Top 8 Useful Travel Tips for Tà Xùa

Overall, tourism services in Tà Xùa are still underdeveloped, so you won't find luxury, modern hotels here. Instead, you can stay at homestays, immersing yourself in the local lifestyle. Room rates are quite affordable, ranging from 100,000 to 300,000 VND. Some of the homestays are run by the Mong ethnic people, and if you request, they will prepare meals for you.

Recommended Hotels in Sơn La When Traveling to Tà Xùa for Cloud Hunting:

• Dong Tam Hotel: National Road 37, Bac Yen Town, Bac Yen, Sơn La
• Sao Mai Hotel: National Road 37, Bac Yen Town, Bac Yen, Sơn La
• Popular Budget Homestays in Tà Xùa:
• Xá Homestay: Tà Xùa, Bac Yen, Sơn La
• Nam Tồ Homestay: Tà Xùa, Bac Yen, Sơn La
• Mùa Trứ Homestay: Tà Xùa Commune, Bac Sơn, Sơn La
• Bảo Châu Homestay: Tà Xùa Commune, Bac Yen, Sơn La
• Long Anh 1 Homestay: Bac Yen Town, Bac Yen, Sơn La

Popular Guesthouses in Tà Xùa:

• Phù Hoa Guesthouse: Bac Yen Town, Bac Yen, Sơn La
• Trà Mây Tà Xùa Guesthouse: Tà Xùa A Village, Tà Xùa Commune, Bac Yen, Sơn La
• Thủ Biển Guesthouse: Sub-area 2, Bac Yen Town, Bac Yen, Sơn La
• Hải Hằng Guesthouse: Tà Xùa Road, Sub-area 3, Bac Yen Town, Bac Yen, Sơn La
• Nguyễn San Guesthouse: Tà Xùa Road, Sub-area 3, Bac Yen Town, Bac Yen, Sơn La

In addition to homestays, guesthouses, or hostels, if you're into backpacking and a rustic style, you can also set up tents at Tà Xùa to rest.

Notable Local Specialties of Tà Xùa include:

• Beef Jerky: A signature dish of the Northwestern mountains, Tà Xùa's beef jerky is made by marinating beef slices with spices, especially the local 'mắc khén' spice, and then smoking it over charcoal for two months. The beef becomes tender, aromatic, and chewy, with a distinct woody flavor. It is often torn into small pieces and served with 'chẩm chéo' sauce or used in various dishes, accompanied by corn wine to warm up in the cold mountains.
• Mac Nhung Porridge: A popular dish in the cold season, Mac Nhung porridge is made from a green fruit related to tomatoes, but with a spicy, sweet, and bitter taste. The fruit is picked ripe from the fields, cleaned, and cooked with rice, pork bones or minced pork, and grilled ginger, lemongrass, and chili, creating a unique flavor not to be missed in this region.
• Fermented Salted Pork: A deliciously unique dish, fermented salted pork is common in Tà Xùa. Made with raw pork, salt, and leftover rice, it is fermented for six months. The resulting dish has a tangy and salty flavor, with crispy, tender pork. When eaten, the fatty part is discarded, and only the lean, sour meat is enjoyed.
• Beef Skin Salad: A special dish from the Thai ethnic group, Beef Skin Salad is simple yet meticulous. The beef skin is cleaned, singed, soaked in water, and then finely sliced. It is mixed with sour bamboo water, peanuts, chili, cilantro, ginger, and 'mắc khén', creating a flavorful and enticing dish that draws many tourists.
• Nam Pịa: A dish made from animal offal like intestines, stomach, blood, and meat, cooked slowly with mountain herbs until it becomes a thick mixture. The most essential part of the dish is the thick substance from the animal's intestines. It has a bitter taste and is typically served with banana leaves and mint herbs.
• Mountain Apple: Known locally as Sơn Tra, Mountain Apple is a famous fruit of Tà Xùa. It is a medicinal fruit known for its digestive and immune-boosting properties, as well as its potential to prevent cancer. The fruit is commonly used in medicinal alcohol, jams, and dried fruit snacks.

Cloud Hunting Spots in Tà Xùa

Cloud hunting has become a trendy activity among young travelers, and Tà Xùa is one of the most popular destinations for this. With many scenic spots like Tà Xùa Village, Xím Vàng, Háng Đồng, and the famous 'Sống Lưng Khủng Long' (Dinosaur’s Spine), visitors come here to catch stunning views and snap beautiful photos.

