Ta Xua is one of the most beautiful "cloud hunting paradises" in the Northern mountains. This place still retains its wild and natural beauty because it has not been exploited much for tourism. Therefore, Ta Xua tourism can become a destination that attracts many people who are passionate about traveling and backpacking. Following in my footsteps - a young person passionate about travel, let's explore the 2 days 1 night Ta Xua tour from Hanoi.
I. When is the best time to hunt Ta Xua clouds?
Concluding my serene sojourn in Ta Xua, Bac Yen was a profound experience. Ta Xua mountain Vietnam is renowned for its ethereal sea-like clouds, a magnet for photographers seeking an inspiring backdrop. Clouds adorn Ta Xua throughout the year, yet the peak spectacle unfolds from November to April annually. Beyond this window, while the possibility of witnessing this phenomenon exists, the likelihood diminishes significantly.
Even during the peak season, cloudless days might prevail. Cloud hunting demands a confluence of weather, terrain, and fortuitous circumstances. On my return, I was fortunate to encounter this celestial spectacle, yet for some, visiting ten times might yield no such encounter again. Nevertheless, even without this spectacle, Ta Xua exudes a breathtaking beauty and majestic allure that remains undiminished.
II. How to get to Ta Xua ?
There are various ways to reach Ta Xua Son La, such as using motorbikes, cars, or tourist vehicles. Our group of nine women decided to rent a Limousine from Khanh Thinh garage, priced at 700K per person for the round trip. The Limousine departed from Hoang Cau Hanoi at 9:00 p.m. The journey to Ta Xua took roughly 5 hours, reaching Son La City around midnight. During a brief stop for a driver change, we used the opportunity to use the restroom before continuing. The distance to Ta Xua is approximately 50km.
The travel time exceeds an hour, and we arrived at the 'cloud hunting paradise' of Ta Xua. While still inside the car, the driver encouraged us to stand and witness the clouds. Despite feeling a bit sleepy, we tried to open our eyes. At around 1 am, Ta Xua greeted us with a beautiful sea of white clouds. It felt like stepping into a magical fairyland."
When you arrive at Ta Xua, renting a motorbike is a great way to explore the area at your own pace. However, if you're not confident in riding or if the roads seem challenging, choosing a motorbike taxi might be a safer option. In our case, with a large group and some of the girls not feeling confident in their riding skills, we decided to rent a limousine from Khanh Thinh garage for our trip from Hanoi to Ta Xua and back. The rental price for the car was 1.500.000 VND.
III. Where to stay in Ta Xua?
In the past, lodging options on Ta Xua Son La were relatively basic, limited to just 1 or 2 homestays. However, the accommodation scene has evolved significantly since then, offering a diverse array of choices in terms of price range and accommodation types.
We opted for Dinh Ta Xua Homestay, conveniently situated near the famous "Ta Xua cloud hunting paradise" check-in spot. This homestay offers an incredible view perfect for cloud hunting. A short walk around the premises treats us to breathtaking virtual photos featuring white clouds and lush green valleys.
IV. What destinations must you visit in Ta Xua?
Ta Xua Vietnam has become incredibly popular among young people due to the captivating videos showcasing its serene and picturesque natural beauty, typical of the Northwest's mountains and forests. Let's revisit the destinations we explored during our group's 2-day, 1-night trip to Ta Xua!
1. Dinosaur spine
When you visit Ta Xua, it's a must to step onto what's known as a dinosaur's back at least once. It's called that because when seen from above, this area resembles the back of a dinosaur. Surrounded by terraced fields and mountains, behind this 'dinosaur' lies a stunning spot for cloud hunting, especially during the early morning.
The trail leading to the dinosaur's spine is around 1km long and can be quite challenging. You have options to walk, hire a motorbike taxi, or if you're skilled at navigating rough, narrow roads on a motorbike, you can venture through this path. However, I strongly advise against solo trips, especially for girls, as it can be risky.
For our group, we opted to rent a motorbike taxi from the local Mong community. They charged us 400K for two trips carrying all nine of us down to the 'dinosaur' and back (usually 50.000 VND/ person for a round trip, but we negotiated a group rate).
2. Dolphin snout
This destination in Ta Xua is a popular check-in location for many young visitors, and our group was no different. The Dolphin's Nose is a cliff edge resembling the shape of a dolphin. It's surrounded by vast, stunning mountains and forests.
