Exploring Tây Bắc's Epic Roads!

Conquering Northwest Vietnam's Legendary Mountain Passes – A Grand Symphony of Clouds, Golden Sun, and Vibrant Brocade Hues
Discover the Northwest: A Travel Paradise
The Northwest? It's a dazzling season on its roads! The winding, sun-drenched, windswept roads of the Northwest are places I've traveled, lingered, cherished, and found inspiration for poetry. Like the mountain maidens often depicted in poetry and paintings, meditating with closed eyes or resting amidst the terraced rice fields, they suddenly seem to awaken. Still there, the timeless terraced rice fields rise and fall, their golden stalks swaying halfway to the sky. The ripening hillside rice creates swirling waves of gold. I always feel the soft curves of the Northwest roads, even as I drive, as if I'm soaring on the backs of giant, winding pythons.

I'm suddenly reminded of poems about the Northwest, etched with heroic history from the old resistance war. “Through the Northwest, mountains soar endlessly far. Deep streams, high passes, countless hardships overcome. Our soldiers, obeying the Old Father’s command, came here to liberate our homeland…”. Recalling the famous lines by poet Chế Lan Viên:
“In the Northwest! Oh, ten years of Northwest
A sacred land, its mountains and forests heroic
Where our blood spilled, our souls soaked the earth
Now overflowing, the first fruits of spring have ripened…!”
I wonder if every inch of this land, this Northwest frontier of our nation, has absorbed the sweat and blood of our soldiers and people during the prolonged resistance against French colonialism? I feel incredibly fortunate to have spent my innocent childhood in the border region of Lào Cai and later to have set foot in many of the northernmost parts of our country. There, the sun's rays weave a golden tapestry across the hills and fields. Where numerous rivers and streams flow day and night, mirroring the wandering rhythm of mountain life. Where tall mountains remain silently patient throughout time. Where white clouds drift freely and unhurriedly. The clouds have been white for centuries. The Northwest is bathed in vibrant, patterned sunlight all four seasons. Scorching sun stretches from Yên Bái and Lào Cai to Lai Châu and Điện Biên, then pours down into Sơn La and Hoà Bình. These are the names of six beloved mountainous provinces.
The roads of the Northwest, with their captivating, enchanting curves! They carry the strength and spirit of the high mountains and deep forests, always alluring the footsteps of nature lovers and art enthusiasts. Many artists, driven by a burning passion for photography and painting, have consistently traversed these mountains, venturing here to seek out frames and materialize ideas for their artwork. All for the fervent desire to "hunt" for the beauty of nature and the beauty of the mountain people. It's truly admirable and a source of pride that artistic dreams and timeless beauty are taking flight here!

Starting from Mai Châu, Hòa Bình and heading towards Sơn La, this is a common route to the Northwest from Hanoi. It is perhaps the easiest route to conquer. We began our multi-day journey into the Northwest from Mai Châu – Hòa Bình, traveling to Sơn La. As we drove past Thung Khe Pass, everyone eagerly wanted to stop for the first photos of our Northwest exploration, reminiscent of the 'Tây Tiến' journey. The route from Mai Châu, Hòa Bình to Sơn La is incredibly beautiful. Along this 250km stretch, the beautiful white blossoming mustard flower fields constantly invite you to stop for photos. Everyone looks and feels more joyful standing amidst the vast expanse of flowers. “Tiny, delicate flowers. Small yet brimming with charm…”. It's a wonderful stop, a paradise for those who love gentle, pure, and pristine beauty.
From Sơn La to Điện Biên, the route through the Northwest is absolutely stunning. Our vehicle passed through the historic Pha Đin Pass. This is a famous mountain pass from the French Resistance War era, marking where the blood and sacrifice of Vietnamese soldiers and militia during the historic Điện Biên Phủ campaign led to the victory that was 'glorious Điện Biên, shaking the globe,' a phrase everyone has heard and takes pride in. Picturesque Pha Đin Pass also evokes an epic heroic song about the ancient Northwest and the historic victory of Điện Biên Phủ.
Today, successive generations of young people have not forgotten the country's glorious history. They work diligently and love to travel to the Northwest, especially enjoying the freedom of conquering challenging roads on motorbikes while backpacking. And the roads of the Northwest still stand, always challenging those who seek to conquer nature.

