Not only known for the beauty of its hawthorn blossoms, Nam Nghiep village also attracts tourists during the hawthorn harvest season. During this time, the entire village and surrounding mountains are covered in the red and yellow hues of hawthorn fruit. Photo: Nguyen Trong Cung

The wild apple tree is closely associated with the lives of the Hmong people in the highlands. People plant wild apple trees around their houses and on the hillsides. Around October, the wild apples ripen and are harvested. Photo: Nguyen Trong Cung

Fresh hawthorn berries are used to make delicious drinks by soaking them in alcohol or sugar. In addition, hawthorn berries are processed into jam, hawthorn tea, and apple cider vinegar… Photo: Nguyen Trong Cung

The wild apple tree is the main source of income for the local people here. Tourists visiting Nam Nghiep village this season can participate in wild apple picking with the locals. Photo: Nguyen Trong Cung

Around February and March each year, the wild apple blossoms bloom, covering the mountain slopes in Nam Nghiep. The photo shows the wild apple blossom season, taken in 2023. Photo: Nguyen Trong Cung

The wild apple flower has small white petals; when it blooms, five round, ivory-white petals are clearly visible, with yellow stamens interspersed with brown pistils. Photo: Nguyen Trong Cung

In 2023, the Vietnam Record Holders Association also recognized the hawthorn flower forest in Nam Nghiep village, Ngoc Chien commune as the "Largest Hawthorn Flower Forest in Vietnam". Photo: Nguyen Trong Cung

According to the Vietnam Record Organization, by the end of 2023, Ngoc Chien commune had 2,565 hectares of hawthorn trees, of which more than 1,400 hectares had already flowered and borne fruit. Photo: Nguyen Trong Cung

After experiencing the wild apple harvest in Nam Nghiep, visitors can combine it with trekking to Ta Chi Nhu peak, chasing clouds, and watching the sunrise.Admire the blooming chi pau flowers.Photo: Nguyen Trong Cung

Ngoc Luong