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Wild apple blossoms - the "beauty queen" of March in the Northwest mountains.
The tranquil village of Nam Nghiep (Ngoc Chien commune, Muong La district, Son La province) is nestled amidst the mountains and forests of Northwest Vietnam. It is famous for its ancient apple orchards, which, every spring, are covered in pristine white blossoms, attracting tourists from all over to visit and admire the scenery.
Passionate about traveling and photographing nature, people, and culture along his journeys, Tran Duc Hoang (currently living in Hanoi) shared: “While having coffee with friends, I accidentally learned about Nam Nghiep – a unique village with many wild apple trees. In October, I went there and was surprised by the sheer number of trees; wild apple trees were planted all around the villagers' houses. However, the wild apple blossoms bloom in March, which is also when the plum and apricot blossoms have faded, so people will switch to admiring the wild apple trees in Northwest Vietnam.”
The tranquil village of Nam Nghiep (Ngoc Chien commune, Muong La district, Son La province) is nestled amidst the mountains and forests of Northwest Vietnam.
Ancient apple orchards
Hawthorn blossoms, also known as mountain hawthorn, are a characteristic flower of the northern mountainous region of Vietnam. They typically bloom in March and April each year, when the weather begins to warm up. The blooming of hawthorn blossoms signals the arrival of spring in the Northwest region. The delicate, shy flowers, blooming in clusters of pure white, interspersed among the green mountains and forests, create a picturesque scene. Each petal gently sways in the breeze, as if welcoming visitors to Nam Nghiep.
According to Duc Hoang, the wild apple trees in Nam Nghiep are usually very large, with wide canopies, and many have branches that droop down beautifully. The wild apple flowers have five petals that are slightly off-white with yellow stamens; this white color is not as pure white as plum, apricot, or pear blossoms, but when they bloom, they form clusters of flowers that completely embrace the rustic branches.
Hawthorn blossoms, also known as mountain hawthorn blossoms.
Wild apple blossoms typically bloom in March and April each year.
The wild apple blossom is beautiful not only for its color but also for its gentle, subtle fragrance. This scent permeates every corner, softly awakening all the senses, dispelling the fatigue and worries of everyday life.
Furthermore, the wild apple blossom symbolizes elegance, purity, and the very soul of the Northwest mountains and forests. The image of wild apple blossoms in full bloom has become a source of inspiration for countless poems, songs, and paintings.
The wild apple flower has five petals that are slightly off-white with a yellow pistil.
In particular, the wild apple blossom season in Nam Nghiep usually lasts about a month. This is the ideal time for tourists to visit, admire the scenery, and take photos. Visitors can stroll along the village roads, admire the blooming wild apple blossoms, and feel the fresh and peaceful atmosphere of the village.
To capture stunning photos of the wild apple blossom season in Nam Nghiep, Duc Hoang readily shared his experience: “First, you have to go at the right time when the flowers are in bloom. Usually, I contact local people or homestays at the location I'm visiting. When taking photos, I go on sunny days and, most importantly, I should go with someone who knows how to take pictures.”
Wild apples are usually grown in high mountains where access is somewhat difficult, so you need to be in good health, wear warm clothes, and make sure your phone battery is fully charged to capture the most beautiful moments.”
Wild apple blossoms are beautiful not only because of their colors but also because of their gentle, subtle fragrance.
The wild apple blossom is also a symbol of elegance and purity.
In addition, visitors can participate in cultural experiences with the Mong and Thai ethnic groups living here. Some local specialties you should try include thang co (a traditional stew), men men (corn porridge), and apple wine.
To celebrate the beauty of the wild apple blossom and promote local tourism, every spring, Ngoc Chien commune organizes the Wild Apple Blossom Festival. The festival attracts a large number of visitors with activities such as: wild apple blossom photography contest, cooking competition, folk singing...
The season for wild apple blossoms in Nam Nghiep usually lasts about a month.
In addition, visitors can participate in cultural experiences with the Hmong and Thai ethnic groups living in the area.
More than just a flower
Besides being beautiful, hawthorn blossoms also possess many useful properties. The flowers can be used to make tea, brew wine, or prepare delicious dishes. Hawthorn blossom tea has cooling and detoxifying effects and is beneficial for health.
Wild apples are spherical, green when unripe, and turn yellow or red when ripe. They have a sweet and sour taste and are often used to make jam, wine, or beverages.
"I will definitely come back here many more times, the next time will be this October to experience picking wild apples with the locals in the highlands," Duc Hoang said.
Wild apple blossoms are not only beautiful but also have many useful applications.
