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Vietnam boasts numerous high mountain peaks, dense tropical forests, and a complex network of rivers and streams. These conditions are ideal for moisture to accumulate in thick layers, creating fog and clouds. Therefore, many people choose to climb mountains in winter not only to avoid the rainforest rains and hot weather, but more importantly, to immerse themselves in a sea of clouds. And to successfully "hunt" for clouds, climbers must prepare extremely thoroughly. If they reach the summit and the sky is clear and the surroundings are barren, the trip is considered a failure.
Some of the most beautiful cloud-watching spots in Vietnam include: Da Lat, Y Ty, Sin Ho, Ka Lang, Ta Xua, Sa Pa, O Quy Ho Pass, Khau Pha Pass, Bach Moc Luong Tu, etc.
But in fact, mountains are still very picturesque even when there are no clouds, and admiring the majestic scenery from thousands of meters high is always a fascinating experience.
A recent trip to Ta Chi Nhu by a group of hikers didn't offer any cloud views or purple chi pau flowers. But for each person in the group, the trip was still a wonderful experience, because there were memories even more beautiful than the clouds.
Tommy Vu's Ta Chi Nhu mountain climbing team.
On the way to Ta Chi Nhu, the group encountered many Hmong people. The whole group stopped and spent time chatting with them, capturing moments of the Hmong people being extremely friendly and lovely.
The Hmong people let their horses and goats roam freely throughout the valleys. On the journey to the summit of Ta Chi Nhu, the cheerful tinkling of bells around their necks can be heard everywhere. Standing amidst the hooves of horses on the green meadow, one feels like a true nomad.
In late autumn, early winter, the weather is cold but sunny. Golden sunlight, like honey, pierces through the clouds, pouring down across the valley. From the mountaintop, hikers can see dozens of miles into the distance. It feels as if they are standing on a unique oasis amidst a vast blue sea. It's a feeling of freedom that, I believe, cannot be changed by the scenery before them, whether mountains or clouds.
Of course, a mountain climb would be more perfect if travelers were immersed in a sea of fluffy white clouds. But don't forget, there are still "great stories" and "beautiful sights" along the journey; you just need to stop to listen and feel. Every experience becomes worthwhile, even if the mountaintop is cloudless.
