Hoang Su Phi is about 300 km away from Hanoi. From Hanoi từ Hà Giang, highway is up for thư whole trip. From Ha Giang to Hoang Su Phi, it is all about winding road followed by narrow mountains with less transportation.
In this series of articles, Vietnam Responsible Tourism would want to introduce you 3 places that you can visit when in Hoang Su Phi.
The second destination is Chieu Lau Thi
Chieu Lau Thi in Vietnamese it means ‘nine step clouds’ – the majestic mountain in the Northwest of Ho Thau commune, in Ha Giang with 2,402m height, is really the ideal target with the adventurous, majestic landscape on every road. The road from Ho Thau to the foot of Chieu Lau Thi is about 11 km that cars cannot go on this road, visitors will have to move by motorbike. Streams, rocks, forests, clouds, … the scene is completely natural with wild intertwined and things blended to feel like a picturesque. Fresh air, quietness. Visitors just need to raise their hand to receive the friendly smile from local people that make to feel the life of peace. Overnight at the foot of Chieu Lau Thi Mountain at an altitude of about 2200m. Weather will be cold but not dry as winter Hanoi, nor wet as the top of Phanxipang. Dinner with typical features of the mountain forest prepared by the compatriots: forest chicken, fresh buffalo, natural green vegetables, rice wine self-cooked. There is no electricity, no air conditioning, no hot water, no phone, no wifi, sitting on the fire flickering, forgetting the hard work and daily worries, feeling simple life and the peaceful people.
This is a mountainous highland forest with many rare and precious plant and animal species. When the sun rises with clear blue sky and clouds, sun shines through each cloud on each mountain. Along the way up the peak, you will see the primeval forest with a rich flora of thousand year existence.
Chieu Lau Thi is beautiful as the place is always is, and each season gives us a different color with different experiences. However, the most popular time for you to “hunt the clouds” is September -12 calendar.
Is it possible to go trekking in Chieu Lau Thi?
Luckily, climbing Chieu Lau Thi is not difficult, you can ride the motor nearly to the top and climbing about 30-40 minutes to get to the peak.
Note: You should not camp on the top of the mountain at night, because it is extremely windy. Moreover, the mountains are steep and narrow, and really not convenient for cooking, washing. It is better to rent on a camping side of the local nearby, where you can have water, sanitation, can cook and get safe. (Tents you should prepare from home)