Ta Xua Peak stands 2,865 meters above sea level, serving as the natural boundary between Yen Bai and Son La provinces in northwestern Vietnam.
The peak is recognized as one of the best three cloud hunting spots in the region, together with Lao Than and Bach Moc Luong Tu peaks in Lao Cai Province. The best viewing period spans from October to March.
Beyond the motives of trekking for cloud hunting, Thuy, 26 years old, and Do, 29 years old, chose Ta Xua for their wedding photos. The couple started their trek on New Year's Eve and celebrated the New Year atop the mountain.
Thuy discovered her passion for trekking two years ago and started to conquer six out of Vietnam's 14 highest peaks. Her boyfriend, Do, leans towards leisure travel and had never participated in any trekking expeditions organized by Thuy and her friends.
In September following a surprise marriage proposal, Thuy suggested Do join her on the upcoming New Year trekking trip, to which he agreed. To create a lasting memory of this journey, Thuy decided to take their wedding photos on Ta Xua Peak.
Imagining the setting, Thuy envisioned her wedding photos amidst a "magical moss forest, resembling a fairy tale that I have always yearned to visit."
From the starting point, the two traveled 900 meters to reach Turtle Cliff. Because it was a holiday, there were several climbing groups, leading Thuy and Do to wait in line for about 15 minutes to take a photo. The Turtle Cliff offered a panoramic view of the village below and the vast sky above.
Continuing 1.5 kilometers to Shack 1, they took a break and enjoyed lunch with a spread including sticky rice, chicken, cucumbers and fruits, all prepared by the local porter.
The journey continued along a 1.2 km trek through Dinosaur's Spine, a peak at 1,600 meters above sea level. Despite its short distance, this route is known for its difficulty. While cables were installed in many sections, the need for caution to avoid slipping remained crucial.
Thuy mentioned that climbing up left her lungs tired from breathlessness.
After completing Dinosaur's Spine and covering an additional kilometer, Thuy and Do arrived at Shack 2. The distance from the starting point to Shack 2 was approximately 4.6 kilometers, requiring over 5 hours.
This was where the group stayed overnight and welcomed the New Year at midnight on January 1. At this moment, a sea of clouds unfolded as a New Year's gift for the entire group.
At 5 a.m. the following morning, Thuy's group resumed their journey, covering 2.5 kilometers. Arriving at Ta Xua peak at around 7:30 a.m., Thuy put on a white dress, a veil, and commenced the wedding photoshoot.
Thuy rented the dress from a shop in Hanoi and brought her own accessories. Friends from the trekking group served as photographers, using both cameras and phones to capture the couple's moments.
For Thuy, the wedding photos symbolized the shift from lovers to husband and wife, marking a new chapter in their journey.
Reflecting on the significance of marriage, she likened it to climbing a mountain, filled with ups and downs, challenging times, and peaceful moments. "The important thing is that we always overcome challenges together," Thuy said.
After two hours of photography, at 9:30 a.m., the group returned to the shack to rest, and reached the mountain's base at around 3 p.m. The way down was easier and only took 7 hours to cover the 9.6 kilometers distance.
Thuy's most liked picture is the one where she and her husband stood at the top of Ta Xua peak, with friends around them. "Everyone looked so happy and were all having a good time, celebrating my marriage," Thuy mentioned.
It's also the first trip where her boyfriend joined her. Even though it might not be the prettiest picture, it's the one that brings her the most joy, Thuy said.
Thuy also felt touched by the scenery at Ta Xua Peak, where the sunset viewed from Shack 2 cast a golden hue over the sea of clouds.
Do confessed that he isn't a fan of trekking like his girlfriend but expressed his dedication to making her happy. The journey was challenging, yet he carried Thuy’s backpack and guided her through difficult sections without complaints.
Te affirmed his support for Thuy's passion for trekking after marriage.
