At the end of February each year, the hawthorn blossoms in Ngoc Chien commune (Son La province) begin to bloom profusely, blanketing many hillsides and highland villages in white. The flowering season lasts until around mid-March, creating a scene that many tourists describe as a "white flower paradise" in the heart of Northwest Vietnam.

A highlight of the region is Nam Nghep village (also known as Nam Nghiep), a destination that has attracted the attention of tourists in recent years. The village is located at an altitude of approximately 2,000-2,300 meters above sea level, about 12 kilometers from the center of Ngoc Chien commune. The village has 135 households, all of whom are H'Mong ethnic people.

This area is considered to have a large concentration of hawthorn trees, covering more than 1,200 hectares. During the flowering season, the entire mountainous region is covered in a layer of white, stretching from the foothills up to the high slopes.

Unlike plum blossoms which usually bloom in low valleys, hawthorn blossoms in Nam Nghep bloom on mountain slopes and hillsides.

The hawthorn tree has a tall trunk and a wide canopy. The flowers grow in clusters, with five thin, ivory-white petals and a yellow pistil in the center.

When in full bloom, the branches are almost completely covered with flowers. Seen from a distance, patches of forest stand out against the green backdrop of the mountains.

The flowers typically begin to bloom in February, reaching their peak in mid-March and lasting for about a month before fruiting. After the flowering season, the tree continues to grow, and by September-October the fruit ripens to a red color, marking the start of the harvest season.

Besides being a valuable crop in agriculture and forestry, hawthorn is also closely linked to the lives of local people. Many households consider it an important source of income alongside agricultural production. Hawthorn fruit is used to make wine, jam, syrup, or sold to traders.

Mr. Mua A Su, a resident of Nam Nghep village, said that in recent years the number of visitors coming to see the flowers has increased significantly. “Previously, the villagers mainly relied on fruit crops. In recent years, during the flower season, there have been more tourists, and some households have opened homestays or sold food to increase their income. However, we still prioritize preserving the forest and do not cut down trees,” Mr. Su said.

The hawthorn blossoms may not be brightly colored, but they impress with their simplicity. The H'Mông houses nestled among the trees further accentuate the unique character of this highland village.

In recent years, images of the Nậm Nghẹp hawthorn blossoms have appeared frequently on social media, contributing to making this place a destination for ecotourism and community tourism. Local people have renovated their houses, built several flower-viewing spots, opened accommodation and food services, and rented out traditional ethnic costumes to tourists.

Ms. Mai, a tourist from Hanoi, said she chose Nam Nghep because she wanted to find a place that still retains its pristine beauty. “The flowers blooming on the high mountain slopes create a different feeling compared to other places I’ve been to. The air is cool, the landscape is spacious and quiet, perfect for relaxing and taking photos,” Ms. Mai shared.

Nguyen Cung - Vien Minh