6 Famous Places to See Hoa Tam Giac Mach in Ha Giang

Hoa Tam Giac Mach in Ha Giang blooms beautifully across hillsides and valleys from late October to early November. These charming flowers captivate visitors who come to this “northernmost land of the country.” If you're planning a trip to Ha Giang, don’t miss these 6 famous spots to admire the Hoa Tam Giac Mach!

1. Learn About Hoa Tam Giac Mach

1.1. What Is Hoa Tam Giac Mach?

Hoa Tam Giac Mach, also known as Mach Ba Goc, is a small plant that grows to a height of about 30-80 cm. Its flowers start out white and gradually turn a light purple. This flower symbolizes the beauty of the people in the Northwest region of Vietnam. Hoa Tam Giac Mach is widely cultivated in northern mountainous areas like Ha Giang, Lao Cai, Lai Chau, and more.

Hoa Tam Giac Mach, a beautiful flower native to the mountainous regions.

1.2. The Meaning of Hoa Tam Giac Mach

Beyond being a beautiful flower, Hoa Tam Giac Mach holds special meanings. It represents pure, sweet, and faithful love between young couples in the highlands. In the rocky highlands, the flower is also seen as a symbol of luck and prosperity. Particularly, a “bố lá tam giác mạch” (a rare version of the flower with a fourth leaf) is believed to bring good fortune.

2. Introduction to Hoa Tam Giac Mach in Ha Giang

Ha Giang, located at Vietnam’s northernmost point, shares a 274 km-long border with China. When you visit Ha Giang, you can not only immerse yourself in the vast natural landscape but also explore the unique culture and people of this region.

Long ago, the people of Ha Giang depended on crops like corn and rice for food. But one year, they faced a severe food shortage as their stores ran out before the next harvest. In their search for a new food source, they stumbled upon the fragrant scent of a mysterious plant growing in the crevices of the mountains. This plant, with its light purple flowers and green triangle-shaped leaves, became a new source of sustenance. From then on, the flower was called Hoa Tam Giac Mach, meaning the plant with triangle-shaped leaves resembling rice.

The best time to admire Hoa Tam Giac Mach in Ha Giang is from late October to early November, when the flowers are in full bloom. There’s also a secondary bloom in April to May, where you can find white-colored flowers. While Ha Giang isn’t the only place to grow this flower, it has the largest fields and hosts the famous Tam Giac Mach Festival.

Each year during the Hoa Tam Giac Mach season, Ha Giang attracts a large number of visitors.

3. How to Get to Ha Giang to See Hoa Tam Giac Mach

3.1. Travel by Car

Taking a car is considered the most convenient and safe way to reach Ha Giang to admire the Hoa Tam Giac Mach. To maximize your sightseeing time, it’s recommended to take a bus that departs at 9 PM from My Dinh Bus Station. Ticket prices range from 260,000 to 300,000 VND per person. Some bus companies you can choose include Hung Thanh, Hai Van, Bang Phan, and Cau Me.

After arriving in Ha Giang, you can either take a local bus to different destinations or rent a motorbike from HA GIANG TOUR at around 200,000 - 250,000 VND per day.

3.2. Travel by Motorbike

For those who love adventure, traveling by motorbike is a perfect choice. It will take about 7-8 hours to reach Ha Giang. Here are two suggested routes from Hanoi:

Traveling to Ha Giang by motorbike.

Route 1: Hanoi – QL32 Son Tay – Trung Ha Bridge – Co Tiet – Phong Chau Bridge (turn left after crossing the bridge) – follow the Thao River to Phu Tho – Doan Hung, then turn towards Tuyen Quang – follow National Highway 2 to Ha Giang (approximately 300 km).
Route 2: Hanoi – Vinh Phuc – Viet Tri – Phu Tho – Tuyen Quang – Ha Giang (via National Highways 2C and 2, around 280 km).

