Son La is a land blessed by nature with picturesque landscapes; it is also a land where many kinds of flowers bloom in vibrant colors. Capitalizing on these advantages, localities in the province have focused on developing ecotourism and flower-viewing experiences; organizing festivals associated with the flower seasons, attracting many tourists to visit and experience.
Plum blossoms are the characteristic flower of Moc Chau district.
Moc Chau Plateau, a land of flowers, is particularly nổi with its characteristic plum blossom. With over 3,000 hectares of plum trees, the spring blossoms blanket the mountains and forests in white, creating a poetic and gentle landscape. Moc Chau plum blossoms are beautiful not only for their delicate and pristine appearance but also because, once in bloom, they burst forth in abundance. The plum trees compete to show off their beauty, the tiny blossoms covering the branches like a pure white cloak, creating a stunning sight… Besides plum blossoms, spring brings countless other flowers in bloom, such as: mustard flowers, buckwheat, wild sunflowers, peach blossoms, daisies… appearing and disappearing on the hillsides, valleys, in villages, and at many attractive eco-tourism destinations such as: Ban Ang pine forest, Dong Sang commune; Happy Land, Dai Yem waterfall, Moc Chau Island, Muong Sang commune; Na Ka valley, Moc Chau Agricultural Town… It is an ideal and attractive destination for those who love the dreamy scenery of the Northwest mountains and forests.
Tourists take photos with the white mustard flowers of Moc Chau.
Visiting Moc Chau at the beginning of the year, Ms. Bui Thi Ha, a tourist from Da Nang city, shared: "Through newspapers and social media, I saw that Moc Chau has many beautiful flowers. My family chose the plum blossom garden in Na Ka Plum Valley in early spring. The atmosphere here is very peaceful, the scenery is beautiful, and my family took many satisfying photos."
Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoa, Vice Chairman of the District People's Committee, said: Moc Chau always focuses on diversifying its tourism advantages, especially preserving natural landscapes and developing the characteristic flower species of the Moc Chau plateau, worthy of the title of a leading regional natural destination in Asia and the world.
The bauhinia flower is a characteristic flower of Son La - Northwest Vietnam.
When talking about Son La, one cannot fail to mention the bauhinia flower. Around March, when the bauhinia flowers bloom white on the mountain slopes, many festivals take place, such as: the Son La City Bauhinia Festival; the Van Ho District Bauhinia Festival; the Het Cha Festival in Ang village, Dong Sang commune, Moc Chau district… These festivals showcase the unique cultural features in the spiritual life of the Thai ethnic people in Son La; they express the people's reverence and gratitude for the great contributions of the gods and pray for national peace and prosperity, a prosperous village, favorable weather throughout the year, and abundant harvests; they also foster national unity and love for the homeland.
The festivals are expanded with many vibrant and unique activities, such as: art programs, competitions showcasing cultural spaces of ethnic groups, the "Hoa Ban Beauty Queen" contest, cultural exchange activities, ethnic sports competitions, ethnic cuisine competitions; exhibitions of local cultural, tourism and agricultural products..., aiming to introduce and promote the beauty of local culture, characteristic agricultural products, tourism potential and strengths to visitors from near and far.
In recent years, Son La has become known for the Muong La District Hawthorn Flower Festival, held in the "fairytale countryside" of Ngoc Chien. Among the activities, a popular choice for tourists is visiting Nam Nghep village to admire the hawthorn blossoms. Nam Nghep village, located at an altitude of 2,000 to 2,500 meters above sea level, is home to 100% Mong ethnic minority people. It is considered the capital of hawthorn trees, with a total area of approximately 1,260 hectares. Of this, nearly 800 hectares are planted with ancient trees aged 300-500 years. In Nam Nghep, the hawthorn trees grow densely, so when they bloom simultaneously, some areas resemble a soft white silk ribbon, while others look like a giant white carpet embracing the village, the mountain slopes, and the hillsides. The hawthorn flowering season is also the time when Nam Nghep welcomes many tourists who come to visit and experience the beauty.
Hawthorn blossoms in the highland village of Nam Nghep, Ngoc Chien commune, Muong La district.
Comrade Vu Duc Thuan, Secretary of the Muong La District Party Committee, emphasized: The festival is an opportunity for visitors from near and far to admire the beauty of the hawthorn flower, to admire the beauty of the traditional cultural identity of the ethnic groups in Muong La district in general, and Ngoc Chien commune in particular, who are friendly and hospitable. It creates the best opportunities and conditions to connect people, communities, companies, and tourists to experience and seek investment opportunities to exploit the tourism resources of Muong La district, Son La province, and neighboring districts in the region linked with Muong La district.
The vibrant pink blossoms of peach trees in Long Luong, Van Ho district. Photo by PV.
One flower closely associated with spring is the peach blossom, and peach trees are currently being cultivated by the people of Long Luong commune, Van Ho district, covering an area of over 500 hectares. For the Mong ethnic people of Long Luong commune, peach blossoms not only symbolize spring, good fortune, and abundance, but also a close and cherished companion. Peach trees not only provide income for the people through harvesting fruit and selling branches, but also attract tourists who come to "check in" and capture beautiful moments during the Lunar New Year and spring season. Therefore, every year Long Luong commune organizes the Peach Blossom Festival, attracting a large number of locals and tourists to visit and experience it.
Along with famous landmarks and tourist areas in the province, the beauty of flowers associated with festivals creates a highlight that attracts tourists. In just the first three months of the year, the province welcomed 1.36 million visitors; including over 3,100 international tourists, with estimated revenue of 1,500 billion VND. Mr. Tran Xuan Viet, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said: Ecotourism associated with experiencing different types of flowers, or organizing festivals related to the characteristic flowers of each locality, is essential to diversify tourism products and enhance the Son La tourism brand, making Son La a prominent destination that is widely known and chosen.
The Peach Blossom Festival in Long Luong commune, Van Ho district, attracts a large number of locals and tourists.
Constantly innovating and creating new, unique, and attractive tourism products linked to the potential and strengths of each locality contributes to diversifying tourism types and gradually making Son La an attractive destination on the tourism route through the Northwest region.
Viet Anh
Ecotourism through the seasons of flowers (baosonla.org.vn)