Mount Bach Moc Luong Tu (Ky Quan San Peak)

3,046m (9,990 ft)

The hike is roughly 13.5km (8.4 mi) spread out over three days and two nights for the average level of fitness. For those who are especially fit, the trek can be done in two days and one night.

1st day: Climb to 2,100m (6890 ft)
2nd day: Reach the top and return to 2,100m (6890 ft)
3rd day: Descend the mountain

This can be quite a challenging hike, even for those who are fit. The terrain is steep and snakes its way up the mountain getting steeper and steeper as the hike progresses. There are many streams to cross and slippery rocks. The vegetation is diverse and beautiful.

The hike is essentially a trek between two peaks. First to Muoi Mountain on the first day and then up to the summit of Bach Moc Luong Tu on the second day. The third day is for descending.

Day 1: This hike starts off on a long windy dirt road with ferns and other greenery on either side. It can get muddy and slippery when wet.

The trail gets steeper as it makes its way into the mountains and starts to follow a vegetation-covered ridge.

You will reach Tua guest house by lunchtime and continue the trek from there. There are very few flat sections on the trail after Tua guesthouse. You will see a waterfall, a hut, and terraced rice fields along the way.

As the hike continues the vegetation changes. The path enters a woody forest with moss-covered rocks, and thick tree roots growing directly across the path, which you will have to step over. The path gets narrower forcing you to slow down.

At 2,000m (6562 ft) there is a beautiful view of Muoi Mountain and the thick forest. At 2,100m (6890 ft) you will reach the stop for the night on Muoi Mountain. You will sleep in a well-built hut. This area is split into two sections, the upper and lower zones. There are locals living here.

Day 2: The stretch up to the summit of Bach Moc Luong Tu is difficult. It gets steep, and there are places in the trail where you will have to climb over boulders embedded in the side of the mountain.

The most strenuous stretch is from 2,800m to 3,000m (9186 ft – 9842.5 ft ) up to the summit.

Return to Muoi Mountain after reaching the summit and sleep the night.

Day 3: You can either descend the same way you came up or use an alternative route if your guide offers you such an option.

The dry season in Northwest Vietnam is from October to March. Although there are still spotty showers in these months, this is the best time of year to do this hike to avoid the heavy rains and strong summer winds.

The wet season is from April to September. It is not advised to do the hike during the wet season, as wet conditions can make the hike very dangerous with the steep terrain and slippery rocks.

The coldest months are November to March with the average monthly highs on the mountain ranging from 2 °C to 7 °C (35.6°F to 44.6°F), and the lows ranging from -4°C to 0°C (25°F to 32°F). It snows in the colder months, so if you’re planning the hike when snow is expected, make sure to come prepared- or keep an eye on weather predictions to avoid it.

The warmest months are from April to October with the average monthly highs on the mountain ranging from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F) and the lows ranging from 3°C to 7°C (37.5°F to 44.6°F ).

There are particularly strong winds in June. It is not advised to do the hike at this time.

Regardless of when you’re climbing, the temperature can get very cold at night. So, make sure to bring clothing that’s suitable for the cold weather.

Good hiking boots, gloves, hiking poles, and camping equipment will be important to bring on this hike, due to the tricky and steep terrain. Check with your guides what will be provided, and what you should bring yourself. It would also be advisable to bring a first aid kit, as it is a multiple-day hike and injuries could happen.

Food and water can be purchased at the trailhead in Muong Hum market. There is a rest stop at Lan Ngua situated about halfway through the first day’s trek and a hut to sleep in at 2100m (6890 ft) on Muoi Mountain, at the end of the first day’s trek – the locals sell water here. Food is provided by your guides and porters if it is included in your package, otherwise, all food and water must be brought by you for the whole trek. You will need about 1.5 litres of water per day.

Guides and porters are essential for this hike. It is a multi-day hike, and it is easy to lose your way or battle to find the rest stops when it is misty. The porters will help carry all the equipment needed for the long hike.

Local guides can be hired in Sapa (the nearest town). But it might be a good idea to look at your options online well in advance so you can get recommendations or references from other hikers who have gone before.

It is important to note that there are two routes. The first is from Sang Ma Sao Ward in Bat Xat District in Lao Cai province (which is the trail that most people take and the trail discussed), and another trail that starts from Den Sung Village in Sin Sui Ho Ward in Phong Tho District, Lai Chau Province. The latter requires a special border pass as it goes into Chinese territory. You can speak to your guides about this.

Bach Moc Luong Tu is part of the Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range in Northwest Vietnam. The starting point for the trek is about 40km (25 mi) from Lao Cai which is the largest city in the region.

Sapa is the closest town to the starting point. To get there you can take a flight from Ho Chi Minh City to get to Noi Bai. From Noi Bai, you can either walk or take a shuttle to Sapa Market. From Sapa Market, you can rent a motorbike or catch a bus to the trailhead.

This hike is a long haul and has some potentially dangerous terrain. It is important to go with a guide and take care to pack everything you may need.