Ta Xua is the only representative from Vietnam to be included in the list of the 26 most worthwhile destinations to visit in the world in 2026, thanks to its pristine and unspoiled beauty.
India's international television channel NDTV has just announced its list of the 26 most worthwhile global destinations to experience in 2026. Notably, Ta Xua ( Son La province ) is the only representative from Vietnam to be honored, standing alongside famous destinations such as Sapporo (Japan) and Cusco (Peru).
Untouched nature and ethereal clouds in Ta Xua. Photo: Xu Kien
Ta Xua's appearance on the list published by NDTV shows that this destination is gradually attracting the attention of international media. According to the Indian television channel's assessment, the appeal of the Son La highlands lies in its relatively pristine natural landscape and minimal impact from large-scale tourism development.
In a context where popular destinations are becoming increasingly overcrowded and commercialized, Ta Xua is emerging as a place where travelers can truly slow down, immerse themselves in nature, and find inner balance.
NDTV's list of selected destinations for 2026 particularly prioritizes places outside the mainstream tourist map, offering the most authentic experiences for travelers.
NDTV describes Ta Xua as Vietnam's cloud-hunting paradise, with its iconic trekking routes. Among them, the Dinosaur's Backbone – a narrow path about 2km long running along the mountaintop with deep ravines on both sides and swirling white clouds – is considered a must-try experience in a lifetime.
The dinosaur spine in Ta Xua. Photo: Linh Boo
Following the administrative boundary reorganization in 2025, the new Ta Xua commune was formed by merging three communes: Ta Xua, Lang Cheu, and Hang Dong, with a total expanded area of over 230km². Located at an altitude of over 2,800m above sea level, Ta Xua boasts a cool climate year-round, making it an ideal escape from the heat, with summer temperatures rarely exceeding 28°C.
The ideal time for both domestic and international tourists to go cloud hunting is from November to April of the following year. This is when the temperature and humidity create the best conditions for the formation of pristine white cloud formations.
The international media acclaim is a testament to the immense tourism potential of the Northwest highlands, promising a booming year for experiential tourism in Vietnam in 2026.