Ky Quan San, a paradise of white clouds.

As the sunlight fades across the hillsides, the warm, golden hues gradually appear on the terraced rice fields in the northern mountains, signaling the harvest season. This is also the time when mountain climbing enthusiasts begin preparing for their upcoming trips.

One of the most talked-about peaks in the Northwest mountain ranges, renowned for its grandeur, diverse terrain, and beautiful scenery, is Ky Quan San – nicknamed the "White Cloud Paradise".

This is an attractive destination for those who love to conquer heights.

Ky Quan San, also known as Bach Moc Luong Tu, is the fourth highest mountain in Vietnam, reaching 3,046 meters above sea level, with a difficulty rating of 4/5. The name Ky Quan San coincides with the name of a small village at the foot of the mountain in Sang Ma Sao commune, Bat Xat district, Lao Cai province. The Ky Quan San range runs between Lao Cai and Lai Chau provinces (between Sin Suoi Ho commune, Phong Tho district, Lai Chau province and Sang Ma Sao commune, Bat Xat district, Lao Cai province). The Ky Quan San range extends to the Hoang Lien Son range to the southeast, creating and nurturing lush green hills, beautiful primeval forests, numerous waterfalls, and, notably, some of the highest mountains in Vietnam.

The best time to climb Ky Quan San starts in September when the weather is cool, sunny, and there is little rain. The colder weather in the following months is ideal for cloud hunting, and it's also the season when maple leaves turn red throughout the forest, while moss grows profusely on ancient trees and large rocks thanks to the humidity brought by the winter fog. By March, the entire forest bursts into the vibrant colors of blooming rhododendrons. Temperatures remain mild after the last cold northerly winds before summer arrives.

The journey from the starting point in Sang Ma Sao commune to the mountain peak is approximately 15km long, traversing various terrains. This will not be a walk for amateurs, but with serious physical preparation, the rewards for the trip will be well worth it.

Those are unforgettable memories of forests shrouded in white mist, red maple leaves scattered along the paths, crystal-clear streams, the precariousness of clinging to majestic cliffs, and peaceful sleep under a starry sky after a hard day of climbing.

We started from a relatively flat trail that passed through hills, bamboo groves, cardamom gardens, and primeval forests until we heard the sound of a babbling stream in the tranquil atmosphere of the old-growth forest. The next part of the journey was more challenging, with slippery, moss-covered rocks and a continuous uphill slope, but the reward was the unspoiled beauty of the primeval mountains. In the distance, we could see the majestic peak of Ky Quan San standing tall on the massive mountain range stretching across the sky.

The first destination to conquer is Muoi Mountain, at an altitude of 2,100m, which also serves as a resting point for the first day's journey. In an instant, night falls, and from the rest stop on Muoi Mountain, one can see the sparkling starry sky and, in the distance, the majestic mountain peaks standing tall in the darkness. The atmosphere is absolutely silent, and time seems to slow down, as if everything has come to a standstill.