Tà Xùa Milky Way

In addition to cloud hunting, many photographers enjoy capturing the Milky Way in Tà Xùa, as the area’s clear skies make it an excellent spot for stargazing. The absence of light pollution allows for breathtaking views of the galaxy.

Climbing Tà Xùa Peak

The 2,875-meter-high Tà Xùa Peak is a favorite among trekkers looking for a challenge. The journey to the summit offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, and reaching the top gives you a sense of accomplishment. To tackle this trek, it’s important to have good fitness, prepare hiking gear, and pack snacks and water to ensure a smooth adventure.

Visiting the Ancient Tea Hills of Tà Xùa

Tà Xùa is home to ancient Shan Tuyết tea trees that are hundreds of years old and play a significant role in the culture of the local H’Mong people. These wild tea forests have not been tended by humans and feature tea trees covered in moss and lichen. Visitors can admire the towering trees and even experience tea picking alongside the locals.

Dinosaur’s Spine

The 'Sống Lưng Khủng Long' (Dinosaur’s Spine) is a narrow ridge located at 1,600 meters above sea level. It’s an exhilarating place to visit with a trail that feels like walking in mid-air, with steep cliffs on both sides. The experience can be thrilling, especially when strong winds blow, adding an extra challenge to the adventure.

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, following National Highway 32 to Son Tay, Trung Ha Bridge, Thanh Son, Thu Cuc, Phu Yen, and Bac Yen. If you leave early (Saturday afternoon), you can continue straight to Tà Xùa, otherwise, plan to stay overnight in Bac Yen.

Day 2: Tà Xùa – Bac Yen – Hanoi

Wake up early, have breakfast, and head to Tà Xùa for cloud hunting. In the afternoon, return to Bac Yen and then head back to Hanoi.

You can opt for a 2-day or 3-day cloud hunting trip in Tà Xùa.

Itinerary 2 (By Motorbike): Hanoi – Bac Yen – Tà Xùa – Tram Tau – Nghia Lo – Hanoi

This route is perfect for those who love off-road adventures and exploring new places, as it offers different return routes.

Day 1: Hanoi – Bac Yen (Tram Tau)

On Friday evening, depart from Hanoi and either stay in Bac Yen or go directly to Tà Xùa. Overnight stay in Bac Yen or Tà Xùa.

Day 2: (Tà Xùa) Bac Yen – Tram Tau – Nghia Lo

On Saturday morning, begin your cloud hunting, photography, and outdoor activities. By noon, head towards Tram Tau and Nghia Lo, where you can relax and stay overnight. Don’t miss out on a hot spring bath in Nghia Lo.

Day 3: Nghia Lo – QL32 – Thu Cuc – Hanoi

On Sunday, explore the Mường Lò Market and enjoy the local specialties. Then, travel back to Hanoi via QL32, passing through Khé Pass and Thu Cuc. If you have extra time, take a detour via Lũng Lô Pass before heading back to Hanoi.

Related: 5D4N Hanoi-Moc Chau-Sapa Tour

Itinerary 3: Hanoi – Bac Yen – Tà Xùa – Bac Yen – Moc Chau – Hanoi

Day 1: Hanoi – Bac Yen – Tà Xùa

Following the same route as the first itinerary, depart from Hanoi on Saturday afternoon and head towards Bac Yen. If you leave early, you can continue to Tà Xùa; otherwise, stay overnight in Bac Yen.

Day 2: Tà Xùa – Bac Yen – QL37 – Van Yen Ferry – Moc Chau

On Sunday, wake up early for a morning cloud hunt in Tà Xùa. By noon, return to Bac Yen and then take National Highway 37 and Highway 43 towards Moc Chau. Overnight stay in Moc Chau.

Day 3: Moc Chau – Hanoi

In the morning, visit Moc Chau’s tea plantations, then head back to Hanoi.

Tà Xùa is a newly discovered destination, and being a high mountain area, it still faces some infrastructural challenges. Specifically, 'Cloud Hunting in Tà Xùa' is not guaranteed every day, as weather conditions must align perfectly. Therefore, it's essential to prepare thoroughly for a successful trip. Here are some crucial tips for your Tà Xùa journey:

Monitor Weather Conditions: Before deciding to visit any location, especially for cloud hunting, it's important to check the weather forecast for the area. Successful cloud hunting requires the right conditions: cold nights, warm days, light drizzle, and sunshine during the day. It's advisable to check the weather or ask your homestay or hotel host for local weather updates.

