
During the rainy season, clouds cover the entire slope of Mount Cam. Photo: THANH TIEN
During the rainy season, the Seven Mountains region becomes pleasantly cool. The mountain peaks are covered in lush green, shedding the dryness of the dry months. At that time, people come to the Seven Mountains not only for pilgrimage but also to enjoy the picturesque scenery. And many young people also come to the Seven Mountains to "hunt for clouds."
Calling it "cloud hunting" is accurate, as it requires a certain level of determination. When it rains, clouds gather on the mountain slopes, creating a unique natural spectacle. People from the lowlands seeing this scene for the first time will be amazed by the ethereal, almost cinematic atmosphere. However, to capture beautiful photos of the clouds, one must wait until early morning or after a rain shower.
Many young people are willing to spend the night on Mount Cam, just to watch the clouds drift by the next morning. That's when they can capture the majestic and romantic beauty of the Bay Nui region. According to many young people, it's an experience well worth the effort.
The people of Mount Cam say that the season of clouds is like a long-time friend, appearing in their lives as a matter of course. When the rain comes, the mountain dwellers are busy with their gardens and fields, but it is also a time when their lives return to the tranquility of the mountains and forests. The elderly often brew fragrant tea early in the morning, watching the clouds drift lazily by. The younger generation is more energetic, still diligently working to make a living amidst the cloud cover. My friends who settled on Mount Cam say that although the locals are used to this scene, they still really enjoy days like these.
"When there are clouds, the weather in the mountains is cool and pleasant, and it's very relaxing," my friend shared. Having lived in the mountains for nearly 20 years, he considers the clouds his companions. On cloudy mornings, he goes to the market, takes a stroll, and sips a cup of coffee amidst the lingering clouds. That feeling is truly delightful, a far cry from the crowded, convenient streets of Saigon where he spent several years.
Then the mountain dwellers gather for a market. Clouds envelop the sounds of voices, laughter, greetings, and bargaining over vegetables and meat. It's affectionately called the Cloud Market. The Cloud Market is located near Thuy Liem Lake, as it's the destination for most roads on Mount Cam. Visiting the Cloud Market in the morning, you'll be surprised by the vendors' baskets of goods. They carry their wares up from the foot of the mountain, walking through the ethereal mist, creating a unique visual effect.
For tourists, the experience of visiting the Cloud Market at dawn is also very special. However, the most beautiful thing is to take a stroll around Thuy Liem Lake to admire the picturesque scenery of clouds and mountains. Amidst the swirling clouds, visitors feel the cool air and experience an indescribable feeling of exhilaration as they touch the tiny water droplets in the clouds. Having visited Mount Cam many times, I particularly enjoy that feeling. It's a wonderful experience that sets Mount Cam apart from the rest of the Mekong Delta. Standing on the shore of Thuy Liem Lake, gazing at the benevolent smile of the Maitreya Buddha hidden in the clouds, one's heart becomes detached from worldly concerns. In that moment, one lets go of worries, reflects on past experiences, and regenerates energy for the journey ahead.
My favorite thing is admiring the pine trees along the shores of Thuy Liem Lake. On cloudy days, this view gives you the impression of being in the mountain town of Da Lat . The spires of Van Linh Pagoda, like pens piercing through the clouds, create a surreal feeling for those lucky enough to see them. At that moment, you just want to take a beautiful photo. However, that's not easy, because the clouds come and go unexpectedly. If you go up the mountain on days with little or no clouds, it's considered a failure.
If you happen to encounter cloudy weather, photographers can only quickly snap photos, rarely having time to adjust everything. For experienced photographers, it's easier, resulting in very satisfying images. Thanks to these photos, the cloudy season has become part of the attraction of the "roof of the Mekong Delta." It encourages many people to come and experience the cloudy season, helping to distribute the number of tourists to Mount Cam throughout the year, rather than concentrating only during the pilgrimage season as before.
Now, with my more distant travels, I still long to experience the cloud season on Mount Cam again. It's a very personal feeling, making me want to pack my bags and go to Mount Cam to immerse myself in the early morning clouds, to enjoy the freshness of nature and to love even more the picturesque land of An Giang .
THANH TIEN
Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/cham-mua-may-nui-cam-a490966.html









