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“Sa Mu was the original name of this mountain,” explained Trang, a local porter who accompanied me on my trip to Tà Xùa, Son La. Some mountains don’t just test your legs; they stretch your imagination. The Ta Xua trekking route to Sa Mu – U Bo peak is one of those places, a landscape where earth and cloud weave into dream, and where every turn in the trail reveals a new story.
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The Story Behind the Trail: A Unique Part of Tà Xùa Trekking
Although this mountain already had an old name, locals also refer to it by another peculiar one “U Bo.” The story goes that people here often let their cattle, especially cows, roam freely up the mountains. Every few days, they would go up to look for them, sometimes to sell, sometimes for rituals or ceremonies. Such local tales add a unique cultural touch to the Ta Xua trekking experience, where nature and tradition blend seamlessly.
That’s why locals started calling this section “U Bo,” to mark halfway up the trail to Sa Mu Peak. It’s like a signal for both locals and visitors: this is where the cows roam free. So, how do you know when you’ve reached U Bo on the Ta Xua trail?
The Fairy Tree: The Heart of the Tà Xùa Trekking Experience
I was lucky to be joined by Van, another porter, who told me a lot about this special place. He’s actually the one who named the famous tree “The Fairy Tree.” “In the past, the tree was covered in thick moss and much healthier,” he said. But as more people discovered and climbed it for photos, the tree has weakened over time. So if you truly love nature, please admire it from below — don’t climb up. This iconic tree is the landmark that lets you know you’ve reached the magical U Bo section of your Tà Xùa trekking journey.
A Journey Through Moss and Mist: The Trail to the Fairy Tree
The most beautiful part of the journey begins just one-third of the way in. As you climb higher, the landscape transforms. Moss blankets the trail, and fallen old trees nourish the young ones, creating an almost mystical atmosphere.
Some parts of the path are lined with thick moss and towering trees, while others are brighter and more open where trees were once cleared, leaving only moss-covered stumps behind. The forest breathes differently in every stretch, making this part of the Ta Xua trekking adventure truly unforgettable.
Only a few hundred meters from the Fairy Tree, the view becomes so stunning you have to stop just to take it in. Along the way, you’ll also find other unique natural sculptures, like what I call the “Cua Tree Root.” Its shape is unique — it grew around an older tree, wrapping around it until the inner trunk decayed away, leaving this hollow, sculptural form behind. These fascinating sights are part of what makes Ta Xua trekking such a visually captivating and soul-stirring experience.
Conclusion
In the end, a Tà Xùa trekking journey to the Fairy Tree is more than a physical challenge; it’s an immersion into a living, breathing landscape rich with local stories and quiet magic. From the moss-covered ground to the ancient trees, every step feels like you’re walking through a fairy tale. It’s a powerful reminder that the best adventures are the ones that connect us not just to a place, but to the stories and people who make it special.
About Hoa Chan Di
“I love movement — whether physical or spiritual. No matter how far or how long I travel, my passion for collecting stories about culture, people, love, and nature never fades.
I want to hear your stories too, about where you live — and spread the positive energy I carry. Don’t hesitate to reach out!”
This article belongs to Hoa Chan Di, a member of Stories of the Trails — an outdoor community managed by ExoTrails, Vietnam’s leading navigation and mapping app for hikers. Join the group to share and discover more high-quality outdoor content!
The Sa Mu – U Bo Peak Trek (2,756m) in Ta Xua, Son La is now available on the ExoTrails app — save the route for your next adventure!
Note: This is a moderately challenging trail. Don’t forget to contact local trekking service providers to ensure a safe and fulfilling journey, just like Hoa Chan Di did.
