I recently discovered a magnificent waterfall, often dubbed the 'premier waterfall' of the Northwest. The journey to reach it was quite treacherous, and it's located just over 100 kilometers from Hanoi.

Háng Tề Chơ Waterfall, famed as one of the "four great formidable wildernesses" deep within the pristine Tà Xùa primary forest, presents one of the most captivating challenges for intrepid explorers.
Dubbed one of the 'four most formidable areas' within the pristine Tà Xùa special-use forest, Háng Tề Chơ Waterfall presents one of the most alluring challenges for adventurous travelers.
When Yên Bái is mentioned, travelers often immediately recall famous destinations like Mù Cang Chải and Thác Bà Waterfall. However, there's another name that remains largely unknown to many visitors, yet boasts a rare, majestic, and pristine beauty. This is Háng Tề Chơ Waterfall, nestled in the highlands of Trạm Tấu.
The waterfall is located in a Hmong village, within Làng Nhì Commune, Trạm Tấu District, Yên Bái Province – a natural boundary between Yên Bái and Sơn La provinces. For this reason, the waterfall shares its name with the small village – Háng Tề Chơ. Tucked deep within the mountains, backed by the Tà Xùa forest, and soaring at an altitude of 1800m above sea level, Háng Tề Chơ is considered one of the most magnificent waterfalls in the Northwestern mountains, even earning the title 'First Waterfall'.

Háng Tề Chơ Waterfall lies hidden amidst the lush greenery of the Northwestern mountains
This is an incredibly exciting travel destination, though the journey can be challenging. Its wild beauty, still largely untouched by human development, offers travelers a truly authentic 'nature experience'.
Getting to Háng Tề Chơ Waterfall: A Challenging and Treacherous Path
Previously, reaching Háng Tề Chơ Waterfall meant navigating dirt roads, steep, narrow slopes teetering on cliff edges, and paths strewn with gravel and boulders. However, most of the route to the waterfall has now been paved with concrete, making the journey considerably easier for travelers. From Hà Nội, travelers can take National Road 32 to Trạm Tấu district center, then rent a motorbike to embark on a four-stage journey of increasing difficulty.
Stage One: Starting from Trạm Tấu district center to Phình Hồ Commune. This initial stretch is about 10km long and has been smoothly paved, making for a relatively easy ride. As you pass through this first stage, you'll enjoy panoramic views of Trạm Tấu district center, along with ancient tea hills and vast terraced rice fields stretching endlessly on both sides of the road.
Stage Two: From Phình Hồ Commune up to Làng Nhì Commune. This section introduces the first slope in the center of Phình Hồ; beyond it lies a road with boulders and gravel stretching for 7km until you reach Làng Nhì Commune. The higher you ascend, the clearer the pristine mountain scenery becomes, featuring terraced fields climbing steeply, one after another. The expansive green of the mountains and fields seems to stretch infinitely, while the scattered homes of the Hmong people gradually become fewer along the path to the waterfall.
Stage Three: This 10km stretch from Làng Nhì Commune to Đề Chơ Village is far more arduous and challenging than the previous stages. The road to the village is very narrow and steadily climbs, hugging the mountainside with a sheer cliff face on one side and a deep abyss on the other. The path is only a few hand-spans wide, with steep inclines rough with gravel, rocks, and branches. During rainy weather, this path becomes dangerously slippery, and most tourists have to turn back.
After completing this stage, Háng Tề Chơ Waterfall will gradually emerge, appearing like a thin thread descending from the mountain peak. This marks the end of the motorbike journey; travelers will need to park their bikes in the village and continue on foot to the waterfall.


The challenging road to Háng Tề Chơ Waterfall
Stage Four: Although the waterfall is now visible, travelers must trek along the mountain slopes from the village to reach it. This stretch might seem short, but it takes almost an hour to traverse. Travelers will navigate through cornfields, along mountain cliffs, wade across treacherous streams, and cross precarious small bridges alongside large rocks.
Finally, after conquering all these challenging stages, travelers will arrive at Háng Tề Chơ Waterfall. As mentioned earlier, from Làng Nhì, the waterfall appears as a tiny thread suspended amidst the endless green of the mountains and forests. But upon arrival, its sheer grandeur will undoubtedly leave visitors awestruck.

Humans dwarfed by the majestic waterfall
Currently, there are no protective barriers at the waterfall, allowing visitors to touch its powerful currents and feel the cool mist rising from the mountain wilderness. Surrounding the falls is a vibrant landscape of lush greenery covering the area, alongside moss-covered boulders of various sizes stacked along the stream. Together with the roaring rush of the water, all these elements create a perfect, magnificent natural spectacle that no photograph or film can fully capture as profoundly as experiencing it firsthand.
After witnessing the majestic beauty of Háng Tề Chơ Waterfall up close, in the late afternoon or evening, travelers can return to Háng Tề Chơ village and savor rustic local dishes such as crispy fried crickets, bánh chim gâu, and smoked buffalo meat, prepared by local families.

Enchanting pool at the base of the waterfall
Important Notes Before Visiting the Waterfall
The path to Háng Tề Chơ Waterfall is far from easy and carries many potential dangers; travelers need strong driving skills and a calm demeanor when navigating the high mountain roads. Luggage and belongings for the trip should be minimized, suitable for challenging mountain trekking and difficult footpaths.
Before reaching Phình Hồ Commune, ensure your fuel tank is full. The further you go, the scarcer amenities and population become, and it will certainly be difficult to find a place to refuel if you run out of gas along the way.
Travelers should also carry a motorbike repair kit in case of breakdowns, and don't forget to bring waterproof bags for electronic devices like phones and cameras.
Finally, be sure to thoroughly check the weather forecast before embarking on your journey to Háng Tề Chơ Waterfall. Avoid traveling on rainy days, as the slippery roads are extremely dangerous, and you won't be able to reach the waterfall.
Lao Cai 5592 view
Update day : 22/10/2023
Source : Tổ quốc .vn Affiliate links
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