Dinosaur Spine, Ta Xua

Ta Xua, Son La

Ta Xua is located in the North of Vietnam, in the Son La province, about 240km West of Hanoi. At an altitude of 2800m above sea level, it is famed for its rugged mountainous terrain with stunning views. Cool all year round,it is a great escape from the summer heat but can be a chilly visit during the winter months. 

One of the most notable features of this region is a fascinating geological formation that resembles the back of a dinosaur. This formation attracts many visitors who are eager to explore its unique structure.

Getting to Ta Xua with motorbike

At 240km from Hanoi, it is possible to reach Ta Xua directly from Hanoi although it is on the longer side of recommended rides. 

Ta Xua is shown on many of our recommended routes for the North of Vietnam often linking Moc Chau, Mai Chau and Pu Luong in the south to Son La city, Mu Cang Chai or Sapa further North. 

Depending on which of these you are heading to or from it will be just a couple of hours ride to get here via motorbike with Moc Chau and Son La city being the closest stops. 

The final section to reach Ta Xua involves a steep climb into the mountains. Twisting, steep and winding roads lead to the town at the top making for a great ride. 

Where  to Stay

Ta Xua has many options for accommodation from high end to cheap homestays. The better of these will have great views into the valley, swimming pools or a chance for cloud hunting.

When looking for good accommodation here then location is key. Ensuring you are on the right mountain ridge with the right view is key. You can easily see this by checking on Google Maps.

Cloud Hunting

The best time of year to go cloud hunting in Ta Xua is between October and April, where the cloud cover is the best. There are many cafes around the area which offer views over the mountains and into the valleys which in the early morning often are filled with clouds. 

Even on clear days the views in Ta Xua are stunning and make it a place very much worth visiting. 

Dinosaur Spine: A Unique Geological Formation

The Dinosaur Spine

The most famous place in Ta Xua is the Dinosaur Spine, a mountain ridge which you can hike. It can be found about 15km from the town, and the Dinosaur Spine has plenty of homestays nearby. The ridge itself is about 1.5km and can be hiked, or for the more brave, you can go on the back with some local drivers who will take you all the way to the end of the Dinosaur Spine.

Best visited in the early morning until 10am so that you have the best chance to get experience being above the clouds as they fill the valley below. 

Make sure to check the weather conditions before heading to the Dinosaur Spine for the best experience.

Many travelers capture breathtaking photographs of the Dinosaur Spine during their hike.

Experiencing the sunrise at the Dinosaur Spine is a memorable adventure.

The Dolphin Cliff & The Ta Xua Lonely Tree

Located 10km from the main road heading into Ta Xua from the South is both the Dolphin Cliff and the Lonely Tree, just 1.4km apart. 

The Dolphin Cliff is a unique rock formation resembling dolphins breaching the water. Offering a photo opportunity with the Ta Xua mountains in the background. 

Just further down the road is the Lonely Tree, a singular tree amongst the rugged Ta Xua landscape. It is the only visible tree in the area and at the end of a hill, providing the perfect photo with the river and mountains behind. 

Ban Mai Retreat Hot Springs

A little further from Ta Xua itself but still located in the area is the Ban Mai Retreat Hot Springs. Hidden through some small roads on the edge of a lake is this resort with natural springs in a series of swimming pools and saunas. 

A great detour to take when heading to or from Ta Xua as a relaxing rest stop whilst taking a motorbike trip. You can either just stop to use the hot springs for the day for a small fee or spend the night and have free use. 

The hot springs are especially refreshing during the colder winter months when Ta Xua is getting cold.

Summary

Ta Xua has much to offer and yet is not well known amongst foreigners and backpackers, since most do not have the freedom that riding a motorbike can offer. This mountain stop should be high on the list of those travelling the North of Vietnam and with the freedom of a motorbike making it much easier to reach. 

Many find that visiting the Dinosaur Spine is an unforgettable part of their trip.

For adventure seekers, hiking the Dinosaur Spine is a top recommendation.

Being atop the Dinosaur Spine provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

The Dinosaur Spine should not be missed during your travels through North Vietnam.

Staying at least one night is required due to the time it takes to reach Ta Xua and the sights in the area. But it is a common place that people want to spend more time, especially if you are wanting to get the perfect view as this is largely down to the weather and changes frequently. 

Related Routes

You can see routes which include Ta Xua on the Northern Vietnam Routes page here.