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Plum blossoms - the spring flowers of the coastal region.
The crape myrtle is a familiar forest tree in the coastal areas of South Central and Southeast Vietnam, with Ba Ria - Vung Tau being one of the places where it appears in relatively high densities. The tree grows naturally, not cultivated extensively, and is commonly found on low hillsides, in sparse forests, and along mountain and coastal roads, in dry areas with plenty of sunshine and strong winds year-round.
The crape myrtle is a familiar forest tree in the coastal areas of Southern Vietnam, but it is not widely known.
The first clusters of azalea flowers usually appear around the end of December, and by the beginning of January, the flowers are in full bloom along many coastal and mountainous roads in Phuoc Hai, Long Hai, and Vung Tau… In Phuoc Hai, azalea flowers are scattered throughout the natural landscape, not concentrated in gardens or specific areas. They are found abundantly along the roads leading to So Bong Lake, the Ky Van mountain area, and the hillsides bordering the sea. This area has low-lying terrain, sandy soil, and sparse vegetation, creating favorable conditions for azaleas to grow naturally and bloom consistently in the spring and early new year.
The plum blossom is a type of pea flower: each flower is small, with long, slightly curved petals that are layered and drooping, forming a cluster of flowers that hang down along the branch. A cluster consists of many small flowers that do not extend outwards but grow close together at the branch nodes, so the overall appearance is like a soft, drooping string of flowers.
The flowers are predominantly white and pale pink, with many subtly changing color, a creamy white tinged with light pink at the center, a difference only noticeable upon close inspection. When in bloom, the tree has almost shed its leaves, revealing scattered flowers against a backdrop of dry branches, creating a delicate and airy feel rather than a vibrant display. The flowers have no distinct fragrance, only a faint scent that quickly dissipates with the sea breeze.
The flowers, both white and pale pink, grow wild, intertwined along the roadsides.
The flowering season arrives along the roads bordering the hills and the coast.
When the flowering season arrives, the crape myrtle blossoms appear along the hillside and coastal roads of Phuoc Hai, quietly blending into the familiar landscape of dry land, weeds, and salty winds. On the path leading to So Bong Lake or around the slopes of Minh Dam Mountain, clusters of white and pink flowers hang gently on slender branches, standing out against the backdrop of dry grass, vines, and wild plants, clinging to the harsh scenery of this sun-drenched, windy coastal region.
The apricot blossoms are sparsely bloomed, their pink color not as intense as cherry blossoms, bringing a gentle, natural presence as an integral part of the landscape and greenery.
While cherry blossoms in Da Lat in spring evoke a sense of splendor and a touch of arrogance, with their thick pink hues covering the hillsides under the gentle sun and mountain breeze, the apricot blossoms in Phuoc Hai offer a completely different feeling.
There are no continuous rows of trees or patches of flowers covering the view; each crape myrtle tree stands alone, scattered along the hillsides and roadsides. The flowers bloom sparsely, the trees are tall and airy, allowing the surrounding landscape to retain its original wildness. This distribution makes the flowering season not striking in a showy way, but rather present simply and naturally, as an inherent part of the land, the wind, and the coastal hillsides.
The stretch of road leading to So Bong Lake has the most blooming apricot blossom trees.
Following the flower-lined paths up Minh Dam Mountain
From Phuoc Hai, the hillside roads lined with flowering azaleas gradually ascend the slopes of Minh Dam mountain, opening up to a higher and more open space. The flowers still bloom sparsely along the path, clinging to the slopes and curves around the mountain, like soft dots against the dry, sun-drenched ground. The higher you go, the more the landscape expands, and the view gradually turns towards the sea.
As evening falls, from the high points of Minh Dam mountain, one can see the entire Phuoc Hai coastal area bathed in the sunset light. The last rays of sunlight cast a warm hue over the sea, highlighting the waves lapping against the long, curved sandy shore, embracing the coastal residential area like a sickle. In that moment, the apricot blossoms behind and the sea in front create a gentle transition, where the road, the mountain, and the ocean connect in a single, harmonious landscape.
The path leading up to the sunset viewing spot halfway up Minh Dam mountain.
Phuoc Hai is bathed in the twilight of spring.
Looking down from a high vantage point at Phuoc Hai, amidst the scattered blossoms along the hillside roads, the sea unfolds in the slowing afternoon light. Waves follow one another, lapping against the long, curved sandy shore like a pale crescent moon. Behind, flowers still bloom sparsely on the mountainside. In that moment, flowers, mountains, and sea meet, heralding the arrival of spring.
