Conquering Phu Sa Phin peak

Phu Sa Phin is the highest peak in the Ta Xua mountain range, bordering Tram Tau district in Yen Bai province. The peak offers breathtaking scenery, with pristine forests that provide visitors with many exciting experiences as they conquer this place.

 A sea of clouds viewed from Phu Sa Phin peak.

Phu Sa Phin peak, with an altitude of 2,868 meters above sea level, is located in Hang Chu commune, Bac Yen district. There are two main routes to the summit: one starts from the foot of the mountain in Xim Vang commune, and the other begins from Hang Chu hamlet, Hang Chu commune. The journey is guided by skilled Mong locals who are familiar with the terrains, are in excellent physical condition, and have been accompanying trekking and tourist groups for many years.

 Travelers prepare their luggage for the journey to Phu Sa Phin peak.

Following the "porter," who served as both the navigator and supporter, carrying food, backpacks, and other supplies, we, along with the group of travelers, conquered each step of the mountain. As we ventured deeper into the forest, the trail became increasingly narrow, and the open sky gradually gave way to the vast canopy of towering old trees, with their branches interwoven to form a thick cover overhead.

Along the pristine forest, a soft carpet of moss stretched endlessly along the path, with golden hues spreading from the ground up to the trunks of ancient trees that can be embraced by three or four people, with tangled roots and fascinating shapes. The landscape of Phu Sa Phin changed constantly, with the wilderness and mysterious atmosphere in the forest intensifying as we ascended. It felt like stepping into a fairytale world.

At Phu Sa Phin peak, the enchanting beauty of clouds, mountains, and ancient forests converge. The stunning natural scenery featuress hundreds of years-old trees such as chestnuts, hawthorns, pines, and rhododendrons, towering between 7 to 10 meters, covered in moss. The landscape is further complemented by vast, billowing seas of white clouds.

 The mystical, moss-covered canopies of the forest. Tourists are eager to climb to Phu Sa Phin peak.

In recent years, several travel agencies have partnered with local authorities to organize trekking tours for adventurous travelers seeking new experiences. Kieu Tung lam from Dreamer Trekking Company shared "The total distance for the journey to conquer Phu Sa Phin peak is about 22 kilometers round trip. The main terrain for climbing is trail, which is quite safe, and the route offers moderate difficulty, making it a popular choice for many travelers who want to combine trekking with 'cloud hunting.”

From December to April the following year is the ideal time to explore Phu Sa Phin peak, especially in March and April when the rhododendron and many other wildflowers bloom, creating a mesmerizing landscape. On average, the company organizes two tours to the summit each month, with around 35-40 tourists per group.

Ancient trees covered in moss along the mountain climbing route.

As one of the experienced porters with many years of mountain climbing, Mua A Chinh from Hang Chu hamlet, Hang Chu commune, shared: "In the past two years, Phu Sa Phin has attracted many tourists due to its pristine landscape." He added that to help promote local tourism, each porter not only needs to be familiar with the terrain and in good physical condition, but also takes on the role of a tour guide, assisting tourists with their journey and capturing beautiful moments for them. He noted that the tourism activities have provided a valuable source of income for the local people.

 

On weekends, Phu Sa Phin peak attracts a large number of tourists. The journey draws participants of various ages. Nguyen Hai Anh from the northern province of Nam Dinh said: "Phu Sa Phin is the third peak I've attempted to conquer. Before that, I conquered Ta Lien Son, Putaleng (Lai Chau), and Lung Cung (Yen Bai), but Phu Sa Phin offers a completely different experience compared to the trails I've taken before. From the ancient, mystical moss-covered forests to the views of the sea of cloud, it feels like stepping into a fairytale world, perfect from every angle."

 Tourists take a check-in photo.

 

 Sunrise on Phu Sa Phin peak.



While conquering Phu Sa Phin peak, Do Nguyet from the southern province of Dong Nai, shared: "Eager to experience the winter atmosphere of northern Vietnam, my friend and I decided to explore some spring travel destinations. In addition to sightseeing in Moc Chau district, we chose to continue our adventure by trekking to Phu Sa Phin peak along the route of exploring the northwestern region. Everyone was impressed by the fresh air and rich, yet fascinating vegetation, which still maintains its rustic beauty and remains untouched by humans."

It takes tourists about 5 hours of trekking with breaks, crossing various terrains and challenges, to reach Phu Sa Phin peak. The exhaustion from navigating the steep, difficult path seems to melt away once you reach the top and take in the breathtaking view of the white, billowing sea of clouds.

Phu Sa Phin peak is still a quite new destination to explore, but it promises to attract many tourists with its pristine beauty and fascinating nature, helping to make tourism in the highland district of Bac Yen increasingly appealing.

 

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