“Cloud hunting” in Da Lat

PANO - To take perfect photos, 35-year-old photographer Vu Ngoc Thien gets up early and spends several days capturing autumn mist on three hills in Da Lat.

Reviving 'Green Belt' in South-central region

Exploring mangrove forest in Ca Mau Cape area

Beauty of “Moonrock Beach” in Hang Rai - Nui Chua

Vu Ngoc Thien roamed Da Lat throughout October to capture the moment of early morning mist shrouding the city.

The young man gets up early to reach the three hills of Da Phu, Thien Phuc Duc, and Ngo Quyen by 5:30 a.m.

As a person who travels around Vietnam to capture sunrise, Thien said that capturing Da Lat mist isn’t as tough as in Ta Xua. Photographers just need to wake up early.

Morning mist blends with clouds at Da Phu Hill. This photo was taken on October 20.

Da Phu Hill, located in Ward 7, about 10km from Da Lat city center, is accessible by motorbike. The ideal time to admire the mist and clouds is around 5-6a.m.

At dawn, the mist begins to disperse, and sunlight pierces through the clouds, revealing rows of lush green pines on the hillside.

Da Phu is also a favorite place for cloud-hunting and is widely recommended by visitors to Da Lat.

As the sun rises higher, most of the mist fades, unveiling the view of Da Lat.

Da Phu Street in Ward 7 has various breakfast spots, including Hang, Ngon “xiu mai” Bread, Pho Uyen, or Dalat Eden Cafe, which offers breakfast and coffee.

This photo shows Da Lat viewed from Ngo Quyen Hill.

Ngo Quyen Hill is located in Ward 7, about 4-5km from the city center. The road up to the hill is easier than that to Da Phu. Although Ngo Quyen has scenic beauty and is considered the heart of Da Lat, it is less famous among tourists. The hill is evaluated as one of Da Lat’s best sunset viewpoints.

The third famous spot for cloud hunting in Da Lat is Thien Phuc Duc. Located about 6km from the city center, the hill is well known for its challenging route. However, it offers a peaceful, cool atmosphere that rewards visitors for their efforts.

Since this photo is taken late in the morning, the mist on Thien Phuc Duc is thinner, not as dense as on Da Phu or Ngo Quyen Hills.

From the hilltop, visitors can catch a glimpse of the majestic Langbiang Peak shrouded in mist, along with other hills dotted with pine forests.

“You should get up early to capture the mist. Once you get nice photos, you feel that they are worth your efforts,” said Thien.

As a bare hill covered with grasslands and pine trees, Thien Phuc Duc Hill is an ideal camping spot for visitors who admire mist, clouds, and sunrise.