Located in Ho Thau commune, Hoang Su Phi district, Ha Giang, Chieu Lau Thi peak is part of the Tay Con Linh mountain range, which is known as one of the most diverse ecological populations in Viet Nam’s northern region.
Standing 2,402m above sea level, Chieu Lau Thi mount is beautiful all year round
It is the home to the Dao, Nung, La Chi, and H’mong ethnic minority groups, each possessing a unique traditional culture, making the land more attractive for tourists.
According to Dao ethnic locals, ‘Chieu Lau Thi’ means nine ladder layers to the sky. People said that when French colonialists were ruling Indochina, they planned to build a base on top of Chieu Lau Thi peak to observe the entire of Ha Giang province from above. Therefore, they had a stone path to the mount constructed, which has now become a place for backpackers to chase the clouds and admire the sun rise.
Starting from downtown Hoang Su Phi, tourists have to conquer the slopes to Ho Thau commune while beholding stunning rice paddy terraces along the way. Arriving at Ho Thau commune, visitors might take time to get acquainted with the low air pressure at a height of more than 1,000 metres. Layers of clouds flow from the mount to cover the roofs of houses in the villages.
The pure and pristine tranquillity in the commune can sweep away tiredness and calm a visitors’ soul. From the centre of Ho Thau, travellers still have to conquer ten additional kilometres of sloping trails before reaching the foot of Chieu Lau Thi peak. Mountaineers can admire the charming beauty of nature at any stop on the way to the peak.
From the Chieu Lau Thi mount, tourists can see ancient tea trees which are covered by green moss. It is unknown how old the tea trees are, but they generate a stable income for the Red Dao people. There are also temporary tents for goat tenders on the way leading to the peak.
Two kilometres from the Chieu Lau Thi peak is a natural lake, where people can take a rest and explore the natural flowers and refill their energy to finish the excursion.
Banks of clouds drifting around on the way to Chieu Lau Thi peak
Standing 2,402m above the sea level, Chieu Lau Thi mount is beautiful all year round.
One is attracted by beholding the seas of cloud drifting and bobbing in the early morning during sunrise or late in the afternoon before sunset. Others are interested in taking time scaling to the top of the peak and taking in the breath-taking scenery from above.
Not only renowned for its stunning natural landscape, Hoang Su Phi district is also appreciated by tourists for its unique traditional culture.
During autumn, when the rice in the terraced fields turns yellow, it is time for the Dao people in the district to celebrate the Ban Vuong festival in commemoration of their ancestors.
The annual festival aims to worship Ban Vuong, the great father of 12 Dao families, and pray for favourable weather conditions, prosperity and happiness for people.
With rich tourism potential and distinguished cultural values, Chieu Lau Thi peak has received much attention and investment from Hoang Su Phi district’s authorities in a bid to turn the area into an attractive destination for adventure tourism.
According to Lu Van Chung, Vice Chairman of Hoang Su Phi district People’s Committee, a range of measures and actions have been taken to upgrade the transport system and improve infrastructure, while promoting cultural values and developing community-based tourism.