Northwest Vietnam is currently in its most beautiful cloud-hunting season of the year.

The best time for cloud hunting in Northwest Vietnam is from October to April, when the weather is ideal for cloud formation. The majestic mountains and forests, partially hidden behind a sea of ​​fluffy clouds in the early morning mist, leave visitors mesmerized...

Few are unmoved by the majestic scenery of Vietnam's nature, but even more enchanting are the precious moments when mountains blend with the clouds. Places where mountains are shrouded in clouds, clouds caress mountains, or where a sea of ​​clouds blankets the entire horizon have become the destination for those who love to travel.

Is there a season called the "cloud season"? Yes, because the clouds are incredibly beautiful during that time. The period from around October to April is when the clouds are at their most beautiful in the northern mountainous regions. After the golden hues of ripe rice fields covering the hills, the northern mountains begin their cloud season, beckoning us to head towards the mountains.

With its interwoven landscape of forests, mountains, rivers, and valleys, the clouds roll in when nighttime temperatures drop and daytime temperatures rise with the sun. Clouds drift lazily over the mountain ranges or form vast seas of clouds in the valleys, creating a scene like a fairyland. Traveling throughout the northern mountainous provinces, from east to west, wherever there are high mountains, there are clouds swirling and gathering.

If you only have a few days, you can choose Tam Dao (Vinh Phuc) or Lung Van – the highest peak in the Muong region of Hoa Binh province – to "hunt for clouds." Even traveling less than 100km from Hanoi, you can still be proud of finding white clouds.

On longer routes, there are many options, each destination offering unique experiences, sparking the desire to continue the journey in search of beauty amidst the magnificent natural landscape. The most popular destinations for "cloud hunting" include Sa Pa or Y Tý (Lao Cai), Tà Xùa (Son La), Sìn Hồ (Lai Châu), and the four great mountain passes: Khau Phạ ( Yen Bai ), Mã Pí Lèng (Ha Giang), Ô Quy Hồ (Lao Cai), and Pha Đin (Son La – Dien Bien).

Sa Pa is renowned as the "city in the mist," so visiting here is about enjoying the picturesque landscape of mountains, forests, and ethnic minorities painted in the mist and clouds. Clouds drift across the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, seemingly pouring through the windows of houses overlooking the Muong Hoa valley. Sometimes, the heart is stirred by the drifting clouds, carrying away the worries of everyday life. The place name Y Ty (Bat Xat district – Lao Cai province) – "where the Red River flows into Vietnam" – surely carries a sacred meaning when thinking of mountains and rivers, but if you ever get to immerse yourself in the cloud gardens there, you'll definitely want to return. It's no wonder Y Ty has been dubbed the "paradise of white clouds," even though the road to get there is not easy.

From Hanoi to Y Ty is about 450km, with the final stretch being challenging, featuring heart-stopping hairpin bends, but in return you'll be rewarded with breathtaking, majestic mountain scenery and the breathtaking "white clouds." Clouds drift lazily around the Ha Nhi villages, their houses resembling mushrooms. They billow and float up the mountain slopes like a sea of ​​clouds. In this realm of clouds, in this tranquil space, you'll be captivated by the vibrant colors of the brocade fabrics on the skirts of the H'Mong girls, swaying with each step…

Closer to Y Tý, Tà Xùa (in Bắc Yên district, Sơn La province), located more than 200km from Hanoi, is also a place with stunning white clouds. Locals in Tà Xùa call it the "gateway to heaven" because it's covered in mist and clouds year-round. On "beautiful cloud days," standing on a high point and looking down reveals a magical sea of ​​fluffy white clouds. Even if it only appears for a few minutes, this sea of ​​clouds is the most enchanting moment on any cloud-hunting journey.

Heritage Magazine