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

Phia Po Peak is a new trekking spot that attracts many tourists. Located in the Mau Son mountain range, Lang Son province, Phia Po Mountain is called Father Mountain by locals. About 30 km from Lang Son city 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 spot on the tourist map.

Normally, tourists from Hanoi choose a 2-day-1-night itinerary to explore. They will drive a car or motorbike to the foot of the mountain, then hire a guide and a transporter to carry tents, food and climb to the top.

The journey to conquer Phia Po peak is divided into 2 stages. On the first stage, visitors will trek about 3.5 km from the foot of the mountain to the campsite, where they will pitch tents, rest and have dinner overnight. On the second day, visitors will continue to move to the highest peak with a similar distance. In total, the 2-day trekking stage will cover about 14 km.

Although the distance is not too long, the path to the top is steep. This trail is newly opened, so those with good physical condition 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 mountain climbing journey in the early afternoon. Initially, they will go through dense forests with narrow paths, nestled between ancient tree roots and large precarious rocks. Next is the gentle hill area, covered with low grass.

In autumn, the lush green hills of Phia Po turn a burnt yellow, while in winter and spring, the landscape is covered in mist and clouds, making the scene even more magical. In April, white clouds often drift over the valleys of Phia Po, creating a mesmerizing sight.

The journey from the foot of the mountain to the campsite usually takes about 2 - 2.5 hours, depending on the physical strength and preferences of each person. Visitors will have time to rest here. At night, the temperature ranges from 19 to 22 degrees Celsius, there may be light drizzle. Visitors should bring a change of clothes and socks in case they get wet.

On the second day of the trip, the route of about 3 - 3.5 km goes through the forest with steep terrain and denser primary forest. Especially in 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 weekends, visitors do not encounter many climbers at Phia Po. The landscape and diversity of plants here make every step bring interesting surprises. Visitors trekking to Phia Po peak in April also have the opportunity to admire pink rhododendrons, bell-shaped peaches, orchids and other wild flowers blooming along the way.

The final stretch of the journey to Phia Po peak looks like a giant dinosaur’s back, covered with low bushes, tall grass and trees. On rainy days, visitors will have the opportunity to admire the sea of clouds from here and enjoy the feeling of clouds sinking down the path. Near the top of the mountain is an ancient rhododendron forest, with scattered roots and trunks, covered with moss and lichen.

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