Tham Ma Pass is a well-known meandering mountain pass on the journey from Ha Giang to Dong Van and is characterized by limestone landscapes with severe curves. It is a common destination for adventurers seeking to explore Northern Vietnam.
Introduction To Tham Ma Pass
Tham Ma Pass is an iconic and breathtaking mountain pass in Ha Giang, Vietnam. It is situated on the bendy road that connects Yen Minh Town to Pho Cao Commune. The view along this picturesque stretch of road lies on the route to Dong Van. This mountain pass connects two of the most famous places on the Dong Van Karst Plateau.
Tham Ma has many tight hairpin turns that hug steep cliffs. This route will surely provide you’re in for a thrill, a fun drive. You can appreciate the views of the rugged mountains and steep valleys below. This was one of the highlights of our trip along the legendary Happiness Road. With proper planning, we felt we not only tackled the mountain pass of Tham Ma but also enjoyed other highlights of Ha Giang.
History Of Tham Ma Pass
Tham Ma Pass is known for its beautiful curves, but it has a legend behind its name. In the day, local inhabitants would take horses up this steep mountain pass to test their strength. The horses would have pack loads and be led up the pass, and only horses that made it to the top and continued (without dying of exhaustion) were considered strong horses. The weaker horses would either be returned or retired from service.
So, the pass went from being used to test the endurance of an animal to checking a person’s endurance. Locals say that couples who can ascend Tham Ma together will stay strong through other challenges of life, so it makes for a romantic and meaningful stop along the way in Ha Giang.
Unique Architecture Of Tham Ma Pass
Tham Ma Pass is located on National Highway 4C in Ha Giang and is known for its S-shaped passes that look like a silk ribbon draped on the mountain. This unique and iconic winding mountain pass extends around 5 kilometers, with an elevation of about 1,500 meters above sea level. It connects Van Chai and Lung Thau communes in Dong Van District. It is characterized as unique because of its 9 sharp winding bends that test even the skill of seasoned riders.
Conquering Tham Ma may not be a simple task; it will challenge the experienced traveler on Vietnam’s hilly/mountainous roads and certainly will be an exhilarating experience for the first-time visitor. However, the rider conquering the serpentine Tham Ma will also be rewarded with magnificent and breathtaking views and further beautiful and impressive sites among the Dong Van Karst Plateau.
From Tham Ma, there are many immediate choices to continue one’s tour of the nearby area, including Pho Cao, the old town of Dong Van, the Hmong King’s Palace (Dinh Vua Meo), Sung La Valley, Lung Cu Flagpole, and the northernmost point in Vietnam.
4 Cultural Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss
Tham Ma Pass is more than just an exciting winding road with beautiful scenery, as it brings you to some culturally rich and stunningly beautiful areas in Ha Giang. Below, we share some of the greatest highlights to check out along your journey.
Experience The Untamed Beauty Of Quan Ba
Just before you reach the Tham Ma Pass is Quan Ba, a must-see stop where beautiful nature and culture come together. See the iconic Quan Ba Heaven Gate at 1,500 meters above sea level, which provides marvellous views of the entire Tam Son Valley. Don’t forget to check out the mystical Fairy Twin Mountains, two round hills that are shrouded in local legend.
You can also visit the Quyet Tien Market to purchase handmade ethnic textiles, try some local food, or simply wander around and enjoy the peacefulness of the area, and the hospitality from the Dao and H’mong ethnic communities gives you an added appreciation of life in the highlands.
Uncover the Tranquility of Yen Minh
Yen Minh is often referred to as the “second Da Lat of the North” for its pleasant climate and pine forests. This highland town is located between Quan Ba and Dong Van and makes for a great stopover where one can relax. Stroll along the tranquil streets under the canopy of trees, or wander into a nearby rural village.
There are many choices, including the unique Du Gia Village, famous for its road less travelled, smiling inhabitants, and jaw-dropping terraced fields. Whether you sit sipping tea while gazing out at the hills, or hike to the hills themselves, Yen Minh gives the ultimate fix of tranquillity while moving through the highlands.
Discover The Beauty Of The Dong Van Karst Plateau
As soon as you pass the Tham Ma Pass, you will enter the Dong Van Karst Plateau Global Geopark, which is regarded by UNESCO (and many geological wonders and cultural heritages) as a great feature. Your adventure begins in Pho Cao Village, where interesting old H’mong villagers’ houses with stone fences and earthen boundaries can be found. Then, continue to the beautiful Sung La Valley filled with flowers.
Next travels on to the Ma Pi Leng Pass the legendary views to the Nho Que River. You may also want to check out the Hmong King Palace (Dinh Vua Meo), Pho Bang Old Town, and the Lung Cu Flagpole (Vietnam’s northernmost point). Each site mentioned has its own story, and the journey evokes a historical and culturally soulful experience.
Experience The Local Tastes Of Ha Giang
No expedition in Tham Ma would be complete without enjoying the local flavors. One must-have is pho Trang Kim, which is a chicken noodle soup served at Quyet Tien Market with a sweet, light broth and, for each serving, very beautiful noodles that will forever be in your heart.