4. Famous Spots to Admire Hoa Tam Giac Mach in Ha Giang

If you’re wondering where to see Hoa Tam Giac Mach in Ha Giang, here are 6 suggestions:

4.1. Sung La

If you’ve watched the movie “Nha Cua Pao,” you’ll recognize the beautiful scenery of this place. Sung La is a famous spot to see Hoa Tam Giac Mach in Ha Giang and was used as a backdrop for the popular movie "Nha Cua Pao."

Sung La, a picturesque valley with fields of Hoa Tam Giac Mach.

When you visit Sung La, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale, surrounded by the enchanting beauty of the flowers. Don’t forget to visit Nha Cua Pao and the local ethnic market when you’re here.

4.2. Lung Cu

Known as the northernmost point of Vietnam, Lung Cu is about 200 km from Ha Giang city. It’s a famous location to see Hoa Tam Giac Mach. The flowers bloom in abundance across the fields, especially along the road leading to Lung Cu Flag Tower, where you’ll find vast fields of Hoa Tam Giac Mach.

The base of Lung Cu Flag Tower is surrounded by fields of Hoa Tam Giac Mach.

4.3. Ban Pho Bang

Ban Pho Bang not only attracts visitors with its natural beauty but also with its mysterious ancient houses, reflecting the unique architectural style of the Hoa ethnic group. When you visit Ban Pho Bang, you’ll be able to admire the stunning fields of Hoa Tam Giac Mach and experience the local way of life. This area is also famous for its wild rose gardens, adding to the charm of the mountainous landscape.

4.4. At the Foot of Ma Pi Leng Pass

Ma Pi Leng Pass stands tall at about 20 km, perched between the sky and the Nho Que River, which winds gently through the valley below. When you stop at the foot of the pass, you’ll be greeted by an expansive sea of Hoa Tam Giac Mach.

The flowers in this area are planted later than other places in Ha Giang, so if you plan to visit in November, it’s the perfect time to see them in bloom!

4.5. Pho Cao

Located on National Highway 4C, Pho Cao is a popular destination for tourists looking to relax and admire the Hoa Tam Giac Mach. In addition to its beautiful flowers, Pho Cao is home to century-old houses surrounded by stone walls. When you visit to see the Hoa Tam Giac Mach, don’t miss out on exploring this unique architectural heritage.

Pho Cao is a favorite spot for visitors to enjoy the scenery and ancient architecture.

4.6. Thach Son Than

Thach Son Than is located in Quyết Tiến Commune, Quản Bạ District. Visitors will be amazed by the vast, open space filled with the beauty of the sky, mountains, and Hoa Tam Giac Mach.

Thach Son Than is a famous tourist attraction in the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark. The statues of Thach Son Than, made from limestone, were naturally formed over hundreds of years, showcasing the grandeur of nature’s creation.

5. Notes for Visiting Ha Giang During the Hoa Tam Giac Mach Season

When visiting Ha Giang to enjoy the Hoa Tam Giac Mach, keep in mind the following:

Hoa Tam Giac Mach in Ha Giang is not only a beautiful flower but also a source of food and local specialty products. If you visit Ha Giang to admire the Hoa Tam Giac Mach, don’t forget to try dishes made from the plant, such as bánh tam giác mạch, rượu tam giác mạch, or chè lam tam giác mạch. These unique, flavorful dishes reflect the rich culture of Ha Giang and will leave you with unforgettable memories!

• Some flower fields charge an entrance fee of 10,000-20,000 VND per person.
• While taking photos in the fields, avoid stepping on or picking the flowers.
• Plan your itinerary carefully to make sure you don’t miss any scenic spots.
• You may encounter locals and children on your journey. They are friendly, so consider bringing some small snacks to give the kids, but avoid teasing the women.
• The autumn and winter weather in Ha Giang can be cold, so remember to bring warm clothing, hats, and sports shoes to stay comfortable.
• If you’re traveling by motorbike, ride carefully. Observe the roads, maintain control of your bike, and watch your speed to ensure your safety.