I’m a photography enthusiast, and the landscapes in Northwest Vietnam seem incredible for capturing scenic views. Are there any specific spots that are particularly photogenic...
The westernmost point of Vietnam is milestone number 0, the border junction between Vietnam - China - Laos. It is also the location of A Pa Chai village in Sin Thau commune - Muong Nhe district - Dien Bien province. People still call this the place where a rooster crows and all three countries can hear it.
You can go to A Pa Chai (or Apachai) in two directions:
- One is from Dien Bien city through Muong Cha, up to Muong Nhe, and then to A Pa Chai.
- The second is to depart from Lai Chau City, through Muong Te to Pac Ma, then to Muong Nhe, to A Pa Chai.
The best journey chosen by travelers to conquer A Pa Chai is from Lai Chau City. During this trip, everyone will have the opportunity to see the full beauty of the vast mountains and forests, walking along the banks of the "fiendish and romantic" Da River and through roads filled with wildflowers, especially golden wild sunflowers on cold winter days.
The Magnificent Mountains Of A Pa Chai
Lai Chau's mountains and forests are majestic and extremely poetic. Although the roads are arduous, the journey brings you a feeling of excitement and passion when you are lucky enough to encounter a fiery sunset, sparkling in the wild mountains.
The Da River
Walking along the banks of the Da River is an unforgettable experience, immersing yourself in a peaceful, pristine environment. Nearly 100 km from Muong Te town to Pac Ma, you will see the deep green river on the towering, magnificent mountains and hills. The scene is as beautiful as heaven, as described by the Vietnamese poet Nguyen Tuan "The riverbank is as innocent as an ancient fairy tale."
There are high points like Ta Tong village, where on a beautiful day, standing from here, you will admire a sea of white clouds, and looming below is the shape of the vast Da River. The closer to the upstream, especially to the Nam Lan area, the more the river resembles a mirror.
Border Guard Station 317
The journey to conquer milestone 0, the westernmost point of A Pa Chai, must go through border station 317 - A Pa Chai border station. Because this is a border area, you need to follow strict rules. Therefore, anyone passing here needs to bring their identification documents and present them to the border station, and then the station leader will send a soldier to lead your group to mark 0.
From A Pa Chai border station to mark 0, you have to cross nearly 10 km. In general, this journey will have to go through a winding road but has majestic, spacious scenery and is completely accessible by motorbike.
At the foot of Khoan La San mountain, you must leave your motorbike at the meeting point and begin to walk for about 3 km. This route has some concreted parts, but most of it is still dirt, through the forest. On a sunny day, it can be quite easy to go even if it is a bit steep. However, it would be much more difficult to go on a rainy day.
Milestone number 0
After the arduous path, you will reach milestone 0. Milestone 0 is a triangular landmark marking the border junction of the three countries Vietnam - Laos - China, each side is marked in a corresponding language. This landmark is located on the top of Khoan La San mountain and is built of marble. Here, you can even see the immense natural scenery of neighboring countries.
Conquering the westernmost tip of A Pa Chai is an interesting journey, full of memories even if it is a bit strenuous and tiring. Conquering the westernmost tip of A Pa Chai is an interesting journey, full of experiences even if it is a bit strenuous and tiring. This trip includes the wild, remote, majestic, yet very poetic, romantic, and magical Northwest mountain roads. Whether you choose the route from Dien Bien or Lai Chau, you will still be able to see and feel the unique beauty of the border areas at the end of Vietnam.
See Vietnam tours to Dien Bien Phu:
