Tam Giac Mach Flower Garden in Ha Giang - Explore the Pink and Purple Paradise

Ha Giang, the northernmost province of Vietnam, is a dream destination for travel enthusiasts. Renowned not only for its majestic mountain passes and pristine villages, Ha Giang also captivates visitors with the gentle, alluring beauty of its buckwheat flower season. Arriving in Ha Giang in late autumn or early winter, you’ll feel like stepping into a pink-purple paradise, where endless buckwheat flower gardens stretch as far as the eye can see, painting a stunning natural masterpiece.

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Ha Giang’s buckwheat flower gardens are more than just a tourist attraction; they are a cultural symbol, a source of pride for the local people. This small flower has been associated with the life of the highland communities for generations, providing not only scenic beauty but also a valuable food source. Join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel Around The World) to explore the unique beauty of Ha Giang’s buckwheat flower gardens, learn about the traditional flower festival, and discover memorable travel experiences in this land.

What Makes Ha Giang Buckwheat Flower Gardens Special?

Buckwheat is not just a plant; it’s an integral part of Ha Giang’s culture and tourism. Flower fields stretching across hillsides and valleys create a romantic and captivating scene. The beauty of Ha Giang’s buckwheat flower gardens comes not only from the gentle pink-purple hue but also from the unspoiled, simple nature of the mountains and forests, and the rustic stilt houses nestled among the flower patches.

Unlike other flowers, buckwheat possesses a raw, approachable beauty, truly reflecting the spirit of the people and land of Ha Giang. Buckwheat flowers are not extravagant or opulent, but simple and resilient, growing from barren rocks. This very beauty has conquered the hearts of countless visitors, drawing them to Ha Giang despite the long distances, every time the flowers bloom.

Colorful Buckwheat Flower Festival in Ha Giang

Visiting Ha Giang’s buckwheat flower gardens, tourists can not only admire the flowers and take photos but also participate in many unique cultural activities and festivals. The annual Buckwheat Flower Festival is held to honor the beauty of this flower, and to promote Ha Giang tourism and culture to domestic and international visitors. At the festival, you can immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of folk games, enjoy buckwheat specialties, and learn about the cultural life of ethnic minorities.

Additionally, the buckwheat flower season is also an ideal time to explore other famous tourist attractions in Ha Giang, such as:

Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark: A global geological heritage with majestic and unique landscapes.
Lung Cu Flagpole: The northernmost point of Vietnam, where the red flag with a yellow star proudly flies.
Vuong Family Mansion: A unique architectural work imbued with historical significance.
Highland markets: Trading and gathering places for ethnic minorities, deeply rooted in local culture.
Mountain passes: Ma Pi Leng Pass, Khau Pha Pass… challenging adventurous drivers.

Ideal Time to Visit Ha Giang Buckwheat Flower Gardens

The buckwheat flower season in Ha Giang usually blooms most vibrantly from late October to early December. This is when Ha Giang’s weather turns slightly chilly, with gentle golden sunshine, perfect for tourism and exploration. During this time, roads and hillsides throughout Ha Giang are covered in the pink-purple color of buckwheat flowers, creating an incredibly romantic and poetic scene.

However, if you want to experience a different buckwheat flower season, you can also visit Ha Giang around April – May. This is when off-season buckwheat flowers bloom, displaying a pure white, gentle color. Although not as vibrant as the main season, white buckwheat flowers also offer a unique, pure, and delicate beauty.

Pure white buckwheat flowers in Ha Giang

To fully appreciate the beauty of Ha Giang’s buckwheat flower gardens, you should spend at least 2-3 days exploring. This time is sufficient for you to travel to famous flower viewing spots, participate in festivals, and experience other exciting tourist activities. You should also check the weather forecast before going to prepare appropriate clothing and plan your itinerary accordingly.

Getting to Ha Giang Buckwheat Flower Gardens

To reach Ha Giang, you can choose from various means of transportation depending on your preferences and personal conditions:

1. Bus:

This is the most common and convenient way to get to Ha Giang from other provinces, especially from Hanoi. Hanoi – Ha Giang bus routes usually depart from My Dinh and Giap Bat bus stations, with multiple departure times throughout the day. The bus journey takes about 6-8 hours.

