Vietnam’s “Sea of Clouds” – Ta Xua Named Among the Top 26 Global Destinations for 2026
Not a major city or familiar beach, a misty highland region of Vietnam was just named among 26 must-visit destinations for 2026 by international media.
Ta Xua’s ‘Sea of Clouds’ in Vietnam’s Northwest has been highlighted by international media.”
Ta Xua’s sea of clouds in Vietnam’s Northwest has caught international media attention. NDTV listed Ta Xua among 26 must-visit destinations for 2026. It is Vietnam’s only representative on the list. Amid global destinations, Ta Xua highlights the growing appeal of Northwest Vietnam.
NDTV describes Ta Xua as a familiar destination for trekking enthusiasts. Its most iconic highlight is the dinosaur spine ridge trail. Narrow mountain ridges stretch between vast, rolling seas of clouds.
The trail is about 1.5 kilometers long. It is considered one of Northern Vietnam’s most impressive cloud-hunting spots. Here, a sense of conquest blends with the quiet beauty of nature.
The Tà Xùa dinosaur spine ridge is a narrow trail between towering mountains and rolling seas of clouds.
Ta Xua remains largely untouched and lightly commercialized. The feeling of walking among clouds defines its unique appeal. This is why Ta Xua is Vietnam’s sole representative on NDTV’s 2026 list.
After administrative changes in 2025, the new Ta Xua commune was formed. It merged the former Ta Xua, Lang Cheu, and Hang Dong communes. The total area now exceeds 230 square kilometers. The name Ta Xua was retained to strengthen tourism identity. Development focuses on eco-tourism and sea-of-clouds experiences. Key attractions include the dinosaur spine ridge and ancient Shan Tuyet tea trees.
Transportation
Visitors can choose various transport options to reach Ta Xua, including motorbikes, private cars, or buses. From Hanoi, the route usually follows National Highway 32 to Son La, covering about 240–260 kilometers.
From the former center of Bac Yen District, visitors continue along mountain roads to reach Ta Xua Commune. The main road to central Ta Xua is now concreted, making travel much more convenient.
Visitors can also choose shuttle services with round-trip prices of around 700,000 VND per person. Buses usually depart from Hanoi at 10:00 p.m. and travel for about five hours. Vehicles often stop along the way for short rest breaks.
In Ta Xua, visitors can rent motorbikes to reach cloud-hunting viewpoints easily. Self-driving travelers need strong skills due to steep slopes, sharp curves, and dense morning fog.
Majestic nature
From high mountains, visitors witness white clouds rolling into valleys, creating rare, vivid, dreamlike scenery. Beyond the Dinosaur Spine, Ta Xua features famous check-in spots like Turtle Head, Camel Rock, Lonely Tree, Dolphin Rock.
Other highlights include Ta Xua grasslands and ancient tea hills. On clear days, visitors can see forests, terraced fields, and Hmong houses clinging to mountain slopes.
White clouds spread beneath the human gaze
Ta Xua grassland, about 10 km from the commune center, suits camping, outdoor activities, and sunset viewing. The route is relatively easy, with fewer winding mountain roads.
Sipping coffee on the peak of Ta Xua
Hoang Huyen (29, Hanoi), visiting Ta Xua for the first time, shared her impressions. Ta Xua is not large, yet almost every spot surprised her deeply. At times, the scenery feels gentle, like a fairytale realm.
Poetic seas of clouds in Ta Xua
At other moments, it turns majestic with layers of rolling mountains. Whether cloud hunting, photography, or watching weather shift, every experience feels worthwhile.
Beyond trekking and photography, visitors also seek cloud-view cafés. Popular spots include Mi Oi, Hien Coffee, Thao Coffee, H’Mong Coffee, and Ban Coffee.
Even on cloudless days, Ta Xua remains an ideal retreat. Visitors can sip hot tea, watch sunsets, and enjoy a slow mountain rhythm. Drink prices range from 30,000 to 60,000 VND
Notes
According to many travelers, catching beautiful clouds in Ta Xua requires careful weather forecasts. Choose days with low night temperatures and sunny daytime conditions.Identify the sunrise direction to find ideal photography angles.
Avoid traveling up the mountain at night. Limit large groups and ask prices before hiring local motorbike taxis. The average cost for a two-day, one-night trip is about 1.5–2 million VND per person.
During holidays and Tet, visitors should book accommodation early. Ta Xua has limited capacity to preserve landscapes and prevent overcrowding.
