Tham Ma Pass is one of the most famous roads on the Ha Giang Loop. It is known for its sharp zigzag turns and steep slopes. The road challenges every rider, but the reward is worth it with wide open mountain views at every corner. It is exciting, beautiful, and a must-see for anyone traveling the Ha Giang Loop.
With more than 8 years of experience guiding Ha Giang Loop tours, Lila Inn and Tours will help you discover the real story behind Tham Ma Pass, including its location, history, scenery, and useful travel tips.
Ready to dive in? Let’s begin your Tham Ma Pass adventure.
Overview of Tham Ma Pass
Tham Ma Pass sits on National Highway 4C, about 10 km from Yen Minh Town and around 40 km from Ha Giang City. The pass is about 5 km long and reaches close to 1,500 meters above sea level. It connects Yen Minh and Dong Van, making it an important part of the Ha Giang Loop.
This pass is famous for its sharp, winding turns that zigzag up the mountain. One side drops into deep valleys while the other rises into steep cliffs. The steepest one kilometer has four to five tight bends that really test your riding skills. But once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with stunning views of limestone mountains, terraced fields, and peaceful villages.
When you look back from above, the road curves across the mountains like a soft ribbon, making it one of the best photo spots on the loop.
Tham Ma Pass also carries a unique piece of local history. In the past, the Hmong people used this slope to test the strength of their horses. A horse that could climb the pass while carrying goods was considered strong enough for mountain work. Because of this tradition, the pass was named Tham Ma, which means testing horses.
Today, Tham Ma Pass remains a place where you can feel both the beauty and the spirit of Ha Giang.
Best time to do Tham Ma Pass
From our local experience, the best time to explore the Tham Ma pass is from September to April, which is Ha Giang’s dry season.
During these months, the weather is generally pleasant, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. Days are often sunny and clear, while mornings and evenings can be cool, making travel on the pass easier and safer.
This period also brings out the most beautiful scenery around Tham Ma Pass.
From September to October, golden rice terraces shine under the sun, followed by the pink and purple bloom of buckwheat flowers in November.
By March and April, peach and plum blossoms gently cover the highlands, painting the valleys with a dreamy, romantic charm.
Otherwise, July to August marks the peak of the rainy season in Ha Giang. Usually, it rains at night and clears up during the day. So, if you want to conquer the pass, make sure you’re well-prepared.
Not only Tham Ma Pass, but the whole Ha Giang region has its own seasonal beauty. To make the most of your journey, check out the best time to visit Ha Giang Loop and find the perfect season for your adventure.
How to get to Tham Ma Pass?
Firstly, you’ll need to reach Ha Giang City to get to Tham Ma Pass.
No matter where you’re traveling from in Northern Vietnam, it’s easy to catch a bus to Ha Giang. Most buses are comfortable sleeper coaches that take around 8–10 hours and usually travel overnight.
If you need help booking your bus ticket, don’t hesitate to contact Lila. We’ll be happy to assist you!
Secondly, from Ha Giang city, you will follow Highway 4C northeast through Quan Ba. After passing the scenic Heaven’s Gate and Twin Mountains, continue towards Yen Minh. Tham Ma Pass will appear as the next major slope on the route.
From Ha Giang City, you have two main ways to start your journey, depending on the kind of experience you want:
- Join a guided tour: You can sit behind an Easy Rider, an experienced local driver who handles all the riding for you. If you want more freedom, you can drive your own motorbike while following a local guide (an IDP is required). For families or small groups who prefer a comfortable trip, a private car tour is also a great choice.
- Rent a motorbike: If you are a confident rider and have an IDP, renting a motorbike gives you the most adventurous and flexible experience.
No matter which option you choose, having a detailed Ha Giang Loop map will help you understand the whole route, plan your stops with confidence, and enjoy a smoother, more exciting adventure through Ha Giang.
Top things to do on your journey to Tham Ma Pass
Along the way to Tham Ma Pass, you can stop to truly enjoy the stunning scenery, vibrant local culture, and unique cuisine surrounding this iconic route. Here are some recommendations based on our own tour experiences.
Enjoy the view and take photos
At the top of Tham Ma Pass, there is a great viewpoint where you can take stunning photos of the famous S shaped road below. This spot is loved by both travelers and local photographers because the mountain scenery is truly breathtaking.
Along the way, you may also meet local children wearing colorful traditional clothes or carrying baskets of flowers like buckwheat or rapeseed. Their bright smiles make the whole pass feel even more lively. Feel free to stop for a quick photo with them — it is one of the sweetest moments you will remember from Tham Ma Pass.
