Ta Xua
A ridge in Son La with a rock spine called the dinosaur's back, standing above a sea of cloud.
Saved in this browser only - no account, nothing sent anywhere. See your map
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.
What you actually see
- 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.
Honest expectations
The cloud is not reliable and many mornings produce nothing. The rock spine is genuinely exposed and people have fallen. 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.
What to pack for Ta Xua
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
