Buzz
Dust-filled travels bring forth the thrill of offroad journeys, not just for relishing local delicacies and marveling at scenic beauty but also for the peculiar pursuit of cloud hunting. It's a strange fascination indeed. The clouds in the sky, perceived as elusive and untouchable, become moments of embrace and immersion for those who pursue them.
Clouds over the Sìn Hồ Plateau – Photo: Le Hong Ha
Cloud chasing is no easy feat. Not every elevated or renowned location guarantees the presence of beautiful clouds. From the North to the South, wherever there are mountains, there are clouds. Yet, to chase ocean-like clouds, the grandeur lies in the northern mountainous regions of Vietnam. This is a longing for Southern adventurers hindered by geographical distance and limited time.
Misty morning in Dalat – Photo: An Nghiem Xuan
In the cloud-chasing journey – Photo: Le Hong Ha
A stunning encounter with wild nature – Photo: Le Hong Ha
Before commencing the journey, adventurous travelers must thoroughly research the weather for the day—whether it promises a beautiful sun or gloomy rain. Vietnam distinctively experiences wet and dry seasons. The Southern region encounters rain from May to November, while the Northern part faces abundant rainfall from April to October. For cloud chasing, it's essential to avoid the rainy season, as ascending the mountains then yields nothing but dense fog and chilling rain. Yet, venturing into the dry season with glaring sun is also discouraged, as the high skies reveal only a monotonous blue with scanty white clouds.
Daisy-filled splendor amidst white clouds – Photo: Le Hong Ha
The first rays of sunlight heralding a new day – Photo: Le Hong Ha
Truly, plans may pale in comparison to nature's whims. Cloud chasing predominantly relies on... luck. Someone making their fourth visit to Y Ty (Lao Cai) in September—the season of golden rice fields and drifting clouds wrapping around terraced hillsides—might not chance upon the commonly depicted beautiful scenes on travel websites. Yet, there are those fortunate enough to not bother with calculations, simply venturing forth and stumbling upon a natural masterpiece—a sea of gifted clouds.
Clouds embracing golden terraced rice fields – Photo: An Nghiem Xuan
City shrouded in clouds – Photo: An Nghiem Xuan
In the trekking journey to Pha Luong (Moc Chau, Son La) with a group of friends, one must acknowledge their stroke of luck as the path is veiled in dense mist, amidst forest rain and slippery slopes. Crossing makeshift bridges of tree trunks carried by porters eases the way, and emerging from the woods triggers overwhelming emotions. The expansive, flat space atop the heights, harmonizing with the drifting sea of clouds, resembles a celestial paradise.
Cloud ocean atop Pha Luong peak – Photo: Heo Bo Ro
Delicate layers of clouds in the distance – Photo: An Nghiem Xuan
Explore further: Cloud Chasing Adventure – Part 2
Hoa Cat – ExperienceTraveling.com
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Posted by: Hoang Vu
Keywords: Cloud Chasing Adventure – Part 1
