An Enchanting Trek to Tà Xùa's New Peak: Primeval Forests and Milky Way Views

Trekking Sa Mu Peak, Son La: Conquering the Enchanting Old-Growth Moss Forest and a Mystical Cloud-Hunting Paradise
Discover Sa Mu Peak in Tà Xùa – a pristine trekking destination at 2,756m
Though its summit marker was only placed in late 2022, Sa Mu Peak has quickly become a sought-after trekking spot for many adventurers. They come to conquer and explore its beautiful landscapes, enchanting primeval forests that feel like movie sets, and excellent cloud-hunting opportunities.
Located approximately 240 km from Hanoi and just over 100 km from Sơn La city, Sa Mu Peak (within Tà Xùa commune, Bắc Yên district, Sơn La province) stands at an elevation of 2,756m above sea level. For over a year now, it has been a captivating trekking destination, drawing many travel enthusiasts to conquer its heights.

Sa Mu (also known as U Bò Peak) is a pristine mountain in Tà Xùa, with its summit marker installed in December 2022. It attracts explorers with its stunning scenery and excellent opportunities for cloud hunting.
According to Bắc Yên district's official information portal, Sa Mu Peak lies on the border between Sơn La and Yên Bái provinces, within the Tà Xùa Special-Use Forest – an extension of the Hoàng Liên Son mountain range to the south.
This is also a famous cloud-hunting spot in Tà Xùa, just as beautiful as the Dinosaur Spine, Camel Rock, or Wind Peak. Furthermore, Sa Mu Peak captivates visitors with its diverse primeval forest, covered in lush green moss, resembling scenes from a fairytale.
Lê Văn Trọng Anh (28, from Hanoi), who has led numerous tours and guided trekkers to Sa Mu Peak, notes that the peak is rated 5/10 in difficulty, featuring many long but not overly steep slopes. The ideal itinerary to complete this trek is 2 days and 1 night.




The forest is home to many enormous, strangely shaped ancient trees, covered in moss year-round.
There are two main trekking routes to Sa Mu Peak: one from Xím Vàng and another from Háng Đồng. Most trekkers choose to start from Xím Vàng, where the trail from the base to the summit is approximately 14 km, with a rest hut located 1 km from the peak.
Trekkers should start climbing early in the morning, stay overnight at the hut, and then continue their journey the following morning.
The rest hut, nestled deep within the ancient forest, serves as a shelter for trekkers and can accommodate about 40 people. Staying at the hut, visitors are provided with basic amenities such as pillows, blankets, drinking water, and delicious local meals.


The spacious rest hut is equipped with electricity, water, and essential amenities, making it convenient for trekkers to stay overnight.
On the way to conquer Sa Mu Peak, trekkers will cross numerous beautiful streams and waterfalls, and pass through an enchanting, moss-covered primeval forest. Within the forest, the vegetation changes with altitude and the orientation of the mountain slopes.
Here, visitors have the chance to admire a floating sea of clouds, witness stunning sunsets, or even hunt for the magnificent Milky Way at night. The period from December to February is the best time to spot clouds on this mountain peak.
If you visit in March or April, you'll be treated to the rhododendron blooming season. From September to November, it's autumn leaf-changing season, when the leaves turn from yellow to red, creating a romantic landscape reminiscent of Europe.


The best time to conquer Sa Mu Peak is from October to March. During this period, there is less rain, and the ancient mossy forests are lush and beautiful.
Ms. Phạm Thị Thùy Trang (a tourist from Hanoi) had the opportunity to experience Sa Mu Peak with her friends during the New Year. Her group started from Xím Vàng and returned via the Háng Đồng route.
According to Ms. Trang, the trail to Sa Mu Peak is not difficult, making it suitable for beginner trekkers. She particularly found the scenery along this route to be stunning, especially the primeval and mossy forests.
“I've conquered several other peaks with beautiful scenery, but Sa Mu Peak truly left a stronger impression because of its abundant forests, especially the incredibly beautiful ancient and mossy forests,” Ms. Trang shared.
Mr. Lâm Hoàng Thiên Vũ, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City, also recently trekked Sa Mu Peak in early 2024. Having conquered many high and challenging peaks in Vietnam such as Bạch Mộc Lương Tử, Tà Xùa, Nhìu Cồ San, and Pu Ta Leng, Mr. Vũ remarked that the trail to Sa Mu Peak possesses a mysterious and enchanting beauty.
“It can be said that this is currently the most beautiful and pristine trekking route in Vietnam, free of trash and noise, boasting diverse vegetation, ancient primeval forests, and moss-covered old-growth trees,” the male tourist stated.




During his trek to Sa Mu Peak, Mr. Vũ experienced breathtaking views of the sea of clouds, stunning sunsets, and even hunted for the Milky Way.



On the new route descending from the summit to the base of the mountain, the male tourist from Ho Chi Minh City was particularly impressed by the beauty of Háng Xua waterfall.
Mr. Vũ also expressed his delight at successfully cloud-hunting on Sa Mu Peak. Additionally, he had the opportunity to witness a romantic sunset at an altitude of over 2,700m and capture the magnificent Milky Way at night.
Due to its high altitude, winter weather on Sa Mu Peak can be quite harsh, with nighttime temperatures potentially dropping to -2 degrees Celsius. Therefore, visitors during this season should prepare thermal clothing, specialized hiking boots or plastic boots, and essential personal items such as medicine, food, and water.
Furthermore, trekkers must remember not to litter in the forest, and to refrain from breaking branches or picking flowers, in order to preserve the natural landscape and contribute to sustainable local tourism development.
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Update day : 13/01/2024
Source : Vietnamnet Affiliate links
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