Many years ago, Fansipan was the ultimate destination for adventure travelers, because the 3,143m peak on the Hoang Lien Son range, the roof of Indochina, was one of the most rugged and dangerous terrains. At that time, there were only trails exploited by guides, full of steep cliffs, deep ravines, dense tropical forests, and the weather changed every hour. Sometimes sunny, sometimes rainy, the Fansipan journey in the past was a big challenge for tourist groups. From Sapa, there were 3 routes leading to the top of Fansipan: Tram Ton, Sin Chai and Cat Cat; each route has different characteristics but they all have one thing in common, that is, this journey is not for those who lack the endurance and will to overcome the challenge.
Later, the locality renovated the road up the mountain from Tram Ton, which helped tourists save a lot of energy and time. There is no more sleeping in tents in the forest, no more worrying about lack of food and water; the rest stations at 2,200m and 2,900m altitude today ensure food and accommodation for about 100 guests at the same time. The Mong porters are increasingly friendly and know more cooking skills than before, the stone-paved road is also more spacious and safer than the stages with railings, the steep places are tied with ropes, and wooden pegs are nailed to the cliffs. The journey to climb Fansipan always welcomes all members of society, and although the cable car has been put into operation, traveling by road is still a pleasure that is hard to ignore.
Only by going like that, overcoming the challenge yourself, can you fully feel the beauty of nature here. The carpet of rhododendrons blooming with bright colors, the towering tree trunks sometimes dropping pure white petals, the wild flowers that few people know the names of shyly blooming behind the thick foliage, then the white clouds filling the sky, the vast green spaces suddenly opening up after a distance where only leaves covered the eyes… And of course, setting foot on the highest peak of Indochina without relying on the pulling power of machines will still be a great source of pride for everyone.
Not far from Fansipan, on the border between Lai Chau and Lao Cai provinces, Bach Moc Luong Tu also attracts many tourists. With an altitude of 3,045m, this mountain is attractive because of its difficulty as well as its beautiful scenery. There is no standard road, to climb the mountain you have to follow the trail and of course you still need a local guide. Bringing your own tents, food, medicine and medical supplies, mountain climbing groups often take 3 days and 2 nights, sometimes longer, to reach the top of the mountain above this layer of clouds. Very dangerous but beautiful, Bach Moc Luong Tu is an ideal place to hunt for clouds, where photographers bring back unforgettable photos to the community because the clouds here are as magical as fairy tales, sometimes white and fluffy, sometimes bright pink in the dawn light, and sometimes the sky appears with magical shapes.
Equally attractive is Pu Si Lung peak in Pa Ve Su commune, Muong Te district, Lai Chau province. Mountain climbing groups often gather at the village, then walk nearly 20km of forest road to reach milestone 42, which is known as the "roof of the border". This route is most ideal with the help of soldiers from Pa Ve Su border post leading the way. It is common to see young people wearing national flag shirts when standing next to the border milestone as a way to show their love for the border region of the Fatherland. From here, you need to cross a 6km long mountain road through the forest to reach Pu Si Lung peak. That number may sound simple at first, but only by experiencing it yourself can you understand the hardships. The mountain slopes are only marked by the footsteps of forest walkers, slippery and very dangerous, the dense forests with no sunlight through, and strange insects..., all of which test the high will of each person. After a few hours, Pu Si Lung peak will welcome visitors with a vast sky and clouds stretching to infinity, from which it seems that if you just reach up, you will touch the blue sky.
Heritage Magazine
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