VI
EN
In December 2022, the summit of Sa Mu was officially marked, signifying its presence on Vietnam's trekking map. Despite being relatively new, it has quickly captured the hearts of nature lovers with its unique combination of pristine, moss-covered forests like something out of a fairy tale, and a cloud-watching spot comparable to Ta Xua.
The moss-covered forest on the summit of Sa Mu Mountain seems to open up another world.
Clouds drift over the trekking path to the summit.
For Nguyen Trong Cung, a photographer who has spent many years pursuing journeys through the mountains and forests, the trip to Sa Mu was not just a mountain climb, but also an encounter with pristine beauty untouched by human footsteps.
Walking through a fairytale mossy forest.
Departing from Bac Yen town, and traversing over 20 km of mountain roads to reach Xim Vang commune, the journey to conquer Sa Mu begins from a small village nestled deep in the valley. The approximately 13 km trekking route takes Cung and his group through layers of dense, ancient forests. The higher they climb, the thinner the air becomes, the thicker the fog, and the light only manages to filter through the leaves.
He recounted that his first impression was of the towering, ancient trees covered in lush green moss. The soil, rocks, and tree roots all shared a soft, mossy hue, giving the feeling of being transported to a magical world from ancient tales. In the sunlit patches of forest, ferns formed a verdant carpet, then transitioned into the rustling bamboo groves of all seasons, causing the scenery to change continuously with each altitude.
The ancient trees, covered in moss, loomed dimly behind the mist.
What makes Sa Mu special is its thick layer of moss. Moss clings to the trunks of giant trees, creeps into the cracks of the bark, and covers even the rocks along the roadside. When the fog descends, the patches of moss absorb water, becoming glistening under the faint light, making the forest seem to wear a new coat. "Going there in the foggy season, the forest becomes magical, like stepping into a fairy tale. Sa Mu is as beautiful as a pure, innocent girl that few local boys know about," Cung shared.
The deeper you go into the forest, the more it gives visitors the feeling of being in a surreal place.
The seasons of flowers and leaves in the high mountains
Sa Mu possesses its own unique rhythm of the four seasons, each time displaying a distinct beauty. From September to November, the entire mountainside is dyed yellow and red by the changing colors of maple leaves, creating a romantic autumnal landscape of Northwest Vietnam. In March and April, the pink and purple hues of rhododendrons bloom against a backdrop of moss, adding a touch of color to the deep green scenery.
Lush green vegetation covers the summit of Sa Mu all year round.
Along the way, besides the trees and flowers, Cung's group also encountered many forest birds with their clear songs echoing down from above, or the footprints of small animals imprinted on the damp ground. Occasionally, squirrels darted past, hiding in the bushes, adding a touch of liveliness to the otherwise tranquil scene of the old forest. In the streams, cool water flowed gently, reflecting the silvery gray sky.
The sounds of insects, flowing streams, and swaying leaves create a harmonious symphony of the mountains and forests.
Besides its mossy forests and flowers, Sa Mu is also famous as an ideal cloud-watching spot. In winter, especially from December to February, dense seas of clouds often roll down the valley. If you leave early from the rest stop located about 1 km from the summit to be at the top at sunrise, you will see clouds swirling like silver waves below, and in the distance, the peaks of Ta Xua and Ta Chi Nhu appear hazy through the layers of overlapping clouds.
Admire the sea of white clouds from the summit of Sa Mu.
A worthwhile challenge for trekking enthusiasts.
The Sa Mu trekking trip is no easy ride. Although the difficulty level is only 6/10, the long route with many slippery and steep sections demands endurance. At night, the temperature on the mountain can drop to -2°C, and the wind is bitterly cold. Climbers need to prepare thoroughly: thermal clothing, specialized shoes, flashlight, medicine, water, and good physical stamina.
Cung shared that the group usually chooses to start early in the morning, stay overnight at a campsite, and continue the final leg of the journey the next day. "If you start climbing at 4-5 am, when you reach the summit, you'll have time to admire the sea of clouds drifting in the sunrise – the most valuable moment of the trip," he said.
The moment of waiting for the sunrise on the mountaintop.
What made the journey unforgettable was the feeling of being challenged in another world. As the forest was shrouded in mist, each step echoed in the silent space, with only the wind whistling through the leaves and the pounding of my heart. The deeper I went, the smaller I felt before the grandeur and mystery of the mountains and forests.
"The deeper we go, the more we feel the insignificance of humanity in the face of the grandeur and mystery of the mountains and forests."
For photographer Nguyen Trong Cung, Sa Mu is proof of the pristine beauty that still exists amidst the mountains and forests of Northwest Vietnam. It's not just a mountain climbing journey, but also a trip for people to rediscover their connection with nature, with the most unspoiled and pure things.
