In early June, Pham Quang Tuyen (31), a freelance photographer from Hanoi, embarked on a trip to Y Ty (Bat Xat district, Lao Cai province). He joined a tour instead of traveling solo to try new experiences, including hiking and trekking through the area’s lush natural surroundings.

Tuyen’s group departed Hanoi at 6:30 PM by sleeper bus. After nearly seven hours, they reached a homestay nestled beneath Lao Than mountain, about 13km from Choan Then village center and surrounded by forested peaks.

“The homestay was clean, cool, and served delicious food - perfect for a nature trip,” Tuyen said.

The journey from Hanoi to Y Ty spans around 300km, with over 250km on expressway, making it relatively smooth. However, the final 30km stretch from Muong Hum to Y Ty took 1.5 hours due to rough roads, which can cause discomfort for some travelers.

On the first morning, the group walked 500m to a stream near the homestay for breakfast and photos. Then they began their hike - crossing streams and traversing cardamom forests to reach a hidden waterfall.

Equipped with trekking poles, backpacks, gloves, hats, and water, Tuyen found the trail manageable and not too strenuous. “Along the way, we were surrounded by vibrant greenery, birdsong, and the soothing sound of running water,” he recalled.

By midday, they reached the waterfall’s base. There, they relaxed, swam, had lunch, and even napped under large rocks. Lunch was prepared by local porters accompanying the tour.

That afternoon, they continued to a valley with emerald grass and a crystal-clear lake. “Even though we only spent an hour there, the landscape was beyond my expectations - clouds, mountains, and grazing livestock,” Tuyen said with delight.

At 4 PM, the group returned to the homestay for rest, dinner, and evening activities like archery, sunset viewing, or learning about local culture.

Located over 2,000 meters above sea level, Y Ty is covered in mist year-round and remains cool and clean throughout summer.

Heavy rain on day two prevented them from visiting Choan Then Park as planned. By noon, the rain eased, and they visited Muong Hum market, walked around, and enjoyed a lunch of hot sturgeon hotpot.

In the afternoon, the group headed to Dragon Waterfall and explored villages tucked into valleys with terraced fields and a large dam. “The road was rough, so we used local motorbike taxis. But the scenery - mountains, streams, waterfalls - was spectacular,” said Tuyen.

Reflecting on his journey, Tuyen felt it was more than worth it: “I returned with stunning photos and my heart full of the northwest’s summer scenery.”

He advised future visitors to wear long pants for forest hikes, bring shoes with good grip, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for sunny days.

Thao Trinh