The footage, which has recently circulated on social media, shows several visitors sitting on a platform extending beyond the cafe's railing, with mist-covered mountains and a sea of clouds behind them.
The camera angle and foggy conditions make the platform appear precariously suspended above a steep drop, prompting debate over the risks involved.
A tourist climb beyond a cafe railing to take photos in Ta Xua. (Screenshot from video)
Many social media users criticised the visitors for risking their safety to take photographs, warning that a slip or loss of balance could have serious consequences.
Others expressed concern that such behaviour could encourage imitation, particularly among children.
A representative of the cafe in Cheu Village, Ta Xua Commune, confirmed to Dantri that the footage had recently been recorded at the establishment.
The representative said Ta Xua was entering its peak cloud-hunting season, attracting large numbers of visitors, particularly at weekends, when the cafe is often fully occupied.
The cafe has installed warning signs prohibiting visitors from climbing onto the platform to sit for photographs, but staff cannot monitor every area during busy periods.
"We remind visitors and have put up warning signs, but when the cafe is crowded, staff cannot keep an eye on everyone," he added.
The platform is built with a reinforced steel frame covered in wood to create a rustic appearance that complements the cafe's surroundings.
According to the representative, it was designed for visitors to stand and photograph the sea of clouds, not to sit on or climb beyond the railing.
Despite the reinforced structure, the cafe warned that visitors should not climb onto potentially unsafe areas.
According to the representative, staff would increase monitoring and safety reminders following the incident.
The controversy follows another incident in October, when footage of tourists climbing precariously stacked rocks at Da Chong Mountain in Quang La Commune, Quang Ninh Province, sparked similar concerns.
The video showed young visitors struggling to climb tilted boulders near the edge of a steep drop, with a deep valley below.
The area had no protective railings or secure safety barriers, leaving climbers relying largely on natural footholds and a few supporting ropes.
The footage raised fears that a single misstep could result in a serious accident.
After learning of the incident, Quang La authorities contacted forest management officials and neighbouring localities to coordinate the installation of barriers and warn visitors against climbing the rocks.
Experts have cautioned that ignoring warning signs or entering restricted areas, particularly in mountainous terrain, can expose tourists to unpredictable dangers.
Ta Xua, in Son La Province, is known for its dramatic mountain scenery and seas of clouds stretching across valleys.
The destination has grown increasingly popular in recent years, especially during the cloud-hunting season.
In the first six months of 2026, Ta Xua welcomed approximately 56,000 visitors, generating an estimated VND 54 billion (USD 2.1 million) in tourism revenue.
In July, it was nominated for the first time in the Asia's Leading Emerging Tourism Destination category at the World Travel Awards.
Ta Xua's cloud-hunting season generally runs from October to April, with the final and early months of the year particularly popular among visitors.
However, cloud formations depend on weather conditions, meaning visitors are not guaranteed the spectacular views.
Beyond cloud hunting, tourists can explore the Dinosaur Spine mountain ridge, enjoy panoramic views from Wind Peak, visit Dolphin Rock, discover Hmong villages and sample tea made from ancient Shan Tuyet trees.
