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Bon Stream - the purple valley amidst the vast forest
Suoi Bon village, located in Van Ho commune, is about 25 km from the center of Moc Chau, Son La province. Situated at an altitude of 800 to 1,000 meters above sea level, the area enjoys a cool and fresh climate year-round. In early September, thousands of purple rhododendron trees bloom simultaneously, transforming the entire valley into a vibrant sea of purple. Against the backdrop of green terraced rice fields and majestic mountains, the blossoms become a captivating highlight.
The hills are covered with blooming purple rhododendron flowers, standing out against the green backdrop of the Van Ho mountains and forests.
Unlike the pristine white of plum blossoms or the vibrant yellow of sunflowers, the purple Melastoma flower offers a unique, gentle yet captivating feeling. According to locals, this variety was brought from Australia and its scientific name is Melastoma candidum D.Don. When mature, the tree grows to over 3 meters tall with a canopy 3-5 meters wide. The petals are thick, large, and a much deeper purple than the common Melastoma flowers found in Vietnam, leaving visitors amazed when they see them.
The rhododendron flowers in Moc Chau are larger and more intensely colored than the rhododendron flowers commonly found in Vietnam.
Quang Kien, a local from Moc Chau, visited the Suoi Bon sim flower hill in Van Ho on September 6th to take photos and shared: “The purple sim flowers give a very unique feeling; they are both gentle and awe-inspiring, making you feel like you've stepped into a fairytale space amidst nature.” He also added that this year's flowering season is truly spectacular, with the sim trees taller and the flowers blooming more densely and brightly than in previous years. He anticipates the flowers will retain their beauty for another 2-3 weeks, depending on weather conditions.
A glorious moment of rhododendron flowers.
The purple crape myrtle flowers usually bloom in September, when the weather in Northwest Vietnam begins to get chilly. This year, the flowers bloomed earlier than usual, displaying their beauty from the beginning of the month. Each year, the flowering season only lasts about a month, so many tourists rush to come and capture this brief but vibrant moment.
In the hazy morning mist, the purple rhododendron flowers seem to be enveloped in an extra layer of dreaminess. Quang Kien, a local resident of Moc Chau, commented that this year the flowers bloomed more evenly and brilliantly than in previous years.
The flower-covered hill area, planted by locals, is open free of charge to residents and tourists for sightseeing and photography. Kien's photos of himself checking in with the sprawling purple flower carpet quickly went viral on social media, turning Suoi Bon into a sought-after destination.
According to local expert Quang Kien, the best time to visit the flower hills is from 5 am to 8 am. As the sun gradually rises, its gentle light embraces the purple hues, creating a scene that is both pristine and magical. If lucky, visitors can even capture the sight of clouds drifting lazily across the mountain slopes – a moment considered a specialty of the Moc Chau - Van Ho plateau.
Clusters of rhododendron flowers by the sea of clouds - a specialty of Van Ho.
The afternoon, from 4 PM to 5:30 PM, is also an ideal time to admire the sunset. The golden-orange hues of the setting sun blend with the purple of the flowers, creating a harmonious and impressive natural landscape. Visitors can also camp overnight to enjoy both the sunset and sunrise on the flower hill. This experience not only provides beautiful photos but also brings a feeling of closeness to nature.
Journey to Bon Stream
Bon Stream is located about 25 km from the center of Moc Chau, a 40-minute drive. To get to Bon Stream, visitors should follow National Highway 6 and turn off for about 3 km to reach the foot of the slope leading into the flower valley. The road is quite easy to navigate, with only the last 200 meters being a dirt slope, which can be slippery in the rain. If you are not a confident driver, Mr. Kien advises visitors to park their vehicles at the foot of the slope and walk to ensure safety. For experienced drivers, the feeling of being suspended between earth and sky on this road will make the journey even more exciting.
The road to Bon Stream gives you the feeling of being suspended between heaven and earth.
Currently, there are no food or accommodation services in the Suoi Bon area. Tourists should choose to stay in Moc Chau town center and travel here on the same day. Besides taking photos with the rhododendron flowers, visitors can combine their trip with exploring the golden season on the terraced rice fields, strolling through the grasslands, or experiencing bathing in the waterfalls and discovering the pristine nature of Van Ho commune.
Bon Stream remains an informal check-in spot, without an official management agency. Therefore, the awareness of each visitor plays a crucial role in preserving its beauty. Visitors are encouraged to take care of their personal belongings, maintain cleanliness, and avoid littering. Small actions by each individual contribute to preserving the vibrant purple blossoms of Bon Stream for future seasons.
The blooming season of the purple crape myrtle in Suoi Bon is short, but it's enough to stir the hearts of nature lovers. Amidst the vast forests of Northwest Vietnam, the lingering purple hues are like a gentle invitation, drawing travelers closer to nature. The weather during this season is cool, so visitors should bring a light jacket and can combine their trip with visits to waterfalls and rice fields near Suoi Bon village.
As September draws to a close, Moc Chau is adorned with the golden hues of ripening rice fields, followed by the vibrant red-orange of persimmons in October, while the tea hills remain lush green until the end of the year.