There are also signature dishes like Thang Co, a horse-meat stew, grilled pork flavored with mac khen spice, infused sticky rice colored by dyes from natural plants, cháo ấu tẩu, or canna plant medicinal porridge, and deep-fried buckwheat cake. These highland dishes, made up of local foods, will basically blow your taste buds. Each dish has all of the home-cooking warmth from ethnic home cooking, and it provided us with a yearning for more.
Entrance Fee
Currently, visiting Tham Ma Pass is entirely free. Tham Ma Pass is on the public route of National Highway 4C. It is a main route to connect towns in Ha Giang. You can stop for free, take pictures, and admire the beautiful curves of the iconic mountain pass, which is free to appreciate.
However, if you plan to go to other attractions in Ha Giang, then the other iconic attractions like the Lung Cu Flag Tower, Vuong Family’s Palace (King Meo’s Mansion), Dong Van Old Quarter, Lung Khuy Cave, etc., will require an entrance fee. Entrance fees generally range from 10,000 VND to 50,000 VND per person, depending on the attraction and time of day.
Best Time to Visit Tham Ma Pass
Every season, Tham Ma Pass becomes a stunning masterpiece of nature, showcasing different waves for travelers every season.
If you visit during September to early October, you can see the golden beauty of the harvesting rice fields of the terraced rice fields; it’s an incredible experience, and the vista is breathtaking as it blankets the beautiful mountains.
From late October to November, the hillsides are drenched with dreamy pink, white, and purple colors when the buckwheat flowers cover everything, creating a beautiful, romantic scene for the highlands. By November and December, beautiful, bright yellow mustard flowers pop and can warm you in the chilly mountainous areas.
By making the most out of the experience and enjoying your trip, you also want to ensure your safety. Make sure you check the weather forecast before your trip. Keeping an eye on the forecast to avoid falling rain will save you from slipping on leaves scattered everywhere, particularly if you’re on a motorbike.
How to Get to Tham Ma Pass
To reach Tham Ma Pass, travelers first need to get to Ha Giang City. From there, the most recommended way to explore is by renting a motorbike, as it allows for flexibility and a more immersive travel experience. Follow National Highway 4C, which takes you through Quan Ba and Yen Minh on the way to Dong Van. Tham Ma Pass lies right on this iconic route, perfect for those aiming to conquer the Dong Van Karst Plateau.
Things to Know Before Traveling to Tham Ma Pass
Before you embark on the exciting turns of the Tham Ma Pass, you’ll want to be prepared for the road conditions, as well as the weather, so here are a few travel tips to make sure your adventure is fun, safe, and memorable:
- Take a good look over your motorbike before setting off for your trip, and pay extra attention to the brakes, tires, and lights since this pass can be steep and has a lot of sharp bends.
- These passes are not meant for inexperienced riders with uncertain sit-on ability. These very slippery conditions will require excellent bike control, particularly when you are going downhill.
- Try and avoid riding in the rainy season (June–August) or during rainy weather, as it can make the roads very slippery, not to mention being in the fog with no visibility.
- You will also want to fill up with gas before you leave Ha Giang City, as there are very few gas stations on this route. Running out of gas up on a mountain pass is not something to plan on doing!
- Bring essentials, including good quality helmets, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, a light jacket, and also bring a raincoat, as the weather can change quite rapidly in the mountains.
- As always, reviewing maps and explaining your route before your trip is a good idea so you know where you’re headed, or if possible, download the maps for offline use since signal may not be available in some areas.
FAQs About Tham Ma Pass
Are you planning your first trip to Tham Ma Pass? To help you prepare for an exciting and, most importantly, safe journey, we have compiled the most frequently asked questions about Tham Ma Pass:
Why is it called Tham Ma Pass?
The story goes that Tham Ma was the location for the test of the horse’s strength as they made their journey carrying supplies up the steep pass.
Where is Tham Ma Pass?
Tham Ma Pass is located along National Highway 4C between Yen Minh and Pho Cao in Ha Giang Province.
Is it safe to drive through Tham Ma Pass?
Yes, the road is dangerous because it is steep and has many sharp bends, but as long as you have the driving skills to ride a motorbike, you should be safe navigating the road.
Is there an entrance fee to visit Tham Ma Pass?
There is no entrance fee because Tham Ma Pass is a public trail visible from the public road.
What should I take when I visit Tham Ma Pass?
Take your protective gear, water, your snacks, a full gas tank, and check the weather before you take off!
Final Thoughts: Is Tham Ma Pass Worth Visiting?
Definitely! Tham Ma Pass provides the best of adventure and breathtaking mountains, while allowing you to experience the rugged and beautiful landscape of Northern Vietnam. Ascending a motorbike, or on four wheels, the curving pass will deliver great memories and experiences. Are you ready to ride on the majestic roads of Ha Giang? Seni World will help you plan the trip of a lifetime!