Visit a local market
On the way over Tham Ma Pass, you can also stop at Pho Cao Market, located just about 5 km away. Every Sunday morning, this lively market fills with Hmong, Tay, and Dao people trading livestock, handmade textiles, fresh produce, and daily necessities. It is not just a place to buy things but a weekly meeting spot where locals chat, share stories, and enjoy time together.
Strolling through the market, you can feel the warm, vibrant spirit of the highlands. It is a great place to try local snacks, take photos of traditional outfits, and pick up a few meaningful souvenirs before continuing your ride on the Ha Giang Loop.
Taste the local food
As you head toward Tham Ma Pass, you’ll pass through areas known for delicious local food. One dish you shouldn’t miss is Trang Kim noodle, especially popular near Quyet Tien Market in Quan Ba. Many travelers stop here for a warm, filling bowl before continuing the ride.
Closer to Yen Minh and Pho Cao, you’ll find small roadside stalls and family kitchens serving Thang Co, buckwheat cake, corn wine, and smoked buffalo meat. These quick stops give you an easy and authentic taste of highland life without taking you off your route.
What to see beyond Tham Ma Pass?
Also, you’ll come across some of Ha Giang Loop’s famous attractions along the way to Tham Ma Pass. Here are 5 stops that you should not miss to make the journey even more complete.
Quan Ba Heaven Gate
Located about 30 km before Tham Ma Pass on National Highway 4C, Heavens Gate Ha Giang is usually the first major stop on the Ha Giang Loop. From this high viewpoint, you can take in sweeping views of the famous Twin Mountains.
In the early morning, the whole valley is often covered by soft layers of clouds, creating a dreamy scene. It is the perfect place to stop, breathe in the cool fresh air, and enjoy one of the most beautiful introductions to the Ha Giang mountains. Before reaching Heaven Gate, you will ride through Bac Sum Pass, a mountain road about 14 kilometers long that leads you directly to this viewpoint.
Sung La Valley
Roughly 10 km after Tham Ma Pass toward Dong Van, Sung La Valley is known as the “Valley of Flowers.” Depending on the season, the fields bloom with peach blossoms, buckwheat flowers, or bright yellow mustard. Small Hmong villages lie between the terraces, smoke rising gently from earthen houses, creating a peaceful and picturesque scene. This is also one of the best places to stop for photos and enjoy the quiet beauty of everyday life in the highlands.
H’Mong King’s Palace
Situated in Sa Phin, about 20 km from Tham Ma Pass, this well-preserved palace was once home to the Hmong royal family. The complex features stone walls, wooden pillars, and a blend of Hmong, Chinese, and French design. Walking through its courtyards and old rooms gives you a closer look at the life and culture of the highlands more than a century ago.
Lung Cu Flag Tower
From Tham Ma Pass, drive about 55 km north to reach the northernmost point of Vietnam. Once you climb the tower, you will be greeted with wide open views of mountains, villages, and terraced fields stretching toward the horizon. On clear days, you can even see across the border into China.
Ma Pi Leng Pass
Around 30 km beyond Tham Ma Pass on the way to Dong Van and Meo Vac, you will reach Ma Pi Leng, one of the most stunning and dramatic mountain passes in all of Vietnam. With its towering cliffs, sharp curves, and the deep green Nho Que River canyon below, this pass offers views that feel almost unreal.
Best places to stay near Tham Ma Pass
If you’d like to stay near Tham Ma Pass, there are plenty of welcoming homestays and small hotels in the surrounding villages. These stays offer a peaceful place to rest, recharge, and enjoy the fresh mountain air after a long day on the road.
Below are Lila’s top 5 recommendations to help you choose the perfect spot for your trip.
Villa Tham Ma
Villa Tham Ma is a quiet mountain stay in Dong Van with many room options, including double rooms, dorms, king rooms, and family suites. Guests can enjoy terraces with garden views, an outdoor bath, a shared kitchen, private check-in, and a cozy outdoor fireplace. There’s also a small play area for families.
The average price starts from 1,000,000 VND to 2,500,000 VND per night.
View on Google Maps.
Mam Da Homestay
Mam Da Homestay offers a warm, family-friendly stay with dorms, double rooms, and quadruple rooms. All rooms include air conditioning, private bathrooms, free WiFi, and balconies with garden or mountain views.
The average price starts from 150,000 VND to 600,000 VND per night.
View on Google Maps.
