Bach Moc Luong Tu, Vietnam's fourth highest peak in Lao Cai, is one of its top spots for viewing sunsets and catching clouds as described by trekker Tran Trung Hieu.  

At 3,046 meters, the peak, also known as Ky Quan San, is the second highest in the northern province, after Fancipan which is called "the Roof of Indochina".

In November Hieu, 30, of Hoi An (far left) and some of his friends left Hanoi for Sa Pa. Over three days and two nights they completed the challenging trek to the top.

Muoi Mountain, 3,000 meters high, is the most beautiful site from where to catch the sunset and sunrise on the way to Bach Moc Luong Tu peak. It acts as a natural border between Lai Chau and Lao Cai provinces.

Bach Moc Luong Tu was first opened to trekkers in 2012. Though it remains off the beaten track, the peak is an inviting and thrilling target for passionate trekkers.

"I am addicted to the pleasure of trekking, contemplating breathtaking landscapes and slowing down after the hustle and bustle of city life. Bach Moc Luong Tu is an imposing but wondrous climb," Hieu said.

"Having visited during the ‘cloud hunting’ season, I expected to see fluffy, floating clusters of clouds. To my dismay, I only briefly caught a glimpse of them on my first day in the mountains. This is a reason for me to return and chase Bach Moc Luong Tu’s voluminous clouds in future."

At a height of 2,000 meters, the trekkers get a view of the most breathtaking scenery on Muoi Mountain - a dense forest.

In order to make it in time for the sunrise, the team had to wake up early. Hieu and his friends especially enjoyed the warm sunrays piercing the fog early in the morning.

There are two routes to the top, one from Sang Ma Sao Commune in Bat Xat District in Lao Cai Province and the other in Lai Chau Province from Den Sung Village in Sin Sui Ho Commune in Phong Tho District. You can go up one way and down the other for more picturesque vistas.

"Trekking is definitely not a walk in the park, especially for office workers," Hieu said. "Even for a runner like me, some parts were strenuous. The weather is chilly with temperatures dropping as low as 8 degrees Celsius at night. Remember to bring warm clothes."

A tough steep slope for Hieu and crew to climb en route to Bach Moc Luong Tu.

Hieu's team of 10 had three porters to carry the baggage and equipment. The porters were ethnic Dao people who also took care of the meals during the trek. Their fee ranges from VND300,000 to VND500,000 per day.

Hieu’s group trekked during the transition from fall to winter when the last amber leaves remain on trees, making the setting romantic.

The diverse terrain can make the hike arduous. Some of the paths are so narrow that trekkers have to go single file. Some are rocky and bumpy with gnarly roots, requiring trekkers to slow down and walk carefully.

Compared to other hiking expeditions, the trek to Bach Moc Luong Tu peak requires much less equipment and baggage, Hieu noted.

"You only need to buy food at Muong Hum Market and stock up energy drinks, warm clothes and flashlights. Even a tent or sleeping bag is not necessary since you can rent a shack for VND80,000 per person per night. It comes with an insulation panel, a pillow, a blanket for every two people, an electrical outlet, and an Internet connection."

It is cozy in the shacks with campfires and barbecue.

Hieu said weekdays are a better option for trekking up Bach Moc Luong Tu since it can get very crowded during weekends and the sparse infrastructure struggles to cope.

"Travelers should take care of their personal trash since littering of plastic bags, toilet paper and trash has become a serious problem on the mountain."

The journey cost Hieu and his friends VND2 million ($86) each.

Photos courtesy of Tran Trung Hieu