak physical fitness and fear of heights. However, it is increasingly attracting adventure seekers to conquer and explore.

Bạch Mộc Lương Tử is an unmissable cloud hunting spot in the Northwest region. The journey here is challenging, but overcoming the difficulties is a rewarding experience, with a sea of clouds beneath the warm and sweet sunlight. Watching the sunrise in the drifting clouds at the Muối mountain is perhaps even more wonderful. The best time to hunt clouds here is during the winter season.

Ô Quy Hồ Pass not only challenges the curiosity of adventurous souls but also pours dreams into the hearts of those who appreciate art. It is a masterpiece of nature in the changing emotions of the Northwestern sky - a beauty bestowed by Mother Nature to everyone. If you check in at this magical pass, chances are you will have a giant collection of photos to share on social media that won't run out for a whole year.

Ô Quy Hồ Pass is located about 15km from the center of Sapa, and it is also one of the familiar cloud-hunting spots for backpackers. Ô Quy Hồ Pass is quite challenging, approximately 50km long, and lies on the border between Lào Cai and Lai Châu provinces. If Sapa is famous for its 'thread-like clouds,' Ô Quy Hồ Pass brings backpackers the spectacle of rolling waves of clouds. This place is also home to a massive cloud sea in the high mountains.

Currently, Ô Quy Hồ Pass is the largest and most beautiful pass in Sapa, also the longest pass in the Northwestern region. It is named in the H'mong language, but it is also known as Hoàng Liên Pass. Ô Quy Hồ Pass, along with Mã Pí Lèng Pass (Hà Giang), Pha Đin Pass (Sơn La), and Khau Phạ Pass (Yên Bái), forms the 'Four Great Passes' in the Northwestern sky.

Tà Chi Nhù is one of the 10 highest mountains in Vietnam, belonging to the famous Hoàng Liên Sơn range. It is also known as the kingdom for cloud-chasing journeys, as the view here is always covered with clouds. However, compared to the Indochina rooftop Fansipan, the road to Tà Chi Nhù seems more challenging due to the rocky terrain of Yên Bái, with a steep and endless mountain path. Nevertheless, Tà Chi Nhù is still one of the attractive Northern tourist destinations worth experiencing at least once.

Tà Chi Nhù is situated at an altitude of 2979m in Trạm Tấu district (Yên Bái). It is dubbed as the “ocean in the sky,” an ideal place for cloud hunting enthusiasts. When visiting Tà Chi Nhù, you can freely admire the radiant clouds under the sunlight, the shadows of wild horses flickering on the mountainside, creating an enchanting and spacious atmosphere. The best time to climb Tà Chi Nhù is in winter when the weather is dry and less rainy.

When you hear the name Sìn Hồ in Lai Châu, you imagine a realm of ethereal white clouds amidst the mountains of Northwest Vietnam. Every year, around the Spring season, travelers eagerly head to the Northwest to experience the cloud-filled routes and the melody of the wind, savoring the gentle and melodious breeze.

Just the thought makes you crave to return to Sìn Hồ, immerse yourself in the floating sea of clouds, and witness the vibrant H'mong girls adorned in colorful dresses hidden in the fairyland of Sìn Hồ. As a highland district in Lai Châu province, bordering to the north with Yunnan province (China), approximately 60km west of Lai Châu town, Sìn Hồ is an unmissable destination for those who love exploration and unforgettable experiences.

Anyone who visits Sìn Hồ feels like entering a surreal world, where nature's scenery is both majestic and charming. Nestled within the clouds are low stilt houses, peacefully glowing like scenes from a fairy tale. Conquering Sìn Hồ is no easy feat, as the path is winding, full of twists and turns, along high mountains and deep valleys. However, overcoming this challenging journey is the only way to truly appreciate the value of soaring among the clouds, touching the sky, and freely dancing amidst the sea of clouds.

Ranked among the majestic mountain passes in Vietnam, Mã Pí Lèng is situated on National Highway 4C in the areas of Pải Lủng and Pả Vi, Mèo Vạc District, Hà Giang Province. As you ascend, the clouds gracefully weave through the landscape like a fairyland. Exploring the Mã Pí Lèng pass, you'll have the opportunity to witness the breathtaking natural scenery of towering mountains. Not only that, but you'll also learn about the history of this pass with many interesting facts.

Mã Pì Lèng connects the city of Hà Giang with Đồng Văn to Mèo Vạc town, and the pass is approximately 20km long. Conquering the high passes like Cổng Trời, Cán Tỷ... you'll admire a scenery where the mountains touch the clouds, your hair fluttering in the mountain breeze. From above, you'll see the winding and misty mountain passes in the sea of rolling clouds. As you ascend, it feels like being lost in a fairyland. Cloud hunting in Mã Pí Lèng can also include visits to famous attractions such as the Twin Mountains of Quản Bạ and the Lũng Cú flagpole.

Mường Móc (Mộc Châu) boasts a climate resembling that of Sa Pa, Tam Đảo, and Đà Lạt, resulting in an abundance of clouds and countless mists. In the ancient Thai language, Mường Móc translates to the path of smoke, fog, and clouds. Here, whether in the sunny or rainy seasons, during mornings, afternoons, or even midday, one frequently encounters cloud-filled valleys, mountain ranges, and fields donned in a shimmering mist.

Mist hangs over the tea plantations and lush green fields like soft silk, transforming the colossal mountain ranges into deserted islands amidst a sea of pure white clouds. The clouds sometimes float gently, and other times rush in within minutes, only to be swept away by the wind to another place.

To capture beautiful clouds in Mường Móc, one must choose elevated areas with an abundance of clouds, select tall mountain ranges overlooking valleys with rugged rocky peaks. Moreover, finding an ideal vantage point that captures the sunlight beautifully piercing through the clouds and creating a picturesque scene along the mountain slopes is essential. Hence, the pursuit of clouds in Mường Móc remains a captivating endeavor.

The Northern region boasts numerous mountainous towns renowned for their cool climates, such as Sa Pa, Ba Vì, and Mẫu Sơn. Nevertheless, this does not diminish the distinct allure of Tam Đảo tourism. One of the convenient factors that makes Tam Đảo an appealing destination for many lies in its proximity to Hanoi, just approximately 80km away.

After only a two-hour motorcycle ride, you will find yourself in a fairyland where there are only clouds, mountains, towering pine forests, and an air distinct from the hustle and bustle of urban areas.

Tam Đảo, located in Vĩnh Phúc province, is about 80km from Hanoi. The name Tam Đảo is derived from the combination of three peaks: Thiên Thị, Thạch Bàn, and Phù Nghĩa. It is also an ideal cloud-chasing spot. Looking down from the mountaintop, you will be greeted with a dreamy panorama, as white clouds hover, veiling the city below. Cloud hunting in Tam Đảo is an excellent choice for Hanoi residents with limited time and a preference for shorter ascents.