Located about 10km from the center of Cho Ra commune, Don Den peak (formerly Bac Kan province), over 1,000m high, is becoming a "hot" winter check-in spot. From dawn, many young people brave the freezing cold to wait for the moment the sun rises from the sea of clouds - a scene likened to "heavenly paradise". - Northwest Vietnam

A hot check-in spot in the highlands during winter
Nestled amidst vast mountains and forests, Don Den (Don Den village, Ba Be commune, Thai Nguyen province) stands out with its rare landscape: swirling mists, winding mountain passes, and pristine, unspoiled forests. Despite lacking professional tourism services, it attracts numerous visitors with its spectacular cloud-hunting moments and the unspoiled beauty of the wilderness. Don Den is expected to soon become a prominent tourist destination in Thai Nguyen.

A journey across the mountain pass to witness the sunrise
At dawn, we set off from Cho Ra commune, following the winding mountain passes leading to the summit of Don Den. The higher we climbed, the colder the air became, and the mist enveloped the path, creating the feeling of stepping into another realm.

Nguyet Anh (from Thai Nguyen) said: "Today we didn't get to see many clouds, which is a bit disappointing, but the weather was chilly, so wearing warm clothes and scarves was just like winter, and we still had a lot of fun. This place is trending online, so we definitely have to try it".

One young person who traveled over 100 km to get here said: "I saw the pictures on TikTok and they were so beautiful, so I was determined to come and see it for myself".

Despite the increasing number of visitors, Don Den still lacks well-organized tourism services. The roadside rest stops are mostly spontaneously cleaned up and furnished with chairs by local people.

Mr. Hua Duc Ly - a local resident said: "The air here is very cool and the scenery is beautiful. Visitors come not only to chase the clouds but also to watch the sunrise and sunset. It's crowded every weekend".

According to him, the experience of cloud hunting is: "If it was sunny the day before, it will be cloudy the next day. Tourists should go between 4 and 6 in the morning; in autumn, the clouds take longer to dissipate".

Mr. Hieu (from Ba Be commune) expressed his desire for investment: "The Lighthouse is beautiful, but no one has invested in services for it yet. Visitors to Ba Be Lake all stop by here. If there were more services, it would definitely attract even more tourists".

Don Den is also home to the H'Mong, Dao, and Tay ethnic groups, many of whom still preserve their traditional cultures. Tourists can visit the nearby Phja Khao bamboo forest to take photos - a popular spot for young people to combine their trip with cloud-hunting.

Source: Discover Don Den peak and the wild beauty of Thai Nguyen.