You know, every time a new year begins, I always want to try something different. That year, instead of gathering around the family table like every other time, I decided to pack my backpack and head to the Northwest - Ha Giang, to welcome spring in the middle of the majestic mountains and forests. I longed to experience Tet with my own eyes there, where nature blends with the colorful traditional customs of the highland people.

The trip started on the afternoon of the 30th of Tet, when the city was filled with laughter. In contrast to that hustle and bustle, I was alone on the road towards the new land. In my mind, I imagined colorful markets, gorgeous traditional costumes and moments that only Tet can bring – the dream of any photographer.

The road to Ha Giang during Tet seems to be covered with a rare beauty. The rows of trees along the roadside are blooming with new leaves, the wildflowers are blooming along the path, and somewhere, the laughter of highland children echoes in the air. The sunset dyes the sky red, making me feel nostalgic. I clearly feel the change of the earth and sky, as if everything is singing to welcome a new spring.

On the first morning of the year, when the gentle dawn light shone on the mountains, I drove my motorbike in a vast and quiet space. The winding mountain pass road was like a soft silk strip under the misty mist. In the distance, the bright red school roof nestled on the mountainside, painting a peaceful picture of a Tet holiday in the highlands.

Those moments are hard to describe – there is no noise of the city, just the breeze and the chirping of birds. The vast green of the forest, the pure white of the plum blossoms, and the gentle yellow of the spring sunshine all combine to create a magical symphony. I feel like I am lost in a fairy tale, where everything is pure and full of life.

One of the most memorable experiences of the trip was visiting the border market on Tet holiday. The scene here resembles a big festival, where people not only come to buy and sell but also send their joy and hope for the new year.

The traditional costumes of the Mong, Dao, Tay… sparkled under the spring sunlight. Red, yellow, green, purple – each color intertwined like a vivid picture. The sound of the panpipes and flutes echoed, drawing me into a rich cultural space. People came to the market not only to buy and sell, but also to meet and exchange good wishes for the new year.

I couldn’t take my eyes off the happy faces, the hands moving quickly to buy and sell, and the bright smiles of the people. My heart told me that this was a moment not to be missed. I raised my camera, trying to capture every frame, every story.

Each photo is like a page of a book. It is the bright smile of a baby wearing new clothes for the first time, the loving gaze of a mother taking her child to the market, the skillful hands of a woman weaving. All contain wordless but emotional stories.

I was particularly impressed by the image of a little girl following her father to the market in a colorful traditional costume like a princess stepping out of an ancient story. Every detail of her outfit – from the meticulous embroidery to the vibrant colors – exuded the unique and pure cultural beauty of the highland people.

Her small eyes shone with innocence, mixed with a bit of curiosity as she walked through the bustling Tet market, making me unable to take my eyes off her. I knew that this was my precious moment. When I received a gentle nod from my father - a wordless but respectful agreement, I immediately followed her lively steps. The unforced frames of a little princess in the middle of the majestic mountains and forests, where traditional cultural values ​​are fully recreated through the eyes of a child.

When I returned, I brought with me photos and stories of the Northwest region. I knew that the "late" Tet with my family was still there, but the spring in Ha Giang gave me unforgettable emotions. It was not only a trip, but also a journey for me to find myself - free, peaceful and inspired.

If you are used to the Tet holidays in the city life, try to leave once. Let your feet lead you to new lands, where the mountains and forests beckon and your emotions are liberated. Maybe, you will find a different spring, where everything is simple and strangely beautiful.

Try it, a Spring like that!