Dubbed as the rooftop of Moc Chau district in the northern mountainous province of Son La, foggy Pha Luong Mountain is an attractive tourist destination, especially for those eager for adventurous tourism.
Pha Luong, or big mount in the Thai language, is located in eastern Moc Chau district along the Viet Nam - Laos border line.
For a long time, the nearly 2,000-metre mount has stood imposingly, carrying thatched-roof houses on its back. On its top is a 10-hectare flat area ideal for sports such as riding or walking.
With its breathtaking views and cloudy vistas, Pha Luong is also a common dating and entertainment venue for many Mong ethnic couples.
Adventurous tourism lovers have called Pha Luong a unique beauty compared with other mountains in the northwest region. This mount is widely considered legendary, luring climbers to conquer it as a way to challenge themselves.
Pha Luong takes tourists nearly one full day to reach its top. During the decent, visitors stop off at Pha Luong hamlet and spend the night there, offering an opportunity to admire the picturesque scenery and feel the icy fog absorbing into their skin during the sunset.
While staying in the hamlet, visitors have a chance to explore the daily life of Mong ethnic people and capture the image of border guards patrolling the forest.
Aware of the benefits brought by Pha Luong, locals are engaging in tourism services and improving their living standards.
With such advantages, Pha Luong is seen as a new attraction in Moc Chau, helping the locality diversify its tourist destinations towards becoming a national tourism centre. Pha Luong is expected to push local economic development forward.
The number of arrivals to Moc Chau increased from 288,000 in 2010 to 700,000 in 2014.