Dawn comes out at Chieu Lau Thi Peak
Towering at 2,402 meters, Chieu Lau Thi ranks among the two highest peaks in northeastern Vietnam. Nestled in Ho Thau Commune—formerly part of Ha Giang and now within newly merged Tuyen Quang Province—this majestic mountain is gaining attention as a premier destination for cloud-hunting enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Nine Rocky Steps to the Sky
The name Chieu Lau Thi literally translates to “Nine Steps” in Vietnamese. The mountain’s name comes from a natural stone pathway resembling nine rugged steps ascending from over 2,300 meters to the summit at 2,400 meters—a breathtaking ascent for adventurous hikers.
A Rebirth of Forest and Wildlife
Over the past 40 years, local communities have refrained from clearing land or cutting trees—a move backed by state policies. As a result, the landscape has rebounded with rich biodiversity. Parts of the peak are now draped in primary forest, showcasing a thriving green revival.
A Tapestry of Ethnic Culture
Chieu Lau Thi spans more than 36,000 hectares and is home to over 40,000 people from Dao, Tay, Nung, and Mong ethnic minorities. Visitors can glimpse terraced rice paddies hugged tightly between steep slopes, tea plantations tended by Dao families, and shaded cardamom groves growing under the forest canopy.
Seasons Painted in Clouds
From the summit, hikers are treated to an ethereal sea of clouds drifting below the 2,000-meter mark. This spectacle makes Chieu Lau Thi a hot spot during the cloud-hunting season—September to February—when rice terraces are golden or spring blooms emerge, including vibrant peach blossoms.
March and April offer the best sunset views. With temperatures around 15–18°C, the sun sets as late as 6:30 p.m., draping the summit in golden twilight. Additionally, explorers may encounter rare flora, fauna, and centuries-old, moss-draped trees in untouched forest zones.
In case you plan your visit here:
Best time for clouds: September to February
Best time for sunsets: March–April, around 6:30 p.m.
Peak elevation: 2,402 m
Cultural highlights: Hiking “Nine Steps” trail—look out for local terraced farms, tea, cardamom, and ethnic minority villages
Chieu Lau Thi offers more than just altitude—it presents a captivating blend of nature’s grandeur, cultural heritage, and the promise of atmospheric spectacles. Add this sentinel of the northeast to your travel bucket list.
Nguyen Thanh Hieu
Vietnamese data source: Bao Tuyen Quang