Some reputable bus companies you can consider:

Bus Company Name	Departure Time (Hanoi)	Contact Number (Hanoi)
Hung Thanh	8:30 AM – 10:05 AM – 10:15 AM – 2:30 PM – 7:30 PM	0988 287741
Hai Van	9:00 PM	0944 962323
Bang Phan	9:00 PM	0219 3887867
Cau Me	7:30 AM – 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM (My Dinh Bus Station)	0946 445369

2. Motorbike:

For young people who love backpacking and want to explore Ha Giang freely, a motorbike is an excellent choice. However, the road to Ha Giang is quite long and has many passes and slopes, so you need to be in good health, have long-distance driving experience, and prepare your vehicle and documents carefully.

There are two main routes for traveling by motorbike from Hanoi to Ha Giang:

Route 1: Hanoi – National Highway 32 – Son Tay – Trung Ha Bridge – Co Tiet – Phong Chau Bridge – along the Thao River – Phu Tho – Doan Hung – Tuyen Quang – National Highway 2 – Ha Giang (about 300km).
Route 2: Hanoi – Vinh Phuc – Viet Tri – Phu Tho – Tuyen Quang – National Highway 2C – National Highway 2 – Ha Giang (about 280km).

Motorbiking in Ha Giang to see buckwheat flowers

3. Limousine:

In addition to sleeper buses, you can also choose a limousine to travel to Ha Giang. Limousines are of higher quality, with more comfortable seats, suitable for tourists who want a smooth and comfortable journey. Limousine fares are usually higher than regular buses.

Getting Around in Ha Giang:

Once in Ha Giang, you can rent a motorbike for self-drive or take a motorbike taxi or taxi to travel between buckwheat flower garden attractions. Renting a motorbike is the most popular option, giving you flexibility in terms of time and easy access to small roads and remote villages. Motorbike rental prices in Ha Giang range from VND 150,000 to 250,000 per day.

Suggested Best Spots to View Ha Giang Buckwheat Flower Gardens

Ha Giang has many places to grow buckwheat flowers, each with its own unique beauty. Below are some suggestions for the most beautiful and famous buckwheat flower garden viewing spots in Ha Giang:

1. Sung La:

Sung La is known as the most beautiful “buckwheat flower valley” in Ha Giang. It is famous for its endless flower fields surrounding the ancient houses of the H’Mong ethnic people. Sung La was also the setting for the famous movie “Pao’s Story.” Coming to Sung La, you will feel the peaceful, poetic beauty of the rocky plateau.

2. Lung Cu:

Lung Cu is not only the sacred northernmost point of Vietnam, but also home to vast buckwheat flower fields. From the Lung Cu flagpole, looking down, you will admire the panoramic view of flower gardens stretching like a giant pink-purple carpet. Combining a visit to the Lung Cu flagpole and viewing buckwheat flowers is an unmissable and fascinating experience.

3. Pho Bang:

Pho Bang, also known as the “sleeping town,” possesses an ancient, tranquil beauty with unique trình tường (rammed earth wall) houses. Besides, Pho Bang is also an ideal buckwheat flower viewing spot. Buckwheat flower gardens in Pho Bang are often planted interspersed with rose gardens, creating a colorful and charming picture.

4. Lung Tao:

Lung Tao does not have vast buckwheat flower fields, but the flowers here are scattered on hillsides, creating a wild, natural beauty. To view flowers in Lung Tao, you need to climb high to look out into the distance, admiring the panoramic view of mountains and forests with flower patches dotted around.

Checking in at Ha Giang buckwheat flower garden

5. Roadsides:

On your journey to explore Ha Giang, you will encounter many buckwheat flower gardens along the roadsides, especially on routes from Quan Ba to Dong Van, Yen Minh, and Meo Vac. Don’t hesitate to stop by the roadside to admire the flowers and take photos; you will have beautiful pictures amidst the majestic natural scenery.

Suggested Itinerary for Exploring Ha Giang Buckwheat Flower Gardens

To have a complete trip to see Ha Giang buckwheat flowers, you can refer to the following suggested itinerary:

Day 1: Hanoi – Ha Giang – Quan Ba – Yen Minh

Morning: Travel from Hanoi to Ha Giang city by bus or motorbike.
Afternoon: Rent a motorbike in Ha Giang and start your journey to explore buckwheat flower gardens.
Destinations: Quan Ba Heaven Gate, Co Tien Twin Mountains, Yen Minh pine forest. View buckwheat flowers along the way.
Evening: Overnight in Yen Minh.

