Ta Chi Nhu is always a favorite destination for nature enthusiasts, cloud chasers, or high-altitude mountain trekkers. Around September and October each year, Ta Chi Nhu peak enters its peak tourist season, attracting visitors who enjoy witnessing the characteristic buckwheat flowers in a charming and enchanting purple expanse. If you are planning to visit Ta Chi Nhu soon, you can refer to the transportation cost breakdown for a 3-day, 2-night trip below.
Transportation to Ta Chi Nhu:
Ta Chi Nhu peak in Yen Bai is located at an elevation of 2,979 meters above sea level. It is the 7th highest peak in Vietnam, featuring complex terrain, steep slopes, and harsh weather conditions. If you want to explore the buckwheat hills in the Northwest, be prepared for a considerable distance.
If you choose to travel by car, bus, or motorcycle to reach there, it’s advisable to opt for a motorcycle only if you are confident in your riding skills. For safety reasons, taking a bus is a more recommended option.
The journey from Hanoi to Ta Chi Nhu is approximately 200 km, taking about 4.5 hours by bus. The average ticket price is around $15 VND per person per way, and roughly $30 per person for a round trip.
After arriving in Nghia Lo, you will need to move to Tram Tau town, about 30 km away, which takes approximately 1 hour. For this distance, you can use a taxi or motorbike taxi (xe om). If traveling in a group, taking a taxi is more convenient and cost-effective. The taxi ride will cost around $18 per way, averaging about $5 per person. For a round trip, it will be $10.
Upon reaching Tram Tau, you can choose to stay overnight at a hotel in the area to rest, with prices ranging from $15 to $18 VND per room per night. If divided among individuals, it’s approximately $7 to $9 per person. The next morning, move by motorbike taxi to the foot of Ta Chi Nhu mountain, costing about $6 VND per person. The journey takes around 30 minutes. When you reach the Chì Nhù mountain base, prepare all necessary equipment, food, and drinks for trekking. Thus, the total cost for the round trip transportation is estimated to be around $12 per person.
Therefore, just the transportation costs are approximately $52 per person.
Accommodation:
Staying overnight in Tram Tau will cost about $7 to $9 (taking an average of $9 per person). Additionally, you will incur additional expenses for one night on the mountain peak (usually staying in a tent or camping, depending on individual preferences), averaging about $5 VND per person. In summary, you should budget around $13 per person for accommodation costs.
Experiential activities when to Ta Nhi Chu:
You can hire a local guide for $20 per person per day to explore all tourist spots and ensure safety. You can also hire a porter to carry heavy equipment for the entire group. If you are unsure whom to hire, ask for directions to the secretary’s house in Xa Ho village for assistance. You can reasonably pay them between $24 to $28 per person. On average, you should budget a minimum of for porter hiring.
The amount for this will depend largely on the number of members in your group. If the group consists of 10 people, you should budget at least $9 per person.
Food Expenses:
Like any other trip, you will need to prepare for food expenses. However, this cost varies depending on your needs and eating habits. Generally, the food here is quite affordable, so you don’t need to worry too much.
If possible, you should prepare around $40 VND per person for a 3-day, 2-night trip here.
In conclusion, with all the fixed costs mentioned above, you will need around $125 per person to enjoy the buckwheat flowers and the enchanting “sea of clouds” on the Ta Chi Nhu peak.
