Ta Xua

Ta Xua is a ridge above Bac Yen in Son La rising to around 2,800 metres at its highest, and its two features are the cloud and the rock. From October to April the valleys below fill with cloud in the early morning and the ridge stands above it, which is what brings the photographers, and along the ridge runs the song lung khung long - the dinosaur's spine - a narrow rock crest with drops on both sides that can be walked out along. The higher summit is climbed as an overnight trek with a guide. Ancient tea trees grow on the slopes and homestays have multiplied on the ridge.

The landscape

• A cloud sea below the ridge - from October into spring.
• The dinosaur's spine - a narrow rock crest with drops both sides.
• A summit trek to about 2,800 metres - done overnight with a guide.
• Old tea trees on the slopes - and homestays along the ridge.

When to go

October to April, before sunrise for the cloud. Two days.

Good to know

The cloud is not reliable and many mornings produce nothing. The rock spine is genuinely exposed. The road up is steep and narrow. Homestay building on the ridge has been rapid and unregulated.

Nearby

Bac Yen is below; Moc Chau is south-east.