Rising to 2,979 metres and forming part of the Pu Luong massif within the Hoang Lien Son range, Ta Chi Nhu is renowned for its vibrant ‘chi pau’ purple flowers, which bloom from September to mid-October, transforming the landscape into a mesmerising canvas.
From Ha Noi, the journey to Ta Chi Nhu comprises two stages: approximately 270 kilometres by road to the Mo Chi trekking start point, followed by a scenic trek.
According to the local Mong people, Ta Chi Nhu translates to “buffalo foot mountain,” a name rooted in generations of herders who have grazed buffaloes, cows, goats, and horses along its slopes.
The trek reveals a kaleidoscope of changing scenery - from dense primeval forests and low-canopy woodlands, through sweeping grasslands and orderly bamboo groves, to hidden hot mineral springs nestled at the mountain’s base. Each elevation unveils a distinct charm, captivating visitors with continuous surprises.
The trek to Ta Chi Nhu reveals a kaleidoscope of changing scenery, each elevation unveils a distinct charm, captivating visitors with continuous surprises.
Though physically demanding, the trail rewards trekkers with ancient forests bathed in golden light and clouds drifting like vast silken ribbons, enchanting every traveller.
The ‘chi pau’ flower, a low-growing shrub considered the hallmark of Ta Chi Nhu’s trekking experience, owes its name to a humorous local anecdote. When tourists asked the Mong people what the flower was called, the response was “tsi pau,” meaning “don’t know.” This whimsical exchange sparked curiosity and drew countless adventurers to the peak.
During the blooming season, the rugged slopes and misty valleys are awash in pinkish-purple hues, blending harmoniously with breathtaking sunsets to create a dreamlike panorama.
After ascending the Hai Cay slope and traversing bamboo forests, visitors arrive at a resting lodge with views of the summit. From this point, it takes roughly two more hours to reach the peak—Viet Nam’s seventh highest.
Following the ‘chi pau’ season, winter and spring unveil new vistas: verdant forests, white snow, frost-kissed foliage, and blooming rhododendrons.
September and October are ideal for witnessing the floral spectacle, while November to March is perfect for cloud chasing.
A typical journey to conquer Ta Chi Nhu spans two days and one night. Travellers are encouraged to go in groups and enlist the guidance of a local expert.
A trek to Ta Chi Nhu is more than a physical conquest—it is a poetic rendezvous with nature, offering moments of serenity and freedom amidst the vast, cloud-strewn skies of Northwest Viet Nam.
