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More than just a trip
“I happened to meet a youth union official from Xim Vang commune and he took me trekking to Sa Mu. Along the way, I found the surrounding scenery very beautiful and diverse, no less impressive than other trekking routes in the North. Moreover, this mountain peak is still relatively unknown, mostly only visited by a small number of local people. Therefore, I decided to create a trekking tour to let more people know about Sa Mu peak and Xim Vang commune, and also to provide more jobs for the people in the village,” shared tour guide Do Van Tuyen (30 years old, Hai Phong).
Sa Mu Peak, also known as U Bo Peak, has an altitude of 2,756 m and is located in the Ta Xua Nature Reserve.
Sa Mu Peak, also known as U Bo Peak, has an altitude of 2,756 meters and is located in the Ta Xua Nature Reserve. The peak is situated in Xim Vang commune, Bac Yen district, about 15 km from Ta Xua, and is known as the "roof of Son La." This mountainous region holds stories of aircraft disappearances while flying over it. Today, traces of aircraft wreckage still remain in the old-growth forest. It's even famously known as the "Bermuda Triangle" of Vietnam.
Recognizing the potential of this mountain peak for tourism, Mr. Tuyen requested permission from the Xim Vang commune authorities to erect a marker on the summit of Sa Mu mountain in December 2022, creating a landmark to attract travel enthusiasts. The mountain peak has become a must-see trekking route for tourists visiting the Ta Xua Cloud Paradise.
Sa Mu is a pristine mountain peak in Ta Xua that was recently marked with a summit marker in December 2022.
Speaking with Travellive, Tuyen shared: “Two years ago, I established a small charity fund called 'Warmth of the Highlands' to help some children in mountainous areas with particularly difficult circumstances. When creating the trekking tour, all the money from renting out the rest stops will be transferred to the fund. This is also the main inspiration for me to create this route.”
Lost in a fairytale forest
Sa Mu is a kingdom of rare and exotic plants amidst a pristine forest full of mystery and enchantment. The unique nature of this place is something many tourists long to witness firsthand. “On this trekking route, people will travel through a forest with giant ancient trees and a rich and diverse flora and fauna that changes with altitude. Given the current state of forests in the North, this is a rare place that still retains its old-growth primary forest,” Mr. Tuyen said.
Sa Mu is a kingdom of rare and exotic flowers and plants nestled within a primeval forest, imbued with mystery and enchantment.
Passing through the forest's edge, and after a few dozen meters, the canopy begins to close in, the trail gradually ascends in slope, and all around, the only sounds are the chirping of forest birds. The higher you go, the more impressively charming Sa Mu becomes with its rich vegetation. What unfolds before visitors is a lush green landscape of wildflowers, with moss clinging to the paths, rocks, and ancient trees hundreds of years old.
Upon reaching the heart of the rugged mountain peak, the vibrant pink of the rhododendron blossoms becomes a striking contrast to the deep green landscape. Standing out amidst the rhododendrons are a few ancient, moss-covered fir trees, proudly reaching high into the sky.
The unique natural beauty of this place makes many tourists long to witness it firsthand.
A special highlight of the primeval forest is the sight of green moss clinging to the tree trunks and branches. The ancient, moss-covered forest scenery, blending seamlessly with the majestic nature, creates an unforgettable impression for travel enthusiasts throughout their journey.
Besides its ancient, mysterious, and enchanting forests, Sa Mu is also a place where fragrant flowers and exotic plants of wondrous colors converge. The beauty bestowed by nature makes visitors feel as if they have wandered into a distant fairytale land.
The beauty bestowed by nature makes visitors feel as if they have wandered into a faraway fairytale land.
Standing on the summit of Sa Mu and looking down, visitors can admire the ethereal sea of clouds, creating a romantic and poetic scene. In particular, missing the sunrise from here would be a real shame.
According to Mr. Tuyen, the best time to trek to Sa Mu peak is from September to April of the following year. "If you go in late September or early October, you'll get to admire the ripening rice fields in Xim Vang. If you go towards the end of the year, you can combine it with cloud hunting in Ta Xua. And in early spring, you'll see the peach and plum blossoms blooming white in the villages at the foot of the mountain," the guide shared.
Standing on the summit of Sa Mu and looking down, visitors can admire the sea of clouds floating lazily, creating a magical and poetic scene.
In particular, missing the sunrise from here would be a real shame.
Sharing his future plans, Mr. Tuyen added: "In the near future, to attract more people to Sa Mu, I plan to survey a new route, going through the old-growth forest, for those who enjoy adventure and have basic skills."
