Nestled within the Ta Xua special-use forest, in Bac Yen District, Son La Province, this peak remains unfamiliar to many tourists. However, the allure of its mysterious and enchanting primeval forest, adorned with unique vegetation along the trekking route, has piqued the interest of countless nature enthusiasts.

The mysterious and fairytale-like scenery of the mountain peak. Photo: Nguyen Trong Cung

To conquer this peak, tourists can start from Hanoi and travel more than 200 km to Ta Xua commune (Bac Yen district, Son La province) and go to the climbing starting point about 20 km away. Renting a car or taking a bus departing from My Dinh bus station the night before to Ta Xua to rest and climb the next day is a famous option chosen by trekkers.

Sa Mu climbing arc with a total length of 15-20 km, depending on the direction, goes through a primeval forest with diverse plants such as moss, rhododendron flowers, maple trees, bamboo forests, streams, and waterfalls.

The trekking trail leading to the peak winds its way through a forest that embodies all the characteristics of a tropical rainforest. Serene mountain streams meander alongside, flanked by exquisite flora and fauna. As travelers ascend, they encounter a kaleidoscope of vegetation, each layer exhibiting a diverse array of vibrant colors. Furthermore, the path is often covered by a captivating carpet of moss, enveloping everything from the ground to the tree trunks in a thick, velvety embrace.

Sa Mu climbing arc with a total length of 15-20 km, depending on the direction, goes through a primeval forest with diverse plants such as moss, rhododendron flowers, maple trees, bamboo forests, streams, and waterfalls. Photo: Nguyen Trong Cung

Visitors can see the panoramic view of Bac Yen District and many famous sites in Son La when standing on the peak on a clear day. The maple leaves turn red and yellow between September and November, forming a picturesque scene. March and April are the seasons of the azalea flowers. It is roughly 40 kilometers from the mountain climbing point in Xim Vang Commune in Bac Yen District to the peak of Sa Mu-U Bo.

The road from the foot of the mountain to the resting area near the top is not too steep, weaving through small streams and old forests with leaning, bending trees. The higher the tourists go, the climate and vegetation change, carpets of moss cover the path and grow a thick layer from the base to the top of large trees with strange shapes.

Sa Mu is not an excessively high or challenging mountain, suitable for even beginners in mountain climbing and trekking.

Sa Mu is not an excessively high or challenging mountain, suitable for even beginners in mountain climbing and trekking. Photo: Duc Hung

The untouched mountainous forest on the way to the summit of Sa Mu can create a unique backdrop for memorable photos during the exploration journey. In addition to well-known spots in Ta Xua like the Dinosaur Backbone, Windy Summit, and Lonely Tree, Sa Mu is suitable for souls who love to explore and adventure. If visiting Sa Mu in winter, travelers should prepare warm clothing and medicines because the temperature here is quite harsh, and can drop to -2 degrees Celsius.

The road from the foot of the mountain to the resting area near the top is not too steep, weaving through small streams and old forests with leaning, bending trees. Photo: Nguyen Trong Cung

Ta Xua, situated in the Bac Yen district, is often referred to as a haven for cloud-hunting enthusiasts. The region boasts several well-known cloud-hunting spots such as the dinosaur spines, wind peaks, and camel cliffs. Additionally, there is a mountain peak that offers not only the opportunity to chase clouds but also a chance to immerse oneself in a beautiful primeval forest.

Sunset on Sa Mu Peak. Photo: Nguyen Van Truong

This mountain range forms a natural border between the two provinces of Son La and Yen Bai. At its highest point of 2865 meters, the Ta Xua Peak is the tenth-highest in Vietnam. The three most important peaks form a line that looks like the back of a dinosaur. Around April - July is the flood season, Ta Xua wears a rustic beauty with the highlight being the terraced fields sparkling with silver light.

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