Chieu Xuan, a renowned Vietnamese actress, shared her fascinating experience on a trip to Y Ty, a highland commune in northern Lao Cai Province. 

During the Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday in mid-Feb, Chieu Xuan with family and friends traveled to Y Ty Commune, Bat Xat District on a five-day-four-night trip.

Y Ty is famed among Vietnamese trekkers for its beauty at cloud level.

Sunset in Choan Then Village, also known as Y Ty Park.

Located at an altitude of 2,000 meters above sea level, this is a cloud hunting destination for many nature lovers and photographers. 

To take impressive photos, the actress chose a high angle to cover the scene below. Although a bit tired, Xuan said she felt happy and excited to admire the natural beauty of Y Ty.

The weather during Tet was cloudy, with scattered sunshine and average temperatures of around 13 degrees Celsius, dropping to 3-5 degrees Celcius at night. 

Xuan had to reach the Ngai Thau Thuong peak before the sun set to capture this moment. 

"It was like a road to heaven. The sky and earth were so close to my eyes, I had to stop and stare for a while before taking a photo," she said.

Members of the Ha Nhi ethnic community roof their homes in the dying light.

Actress Chieu Xuan was impressed with rustic local life and friendly nature of Y Ty inhabitants. 

Ha Nhi people follow a simple lifestyle, with the women highly skillful in sewing.

A Ha Nhi woman carves a stick to the amusement of her son.

Adverse to the cold, Xuan suggested travelers wear white, red, or blue puffer jackets when taking photos to stand out against the wild backdrop. She also recommended using sneakers for easier mobility, instead of warm, but cumbersome boots.

Photo by Chieu Xuan, Kevin Nguyen