Just a two-hour drive from Hanoi, Bac Son Valley, located in Bac Son District, Lang Son Province, has become an increasingly popular destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat during the National Day holiday on September 2nd.

Known for its stunning natural scenery, the valley is characterized by majestic limestone mountains, expansive rice fields, and traditional stilt houses belonging to the Tay, Nung, and Dao ethnic communities.

The period from July to October is considered the best time to visit Bac Son. During these months, the weather is cool and pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as cloud hunting at Na Lay Peak and enjoying panoramic views of Bac Son Valley from above.

Na Lay Peak, standing over 600 meters above sea level, is one of the most sought-after spots in Bac Son for capturing the valley's beauty. The peak offers an excellent vantage point for viewing the entire valley, making it a favorite among nature enthusiasts and photographers.

Tran Linh, a 28-year-old from Hanoi, who frequently visits Bac Son, shared that July and August are the best months to conquer Na Lay Peak.

To reach the peak, visitors must navigate a narrow trail with approximately 1,200 stone steps. Although locals have reinforced the path, certain sections remain steep, so it is advisable to monitor the weather before the trip and consider hiring a local guide to ensure safety.

According to Linh, the trek to the summit takes between 45 minutes to an hour, depending on one's fitness level. While the climb can be challenging, the reward is the breathtaking natural scenery from the top.

For those interested in cloud hunting, Linh suggests starting the ascent early in the morning, around 3:30 to 4:00 AM, and checking the weather forecast to avoid rainy or windy conditions.

Tran Nhat Hoang, a young local involved in tourism in Bac Son, explained that the valley's rice fields are planted twice a year, following the weather patterns. The golden rice season typically occurs at the end of July and October.

As the planting schedule varies among households, visitors to Bac Son can often witness a patchwork of green and gold, creating a vibrant natural tapestry.

"Currently, the fields in Bac Son have just been planted with a new crop, so the landscape is a lush green. Visitors arriving during this time can enjoy the beautiful green valley from above and participate in various outdoor activities such as hiking, waterfall swimming, kayaking, or learning about the local history and culture," Hoang suggested.

Given the cool temperatures in Bac Son, especially in the early morning and evening, it is recommended that visitors bring warm clothing and essential personal items.

The National Day holiday on September 2nd is an ideal time to visit Bac Son Valley, where visitors can enjoy the fresh air and peaceful atmosphere, away from the crowded tourist spots.

Although visitors may not yet see the golden rice fields, they can still experience cloud hunting on Na Lay Peak and explore other attractions in the area, such as the Tay community's traditional yin-yang roof tile village in Quynh Son, the nearly 500-year-old "immortal banyan tree," the historic Nong Luc Temple, Tam Canh Pass, and savor delicious local specialties.

Thao Trinh