Ta Xua cloud haven in the northern province of Son La, with its largely untouched landscapes and minimal commercial development, is the only destination from Vietnam to be featured on the list of 26 must-visit global destinations for 2026 released by India’s NDTV (New Delhi Television).
NDTV describes Ta Xua as Vietnam’s “cloud-hunting paradise,” best known for the so-called “dinosaur spine”—a trekking route that has been widely shared among travel enthusiasts for years. The narrow ridge, stretching about 1.5-2 km along the mountain crest, is flanked by deep valleys on both sides, while above it, layers of billowing white clouds roll endlessly. Walking amid a sea of clouds, where the boundary between sky and earth seems to dissolve, offers a rare blend of exhilaration and tranquillity.
Unlike crowded and bustling tourist resorts, Ta Xua delivers a sense of authenticity, marked by majestic mountains, ever-changing skies, and the unhurried rhythm of local life.
According to NDTV, the ranking highlights destinations that remain off the mainstream tourist map, aligning with the growing trend towards experiential travel and the search for originality and distinctive value this year. All listed locations are relatively uncrowded and stand out for either striking natural scenery or memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Other destinations on the list include well-known global names such as Kotor (Montenegro), Svalbard (Norway), Neuchatel (Switzerland), Luang Prabang (Laos), Sapporo (Japan), Raja Ampat (Indonesia), Hurghada (Egypt), Mombasa (Kenya), and Cusco (Peru).
Ta Xua’s inclusion alongside these destinations underscores the growing international appeal of Vietnam’s northwestern highlands.
Following Vietnam’s administrative boundary adjustments in 2025, the new Ta Xua commune was formed through the merger of the former Ta Xua, Lang Chieu, and Hang Dong communes, covering a total area of more than 230 square kilometers.
Situated at an altitude of over 2,800 meters above sea level, Ta Xua enjoys a cool climate year-round, with summer temperatures not exceeding 28 degrees Celsius, and is almost permanently shrouded in mist and clouds. The best time for cloud-hunting there is from November to April of the following year.