Bong Bang Homestay
Homestay BongBang offers a peaceful stay with private rooms and dorms overlooking a refreshing swimming pool. All rooms have private bathrooms, and guests can enjoy a restaurant serving local dishes, a shared kitchen, a bar, a garden, free WiFi, and free parking.
The average price starts from 135,000 VND to 400,000 VND per night.
View on Google Maps.
Homestay Chi Vieng
Homestay Chi Vieng has a cozy, rustic atmosphere that many Ha Giang Loop travelers enjoy. It offers clean and comfortable private rooms and dorms, along with a spacious terrace.
The average price starts from 150,000 VND to 800,000 VND per night.
View on Google Maps.
Homestay Tommy house
Homestay Tommy House offers private rooms and dorms with air conditioning, private bathrooms, bathrobes, and free WiFi. Guests can swim in the pool with views of the green hills, relax in the garden, or enjoy drinks at the bar.
The average price starts from 120,000 VND per night.
View on Google Maps.
Note: Prices for each homestay are updated based on Booking.com as of December 2025
Experience of exploring Tham Ma Pass
To make your trip to Tham Ma Pass safer, smoother, and more enjoyable, Lila has gathered a few practical tips based on our 8 years of experience guiding tours on the Ha Giang Loop.
- Check the weather in advance: Roads can be slippery during the rainy season (July-August), so plan and pack carefully based on the weather forecast.
- Don’t overpack: Only bring essentials; keep your bag light and smartly packed, following our Ha Giang Loop Packing Guide.
- Dress in layers: The weather can change quickly at Heaven’s Gate, from warm sunshine to chilly winds. Layering helps you stay comfortable in any condition.
- Start early each day: Riding after sunset is risky due to poor visibility, winding mountain roads, and the lack of streetlights.
- Always wear protective gear: A proper helmet, long sleeves, and sturdy shoes help protect you from the sun, wind, and unexpected road conditions.
- Download offline maps: As phone signal can be weak in many areas, we recommend downloading apps like Maps.me or Google Maps (offline mode) to help with navigation.
- Carry enough cash: There are no ATMs in smaller towns like rural villages, and some places don’t accept cards.
If you want a safe and well-planned journey without worrying about the road, check out our Ha Giang motorbike tour. It’s a great choice for travelers who want local guides, easy arrangements, and a stress-free ride through Tham Ma Pass.
Explore Tham Ma Pass with Lila Inn & Tours
Tham Ma Pass is more than a winding mountain road. It is a symbol of the wild beauty of Ha Giang. When you ride through its sharp curves, you don’t just see amazing views, you also feel the local culture and stories of the karst plateau.
With the guide above, we hope you can imagine how charming this pass is for every Ha Giang Loop traveler. If you are ready to explore it, Lila Inn & Tour offers easy and safe Easy Rider tours with everything prepared for you.
With over 8 years of experience and more than 24,000 travelers, we focus on three things to keep your trip safe and enjoyable:
- Safety first with Easy Riders who have over 5 years of riding experience, are trained professionally, and always follow the rules: no overtaking on bends, no side-by-side riding, and no speeding.
- Small groups with fewer than 10 travelers so we can take better care of you and give you more privacy and comfort.
- Off-the-beaten-path adventures that lead you to peaceful and local places most tourists never see.
Join us, and let Tham Ma Pass become one of the moments you remember most on your Ha Giang journey.
Conclusion
As locals who ride Tham Ma Pass all the time, we at Lila know the best way to feel its beauty is to be here in person, sitting behind an experienced local rider and taking each curve slowly. Only then will you understand why people once called it the road for “testing the horse.”
If you’re looking for a trusted team for your Ha Giang Loop journey, Lila is here for you. Whether you choose a Ha Giang loop 3 day tour or longer routes like Ha Giang loop tours – Cao Bang, our Easy Riders will guide you through Tham Ma Pass safely and make your trip warm, exciting, and truly unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Tham Ma Pass safe for first-time riders?
We do not recommend it. Tham Ma is short but very steep with sharp turns, so it is risky for new riders. If you do not have mountain road experience, it is safer to join an Easy Rider tour.
Where can I stop for the best view of Tham Ma Pass?
There is a small viewpoint in the middle of the slope. You can park your bike safely and take photos of the S-shaped road. Many travelers and local photographers love this spot. You may also meet local children wearing colorful clothes or selling flowers like rapeseed or buckwheat.
What kind of bike should I use for Tham Ma Pass?
Because the slopes are steep, Lila recommends a 150cc bike for better power and balance. All Lila Easy Rider tours use 150cc or more. If you want to ride by yourself, we can help you choose a good bike for the pass.
