VI
EN
Nguyen Hong Nhat (34 years old) is an architect living in Hanoi. Besides his design work, he also dedicates time to pursuing his passion for photography and travel. For him, trips are not only opportunities for relaxation but also an endless source of creative inspiration. And during the wild sunflower blooming season, Ba Vi National Park becomes a familiar destination that he can hardly miss.
Viewing the wild sunflowers in Ba Vì is a traditional annual trip for Hồng Nhật's family.
Ba Vi - Intimate yet Special
“Ba Vì is very close to Hanoi, only about an hour's drive from the city center. This allows me flexibility in scheduling my time, especially when I need to monitor the weather for photography,” Hong Nhat shared. For him, the beauty of Ba Vì is not just limited to the roads covered in golden wild sunflowers, but also lies in its unique topography. The winding mountain slopes, the cool green pine forests, and especially the moments of cloud hunting – all combine to create a breathtaking landscape.
The winding road leading into Ba Vi National Park is lined on both sides with vibrant yellow wild sunflowers under the afternoon sun.
The wild sunflower fields in Ba Vì usually bloom from October to early December, covering both sides of the road and stretching across the hillsides. Nhật recounted: “Along the road up, the vibrant yellow color was like a carpet. In some sections, the flowers grew in straight rows; you could just stand there and take a beautiful photo.”
A hillside covered in wild sunflowers creates a picturesque scene amidst the mountains of Ba Vi.
A memorable trip
On his most recent visit, Hong Nhat and his wife went to Ba Vi on an early winter afternoon. They set off at 2 pm, spent the whole afternoon wandering around looking for photo spots, and only descended the mountain when the sunset had completely faded. "That day the weather in central Hanoi was quite hot, but when we reached the garden gate, the air was much fresher and more pleasant. The higher we went, the cooler it got, so strolling around and taking photos didn't feel tiring or hot at all," he recalled.
Sweet moments amidst the nature of Ba Vi
The most memorable moment of this trip was the arrival of a "special guest" – Mèo, their pet. Despite careful preparation, Mèo got motion sickness halfway through, forcing the whole family to turn back. "It's a shame that Mèo didn't get to have photos with the wildflowers this year. But definitely, next year the whole family will come back, and we'll prepare more carefully so Mèo can have a complete experience," Nhật said.
Ba Vi Wild Sunflowers - A Unique Beauty
Compared to other places, the wild sunflowers in Ba Vì possess a unique charm thanks to the mountainous terrain. In the morning, visitors can chase the sea of clouds, while in the evening, clouds from the valley below blend with the golden hues of the flowers, creating a spectacular sight. The clouds, like gentle streams, embrace the flower-covered slopes, a beauty difficult to describe in words.
Besides admiring the flowers, Hong Nhat also often spends time visiting famous landmarks in the national park such as the Cot 400 pine hill, the ruined church at Cot 600, or the Upper Temple. For those who want to stay overnight to enjoy the characteristic cool air of Ba Vi, he suggests two resorts: Ba Vi Resort (Cot 400) and Melia Ba Vi Mountain Retreat (Cot 600).
Compared to other places, the wild sunflowers in Ba Vì have a unique charm thanks to the mountainous terrain.
Tips for a trip during the wild sunflower season.
For Nguyen Hong Nhat, admiring the wild sunflowers in Ba Vi is not just a trip but also an annual family tradition. "From what I've seen, the flowers are more abundant and beautiful each year, probably because wild sunflowers are very resilient and grow quickly. I hope there will be even more flowers next year than this year," he said excitedly.
He also offered some advice for those who want to explore the wild sunflower season here. First, pay attention to traffic safety, especially when stopping by the roadside to take photos. In addition, ensuring your camera or phone has sufficient battery power and storage space is essential to avoid missing any beautiful moments.
Wild sunflowers not only paint the mountain roads yellow but also add a stunning highlight to every trip to Ba Vi.
Ba Vi during the wild sunflower season, with its vibrant yellow blossoms and fresh air, is not only a place for relaxation but also a source of creative inspiration. For Nguyen Hong Nhat, Ba Vi offers a different feeling each time he visits. Although only a little over an hour's drive from Hanoi, it makes him feel like he's escaped the city and is immersed in nature. And with its dazzling yellow wild sunflowers, Ba Vi not only captivates him but also touches the hearts of anyone who sets foot there.
