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Ms. Do Thi Kim Oanh, founder of Du Muc Camping, a business specializing in providing camping equipment in Hanoi, was one of those who had the opportunity to experience Bac Ha in early March. With a passion for exploration and more than 20 trips a year, she shared: "Previously, when I was a student, I had a two-week practical training program in Bac Ha, and perhaps it was from that experience that my love for this land began."
Tourists immerse themselves in the unique cultural identity of the highlands.
The plum blossom season in Bac Ha usually falls between the end of February and mid-March, when the entire plateau is covered in a pristine white blanket of blossoms.
A journey to experience the plum blossom season.
Departing from Hanoi early Saturday morning, after about six hours of travel, Ms. Oanh and her group of friends arrived in Bac Ha at midday. They spent the afternoon following the Lung Phinh - Lung Cai - Can Cau route, enjoying the natural beauty of the pristine white plum orchards and towering pine forests, like a corner of Europe in the heart of Northwest Vietnam. A must-see check-in spot is Seng Sui, where endless plum trees bloom white across the hillsides.
In the evening, Bac Ha town comes alive with a vibrant night market, where visitors can immerse themselves in traditional bamboo dances, participate in cozy campfire nights, and enjoy the spectacular fireworks display illuminating the highland sky.
Vast plum orchards blanket the hillsides, nestled among the villages, creating a dreamy, fairytale-like landscape.
On Sunday morning, the group woke up early to explore Bac Ha market – one of the most famous markets in Northwest Vietnam. "The market is not just a place for exchanging goods, but also the most vibrant picture of the culture and life of the highland people," shared Ms. Oanh. Here, everything from precious medicinal plants, fresh local vegetables, and characteristic spices, to buffaloes, cows, dogs, pigs, and even traditional dishes, is available, much to the delight of visitors.
Plum trees in full bloom beside the Hmong houses create a dreamy scene like something out of a fairy tale.
After the market, the group continued their journey to Ta Van Chu village, famous for its picturesque plum orchards. "Seeing plum blossoms here for the first time, I felt like I'd wandered into a fairytale garden. The flowers don't grow in dense clusters but are scattered on the branches, like snowflakes against the blue sky. They bloom on the gentle slopes, beside the Hmong houses, and against the cliffs, blending seamlessly with the wild yet captivating natural landscape."
A corner of the Sunday morning market, where people of ethnic minorities from the highlands gather to trade and exchange cultural ideas.
Routes worth experiencing
To fully enjoy the beauty of Bac Ha during the plum blossom season, the Lung Phinh - Can Cau route is an ideal suggestion. Peaceful villages, innocent ethnic children playing by their houses, horses leisurely grazing on the hillsides… all create a vibrant picture of Northwest Vietnam. Especially when traveling during the apricot, plum, and peach blossom seasons, this route seems to be adorned with a colorful cloak, both wild and captivating.
The Hmong children stand out like a highlight amidst the blooming plum blossoms.
Additionally, the route from the center of Bac Ha to Ta Van Chu village is also a great option. The small, winding road through the valley, snaking through tea hills, simple houses of the Mong people, and orchards of white plum blossoms, creates a fairytale-like scene. This is also a must-see destination for taking photos with the blooming plum orchards next to traditional earthen houses, creating a picturesque landscape.
Tourists can choose prominent destinations such as Ta Van Chu village, Seng Sui valley, and the Lung Phinh - Can Cau road to admire the distinctive beauty of Bac Ha plum blossoms.
Tips for a perfect trip
To ensure a smooth trip, Ms. Oanh noted that the weather in Bac Ha can change rapidly, so visitors should check the weather forecast and prepare appropriate clothing. In particular, it's advisable to plan your itinerary carefully to avoid driving on mountain roads at night or in thick fog. Choosing to stay in the center of Bac Ha town is a good suggestion, allowing visitors easy access to the night market and the early Sunday morning market.
Bac Ha during the plum blossom season is not only a destination for nature lovers, but also a place to experience the beauty of highland culture.
Bac Ha during the plum blossom season is not only a destination for nature lovers, but also a place to experience the beauty of highland culture, where nature and people blend together in the wonderful colors of spring. As Ms. Oanh said: "I always return to Bac Ha, because each time I come, this land brings a new feeling, like a painting that is constantly changing with each season."
