Distinguishing between two cloud hunting spots with the same name Ta Xua but very different

24 km apart, 2 places have the same name Ta Xua, one is Ta Xua peak with a majestic trekking route located in Ban Cong commune, Tram Tau district, Yen Bai province. The other point is in Ta Xua commune, Bac Yen district, Son La province, famous for its heavenly sea of clouds.

Ta Xua Peak in Tram Tau, a dream trekking route

Ta Xua peak belongs to Phusaphin range, with an altitude of about 2,865m above sea level, this is the natural border mountain between Yen Bai and Son La provinces. Phusaphin range is the last part of Hoang Lien Son range stretching from Lai Chau down to Lung Lo pass.

Located at an altitude of 1,500 - 1,800m above sea level, Ta Xua has a cool climate all year round. Here, all four sides are covered by towering mountain ranges. Photo: Xu Kien

Talking to Lao Dong, Chairman of the People's Committee of Ban Cong Commune Giang A Chu said that Ta Xua in Tram Tau is famous for its "dinosaur spine" - the dream route of mountain climbing enthusiasts.

"The distance to conquer Ta Xua peak in Tram Tau is about 28 km, so only those who are physically fit and passionate about mountain climbing can set foot here. That is also the reason why Ta Xua, Tram Tau is not really popular like Ta Xua in Bac Yen district", said the Chairman of the People's Committee of Ban Cong commune.

The magical moss-covered forests on the mountain are among the top 15 in Vietnam. Photo: Xu Kien

Mr. Giang A Chu added that this place not only has a "dinosaur spine" section that brings a sense of challenge to mountain climbers, but the ancient moss-covered forest on the peak dividing the border between the two provinces also has an extremely magical beauty.

Due to the special mountain terrain and wind direction, from October to March, Ta Xua peak will have more sea of clouds than Ta Xua in Bac Yen. Many flowers, especially yellow and red rhododendrons at Ta Xua peak will bloom, covering the mountains and forests in brilliant colors.

The first months of the year are also a favorable time for trekking, attracting many tourists to admire the flower season.

Cloud hunting paradise Ta Xua in Son La

Ta Xua in Bac Yen belongs to Ta Xua commune, Bac Yen district, Son La province, famous for attractive places such as "dinosaur spine", Hang Dong, Dinh Gio, Xim Vang and lonely apple tree.

Unlike the dangerous trekking routes, the "back" of Ta Xua in Bac Yen is quite easy to conquer. Visitors only need a motorbike to reach the top and enjoy the majestic natural scenery below.

Sea of clouds in Ta Xua Bac Yen. Photo: Ha Le

Although not as high as Ta Xua in Tram Tau, Ta Xua in Bac Yen is still covered by drifting clouds all year round, creating an ideal "cloud hunting" scene. The 12 km long asphalt road from the center of Bac Yen district to Ta Xua makes traveling more convenient, although there are still many degraded, narrow and difficult sections.

From the center of Ta Xua commune, tourists often use motorbikes to explore destinations in the region. With easy-to-access terrain, Ta Xua in Bac Yen district is a great choice for short trips, bringing a peaceful and wild feeling typical of the Northwest mountains and forests.

Vietnam has two places with the same name Ta Xua, only about 24km apart. Photo: Tran Bui

Although both destinations are famous for their beautiful sea of clouds, Ta Xua - Bac Yen is suitable for those looking for gentleness and easy access, while Ta Xua - Tram Tau is the choice for those who love challenges and adventure.

The confusion between the two places probably stems from the similar image of the sea of clouds, but the way visitors approach and feel each place is completely different.

Before planning, visitors should clearly define their goals: whether to experience the easy cloud paradise in Bac Yen or conquer the challenging mountain peak in Tram Tau.

Tran Bui