3. Lonely tree
Near the Dolphin's Nose lies the Lonely Tree, a remarkable spot for photos during the trip to Ta Xua. This solitary tree stands amidst the landscape, backed by a green river and flanked by picturesque hills and mountains. Some even liken this river to a sibling of the Nho Que River in Ha Giang for its beauty and charm.
4. Wind Peak
Wind Peak stands as the ultimate spot to catch the sunset in Ta Xua, a must-see experience. From this vantage point at Wind Peak, you can witness the breathtaking sunset and explore the captivating sea of white clouds.
5. Mi Oi coffee
Wind Peak hosts several charming cafes like Hien Coffee, Mi Oi Coffee, and An's Coffee, offering panoramic views of the clouds and Ta Xua mountain. Visiting in the afternoon, especially on weekends, means these spots get crowded. I had to wait for a few customers to leave before getting a good seat at Mi Oi restaurant to watch the sunset.
The drinks here are reasonably priced, ranging from 30,000 VND to 60,000 VND, and the menu offers a variety of options. Aside from drinks, Mi Oi also serves snacks and delicious instant noodles, perfect for enjoying the breathtaking view of the expensive Ta Xua sea of clouds while indulging in a virtual escape and filling your stomach.
Moreover, at the heart of Ta Xua, there are charming cafes with stunning designs, featuring mountainous and vintage styles, offering beautiful views of the sea. Places like Thao Coffee and Mong Coffee are worth a visit.
Later that afternoon, seizing the chance, I revisited Wind Peak to witness the sunset once more. Hastening through a communal meal at the homestay, I commenced my descent from the mountains back to Hanoi, culminating a splendid journey at Ta Xua. For fellow motorcyclists, aiming to return, target around 1 pm to reach Hanoi comfortably.
V. What to eat in Ta Xua ?
During our 2-day, 1-night trip to Ta Xua mountain, we packed grilled food for the homestay, instant noodles for breakfast, and snacks like cookies, sliced bread, soft drinks, fruits, sausages, and candies.
We missed trying some of Ta Xua's famous dishes like velvet porridge, buffalo meat, nam pia, bamboo-tube rice, and sour meat salad. Instead, on our arrival day, we opted for a black chicken hotpot at the homestay to combat the cool weather.
The chilly atmosphere made the rich and aromatic chicken hotpot even more enjoyable. The black chicken meat was tender and flavorful, with crispy skin. Two of my sisters were so impressed that they ordered three black chickens to take home as gifts.
VI. What should Ta Xua you pay attention to ?
1. Time to go : Before you head to Ta Xua, it's a good idea to keep an eye on the weather forecast. This way, you can steer clear of any bad weather that might spoil your travel plans.
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Things to prepare : Pack some quick snacks like candy, sausages, and drinks to curb hunger whenever you need them. Also, gather personal items like a camera stick, sunscreen, and a small speaker for relaxing music. Don't forget essentials like raincoats, flashlights, power banks, wind oil, cold and fever medicine, and something for an upset stomach.
3. Clothing : You really need warm clothes to fend off the wind and cold. Wear comfy outfits instead of high heels, especially when heading to high places like Ta Xua. Trusty sneakers are a must-have for these mountains. And hey, ladies, don't forget those vibrant dresses for some stunning photos amidst the beauty of the mountains.
4. Transportation : When riding a motorbike, make sure to check your fuel and top up the tank to avoid any interruptions during your sightseeing trip. The roads in Ta Xua are pretty steep, so it's best to go at a moderate speed and steer clear of traveling at night for safety reasons. If you're traveling with a big group like ours, renting a private car is the safest and most convenient option for everyone.
5. Tips for successful cloud hunting : Hunting clouds successfully takes a dash of luck and a strong will to rise early and witness the stunning sea of clouds at dawn. This sight is truly breathtaking, akin to a masterpiece.
Our first-time 2-day trip to Ta Xua Vietnam was fascinating and satisfying. During our visit, the construction of numerous new homestays made the roads messy and less appealing. However, it's clear that Ta Xua is undergoing changes. In the future, it'll likely be cleaner, more organized, and offer diverse services for tourists. We share this to assist you in planning your own Ta Xua adventure!
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