Tà Xùa from an aerial view. Living in the clouds is a dream for tourists coming to this commune. VNS Photo Huy Kúnn

Thanh Hà

SƠN LA — I couldn't wait to join a group of journalists visiting Tà Xùa, Việt Nam's cloud heaven, after we were informed that the weather in the mountainous commune promised amazing scenes over the next few days.

It took us nearly six hours to travel 240km from Hà Nội to the Sơn La Province commune, which is situated at an average elevation of over 1,500m above sea level.

During the long journey, no one felt tired or bored as we watched the landscape and natural scenery gradually change from the delta flats to the mountains.

The longer we drove, the more beautiful the sights from the window, until we reached the dream destination where several groups of visitors were already waiting for a cloud hunting expedition early the next morning.

The weather also changed remarkably. Despite the heat in Hà Nội, Tà Xùa welcomed us with a cool, fresh environment, in addition to its stunning views from the mountain peak.

For anyone visiting Tà Xùa for the first time, the Dinosaur's Backbone is the first place to check out. Local residents told us that clouds could roll into Tà Xùa at any time of day and anywhere in the commune, but early morning is the best time for it, while the Dinosaur's Backbone offers the greatest view.

A bowl of noodles with the Dinosaur's Backbone in the background. VNS Photo Anna Luyến

We woke up at 5am and were driven to the site, but I would recommend taking a local motorbike taxi instead, as you can watch the sunrise while the majestic natural scenery unfolds before your eyes.

The Dinosaur's Backbone held a special allure, marking the boundary between Tà Xùa and Háng Đồng communes with its mountain ridge.

If you're lucky enough, floating clouds will be there to cast a romantic ambiance over the landscape. This picturesque scene paints a fanciful image of nature, capturing your hearts forever.

However, the journey to the rear of the ridge was not without its challenges, as the road presents cliffs with heights of up to 300m. I chose to follow an easier path, where I could witness the ethereal beauty of the clouds and effortlessly capture stunning photographs. 

The second place that we visited was the Tà Xùa Steppe, which is about 10km from the commune centre.

Upon arrival, visitors get an immediate 'wow' factor, greeted with the vast expanse of grasslands. It is definitely a great photo spot that no one should miss when in Tà Xùa.

The steppe’s unique ecosystem, which includes various grass species, rivers and vistas to the mountain range, paints a picture of unparalleled natural beauty and ecological significance.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the timeless allure of nature’s splendor, creating unforgettable memories amid the serene landscape, which is said to be beautiful all year round.

I have even dreamed of moving here in my later years. Every day, I would set out a table and chair, sip the commune's famous Shan Tuyết tea, enjoy a steaming hotpot and watch time drift by. What a wonderful future that would be!

No visitor fails to check in at the Dolphin's Beak. VNS Photo Huy Kúnn

On the way back to the commune, I visited the Dolphin's Beak, which lies amid a vast array of untamed and majestic mountains. This location exerted a magnetic pull owing to its strategic positioning and the distinctive rock formation that resembles the head of a dolphin.

The area's famous Lonely Tree was also not far away. The solitary tree stands tall atop a lofty mountain, seemingly suspended in the vast expanse of the sky.

Its rugged yet captivating beauty presents an ideal backdrop for memorable check-ins and stunning photographs, juxtaposing the solitary tree against the vastness of the surrounding terrain.

The following day, we turned our minds to the Xím Vàng terraced fields.

As we went in water-filling season, it was not the peak time of year for photos, but the landscape was still as beautiful as a watercolour painting. 

Xím Vàng's terraced fields in the water-filling season. Photo vietgoing.com

Layers of terraced fields connect each other like silk strips draped around the mountainside, reflecting sunlight and creating a shimmering scene. 

Next to the rice fields is an unnamed waterfall, one of the most beautiful and pristine natural attractions in Sơn La and the entire northwest mountain region.

The unnamed waterfall in Xím Vàng. VNS Photo Anh Đoàn

The waterfall plunged down from a considerable height, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Its clear, cool waters were another attraction, while the rugged trail leading to the falls made the journey ideal for adventurous travellers who enjoy exploring and pushing their limits.

Not only attractive for its natural scenery, Tà Xùa is also known for the unique cultural features of its Mông ethnic residents, which make up more than 90 per cent of the commune's population.

We were invited to take part in one of their typical crafts: indigo dyeing and beeswax painting.

An artisan helped us use traditional tools to draw our own designs on fabric with beeswax. After completing the image, she shared her technique and experience in mixing, ageing and setting the dye to achieve the most beautiful and durable indigo hue. 

A visitor is instructed on drawing patterns with beeswax before the indigo dyeing process. VNS Photo Chu Khôi

We then tried our hand at the indigo dyeing process. The finished product may not be a masterpiece, but it served as a memorable keepsake for someone like me, who had never tried any kind of handicraft before.

Two days were not enough to discover Tà Xùa, as there are still many more places to visit and activities to do. I promised myself I would be back soon! — VNS