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Every year in February, there is a miracle happening in Northwest Vietnam: the part of the country turns into a striking sea of white colored by blossoming Bauhinia flowers. The Vietnamese call them "hoa ban"-white blossoms that widely spread over mountains and valleys, turning this area into a dreamlike landscape, which cannot leave any amateur of nature and photography indifferent. If you are looking for a strange travel experience in February, the Northwest is the place to plunge into the beauty of nature and the vibrant culture of ethnic communities inhabiting this region.
Bauhinia flower (Bauhinia variegata) is an iconic flower of the Northwest region, especially in provinces such as Dien Bien, Son La, and Lai Chau. These flowers blossom once a year during late winter and early spring, painting these hillsides in an enchanting white wonder.
Bauhinia flowers (Source: Báo Dân tộc và Phát triển)
The petals are tender and fine, like pure snow falling, laying softly upon the branches. When you will pass through these valleys and villages, the scene of these shy flowers in their full bloom would spellbind a person.
Unlike the cherry blossom flowers, which blossom for a very short time, these flowers are found in their prime for weeks and give ample time for viewing. The air is fumed with the gentle fragrance of these blooms, thus creating the right atmosphere for repose and quiet contemplation.
Not to miss the so-beautiful Bauhinia flower season, here are some places to be visited:
White Bauhinia Bloom in Northwest Vietnam (Source: VOV)
This small town is one of the most famous places in which to contemplate flowers of Bauhinia. The rolling hills around the historic battlefield are a sea of white blooms contrasting beautifully with the range's verdant mountains. Just around the historical sites, travelers can go sightseeing amidst breathtaking scenery with blooming flowers.
Moc Chau is famous for its tea plantations and peach blossoms, but in February, it becomes a paradise of Bauhinia flowers in white. Delicate blooms line the roads that wind through the plateau, making this place perfect for a road trip with great scenery. You can also visit the nearby villages of the Thai and H'Mong ethnic groups to learn about their traditions and culture.
Lai Chau is one of the lesser-explored provinces in Vietnam. So, being less crowded than the other attractions, it is just ideal for seekers of a really quiet and homelike holiday time. Many great tracts of Bauhinia flowers line forests and valleys of this area. Ethnic villages offer warm receptions to visitors.
Famous for its golden rice terraces, Mu Cang Chai is also an excellent place to contemplate the poetic white Bauhinia flowers. In February, the hills that were once full of golden fields of rice now wear the pure white color of Bauhinia blossoms, creating an enchanting landscape and perfect scenery for photography.
Sapa is a familiar destination for those who love mountains, and at the Bauhinia season, it is more beautiful. A combination of the white blossoms, misty mountains, and traditional stilt houses of ethnic minorities makes Sapa a place that one must visit in February.
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Among all ethnic groups of the Northwest, Bauhinia flowers bear colossal cultural and spiritual importance. Typically, Bauhinias are identified as the signs of love, purity, and renewal of life. Many folklore also describes Bauhinia flower as the representative of faithful love among young couples. In certain villages, they also mark important cultural festivals in the advent of spring.
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Cultural Significance of the Bauhinia Flower (Source: VOV)
One of the most famous festivals which are related to the Bauhinia flower is the Ban Flower Festival in Dien Bien. In March of each year, with traditional music and dance and ethnic sports competitions are organized, is a very wonderful opportunity for visitors to understand and experience the true traditions and custom of the ethnic Thai, H'Mong, and Dao inhabitants.
Northwest Region is noted for its beauty of mountain scenery and trekking in the blooming white-colored forests of Bauhinia; therefore, there are some highlighted routes such as Ta Xua, Mu Cang Chai, and Fansipan which promise breathtaking moments while witnessing a bloom of flowers.
Activities When Visiting Bauhinia Flower (Source: VOV)
If you love photography, this is the perfect time to frame Northwest scenery at its best. The white flowers against the brilliant blue sky with the colorfully dressed ethnic minorities create a composition worth capturing an image of.
Interaction with the locals cannot be missed during your Northwest adventure. You will visit traditional stilt houses, learn to weave in the traditional manner, and taste some popular delicacies like "com lam" rice cooked in bamboo sections and "thang co" horse meat stew.
If you go during the Ban Flower Festival, you will have a chance to participate in such exciting activities as buffalo fighting, traditional dance shows, and folk singing competitions. Such cultural events provide a sneak peek into the rich heritage of the region.
Weather: February can be bitterly cold, especially at high elevations. Be sure to pack warm clothes, comfortable shoes, and a rain jacket, just in case.
Transportation: The best option to travel in the Northwest is by motorbike or private car because not all regions have public transportation. Accommodations: Within the region, several homestay options and eco-lodges offer an authentic experience with local families.
Respect the locals' culture and traditions: different ethnic groups that live in Northwest have their particular customs and traditional ways. Do not click any pictures without seeking permission, respect the local villages and other scared sites of local people.
Are you ready to be astounded by the breathtaking beauty of white Bauhinia flowers in Northwest Vietnam? At Asia King Travel, we design tours with the best route for you to witness the most beautiful landscapes, enjoy local culture, and make unforgettable memories. From trekking, cultural discovery tours, to photography tours, we have an ideal itinerary for each of your needs. Book now and let Asia King Travel whisk you away to a magical adventure in the Bauhinia wonderland of white! For more information, contact us today and start planning your February adventure in Vietnam.
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