From sunrise to sunset, it is not difficult to capture picturesque nature beyond the eye (Photo taken at Fansipan Palace - Leisure by Kris)
Fansipan (3,143m)
Being first on the list not to be missed when embarking on the journey to conquer the highest peaks in the country, Fansipan is known as the "Roof of Indochina" with an altitude of 3,143m above sea level. Although not leading in height, diverse terrain but not too complicated, Fansipan climbing bow is said to be relatively easy to walk and suitable for new trekkers.
A good time to climb Fansipan is between Autumn and September until April of the year after the weather is dry – this is also the perfect range you should consider for most Northwest cloud hunting journeys. However, for the best cloud hunting, pay attention to the actual weather and consider starting your journey before winter arrives (around November Tet Calendar) - this is also a time of a lot of cold, a lot of dew, so that the cloud-hunting peaks can be covered by clouds, limiting the beautiful views.
There are currently 03 road routes exploited with different difficulties and departure points for trekkers to choose from, to get the perfect trek course suitable for the group, do not consult with the porter before booking the tour. In particular, Tram Ton route is the most exploited route today - the perfect choice for newcomers because of the shortest route length, convenient route but the terrain is still quite diverse for you to explore mountains and forests.
Location: Hoang Lien National Park, about 09 km from the center of Sapa town, Lao Cai.
Fansipan Peak has two ways to get there. One is climbing a mountain and the other is riding a cable car. Photo: Shutterstock
October 9 is the most beautiful time of the year for climbing and cloud hunting. Photo: Leisure By Kris
Pusilung (3,083m)
Suitable for a short trip (02 days 01 night), the course is moderately long and impressive when owning 03 steep mountains of Pusilung is an "addictive" challenge for many long-time climbers. The road to Pu Si Lung is difficult but also poetic. The dirt roads are bright yellow, the width is less than 2m, some sections are not 1m. One side leans against the mountain, the other side is a smoking abyss, just a minute of absentmindedness or carelessness, you will be in immediate danger.
Pu Si Lung is a mountain located on the border of Vietnam and China. To reach this mountain in the Vietnamese part, it is necessary to apply for a permit at the Border Guard Command of Lai Chau province in Lai Chau city, after which it will be reported at the border guard station of Pa Ve Su commune. This fort will give people to lead to the mountain. Pu Si Lung is protected and preserved by the people here. Forests for them are really gold, silver. The old-growth forests were kept intact, with no impact. The stumps of ancient trees have formed for thousands of years, casting shadows that block out the sun.
Location: Pa Wei Su Commune, Muong Te District, Laizhou Province - bordering China
A steep slope at Pusilung. Photo: Khanh Vu Quang
A long way to conquer to the sea of clouds. Photo: Internet
Putaleng (3,049m)
The climbing course is more than 60km long, the journey through the old forests of Putaleng usually lasts 03 days and 02 nights with many challenging terrains and the harshness of the top in the cluster of Northwest peaks.
To conquer Putaleng Cloud Hunting Peak, climbers need relatively good physical fitness as well as familiarity with changes in many different terrains - from large and small streams, primeval forests, bamboo forests, oaks and green vegetation. Putaleng has always been fascinated by experienced trekkers when it comes to its pristine beauty, despite the fact that the name is not as prominent as the Fansipan or Wonders San/White Jupiter.
Another specialty of Putaleng (Ta Lien) you should not miss in the Northwest cloud hunting journey is the azalea season that falls in the warm March every year.
Location: Ta Leng Commune, Phong Tho District, Lai Chau Province
Trek favorite of climbers. Photo: Hoileonui
Putaleng is one of the most popular cloud hunting signs among young people today. Photo: Internet
Liangzi White Jupiter (3,046m)
Also known as Ky Quan San, the White Jupiter climbing bow is a great combination of the moderate difficulty of Fansipan and the unique terrain of Putaleng. During the journey of 03 days and two nights, you can go through gentle valleys, downhill sections, steep rock slopes, short "spine" enough to watch the two sides of the smoked cloud sky and even the "hanging" slopes that have to rely on vines and branches of forest trees to pass.
In the journey to conquer Liangzi White Jupiter, do not miss the sunrise at Salt Mountain - a rest station in the journey of 03 days 02 nights; Get up early and try to spend about 10-15 minutes before the journey to admire the majesty and peace of the mountains and forests at this resort with vast views.
Location: The natural boundary between Lai Chau & Lao Cai belongs to Sie Ma Suo Commune, Bat Xat District, Lao Cai
The captivating sight of the sea of White Jupiter clouds (Image: MeogiaPhoto)
Photo: Kieu Duong
Kang Suwen (3,012m)
Only about 20km long, Khang Su Van ranks fifth in the Top 05 highest peaks in Vietnam and also the shortest climb in five peaks. Only exploited and conquered for the first time in 2015, Khang Su Van still retains its pristine beauty with primeval forests, giant ancient trees and moss-covered vegetation.
Khang Suwen is also known as Fan Lien San or U Thai San. The scenery here is mainly cardamom forest and bamboo forest, bamboo and green cork forest. From February to April is the season of plum blossoms, peach blossoms, and bananas in full bloom all over the mountainside. The trekking route becomes more poetic than ever. From late April to early May, azaleas race to bloom throughout the Northwest mountains. The vibrant flowers here are guaranteed not to disappoint. September and October are the time when the air here is extremely fresh. The sky was blue, and the sun shone soft golden lights. The cloud layers concentrated around the summit are denser by the chill of early autumn. This is an ideal time for trekkers to hunt clouds, capture images like a fairy landscape.
Completing the journey to Khang Su Van peak, you can be proud to have passed and conquered border milestone 79, the highest milestone of the entire border line of Vietnam.
Location: Dao San Commune, Phong Tho District, Lai Chau Province
The road through cardamom forests. Photo: Internet
The old trees covered with moss are an ideal and unforgettable check-in place. Photo: Hang Corn
Writer: Leisure by Kris