Transportation: The distance from Hanoi to Tà Xùa is quite long. You can either take a car to Bac Yen and then rent a motorbike to Tà Xùa or drive directly from Hanoi by motorbike. Be sure to inspect your vehicle thoroughly – check the brakes, tires, and fuel levels – and make sure you’re prepared for a safe journey. It’s also recommended to carry essential motorcycle repair tools in case of breakdowns. If you're traveling with a group, it's safer and more fun. Traveling together allows you to solve issues on the road, set up camp, enjoy a bonfire, and experience cloud hunting together.

Essential Gear to Bring: As Tà Xùa is a mountainous area, temperatures can vary significantly compared to the plains. Facilities are also limited, so you must pack adequately for the trip:

• Clothing: Choose flexible, breathable clothes for the long journey. In summer, bring 3-4 sets of clothes to change. A jacket or windbreaker is recommended in case of cold weather.
• Shoes: You will need durable trekking shoes for hiking. If you don't have trekking shoes, opt for high-top, thick-soled sports shoes to protect from insects.
• Gloves: Gloves are essential for mountain treks to protect your hands and help you grip safely on rocky paths.
• Food & Water: Bring dry snacks like bread, sausages, instant noodles, and biscuits for quick energy. Carry 1-2 liters of water to stay hydrated during your trek.
• Electronics: Don't forget your phone, power bank, charger, flashlight, and camera to capture stunning moments in Tà Xùa. If you're an avid photographer, consider bringing a camera, lens, and filters for the best shots.
• Other Items: Aside from the essentials, consider packing a tent, sleeping bag, rain gear, lighter, medication, and a thin blanket for added comfort during your exploration.

Tà Xùa is a remote mountainous commune in the Bắc Yên district of Sơn La province. It borders the Trạm Tấu district of Yên Bái province and Bắc Yên district of Sơn La. Previously, due to the lack of proper roads, life in Tà Xùa was quite difficult, and getting there was no easy task.

However, in 2011, the government constructed a road leading to the commune, significantly improving the lives of the locals. This development also helped Tà Xùa become a popular destination for young travelers seeking new adventures and exploring untouched regions.

At an altitude of 2,875 meters (according to GPS), Tà Xùa's peak is enveloped year-round in layers of thick mist, rolling like ocean waves crashing against the mountains. So, if you're unsure when is the best time to visit Tà Xùa, rest assured that any season offers its own beauty.

Often called 'Heaven on Earth,' Tà Xùa (Bắc Yên) is a popular cloud-hunting destination, attracting both domestic and international travelers. It offers stunning natural landscapes and a place where the traditional culture of the local highland ethnic groups is preserved.

Aside from its majestic mountains, Tà Xùa is famous for its breathtaking “cloud paradise.” The best time to hunt for clouds is from October to April. During this period, you’ll witness floating seas of white clouds in the valleys, often described as a “heavenly realm,” a must-see for travelers in the northwest region.

Locals recommend visiting right after a monsoon or on days with light rain in the evening, as early mornings following these conditions reveal seas of clouds blanketing the valleys.

According to many travelers' experiences, you can reach Tà Xùa by motorcycle, bus, or car.

By Motorcycle
From Hanoi, follow National Route 32 through Nhổn, Sơn Tây town, Trung Hà Bridge, Thanh Sơn, Thu Cúc, Phù Yên, Bắc Yên, and then Tà Xùa.

Motorcycling is ideal for adventure seekers, but be cautious as the roads to Tà Xùa are winding and rugged. If you're unsure about the route, you can consult travel blogs or tips from previous travelers.

By Bus
You can catch a bus from My Dinh Bus Station to Bắc Yên, then rent a motorcycle for the final 15km to Tà Xùa.

For a smoother journey, it's recommended to check out Tà Xùa or Sơn La travel maps in advance.

If you're returning, consider traveling from Tà Xùa directly to Trạm Tấu instead of going back to Bắc Yên. This route is a bit steep, but descending is easier, and it gives you a chance to explore Nghĩa Lộ before heading back to Hanoi.