Ta Xua in "cloud hunting" season

Ta Xua is more than 10km from the center of Bac Yen highland district, with cool climate all year round. This place is not only known for its ancient Shan Tuyet tea trees and the extremely unique hand-oxidation of tea leaves by the Mong people, but also famous for a sea of white, floating clouds very attractive to tourists.

Located at an altitude of 1,500-1,800m above sea level, Ta Xua commune is often covered by rolling, multi-layer clouds like waves. In the early days of December, low temperature, high humidity and mild sunshine are ideal conditions for tourists to "hunt clouds" in Ta Xua.

Gio peak in Chung Trinh village, Ta Xua commune boasts a panoramic view of the beautiful valley and a sea of floating clouds. This place still retains many primitive features, with people's simple and peaceful life. Even phone signals are limited, so when coming here, in addition to relaxing and hunting clouds, visitors will be immersed in nature, majestic mountains and forests. They will have a chance to explore the cultural identity of the Mong ethnic people.

Pure white clouds float halfway up the mountain. Photo: A Luu Ta Xua

To "hunt clouds", visitors must wake up early in the morning to see the streams of white clouds rising from the foot of the valleys and filling a vast space. This special natural phenomenon creates an extremely magnificent painting given by tourists impressive names such as "Ta Xua Sea of Clouds" or "Ta Xua Cloud Paradise".

Mountains, forests, and clouds seem to blend together to create a majestic natural scenery.

There are many "cloud hunting" moments during the day, but the most beautiful are at sunrise and sunset. Waking up early in the morning, visitors can enjoy the quiet space and contemplate the pure white clouds floating halfway up the mountain. When the sun shines, the clouds gradually disappear, revealing a high, blue sky. Sunlight goes down to the valley of dense clouds below. Wherever the sunlight shines, the clouds quickly disappear and the pristine village of the indigenous people looms. Just a few seconds ago, the whole valley was still engulfed in mist and now suddenly becomes bright under the sunlight and blue sky.

When sunset falls, the last rays of sunlight shine through the clouds, creating a space with the extremely impressive pink and orange.

Contemplating the "sea of clouds" at sunset in Ta Xua commune.

Because of that poetic beauty, Ta Xua this season is attracting a large number of photographers and young people who love exploration and adventures.

Ta Xua junction, Gio peak, Ta Xua commune center, Ca heo (dolphin) outcrop, and the lonely tree as well as cafes are also the "coordinates" that many tourists see as ideal places to "hunt clouds”.

Young people wake up very early to "hunt clouds".
Tourists enjoy the endless "sea of clouds".

With fresh air, majestic and beautiful natural scenery like a "fairyland", and friendly smiles of gentle and hospitable indigenous people, "Ta Xua Cloud Paradise" has become an attractive destination for tourists on their journey to Son La and the Northwest region.

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