The National Cooperative Forum 2025 is a key event in the Month of Cooperative Action, gathering high-level leaders and representatives from the entire political system. Under the theme “Green Production Transformation for Sustainable Development,” the Forum delivers a powerful message of innovative thinking and practical action toward a green and sustainable Vietnam.
On the evening of April 11, the opening ceremony of the 2025 "Footsteps in the Clouds" mountain climbing event took place at the center of Tram Tau District, Yen Bai Province, attracting over 100 journalists from across the country.
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| Journalist Tran Ngoc Ha – Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Vietnam Law Newspaper and Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee of the Mountain Climbing Event |
In the cool highland atmosphere, the ceremony held at the Cuong Hai Hot Spring Resort in Tram Tau - is rich in local cultural identity. The journalists, usually seen with pens and cameras in hand, gathered this time as athletes preparing for the challenge of conquering Ta Xua Peak. The organizers introduced the trekking route, outlined safety regulations, and conveyed a message: this is not a competition for achievements, but a journey of self-conquest and community connection.
Attending the event were leaders from Yen Bai Province, Tram Tau District, and sponsoring units.
Journalist Tran Ngoc Ha, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Vietnam Law Newspaper and Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee, gave the opening speech, emphasizing that "this is a contest for all of us." More than just a sports event, he said, it's an opportunity for journalists to accompany local communities in promoting tourism and regional development. He shared that after the first event at Ta Chi Nhu, Tram Tau gained broader recognition and saw positive tourism and economic growth.
At the ceremony, Ms. Vu Thi Hien Hanh – Provincial Party Committee Member and Vice Chairwoman of the Yen Bai People’s Committee – expressed:
"I haven’t had the chance to conquer a mountain peak myself, but I followed the journalists' journey to Tà Chì Nhù. I was deeply moved by the lyrics written by Deputy Editor-in-Chief Tran Ngoc Ha about Tram Tau. I sincerely thank Vietnam Law Newspaper and the journalists for their incredible initiative, which has greatly contributed to promoting the image of Tram Tau and Yen Bai."
She highlighted that Yên Bái is rich in tourism resources, such as Mu Cang Chai terraced fields, Thac Ba Lake, and Suoi Giang, especially the hot springs in Tram Tau.
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| Ms. Vũ Thị Hiền Hạnh – Member of the Provincial Party Executive Committee, Vice Chairwoman of the Yen Bai Provincial People’s Committee. |
“Yen Bai is home to more than 30 ethnic groups with a rich cultural heritage, including Muong Lo Festival and the Hmong Khen Festival. We aim to turn heritage into valuable assets and leverage this cultural richness to boost tourism,” she said.
She also acknowledged the tremendous impact of the first "Footsteps in the Clouds" in 2022, stating that it attracted widespread media attention and increased tourism to Tram Tau, helping to create jobs, alleviate poverty, and improve local livelihoods.
“We believe season two will be just as successful,” she added. “In the future, we hope to expand the event into a provincial-level competition open to a wider audience.”
Representing the Trạm Tấu People’s Committee, Mr. Vu Le Chung Anh – Chairman of the District and Head of the Organizing Committee – expressed his hope that this year’s event will continue to promote the natural beauty and people of Trạm Tấu, inspiring others through the journalists' footsteps.
The opening ceremony included a pledge from representatives of the 100 participating journalists to compete honestly and safely, showing unity in the shared goal of a meaningful and successful event.
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| 100 journalists from media agencies across the country prepare to conquer Ta Xua Peak – Tram Tau – Yen Bai. |
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| Athletes undergo health checks before participating in the "Footsteps in the Clouds" Mountain Climbing Challenge – Conquering Ta Xua Peak. |
Earlier that afternoon, journalists arrived in Tram Tau - starting point of the trek - to receive their race numbers and undergo health checks. Their expressions revealed a mix of excitement and nerves. For many, it was their first time in the Northwest and their first experience in a professional mountain climbing competition. Others who had previously conquered Ta Xua returned because “no sea of clouds at Ta Xua is ever the same.”
This year’s event runs from April 10 - 12, covering an 8.5 km trail with an elevation gain of over 800 meters. More than just a physical activity, "Footsteps in the Clouds" also features meaningful community engagement: presenting the national flag and photos of President Ho Chi Minh to local Mông residents, planting trees, and gifting school supplies to children in remote areas. The "Journalists with the Village" program stands out as an emotional highlight, allowing media professionals to witness and document real-life stories in the borderlands.
Mr. Nguyen Đuc Loi, Standing Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Journalists Association, shared:
“This mountain climbing event not only promotes physical fitness but also awakens the social responsibility within every journalist. From these steps through the clouds, we gain deeper perspectives to write sincere stories about the people and the land.”
Standing at more than 2,800 meters high, Ta Xua - famous for its dreamy sea of clouds—has once again become a meeting point for those who love adventure, love the country, and love journalism. And with each step in this “Footsteps in the Clouds” journey, participants draw closer to nature, to the community, and to their own inner spirit.
