From early morning, we traveled by motorbike from the center of Ta Xua commune, Bac Yen district, along provincial road 112 for about 18 km to reach Chong Tra village, Hang Dong commune.

Sunrise at Chong Tra village, Hang Dong commune.

In Chong Tra village, we walked about 2 km from the main road along a trail to reach the Dinosaur's Backbone. The scene that unfolded before us was incredibly magnificent: fluffy clouds like waves crashing against the foot of the mountain, occasionally the distant clouds would fade, revealing the picturesque Hang Dong village in the mist, and waterfalls of clouds cascading down the mountain slopes... The Dinosaur's Backbone has a rather unique topography; the mountain ridge faces directly towards the valley between the two communes of Ta Xua and Hang Dong. Seen from afar, the mountain resembles the spine of a sleeping dinosaur.

Accompanying us was Mr. Thào A Nô, a resident of Háng Đồng village, Háng Đồng commune. Mr. Nô shared: The ideal time to "hunt for clouds" at the Dinosaur's Backbone is from October of the previous year to April of the following year. In the early mornings, bands of clouds often appear, and on some days, the sea of ​​clouds floats from early morning until early afternoon. Additionally, tourists visiting Háng Đồng commune who wish to climb U Bò peak to admire the ancient, moss-covered trees and rhododendron flowers can hire us to guide them and carry their belongings for about 500,000 VND per trip.

Tourists conquer the Dinosaur Backbone.

From the beginning to the end of the Dinosaur's Backbone, a walk of about 30 minutes, we met many tourists who had arrived early to conquer the mountain, immerse themselves in nature, and take photos. Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy, a tourist from Thanh Hoa city, said: "This place has a pristine beauty. I was lucky enough to conquer the Dinosaur's Backbone and admire the floating sea of ​​clouds. I will come back and share my experience and recommend this place to my friends."

Hmong artisans perform on the Hmong flute at the Dinosaur's Backbone.

Amidst the picturesque yet majestic scenery, the resonant sound of the Hmong flute, with its varying pitches and rhythms, combined with the flute dances of the artisans, along with the neighing of horses and the clattering of their hooves as if walking on clouds, made us feel as if we had wandered into a fairytale world.

Tourists take photos at the Dinosaur Backbone.

Conquering the Dinosaur's Backbone is not just a trip, but a journey to experience the wonders of nature. Amidst vast white clouds and winding mountain roads, visitors will find moments of peace, allowing their hearts to merge with the boundless sky and earth. If you are looking for a destination that is both romantic, challenging, and enchanting, then you should visit this place at least once.

The dinosaur spine of Hang Dong commune, viewed from above.

Besides cloud hunting, visitors to Hang Dong commune also have the opportunity to experience the culture of the Mong ethnic people through activities such as weaving, pounding sticky rice cakes, and beeswax painting; and enjoy cups of ancient Shan Tuyet tea that has been grown here for a long time.

Mr. Lai Tien Dat, a tourist from Quang Ninh, shared: "This is our first time here, and my family has had wonderful experiences, admiring the sea of ​​clouds on the dinosaur's spine, and participating in cultural activities rich in the Mong ethnic identity. This is a truly interesting experiential tourist destination for nature lovers."

The terraced rice fields at the foot of the Dinosaur's Backbone are preparing for the planting season.

The Dinosaur's Backbone is located within the Ta Xua tourist area, so visitors can also visit several nearby attractions to explore and take photos with the pristine white hawthorn blossoms; trek along different routes to conquer the peaks of U Bo - Hang Dong, Phu Sa Phin - Hang Chu, Sa Mu - Xim Vang, crossing primeval forests, wading through small streams to touch the wild and mysterious beauty of the Bac Yen highlands.

Ngoc Khiem - Tuan Hien