Pha Đin Pass is situated at an altitude of over 1648m above sea level. The name Pha Đin was given by the Thái people, meaning 'the place where heaven and earth meet'. The scenery here is like standing before the Gates of Heaven. White clouds cascade down in droves, like soft scarves draping over the treacherous roads. The vast blue of the sky is even more expansive amidst the green of the foliage. Standing at the peak of the pass, you can clearly feel the harmony between sky and earth. The majestic, softly winding roads are as beautiful as a painting! The Northwest's endless forests stretch far and wide in the wind, and the rice fields, just beginning to ripen, are already turning golden. The beauty of the Northwest always captivates nature lovers and adventurous souls who yearn to conquer its winding roads. Indulge in the stunning landscapes and the beauty of the roads on the windy plateau!
Pha Đin Pass is located on National Highway 6 – one of the four greatest passes in our country's northern mountains! I've traveled through the other three great passes: Ô Quý Hồ, Khau Phạ, and Mã Pì Lèng! While all roads are beautiful, Mã Pì Lèng Pass (Hà Giang) boasts the highest altitude and is the most challenging! It was surprising, as our group passed through the summit of Pha Đin Pass, it felt as if we had stumbled upon a small corner of Đà Lạt here – with a slight chill in the air, glimpses of red flowers, green pines, and golden sunshine. The high winds whistled past us. All weariness faded as we encountered the vibrant colors of flowers under the sun. My heart quietly listened to the flowers bloom…
Traveling on the more than 32 km road connecting Sơn La with Điện Biên, you will marvel at the majestic beauty of nature. It's a place where the high mountain scenery becomes even more ethereal amidst this celestial realm. On the winding, precarious pass, you can let your soul wander and gaze into the distance, where the Tả Phình plateau appears beautiful in the misty fog. This is one of the most magnificent plateaus in the Northwest when the rice harvest is ripe. Our vehicle traveled through several Northwestern provinces via Lào Cai, taking in Ô Quy Hồ Pass, and then continued to Lai Châu. This is a remarkably beautiful, precarious, and mystical route. Its treacherous nature makes it one of the most sought-after challenges for backpackers exploring the Northwest. In the past, it was called 'Cloud Pass' because, upon reaching it, people could freely admire layers upon layers of white clouds drifting in an ethereal journey. Conquering this spectacular route tests the courage and determination of young adventurers, as it's a considerable stretch of over 50km of precarious, winding pass. Standing at an altitude of over 2000m and looking down, the feeling isn't just special; it's profoundly different! The mountains soar through layers of clouds and stand majestically vertical. For these roads to endure, there is no other way but to gently curve along the foot, waist, and patiently trace the slopes of the mountains.

The car still whizzes through the clouds! Golden sunlight slants, illuminating the tree shadows. The mountains twist and spread out like strange umbrellas, offering shade. Ahead lies the sprawling Hoàng Liên Sơn mountain range. Looking up, the majestic and soaring mountain peaks cast their shadows. Looking down, the scene below is also incredibly beautiful. Those are the stilt houses and terraced fields of San Sả Hồ! I'm suddenly reminded of the Dao girls with their vibrant red scarves. The Hmong boys, with their kèn (mouth organs) slung over their shoulders, descending into the mountain town of Sapa. And the girls, carrying baskets on their backs, emerging from the beautiful village once known as Cát Cát…
The higher we ascend, the more undulating the emerald mountains become, shimmering with golden hues. The terrain undulates in arcs. Are these a lover's embrace, or merely hairpin bends? Ô Quý Hồ, where legendary bird calls seem to pour down from the heavens, filling the air. The bird calls echo, soft and deep, then fade into the deep valley and slowly disappear. It's as if those bird calls have traveled here from somewhere, from a distant realm of memory, from a land far, far away…

Ô Quy Hồ Pass is one of the four grandest, most perilous, most majestic, and arguably most beautiful passes in our country! The roads of the Northwest owe their fame to these passes, and their grandeur will forever leave beautiful impressions in poetry and art. Passing through Ô Quy Hồ Pass – a famously beautiful pass – one side is Lai Châu, and the other is Sapa - Lào Cai. Marvel at the wisps of white clouds hanging low across the mountain flanks. In the golden sunlight, dazzling streaks of light radiate from one side of the mountain range, while the other side is cast in the deep shade of shadows. Nature is truly mysterious in shaping this magnificent landscape. The early mist has lifted, and the mountains, hills, and green apricot forests resemble a beautiful girl drowsily awakening. Last night, where heaven and earth met in a swirling embrace, lingering traces of dew still cling to the hillside. The road winds gracefully, slender as a soft, cool thread, clinging to the mountain slope day and night! And in Ô Quý Hồ, the wistful cries of birds calling to their mates still echo intensely in my memories.
Do you want to conquer these roads? It will bring joy and pride to stand before such majestic natural scenery, overwhelmed with emotion. A priceless gift from Mother Nature to humanity. Feast your eyes on the majestic Hoàng Liên Sơn range, and be captivated by Silver Waterfall (Thác Bạc) as it sprays white foam into the sky. Sapa, where heaven and earth meet, is right here, and you'll feel even more proud and appreciative when you're at the 'Heaven's Gate'! The roads are softly curving and intertwining. The Northwest roads will further enhance and soften nature's canvas with their gentle brushstrokes across the hills and mountains! These beloved roads will always beckon you and your friends to embark on new adventures.
Son La 4764 view
Update day : 17/11/2023
Source : vanhoavaphattrien.vn Affiliate links
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