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"Dinosaur's Backbone" in Ta Xua, Son La
Ta Xua is a highland commune in Bac Yen district, bordering Tram Tau district in Yen Bai province and Bac Yen district in Son La province. It is known as a "cloud-hunting paradise" and is a favorite destination for travel enthusiasts, especially backpackers.
The majestic scenery of Ta Xua's "dinosaur spine".
Nestled in the primeval forest, Ta Xua mountain is formed by three peaks, resembling an incredibly majestic wonder. The highest peak, at 2,850 meters, is where the Vietnamese flag pole stands. The second peak still bears the traces of an old flagpole, built during the French colonial period. The third peak, located in the middle at 2,865 meters, is the "dinosaur's spine," with a long line running along the summit, resembling the backbone of a prehistoric dinosaur.
The Ta Xua mountain ridge hangs precariously between the sky and the earth, with a path only about 1 meter wide flanked by deep ravines. However, the magnificent natural scenery from the summit of Ta Xua is truly a worthy reward for the arduous effort put in by visitors. What could be better than walking or riding a motorbike along the "dinosaur's spine" trail, surrounded by a sea of clouds? A trekking journey, though somewhat strenuous and adventurous, will in return offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Ta Xua's "Dinosaur's Backbone" is an ideal spot for cloud watching.
To reach the "Dinosaur's Backbone" in Ta Xua, you must first get to the center of Bac Yen town. The road to the "Dinosaur's Backbone" is extremely difficult and treacherous, with steep, rough, and rocky slopes. To explore this location, you need to plan your itinerary, route, and research the weather to ensure a smooth cloud-hunting experience. The best time for cloud-hunting in Ta Xua is considered to be from November to March of the following year, after the rainy season has passed. At this time, the chances of successfully seeing the clouds are very high. In addition, the winter and spring seasons are when apricot, plum, and mustard flowers begin to bloom on the mountain slopes, creating a stunning natural landscape.
"Dinosaur's Backbone" in Binh Lieu, Quang Ninh
Binh Lieu is a mountainous district near the border in Quang Ninh province, located more than 100 km northeast of Ha Long city. In recent years, Binh Lieu has become an attractive tourist destination for many adventurous travelers, boasting pristine and abundant natural landscapes and a cool climate year-round. Especially in October and November, the vast fields of white reeds along the "dinosaur's spine" of Binh Lieu attract a large number of visitors.
A section of the "dinosaur's spine" of Binh Lieu.
The Binh Lieu Dinosaur Ridge is part of the Dong Trieu – Mong Cai mountain range, marked by border marker 1035 (the border between Vietnam and China). Previously, like the Ta Xua Ridge, the Binh Lieu Ridge was just a small, long, winding, and dangerous path. But now, a section of this road has been paved with concrete, ensuring safety for tourists who come here to take photos.
The length, slope, and height of the Binh Lieu mountain range all possess a majestic beauty amidst the pristine forest and mountain landscape of Quang Ninh province. Especially in autumn and winter, the reeds bloom white, covering the entire area and creating an irresistible, breathtaking beauty along the road.
The vast fields of reeds in Binh Lieu in October.
In the middle of the reed field lies the "dinosaur's spine" road.
This place is a popular tourist spot and a favorite check-in location for many visitors.
Visiting Binh Lieu in the last months of the year, in addition to admiring the pristine white reed fields and trekking the majestic "dinosaur's spine," tourists can also explore many ideal destinations such as: ancient villages dubbed like "Hoi An Old Town" with many beautiful landscapes; Cao Xiem peak, with an altitude of 1,429 m, considered the "roof" of Quang Ninh; or visiting Khe Van waterfall.
"Dinosaur's Backbone" Mau Son, Lang Son
Less well-known than the two "dinosaur spines" in Ta Xua and Binh Lieu, Mau Son's "dinosaur spine" possesses a simple, gentle beauty amidst the vast landscape of Northeast Vietnam.
The "Dinosaur's Backbone" of Mau Son is still not widely known.
The "Dinosaur's Backbone" of Mau Son is actually a winding trail located on the summit of Cha Mountain in Mau Son commune, Loc Binh district, Lang Son province. Along the trail leading up the ridge are vast green hills covered in sugarcane, allowing visitors to easily admire the scenery or take photos on the rocky outcrops along the way. The trek up the mountain takes about three hours. The path isn't overly difficult, but it requires trekkers to have good stamina and endurance.
Upon reaching the ridge, travelers will be greeted by a 300-meter stretch of extremely treacherous, winding, and undulating terrain. Further in the distance, one can see rolling mountain ranges, lush green valleys, and peaceful villages of the local inhabitants.
The ideal time to explore the "dinosaur spine" of Mau Son is in September and October. Besides that, visitors can also explore the sacred land of Phat Chi Mountain, Long Dau Stream, and the ancient sacred site when visiting Mau Son.
