Out-of-season plum blossoms on the hillsides of Moc Chau

Although autumn has only just passed, the pristine white of plum blossoms has spread throughout the gardens. These plum blossoms are called "out-of-season" by the locals, because normally, plum blossoms begin to bloom in late January and early February. However, from the beginning of November, many plum trees in Moc Chau have started to bloom, still shyly, not yet covering the entire plateau in white, but enough to captivate people's hearts.

Captivated by the beauty of plum blossoms.

Pham Van Phong, a young man who loves exploring the highlands of the West and Northeast of the country, shared: "Although I arrived in Moc Chau not during the peak plum blossom season, some small orchards had already bloomed, so I got to experience this characteristic flower of the region. The beauty of the pure white plum blossoms combined with the sunlight created a very poetic scene."

Plum blossoms are common in the mountainous provinces of Northeast and Northwest Vietnam, but Moc Chau is particularly attractive to tourists because the plum blossoms are not only found in specific areas but also cover vast fields, from hilltops to expansive plains. The plum blossoms usually bloom simultaneously and are most beautiful in the Mu Nau and Na Ka plum valleys. Typically, the flowers bloom when winter has just ended, spring is approaching, and the weather becomes slightly warmer. The plum blossoms bloom in clusters, their delicate petals embracing shy yellow stamens.

Having the good fortune to admire the first blossoms of the season, Phong excitedly recounted: "My most special experience was being lucky enough to have favorable weather; the gentle sunshine and dry conditions were perfect for taking beautiful photos. Especially, I even managed to capture a sea of ​​clouds along the way."

The plum blossom season in Moc Chau attracts tourists not only with its enchanting white blossoms embracing the lush green landscape, but also with its fresh, peaceful atmosphere. Stepping onto this vibrant plateau during the flowering season, one will surely feel as if they have wandered into a fairytale land. With approximately 1300 hectares of white plum blossoms covering everything from villages to village roads, from national highways to small lanes, Moc Chau has become a "plum blossom paradise," attracting numerous domestic and international tourists to admire its breathtaking beauty.

The flowering season heralds spring.

While most flowers await the warm sunshine of spring to bloom simultaneously: January is vibrant with the pink hues of peach blossoms, apricot blossoms, and primroses; February is sweet with the fragrance of longan blossoms and the freshness of pomelo blossoms; March is deep purple with the colors of crape myrtle blossoms and the bright red of kapok blossoms... plum blossoms choose a unique time to display their beauty. In the frosty winter, when the cold withers the surrounding vegetation, the life-giving sap silently and powerfully flows through the thin, dry branches of the plum tree, so that one day they will proudly burst forth with small, delicate, pure white blossoms.

The falling plum blossoms signal the official arrival of spring. Although not as vibrant as other flowers, plum blossoms quietly fulfill their mission, like messengers announcing the arrival of spring.

Traveling amidst the fresh, peaceful atmosphere of Moc Chau, Phong was captivated by the winding roads, each bend revealing a breathtaking panorama of mountains. He let himself wander freely in the vast natural landscape.

"The most memorable experience I had during this trip to Moc Chau was probably staying at Retreat Home Ban Doi - Moc Chau homestay. The peaceful scenery and all the little things here allowed me to slow down and connect with nature. Thanks to that, I was able to relax and unwind a lot after the hustle and bustle of life. Especially during this season, if the weather is good, you can go cloud hunting right near the homestay, only about a 1km walk away," Phong said.

Phong also suggested that the best time to visit Moc Chau during the plum blossom season is before or after Tet (Lunar New Year). At that time, the entire mountain range and valleys are covered in a blanket of white plum blossoms. For tourists who want to take photos as souvenirs, check the weather before you go. Dry, sunny weather will make the pictures even more stunning. There are also many tourist attractions around Moc Chau, so if you spend about 2 to 3 days, you can fully experience the scenery and beauty of this place.

Ha Mai Trinh - Photo: Pham Van Phong