Hunting the clouds in Tuyen Quang

As winter approaches, Tuyen Quang’s mornings are often shrouded in mist, with clouds drifting over valleys and mountain slopes, creating a poetic and ethereal landscape that attracts tourists and photographers alike.

Suoi Thau Prairie, Pa Vay Su Commune, looks like a painting with clouds floating gracefully.

Since the provincial merger, Tuyen Quang has been recognized for its potential in cloud-hunting tourism. With three-quarters of the area covered by mountains and many northern communes situated on highlands, the region offers ideal conditions for witnessing morning clouds, particularly on sunny days after cold nights or following rain showers.

Photographer Hoang Hung from the Tuyen Quang Literature and Arts Association carefully sets up his tripod in Khao Trang Village, Hong Thai Commune, waiting for the perfect moment as the sun rises above the peaks. Long exposure shots of floating clouds at dawn capture intricate details and the beauty of the sunlight, enticing visitors to experience and photograph the scene themselves.

Popular cloud-hunting spots include Khao Trang Village (Hong Thai Commune), Khau Lac Pass connecting Binh An and Lam Binh, Coc Vai and Phuc Yen (old) fishing village on Na Hang Lake, Na Tang Peak (Trung Ha Commune), Cao Duong Village (Bach Xa Commune), and the Tay Con Linh range with Chieu Lau Thi Peak (Ho Thau Commune). Other notable locations include Quan Ba Heaven Gate, Dam Ma Pass (Pho Bang Commune), Lung Cu Flagpole, and Ma Pi Leng Pass (Meo Vac Commune), offering unique scenic check-in points along high mountain passes.

Tourism now encompasses exploration, adventure, and experience. This November, the province will host the Buckwheat Flower Festival on the highland communes, attracting tourists eager to combine flower viewing with cloud hunting. At Ho Thau Commune, locals operate motorbike tours to Chieu Lau Thi Peak, catering to both professional photographers and adventure-seeking visitors, showcasing floating clouds over the deep valleys and peaks.

According to the Tuyen Quang Tourism Association, cloud-hunting tourism is being actively promoted. Travel companies are linking tours to enable both professional photographers and tourists to experience this distinctive winter activity in the northernmost reaches of the country, boosting local tourism and homestay services.

Quang Hoa