1. The Journey to the Sea of Clouds at Chu Yang Lak

Chu Yang Lak Mountain is located about 55 kilometers from Buon Ma Thuot City. Standing at an impressive 1,643 meters above sea level, the trail to the summit is somewhat challenging but offers a fascinating variety of vegetation along the way. Thanks to its elevation, the view from the top is absolutely breathtaking—you can gaze out over a sea of white, floating clouds blending seamlessly with the majestic landscape. It feels just like standing atop the famed Ta Xua Peak in Vietnam’s Northwest highlands.

– Getting to Buon Ma Thuot City:
You can travel by air for the fastest and most convenient option. Currently, airlines such as Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air operate direct flights from major cities to Buon Ma Thuot.
If you're looking to save on travel costs, you can take a sleeper bus from Ho Chi Minh City. The journey takes about 7–8 hours, and the fare is significantly cheaper than flying—ranging from 300,000 to 400,000 VND per way.

– Getting to the Foot of Chu Yang Lak Mountain:
From Buon Ma Thuot City, you can rent a motorbike and travel along National Highway 27 to Lien Son Commune (Lak District). From there, turn onto a dirt road leading to Forest Protection Station No. 2, which belongs to the Lak Lake Historical – Cultural – Environmental Forest Management Board, located at the foot of the mountain. This stretch is about 15 kilometers. If you’re unsure of the way, feel free to ask local residents for directions—they are usually happy to help.

– Trekking Through a Diverse Forest Landscape:
Though the mountain ranges in the Lak Lake Landscape Forest aren’t very tall, they offer open panoramic views of nearby villages and Lak Lake. The vegetation here is incredibly rich. Along the trail, we passed through low shrubland, pine forests, and tropical primary forests at different altitudes.
Despite there technically being “just one long slope,” you’ll find the landscape constantly changing—never boring. The 13-kilometer trekking route gradually ascends from 700 meters to the peak at 1,643 meters above sea level. Along the way, you’ll hike up steep inclines, cross streams, and experience a variety of terrain and vegetation. It’s impossible not to gasp in awe at the grandeur and beauty of the Central Highlands’ wilderness.
On average, the trek to the summit takes around 7 hours, while the return journey takes about 4 hours.

2. When Is the Best Time to Trek Chu Yang Lak?
In the Lak Lake Landscape Forest, the rainy season lasts from April to December, with the heaviest and most frequent rainfall occurring between September and November. This period is not ideal for trekking, so it's best to avoid planning your Chu Yang Lak adventure during these months.

The dry season runs from December to April of the following year, making it the ideal time to visit Chu Yang Lak. Especially in February and March, it's coffee blossom season — a truly stunning sight you won’t want to miss!

3. What Makes Chu Yang Lak So Captivating?

Rock Climbing and Steep Ascents – “Tough First, Rewarding Later”

Steep slopes are practically a signature of the Chu Yang Lak trekking experience! Some rock faces are tilted at nearly 90 degrees, meaning you’ll need to climb with ropes rather than simply hike. While not overly dangerous, the endless series of steep inclines can quickly drain your energy.

However, once you’ve conquered Chu Yang Lak on your own, the reward is incredibly fulfilling — it’s a journey of pushing past your limits to witness the majestic beauty of wild and untamed nature. So don’t hesitate!

Soak in the View from the 1,634m-High Peak
From the summit of Chu Yang Lak, you’ll be able to take in sweeping views of the sparkling Lak Lake and the villages scattered below. What could be better than sipping your morning coffee while watching the town gradually appear through drifting clouds? And don’t forget to check in at the summit’s elevation marker for that must-have photo!

Get Lost in a Sea of Clouds over the Central Highlands Forests
If you're lucky enough to visit Chu Yang Lak on a clear day, you’ll have the chance to witness a breathtaking sea of floating clouds—right in the Central Highlands—without needing to travel all the way to the northern mountains of Tây Bắc!

In the early morning, a thick fog blankets the forest where we camped. Wisps of blue smoke rising from the campfire make the landscape even more mystical. Being enveloped in this cold, damp sea of clouds is a surreal feeling that’s hard to put into words. You can sit on the edge of a rocky ledge at the summit, waiting for the clouds to shift just enough to catch a glimpse of the plains below.

Then, in a fleeting moment, a strong gust of wind opens a gap in the thick cloud cover. A wave of excitement hits you as a section of the valley below comes into view through this break in the mist. That moment may be brief, but the feeling lingers long after—it’s unforgettable.

Explore the Rainforest and Its Rich Biodiversity
Prepare to be amazed again and again as you witness the incredible plant diversity of Chu Yang Lak with your own eyes. From colorful wildflowers to lush, shady tropical forests, the natural beauty is breathtaking. If you're lucky, you might even spot unique species of birds, insects, or amphibians along the way!

4. Tips for First-Time Trekkers to Chu Yang Lak

• Trekking Chu Yang Lak requires a fair amount of physical strength. If you’re not used to hiking, it’s a good idea to exercise or go for regular runs 1–2 weeks before your trip to build endurance.

• In addition to standard trekking gear, bring a pair of gloves with textured grips to improve traction—some steep sections will require you to use both your hands and feet to move forward.

• Nights at the summit can get quite cold, so be sure to pack adequate warm clothing to stay comfortable.

Author: Long Phú Travel