Cloud – hunting in Ta Xua: Experiences for newbie

Cloud hunting in Ta Xua is a popular activity loved by many young travelers. With an elevation of over 2,800 meters above sea level and stunning natural scenery, Ta Xua has become an increasingly attractive tourist destination in recent years. To successfully catch the magical sea of clouds, let’s explore the tips below before you pack your bags and set off.

Getting There

You can use many types of transportation to get to Tà Xùa such as motorbikes, private cars, passenger buses, or tour vehicles. From Hanoi, go toward Son Tay, Trung Ha Bridge, reach the Thu Cuc three-way intersection on National Highway 32, and turn right toward Phu Yen and Bac Yen on National Highway 37. The main road up to central Ta Xua has been paved with concrete, making travel much easier than before. Cars up to 16 seats can reach the summit.

Limousine buses from operators such as Khanh Thinh, Quang Nghia, and Nguyen Hang to Ta Xua cost about 700,000 VND per person (round trip). These buses usually depart from Hanoi at around 10 PM and reach Ta Xua in about five hours with stops along the way.

Once you arrive in Ta Xua, you can rent a motorbike to visit local spots more conveniently. If your riding skills are not strong, consider hiring a local motorbike taxi driver because the roads are quite steep, narrow, and twisty.

Accommodation

Ta Xua is a newly developing tourist area. There are no large hotels or upscale lodging options. In the area there are about 20 homestays and guest houses, with prices ranging from 200,000 VND to 1,000,000 VND per night.

The main accommodations are concentrated in the central and nearby areas, featuring community-style houses (stilt houses) and some private rooms. Some recommended homestays include Xa Homestay, Nam To Homestay, Mua Tru Homestay, Bao Chau Homestay, and Long Anh 1 Homestay. Guest houses include Phu Hoa, Tra May Ta Xua, Thu Bien, Hai Hang, and Nguyen San.

Homestay Lu Tre is the highest-located lodging in Ta Xua, about 7 km from the central area. Some high-clearance cars and motorbikes can reach its door; other vehicles stop at the gate and guests walk up about 300 m or use a motorbike shuttle service. Accommodation includes bungalows (one or two floors), standalone houses, and stilt houses.

Ta Xua is an ideal place for camping. If you choose a suitable spot, you will have the opportunity to watch the sunrise or sunset from the mountain’s peak.

Where to Go & What to See

Dinosaur Spine

The area known as “Dinosaur Spine” is about 15 km from the center of Ta Xua and about 5 km from the center of Hang Dong Commune, Bac Yen District. The Dinosaur Spine nestles along the Ta Xua mountain range, with deep valleys ahead.

The Dinosaur Spine has a 1.5 km trail highly regarded by adventure riders as one of the best spots in northern Vietnam for cloud-hunting. On days when the clouds are thick, they may last from early morning until around 10 AM. On days with fewer clouds, from the Dinosaur Spine you can immerse yourself in the scenery of forests, terraced fields, and the traditional houses of the Hmong people on the mountain slopes.

Dolphin Rock

Dolphin Rock is formed by two large rock slabs that appear like a dolphin swimming in a sea of clouds. These rocks, covered in moss, create a harmonious and pristine natural scene.

From Bac Yen Town going up to Ta Xua, you’ll encounter a sign post: one direction leads about 8 km to the Dinosaur Spine, the other to the Ta Xua tea hill. Turning right toward the tea hill will take you to Dolphin Rock and the Lonely Tree. If you are staying at Lu Tre Homestay, it’s easier to reach Dolphin Rock via the road near the hydropower dam.

Turtle Head Rock

Turtle Head Rock is a rock shaped like a turtle’s head at an altitude of 2,100 m on the trail up to Ta Xua’s peak. From the Lonely Tree to Turtle Head Rock is about 1 km, with steep rocky slopes in between.

Camel Rock

From the center of Ta Xua Commune, following the road from the People’s Committee about 7 km leads to Camel Rock. This is a new Instagram-worthy spot in Ta Xua, most beautiful in the early morning, so plan your travel to make the visit convenient.

Lonely Tree

The Lonely Tree (a solitary apple-tree) stands on a small hill at Windy peak at the Xim Vang – Hang Dong junction, over 1 km from Ta Xua’s center. From its position, you can view the Suoi Sap River. On fine weather days with clear skies, the water looks green and transparent.

The Lonely Tree is described by many adventure riders as the symbol of endurance and resilience in the wild landscape of Ta Xua. This place is one of the best places to watch the sunset over the sea of clouds. The best time for this view is around 5:30 PM.

Primeval Forest

Ta Xua’s primeval forest is on the southeast slope of the Hoang Lien Son range, stretching from the elevation of 2,600 m up to the peak. The forest’s untouched beauty and magical atmosphere, with moss-covered trails and shafts of sunlight, can make visitors feel like they’ve stepped into a fairy tale.

Ancient Tea Hill

The Ta Xua ancient tea hill, home to shan tuyet tea trees over a hundred years old, is one of the most famous teas in Vietnam. Clouds and frost cover the tea hill nearly year-round at an altitude above 1,500 m, its leaves covered in a white “fuzzy” coating.

The brewed tea is clear golden, with a smooth bitter start and a sweet, fragrant finish.

Ta Xua Prairie

Ta Xua Prairie is on the same route leading to Dolphin Rock and the Lonely Tree, about 10 km from the centre. The road is wide and less winding. Near Dolphin Rock, you’ll see signs pointing to the prairie. This place offers vast natural scenery and is ideal for playing sports, outdoor activities, and camping.

Cloud-Viewing Cafés

Notable cafés with great views for cloud-hunting include:

• Mi Oi
• Hien Coffee
• Thao Coffee
• H’Mong Coffee
• Ban Coffee

These cafés provide scenic photo spots. Even on days without clouds, they are lovely places to sip a hot drink, enjoy magnificent mountain views, watch the sunset, or simply relax. Drinks cost between 30,000 and 60,000 VND.

Notes & Tips

• You can’t always catch the clouds — it depends on the weather. Check the forecast, and it’s best to choose a day with low nighttime temperatures, warm daytime, and sunshine. Know the sunrise direction at your cloud-hunting spot to get the best photos.
• Avoid traveling up to Ta Xua at night and avoid going in very large groups. Ask and negotiate prices before taking motorbike taxis.
• Estimated cost per person for two days and one night is about 1.5 to 2 million VND. During holidays and peak season, book accommodation early, because Ta Xua often runs out of rooms.
• Ta Xua can only serve about 700–800 visitors at a time.