More than a trip
“I happened to meet a youth union officer of Xim Vang commune and he took me trekking Sa Mu. On the way, I saw that the surrounding scenery was very beautiful and diverse, not inferior to other trekking routes in the North. Moreover, this mountain peak is still little known, almost only a part of the local people. Therefore, I decided to build a trekking tour so that more people know about Sa Mu peak and Xim Vang commune, and also to support more jobs for the brothers in the village”, tour guide Do Van Tuyen (30 years old, Hai Phong) shared.
Sa Mu Peak, also known as U Bo Peak, has an altitude of 2,756 m and belongs to Ta Xua Nature Reserve.
Sa Mu Peak, also known as U Bo Peak, has an altitude of 2,756 m and belongs to Ta Xua Nature Reserve. The peak is located in Xim Vang Commune, Bac Yen District, about 15 km from Ta Xua. It is known as the roof of Son La. This mountain area holds the story of planes that went missing while passing through here. Today, traces of plane wreckage still remain in the old forest. This place is even famous as the "Bermuda Triangle" of Vietnam.
Realizing that this is a mountain peak with great tourism potential, Mr. Tuyen asked permission from Xim Vang commune authorities to set up a peak on Sa Mu peak in December 2022 to create a place that attracts the attention of travel enthusiasts. The mountain peak has become a trekking route that tourists cannot miss when coming to Ta Xua Cloud Paradise.
Sa Mu is a wild mountain peak in Ta Xua that was just topped in December 2022.
Talking to Travellive, Mr. Tuyen said: “Two years ago, I set up a small charity fund called 'Warmth of the Highlands' to help some mountainous children in especially difficult circumstances. When I set up the trekking tour, all the money from renting out the huts will be transferred to the fund. This is also the main inspiration for me to do this route.”
Lost in the fairy forest
Sa Mu is a kingdom of exotic flowers and herbs in the middle of a mysterious and magical primeval forest. The unique nature of this place is something many tourists wish to see with their own eyes. “Coming to this trekking route, everyone will be able to go through the forest with giant ancient trees, rich and diverse flora and fauna that change according to height. With the current state of the forest in the North, this is a rare place that still retains primeval forests,” said Mr. Tuyen.
Sa Mu is a kingdom of exotic flowers and herbs in the middle of a mysterious and magical primeval forest.
Passing the forest gate, a few dozen meters further, the canopy begins to close, the trail gradually increases in slope, all around can only hear the sound of wild birds chirping. The higher up, Sa Mu exudes an impressive charm with rich vegetation. Appearing before the eyes of visitors is a green landscape of wild grass with moss carpets covering the paths, rocks and ancient tree trunks hundreds of years old.
When arriving at the middle of the high and dangerous mountain peak, the bright pink rhododendron flowers become a highlight for the deep green natural picture. Standing out among the rhododendrons, there are a few old moss-covered sal trees proudly reaching up high.
The unique nature of this place makes many tourists wish to see it with their own eyes.
The special highlight of the primeval forest is the image of green moss covering the tree trunks and branches. The ancient mossy forest scene blending with the majestic nature creates an unforgettable impression for travel enthusiasts throughout the journey.
Not only possessing an ancient, mysterious and magical old forest, Sa Mu is also a convergence of fragrant flowers and strange grasses with magical colors. The beauty of nature makes visitors feel like they are lost in a distant fairy tale.
The beauty of nature makes visitors feel like they are lost in a distant fairy tale.
Standing on the top of Sa Mu and looking down, visitors will admire the sea of clouds floating, creating a romantic and poetic scene. In particular, if you miss the moment of welcoming the sunrise here, it is truly a pity.
According to Mr. Tuyen, the best time to trek Sa Mu peak is from September to April next year. “If you go in late September or early October, you will be able to admire the ripe rice season in Xim Vang. If you go at the end of the year, you can combine it with cloud hunting in Ta Xua. At the beginning of the year, it will be the season of peach and plum blossoms blooming white at the foot of the mountain,” the tour guide confided.
Standing on the top of Sa Mu and looking down, visitors will admire the sea of clouds floating, creating a magical, poetic scene.
Especially, if you miss the moment of watching the sunrise here, it would be a real pity.
Sharing about his future plans, Mr. Tuyen added: "In the near future, in order to attract more people to Sa Mu, I will plan to survey a new route, going through the old forest for those who love adventure and have basic skills."
