Conquer the Untamed Sa Mu Mountain Peak in Ta Xua

Ta Xua, a destination located in the Bac Yen district, is known as a paradise for cloud enthusiasts. It is home to several famous cloud-hunting spots such as the dinosaur spines, wind peaks, and camel cliffs. Moreover, it is also blessed with a magnificent mountain peak surrounded by a beautiful primeval forest.

Ta Xua, situated in the Bac Yen district, is renowned for its ethereal cloudscapes and is often referred to as a haven for cloud enthusiasts. Photo: Nguyen Thu Hang

The Sa Mu–U Bo Peak, also known as Sa Mu Peak, stands tall at an impressive altitude of 2,756 meters above sea level. Nestled within the Ta Xua special-use forest in Bac Yen District, Son La Province, this peak holds many mysteries waiting to be explored. It is a perfect destination for cloud hunting, offering a majestic and stunning scenery that captivates every heart, whether it be sunrise or sunset.

The Sa Mu–U Bo Peak is also home to a unique ecosystem that holds immense value for the conservation of genetic resources. It provides an ideal habitat for a diverse range of wild animals. Additionally, its breathtaking natural landscape offers vast potential for economic and tourism development, contributing to the increased income and improved quality of life for the local people.

This place is a wonderful spot for cloud hunting. Photo: Nguyen Thu Hang

Despite not being a very high or difficult mountain to climb, Sa Mu Peak is perfect for beginners in mountain climbing and trekking. To reach the peak from Bac Yen town, travelers need to continue for approximately 40 kilometers until they reach the starting point in Xim Vang commune.

After a two-hour journey, they will arrive at the base camp, where the trek to the summit begins. The distance from the base camp to the peak is roughly 13 kilometers, with a small hut located about 1 kilometer before reaching the summit.

Despite not being a very high or difficult mountain to climb, Sa Mu Peak is perfect for beginners in mountain climbing and trekking. Photo: Saigontiepthi

The trekking route to the peak takes tourists through a pristine forest that exhibits characteristics of a tropical rainforest. The forest is adorned with a diverse range of plants, including moss, rhododendrons, maple trees, bamboo groves, as well as numerous streams and waterfalls. The vegetation in the forest changes with the altitude and the direction of the ridges.

During the months of September to November, the maple leaves transform into vibrant shades of yellow and red, creating a picturesque scene. The months of March and April bring the blooming season for azaleas. Inside the forest, tourists will encounter majestic old trees with unique shapes and year-round coverage of moss, alongside evergreen bamboo forests that exhibit their charm throughout all four seasons.

The trekking route to the peak takes tourists through a pristine forest that exhibits characteristics of a tropical rainforest. Photo: Nguyen Thu Hang

Visitors have the opportunity to combine trekking and cloud hunting at the summit of Sa Mu Peak. The best time for cloud hunting is from December to February. On clear days, standing atop the peak offers breathtaking views of two famous peaks in Yen Bai province, namely Ta Xua and Ta Chi Nhu.

Ta Xua, a mountain range in the Bac Yen district of Son La province in northern Vietnam, is located 240 km away from Hanoi. This mountain range forms a natural border between the provinces of Son La and Yen Bai. At its highest point of 2865 meters, Ta Xua Peak is the tenth-highest peak in Vietnam. The three most prominent peaks form a line that resembles the back of a dinosaur. Around April – July, during the flood season, Ta Xua adorns itself with a rustic beauty, with the highlight being the terraced fields that sparkle with silver light.