Trekking to explore the 'roof' of Lang Son - Phia Bo Peak

Phia Po peak is a new trekking destination that attracts many tourists. Located in the Mau Son mountain complex, Lang Son province, Phia Po mountain is called Cha Mountain by local people. From Lang Son City, about 30 km away and nearly 200 km from Hanoi, the mountain peak is 1,541 m above sea level, becoming the "roof" of Lang Son province. With its wild beauty, this is a new trekking destination on the tourist map.

Normally, tourists from Hanoi choose a 2-day, 1-night itinerary to explore. They will drive cars or motorbikes near the foot of the mountain, then hire guides and transporters to carry tents, food and climb to the top. 

The journey to conquer Phia Po peak is divided into 2 stages. On the first leg, visitors will trek about 3.5 km from the foot of the mountain to the camping site, where they will pitch a tent, rest and dine overnight. On the second day, visitors will continue to move to the highest peak with the same distance. In total, the 2-day trek will cover about 14 km.

Although the distance is not too long, the road to the top is steep. This trail has just been opened, so those with good physical fitness can complete it in one day, while those who want to trek and rest to recover should spend 2 days on the journey.

On the first day, visitors will travel from Hanoi to Loc Binh, Lang Son in about 3 hours and have lunch in a district before starting the climbing journey in the early afternoon. Initially, they will go through dense forests with narrow paths, nestled next to ancient tree roots and large rocks. Next is the gentle hill area, which is covered with low grass. 

In autumn, Phia Po's green grass hills turn a burnt yellow, while in winter and spring, the landscape is covered with mist and clouds, making the scene even more magical. In April, white clouds often fly over the valleys of Phia Po, creating a captivatingly beautiful scene.

The journey from the foot of the mountain to the campsite usually takes about 2 - 2.5 hours, depending on each person's physical strength and preferences. Guests will have time to rest here. At night, temperatures range from 19 to 22 degrees Celsius, with light drizzle possible. Travelers should bring a change of clothes and socks in case they get wet.

On the second day of the trip, the route is about 3 - 3.5 km through the forest with steep terrain and denser primary forest. In particular, during the rainy and humid season, visitors will encounter many mosquitoes and insects, so they need to prepare tight clothing, hats, scarves, long pants and insect repellent.

Even on the weekend, tourists do not encounter too many climbers at Phia Po. The landscape and plant diversity here make every step bring pleasant surprises. Visitors trekking to Phia Po peak in April also have the opportunity to admire pink rhododendrons, peach bells, orchids and other wild flowers blooming along the way.

The final part of the journey to the top of Phia Po looks like a row of giant dinosaur backs, covered with low bushes, human-high grass and trees. On rainy days, visitors will have the opportunity to view the sea of ​​clouds from here and enjoy the feeling of clouds falling onto the path. Near the top of the mountain is a forest of ancient rhododendron trees, with roots and trunks growing sporadically, covered with layers of moss and lichen.

On the second day, tourists start climbing to the top in the morning, then return to the campsite for lunch, pack up their tents and from there descend to the foot of the mountain in the afternoon, to return to Hanoi in the evening.