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Nestled amidst the mists and vast forests of Northwest Vietnam, Ta Tao Peak (Son La province) remains a relatively new name on the trekking map for adventure seekers. But for Mai Anh Tu – who has spent his youth roaming the mountains and forests – Ta Tao Peak is a true "paradise," breathtakingly beautiful and pristine, as untouched as the beginning of time.
"A paradise garden" amidst the Ta Tao wilderness – a moss-covered forest, silent and mystical.
“Ta Tao is a newly developed mountain peak for those who love mountain climbing and exploring nature. The terrain is beautiful, the climbing route is short, and the difficulty level is moderate,” shared Mr. Tu. Born in 1983, this man, who carries his love of nature in every frame, decided to embark on a trekking trip to Ta Tao after visiting Nam Nghiep village to photograph hawthorn blossoms. “The locals told me there was a mountain peak with a rhododendron forest and a place called the Garden of Eden that was very beautiful. It sounded so appealing, so I set off on a trekking trip,” he recounted.
And then, the moment he stepped into the forest, he couldn't help but exclaim: "It's breathtakingly beautiful! It's a pity that the rhododendrons aren't blooming much this year and the weather is a bit bad, but the scenery is still incredibly enchanting."
Despite only being opened to tourism in July 2024, Ta Tao has quickly attracted the attention of the trekking community thanks to its pristine beauty and unique cultural values.
The route to conquer Ta Tao peak begins from Nam Nghiep village (Ngoc Chien commune, Muong La district). The first three kilometers can be reached by motorbike, but it's not easy with its steep slopes, rocks, mud, and streams – a significant challenge for those who enjoy adventure. The next three kilometers are a trek through the forest that takes about two hours. "The path to this paradise made me forget all my fatigue. The moss-covered forest – trees, trails, rocks… – is like a forgotten fairytale world," he described.
Ta Tao is not an excessively long or challenging mountain climbing route, but it's still challenging enough to push your limits.
Ta Tao isn't an overly long or harsh mountain climbing route, but it's challenging enough to push your limits. "The hardest part was the climb from the rhododendron forest to the summit. I was carrying a camera backpack weighing almost 15kg, and I kept taking each step with difficulty, constantly telling myself to keep going. Reaching the summit, the feeling of overcoming myself was indescribable," he recalled.
Ta Tao Peak, at 2,720m, is part of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range and was only opened to tourism in mid-2024. During the rhododendron blooming season in mid-March, the peak bursts into vibrant colors under the bright golden sunlight, combined with the fairytale mossy forest to create a scene rarely found elsewhere. Furthermore, the peak is associated with sacred legends of the Hmong people. According to locals, it is the dwelling place of a sacred creature that once saved humanity from a great flood. The giant rocks dropped by the creature are believed to have formed the Ta Dong – Ta Tao mountain range. Therefore, Ta Tao is not only a tourist destination but also a place where humanity and the universe, spirituality and nature, meet.
A H'Mong girl amidst the Ta Tao mountains.
During the trip, Mai Anh Tú started alone, but along the way, he unexpectedly encountered a group of H'Mông people leading tourists up the mountain from Mù Cang Chải. He joined them for fun. "There was a H'Mông girl carrying a backpack weighing over 20kg and climbing so quickly; I was really impressed. When you're close to nature, all barriers seem to disappear," he said.
Trekking Ta Tao doesn't require exceptional physical stamina, but mental preparation is essential. "You need to bring plenty of warm clothing, good trekking shoes, a flashlight, food, and water… But the most important thing is to be ready to slow down, immerse yourself in the forest, and listen to the rhythm of nature," Tú shared.
Ta Tao is not an excessively long or challenging mountain climbing route, but it's still challenging enough to push your limits.
He also suggested climbing in the afternoon, spending the night at the hut, and then waking up early the next morning to chase the clouds and watch the sunrise from the mountaintop. That's a moment when nature unfolds before your eyes like a pristine and magnificent painting, making you want to simply be silent and feel it with all your heart.
