Venture into the ancient forest, conquer Mount Salt in Northwest Vietnam.

If you desire to immerse yourself in nature and conquer a mountain peak in Northwest Vietnam, but time is limited, Mount Salt is the perfect choice.

Venture into the ancient forest, conquer Mount Salt in Northwest Vietnam.

Mount Salt is a mountain range situated between the two communes of Sin Suoi Ho (Phong Tho, Lai Chau) and Sang Ma Sao (Bat Xat, Lao Cai). The total distance from the foot of Mount Salt to the peak is approximately 14km.

In just two weekend days, starting from Hanoi, you can reach Sapa, pass through remote villages, or admire ancient trees in the primeval forest and camp atop the 2100m high mountain peak.

The best time to climb Mount Salt is from autumn to spring when the weather is neither too cold nor too hot. If you go in winter, make sure to prepare warm clothes diligently, but you will have the opportunity to admire snow covering leaves, hills, just like in fairy tales.

Starting from Hanoi, travelers can take a sleeper bus to either Lao Cai or Sa Pa. From the central bus station in Lao Cai or Sa Pa, you will need to travel to the Sàng Ma Sáo commune to begin the journey to conquer the summit of Mount Salt. You can either rent a motorbike if traveling solo or in small groups to save costs, or hire a 16-seater van if traveling with a larger group.

Upon reaching Sàng Ma Sáo, you can hire a guide to lead the way, or you can prepare your own food and carry your own equipment for the mountain climb. The number of guides hired depends on the size of your group. The cost of a guide is 300,000 VND per day.

If you hire a guide, they will prepare food for the entire group, including rice, meat, and vegetables. Once at the resting camp, the guide will cook for the whole group. To be proactive, it's advisable to book in advance at least 1-2 days for the guides to prepare.

From the starting point, you will trek through the village surrounded by mountains, terraced fields, and pristine streams.

The path up Mount Salt mainly consists of steep inclines, occasionally there will be a flat stretch where you can experience various terrains.

You will traverse through lush green bamboo forests, reminiscent of scenes from Japanese or Chinese movies, or journey amidst ancient forests with towering old-growth trees. Along the way, you will encounter streams and waterfalls flowing vigorously day and night in the tranquil mountainous landscape.

Walking through the ancient forest, inhaling the rich scent of grass, wood, and flowers, occasionally pausing in the valley, gazing into the distance, no car horns, no dust, just tranquil silence melting away all your fatigue and pain.

Evening on the mountain peak campsite is delightful, sitting around the campfire, chatting about upcoming journeys. Roasting sweet potatoes and corn over hot coals, happily sharing the charred potatoes, laughter echoing. It's been a while since I enjoyed such a simple mountain delicacy.

The most memorable experience is witnessing the first rays of sun at the summit of Mount Salt. From when the sunlight illuminates the golden peaks, to when it stretches across the valley, a majestic and breathtaking scene unfolds before your eyes.

If you're fortunate, you'll encounter white clouds resembling a fairyland. Even without the sea of clouds, the beauty at the summit of Mount Salt will leave you in awe.

Mount Salt 2-day Trek Itinerary:

Day 0: Hanoi – Lao Cai (or Sapa)

Travel comfortably by sleeper bus or train to Lao Cai or Sapa.

Day 1: Lao Cai (Sa Pa) – Sàng Ma Sáo – Lán Núi Muối

- Arrive at Lao Cai bus station, rent a motorbike or car to Sàng Ma Sáo. A porter will meet you there.

- Depart early to reach the resting camp at 2,100m altitude by late afternoon. Enjoy a campfire exchange in the evening.

Day 2: 2,100m Camp – Sàng Ma Sáo – Lao Cai/Sapa

- Wake up at 5 am to witness the sunrise atop Núi Muối. If lucky, you may encounter a breathtaking sea of white clouds.

A sturdy 30-liter backpack with ergonomic support for your adventures.

Pack 2-3 sets of lightweight clothing for easy changes on the go.

Protective plastic-coated gloves for gripping along rugged paths.

Keep warm with adhesive thermal patches during winter climbs.

Opt for a wide-brimmed or peaked cap, sunglasses for sunny summer treks.

Carry a backup charger for all your electronic gadgets.

Indulge in light snacks such as energy bars, chocolate, beef jerky, rice cakes, dried fruits...

Ensure to purchase water for the entire group in advance from Sang Ma Sao and have the porter carry it for you.

Accommodations at Muoi Mountain are equipped with ample blankets and pillows, and insulated foam mats below, keeping you warm; hence, you may not need to bring a sleeping bag.

As per Dương Quán Hạ from Tuổi trẻ newspaper

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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour