Cloud hunting spot in Da Lat city discovered by myself.

Coming to the famous tourist city of Da Lat in Vietnam, what options do tourists usually have? In addition to tourist attractions with eye-catching scenery, high-class amusement parks by the lake, on the top of the mountain lying on the dreamy pine forest, and the remaining unique cultural features and ancient architecture. People often compare this city with beautiful names such as: the city of thousands of flowers, the city of fog. This time I pay attention to the word fog and try to understand and explore it in my own way.

Da Lat is located on the highlands at an altitude of 1000-1500m above sea level, has a mild climate and has diverse low hills and valleys. It and some neighboring provinces are the land located at the tail end of the majestic Truong Son mountain range stretching along the whole of central Vietnam and intersecting the plains and high mountains. Therefore, the terrain is more gentle and the elevation of the whole region is reduced, creating favorable conditions for the development of population and cultivation. Depending on the season but most commonly late spring-early summer, the city is often shrouded in fog early in the morning. And I will lead you to places that I find myself, improvised and new, not the travel suggestions in the press.

Because the city is located in low-lying valleys, interspersed with scattered low hills, traveling on steep passes connecting the areas is often covered in dense white fog and limited visibility. Therefore, the experience of hunting clouds, or zooming in from above, is chosen by many tourists. They often choose cafes or restaurants located on the tops or slopes of mountains, where the elevation is higher than the lowlands in the city center.

My personality doesn't allow that. Finding keywords and planning a cloud hunt like that is a bit overwhelming. Suggested locations are good, but that will no longer be an option for me. And I want to decide for myself which place in the search I find appropriate. At least I will see the clouds in a scene without reinforced concrete, only trees and nature. There is no noise of other groups of people to detract from the fresh quiet.

This is a hill without a name, it is located opposite the famous Da Phu hill, next to the Merci cafe on that Ankroet pass. My friend and I went by motorbike at 4:30 am, when the fog was still quite thick. Visibility is only about 8m or less on traffic axes. You'll need to pay close attention and look at the small, hidden signposts to avoid getting lost in the fog and the nearby cliffs.

As we were walking on the mountain pass, which gradually increased in altitude, we saw the clouds receding downwards, that's when we could see the hilltops that could be slightly above the clouds. My friend wanted to go to Da Phu hill, I also followed her advice because it is true that the hill has a beautiful view. But when we started to leave our motorbikes when there was no longer a trail to move, we started climbing to the top of the mountain. The night hadn't receded yet, but the mists glimmered beneath the city and the hills were dimly visible. Just as I feared, as I climbed closer to the top of the mountain, I heard people talking in the wind. I really don't want to see other people while I'm enjoying myself. Those are young people and tourists camping and with the same purpose of hunting clouds with us. But I think nature viewing needs privacy. It gives me a sense of freedom.

I changed my mind as I planned, looking for a place of my own, where few people know and share. It will ensure privacy and cleanliness. We got back to the car and continued on, I saw a mountain peak next to Da Phu hill. But if it's someone else, I recommend you also choose Da Phu hill. It is easy to find and the scenery is also very beautiful.

We continued to park the car on the sidewalk and climbed to the top of the hill. It was a sparse pine hill with green grass. Very little sign of human impact on it. Almost no trash, cinders from campers, no tire tracks in the grass. We reached the top of the mountain just as the sun rose through the low clouds below. Its altitude is not really high, so the feeling of clouds is also quite low compared to where we stand. But really we don't talk much and spend our own time to learn and enjoy the surroundings from all four sides of the hill. This is really a position that makes me happy and relaxed in my own way. My friend chose to swing in the hammock and sunbathe because the light is very pleasant and warm.

We have brought some pre-prepared snacks. Due to the lack of comfort, we are happy to find creative ways. Because there is only coffee in the thermos but no cups to hold. I immediately invented a new coffee, I used up most of the yogurt, left a small amount left over and poured the coffee in, stirring the mixture. The coffee taste has a neutral sour taste with the strong concentration of coffee creating indescribable feelings because of new experiences.

Every week I will spend a day looking for new cloud hunting places for my exploration experiences. So if you like experiences like this, see you in next week's post. Thanks for reading and following.

Image taken with my phone Samsung S20 and Insta 360