Hunting clouds in the Northwest Region

In the northern highlands, photographers gather in droves in spring to capture images of popular tourist destinations that are shrouded in thick clouds.

Thick clouds at the center of Sapa town, this type of cloud is hallmark of the Northwest region, often appearing in winter and spring.

Photography enthusiasts Bui Xuan Viet of Dong Nai Province and Tran Minh Dung and Ao Kim Ngoc of Ho Chi Minh City made a long trip to Sa Pa to take photos before and after the Lunar New Year holiday (January 23-29).

“The journey to hunt clouds on the Northwest roads has brought us many memorable experiences,” said Bui Xuan Viet.

Clouds drift as the streets of Sapa lit up. One of the most beautiful places to hunt thick clouds is on Ham Rong Mountain, with the highest point of 1,850 m. To go to Ham Rong Mountain, visitors have to go to the central square of the Stone Church, then climb up the stairs in the back.

O Long tea hill near O Quy Ho Pass, around seven kilometers from Sa Pa Town’s center, is covered in thick clouds and mist. Cherry trees bloom along with the hill bloom in December and January. In addition to Sa Pa, other localities such as Da Lat and Kon Tum are also famous for cherry blossoms.

In the northern highlands, photographers gather in droves in spring to capture images of popular tourist destinations that are shrouded in thick clouds.

Thick clouds at the center of Sapa town, this type of cloud is hallmark of the Northwest region, often appearing in winter and spring.

“The journey to hunt clouds on the Northwest roads has brought us many memorable experiences,” said Bui Xuan Viet.

Clouds drift in a sunny afternoon at O Quy Ho pass. The pass is located on the National Highway 4D crossing Hoang Lien Son range, about 15 km from Sapa center, connecting Lao Cai and Lai Chau provinces. This pass is named after the legend of the Love Waterfall about a rendezvous between a fairy and a woodcutter named O Quy Ho.

Hau Thao church, Hang Da village appears dimly in the late afternoon clouds. This place located about 7 km from Sa Pa, still retains the identity of Sapa, from nature to people.

Clouds float on Sau Chua village, 6 km from the center of town. Sau Chua is considered as “Cinderella” of Sa Pa because it has not developed commercially, owned the wild beauty with cloudy vision.

Fansipan spiritual complex in sunset and sea of clouds. This complex is built following the style of pure Vietnamese pagoda architecture such as Bao An Thien Tu, Bich Van Thien Tu, Kim Son Bao Thang Tu. There are also spiritual works such as the Big Buddha Amitabha Buddha, Guan Yin Bodhisattva, and the Arhat Road running along the mountainside.

Around Fansipan landmark, there are wooden floors which are convenient for visitors to visit. It is also a favorite photographers’ place to hunt clouds and photograph the starry sky.