Day 2: Yen Minh – Pho Bang – Sung La – Dong Van

Morning: Travel from Yen Minh to Dong Van.
Destinations: Pho Bang (ancient town, rose gardens, buckwheat flower gardens), Sung La valley (most beautiful buckwheat flower garden, Pao’s house).
Afternoon: Continue traveling to Dong Van.
Destinations: Vuong Family Mansion, Dong Van Old Quarter.
Evening: Overnight in Dong Van.

Day 3: Dong Van – Lung Cu – Ha Giang – Hanoi

Morning: Travel from Dong Van to Lung Cu.
Destinations: Lung Cu Flagpole, view buckwheat flowers in Lung Cu and along the way.
Afternoon: Return to Ha Giang, return the motorbike, and travel back to Hanoi.

This is just a suggested itinerary; you can customize it according to your preferences and time. If you have more time, you can explore Meo Vac, Ma Pi Leng Pass, Nho Que River…

Exploring Ha Giang during buckwheat flower season (@meymey_2607)

Unique Cuisine to Enjoy When Visiting Ha Giang Buckwheat Flower Gardens

Visiting Ha Giang during the buckwheat flower season, you will not only admire beautiful scenery but also enjoy the specialties of the rocky plateau. Some dishes you should not miss:

1. Buckwheat Cake (Bánh tam giác mạch):

A cake made from finely ground buckwheat seeds, mixed with corn flour and steamed. The cake has a nutty, fragrant flavor characteristic of buckwheat. You can enjoy buckwheat cake at local markets, local eateries, or buy it as a souvenir.

2. Au Tau Porridge (Cháo ấu tẩu):

Ha Giang’s famous porridge, cooked from Au Tau tubers, upland glutinous rice, and pork trotters. Au Tau porridge has a slightly bitter taste from the Au Tau tubers, but it is very delicious and nutritious. This dish is often used by locals to relieve colds and boost health.

3. Grilled Rock Moss (Rêu nướng đá):

A unique dish of the Tay ethnic people, made from fresh rock moss, marinated with spices and grilled on hot stones. Grilled rock moss is crispy, delicious, and has a unique taste.

4. Smoked Buffalo Meat (Thịt trâu gác bếp):

A famous specialty of the Northwest region, made from fresh buffalo meat, marinated with spices and smoked over the kitchen stove. Smoked buffalo meat is chewy, flavorful, and is often used as a snack with alcohol or served with rice.

Au Tau Porridge – a Ha Giang specialty

Au Tau Porridge – a Ha Giang specialty (@baenie_vivi)

5. Mint Honey (Mật ong bạc hà):

Honey harvested from mint flowers on the Dong Van Karst Plateau. Mint honey has a golden color, a pure sweetness, and a characteristic minty aroma. This is a precious gift from Ha Giang that you can buy to give to relatives and friends.

Important Notes When Visiting Ha Giang Buckwheat Flower Gardens

To have a safe and meaningful trip to see Ha Giang buckwheat flowers, you need to note a few things:

Clothing: Ha Giang during the buckwheat flower season is slightly chilly, you should prepare warm clothes, jackets, scarves, hats, and gloves to keep your body warm. Choose sports shoes or hiking shoes for convenient movement on hilly terrain.
Luggage: Bring enough personal identification documents (ID card/Citizen ID, driver’s license), personal belongings, medicine, camera, phone, and power bank.
Money: Prepare enough cash to spend, as there may not be many ATMs or card payment points in the highlands.
Culture: Respect the culture and customs of the local people. Do not pick flowers, break branches, or trample on flowers. Maintain environmental hygiene, do not litter indiscriminately.
Safety: Pay attention to safety when traveling by motorbike on mountain passes and slopes. Do not drive at night or when drinking alcohol. You should travel in groups to support each other when necessary.
Costs: Refer to service prices before using them to avoid being overcharged. Ask local people for advice to choose quality and reasonably priced dining and accommodation locations.

Ha Giang buckwheat flower gardens are a destination not to be missed on your journey to discover the beauty of Vietnam. Come to Ha Giang during the buckwheat flower season to witness the wonderful natural beauty, experience unique culture, and enjoy the unique cuisine of the rocky plateau. Surely, this trip will leave you with unforgettable memories.