Leisurely strolling amidst the sea of ​​clouds in Da Lat.

For photographer Vu Ngoc Thien (from Thai Binh province), Da Lat is not just a destination, but a special artistic space where he can listen to nature, find inspiration, and create emotionally charged images.

Related articles

Jacaranda trees only bloom in summer in Da Lat, creating a romantic scene that's become a sensation among young people.

Finding peace amidst the spring days in Da Lat.

"Da Lat has always been a place I wanted to visit, because of its romantic and poetic atmosphere, and also because it's a paradise for photographers like me to create and bring back satisfying works that are rarely found elsewhere," shared Vu Ngoc Thien.

On his most recent visit, he explored three famous cloud-watching spots: Thien Phuc Duc Hill, Da Phu Hill, and Ngo Quyen Hill. Of these, Thien Phuc Duc Hill left the strongest impression. "The view is beautiful, easy to photograph, and especially the early morning mist creates a dreamy scene typical of Da Lat," he said.

Not only famous for its dreamy scenery, Da Lat is also one of the few places in Vietnam where you can see clouds year-round – especially during the dry season, from October to April. The lush green pine hills, mist-covered slopes, and red dirt roads leading up the hills like Da Phu or Thien Phuc Duc all offer a gentle yet enchanting sense of adventure.

Many people liken cloud hunting in Da Lat to a game of chance with nature, because sometimes, just a few minutes' difference can cause the clouds to disappear or rush in, creating a sea of ​​fluffy white clouds. This very uncertainty makes the journey even more captivating – a test of patience, and the reward is breathtakingly beautiful, dreamlike images.

To capture the clouds at the right time, Mr. Thien usually has to wake up at 4 am, prepare his equipment, and travel about 30 minutes up the hill to catch the sunrise at 5 am. The journey, though not long, is full of challenges amidst the highland chill, the dim darkness, and the anxiety of not knowing whether he will see the sea of ​​clouds as he hopes.

"Because I'm from Thai Binh province and familiar with the vast rice fields stretching as far as the eye can see, when I first witnessed the sunrise over the hills, amidst the ethereal mist of Da Lat, I was incredibly surprised and overwhelmed. As the clouds drifted lazily through the pine forests and tea hills, I felt like I was stepping into a dream. At times, it was so beautiful that it gave me goosebumps; sometimes I couldn't believe it was real," the photographer recalled.

Unlike many who come to Da Lat for relaxation or to explore famous cafes, Vu Ngoc Thien chooses to quietly immerse himself in nature. No camping, no trekking, no cycling; he focuses solely on photography – directly experiencing each moment with his own eyes and emotions.

Sharing with Travellive reporters, he confided: "I love tranquility. Sometimes, just standing still in nature, listening to the wind rustling through the pine trees is enough to feel peaceful. At those times, the camera is not just a tool, but a companion that helps me capture those very genuine feelings."

For him, cloud hunting is a journey of patience: "There were days when I prepared meticulously, went up the hill very early, but the clouds didn't come. At that time, I wasn't sad, I simply thought it wasn't meant to be. But every time I caught the moment of clouds drifting across the sunrise, that feeling was truly precious."

He also shared a few tips: "To have a perfect trip to Da Lat, you should wake up early, ride your motorbike up to hills like Thien Phuc Duc, Ngo Quyen, or Da Phu. You should bring a camera, selfie stick, recording equipment – ​​and especially... a little luck. I jokingly call it 'good karma' to hunt for clouds."

Every year, photographer Vu Ngoc Thien returns to Da Lat several times. He doesn't follow any particular season, nor does he rush. All he needs is a cloudy sky, an old hillside, and once again, the anticipation of sunrise.

Ha Mai Trinh - Photo: Vu Ngoc Thien