Recently, the prestigious Indian media channel New Delhi Television (NDTV) published a list of "26 places to visit in 2026". It is a source of pride that Ta Xua has surpassed many other famous destinations to become the only Vietnamese name included in this ranking.

This is not only a recognition of the magnificent natural beauty of the northern mountainous region but also marks the rise of "off-the-map" destinations in the trend of Vietnamese tourism among international visitors.

Cloud hunting in Ta Xua. Photo: Hieu Vu Vlog.

Ta Xua: From a "chill" spot for young people to a "hot" destination worldwide.

NDTV editors have lavished praise on Ta Xua, calling it a forgotten "paradise on earth." Unlike the hustle and bustle of major tourist centers like Hanoi and Da Nang, or the glitz and glamour of Phu Quoc's coastal resorts, Ta Xua captivates international visitors with its tranquil, pristine, and poetic beauty.

Indian television emphasized that Ta Xua's appeal lies in its ability to offer authentic experiences, where visitors can truly detach themselves from the hustle and bustle of modern life and immerse themselves in majestic nature.

Clouds cascade down the high mountain slopes like waterfalls. Photo: Gia Huy.

Tourists "check in" amidst the magnificent natural scenery of Ta Xua. Photo: Le Huy Hoang.

The most impressive feature that caught the attention of Indian media in Ta Xua is the famous sea of ​​clouds at the "dinosaur's spine".

NDTV describes the "dinosaur's spine" - a narrow trail winding along the precarious mountaintop, flanked by deep ravines, as a wonder of nature.

On clear days, from November to March of the following year, this place transforms into a magnificent natural stage. Layers of fluffy white clouds, like cotton, swirl down into the valley, creating a surreal scene that seems straight out of a movie. The feeling of standing on a mountaintop, with the wind whistling in your ears and a vast ocean of clouds below, has been described by Indian media as one of the "once-in-a-lifetime experiences."

Standing on the "dinosaur's spine" and watching the clouds drift by is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Indian tourists. Photo: Diep Huu Dat.

The rise of "off-map" destinations

The fact that Ta Xua was chosen alongside world-renowned names such as the ancient city of Kotor (Montenegro), the snowy land of Sapporo (Japan), or the island paradise of Raja Ampat (Indonesia) shows a clear shift in the "taste" of international tourists, especially Indian tourists.

While Indian tourists previously prioritized convenient destinations and all-inclusive 5-star services, the trend towards seeking out new, less commercialized destinations is strongly emerging in 2026.

Ta Xua perfectly fulfills this criterion. Without towering hotels or bustling shopping malls, it captivates travelers with its rustic H'Mong homestays, centuries-old Shan Tuyet tea plantations, and a slow, peaceful pace of life amidst the mountains and forests.

The peaceful pace of life in the mountains of Ta Xua. Photo: The Three of us.

This recognition also provides an opportunity for the indigenous culture of the Northwest highlands to get closer to the world. Tourists come to Ta Xua not only to chase clouds but also to experience the culture. The image of H'Mong women in colorful brocade costumes, the misty highland markets, or the aroma of grilled black chicken and local pork cooked over a warm fire... all create a vibrant and diverse cultural tapestry.

NDTV believes that the authenticity of the local culture and the warm hospitality of the people are key factors that help Ta Xua score absolute points, making it an ideal destination for those passionate about exploration and photography.

Ta Xua has a great opportunity to make a breakthrough.

The fact that Ta Xua appeared on NDTV's suggested list is also clear evidence that Vietnam is increasingly becoming a top favorite destination for Indian tourists.

A view of the sea of ​​clouds from inside a homestay in Ta Xua. Photo: ST.

In recent years, the influx of tourists from this populous country to Vietnam has grown at a phenomenal rate. According to data from the Vietnam National Tourism Administration, while Vietnam welcomed approximately 392,000 Indian tourists in 2023, this number is projected to reach 501,000 and 660,000 in 2024 and 2025 respectively, placing India among the largest source markets for Vietnamese tourism.

This boom is no accident. It is the result of the expansion of direct flight networks connecting major cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad with Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, along with increasingly relaxed visa policies.

Indians love Vietnam not only for its reasonable costs and rich cuisine but also for its similarities in East Asian culture and diverse natural landscapes. From million-dollar weddings in Da Nang and Phu Quoc to vacation trips for middle-class families, Vietnam has firmly established itself in the minds of Indian tourists.

And now, with NDTV's suggestion of Ta Xua, Vietnam's tourism industry has another "strategic asset" to attract adventurous tourists who enjoy exploring nature from this potential market. The fact that a remote destination in the northern highlands has been named signals that Indian interest in Vietnam is no longer limited to familiar destinations, but is expanding deeper into the hidden corners of the S-shaped land.

Ta Xua, with its ethereal sea of ​​clouds and majestic "dinosaur spine" ridge, is facing a golden opportunity to reach out to the wider world. Recognition from international media is not only a source of pride for Son La province but also a driving force for Vietnamese tourism to continue developing sustainably, preserving its pristine beauty to welcome friends from all over the world.

Nguyen Bao